WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday named Miami attorney John Couriel and Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Renatha Francis to the Florida Supreme Court.

The decision came more than 18 months after voters decided to give felons who had served their time back their voting rights.

A federal judge ruled against Florida's Republican governor and Legislature and dramatically expanded the number of eligible voters in the state to include former felons unable to pay their court fines and fees.

Episode 34 takes a look at how the COVID-19 is impacting people looking to start careers, just looking for a job, and trying to run their businesses. Taylor Levesque learned more about the kind of struggles many young adults are facing when it comes to jump starting their careers during a pandemic (01:47). Camron Lunn spoke with CareerSource Citrus, Levy, Marion's Communications Manager Laura Byrnes about how the they're providing aid to those in need and who's still hiring in the area (06:36). Josh Williams spoke with the President and Owner of Temp-Force Gainesville, Carolynn Buchanan, to discuss changes being made to hiring processes.. and to find out the industry that is currently hiring the most (10:10). Anthony Montalto spoke with two business owners in South Florida about how their businesses have been uniquely effected by closures and restrictions (13:08). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Hear this week's episode of our podcast, "From The Front Lines."

The governor on Wednesday questioned her employment.

Some growers report losing as much as 90% of their business.

Florida's top COVID-19 data scientist has been dismissed. Rebekah Jones says she's been fired for refusing to manipulate data "to drum up support" for the state's plan to reopen.

The state university system chancellor will present them next week.

A university-system task force has been working in recent weeks on the issue of reopening campuses. Board of Governors Chairman Syd Kitson said early this month that the task force included leaders of each of the universities.

The simple systems seemed harmless in the 1950s, before Florida’s population grew to today’s 21 million.

Episode 33 explores when and how schools will reopen in the state of Florida amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniella Mora talks with Flagler County Public Schools Superintendent about a unique way to graduate (01:49). She then checks in with school districts around the state to see what their plans are for reopening in the fall (07:15). Melissa Feito spoke with researchers at the University of Florida's College of Education about the challenges students may face when they head back to school (09:40). Camron Lunn looks at how two prominent community colleges in North Central Florida are tackling reopening quickly and safely (14:35). Taylor Levesque brings us the story of the challenges five universities in the state are facing when it comes to reopening their campuses in the fall (18:38). Melissa closes out the cast with a discussion with Barry University's president on how the small, private Catholic university is handling the pandemic (23:23). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Some Floridians have escaped the coronavirus pandemic by traveling to an ultimate island getaway surrounded by kooky, colorful creatures.

Some Floridians have escaped the coronavirus pandemic by traveling to an ultimate island getaway surrounded by kooky, colorful creatures.

The impact of coronavirus stretches well beyond borders.

Scientists say they're expanding in a warming world.

The incoming president of Florida's Senate is pushing back on the idea of recalling the Legislature to the Capitol for a special session to deal with economic consequences of the pandemic, the upcoming elections or other matters.

Episode 32 takes a look at how parts of Florida are slowly re-opening under phase one of Governor Ron DeSantis' plan. Taylor Levesque talks with city and county officials about how their communities are reacting to the reopening plan (02:15). Camron Lunn takes a look at how Bradford County is facing its own unique challenges with reopening (07:47). Josh Williams checks in with local restaurants to see what they are doing to get back to business safely (11:22). Lastly, Anthony Montalto visits with businesses in one of the three counties not reopening this week (17:19). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Lawyers argued to a federal judge whether a state law is unconstitutional in requiring that even impoverished felons must pay court fees and fines before they are allowed to vote.

Lawyers argued to a federal judge whether a state law is unconstitutional in requiring that even impoverished felons must pay court fees and fines before they are allowed to vote.

Breaking 175 years of tradition, the Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday did not meet in person for its oral arguments. This time, it used video conferencing and courtroom virtual backgrounds. The experiment was largely successful, with a few minor glitches: long pauses between speakers, a pop-up on the screen displaying …

The unprecedented surge in Florida's unemployed due to the coronavirus has put pressure on the governor to investigate the faulty state system for processing claims.

A federal civil rights trial wrapping up in Tallahassee may resolve the question of whether felons in Florida who have served their prison sentences – but can’t afford to pay court fines and fees – will be allowed to vote in the upcoming election. Here’s what you need to know about the case.