WUFT · The Rewind: Internal investigation into alleged abuse at Alachua County Jail
Every week, journalists at the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications report important stories for people in the North Central Florida area and beyond. This is The Rewind from WUFT News, a look into some of the strongest reporting from our newsroom and a discussion with the journalists who write these stories.
The 30-minute episode features a deeper dive into our top stories of the week. In this episode, we discuss changes in a historic Gainesville neighborhood, an investigation into abuse at the Alachua County Jail and some students' journeys to graduation.
Part 1: A Gainesville city department is trying to help fight for affordable housing in historic Pleasant Street
Gainesville's Pleasant Street area is a historically Black neighborhood with a rich culture and families that have called it home for generations. However, with rent and property prices increasing, they have started to experience demolition and gentrification. A department of the city of Gainesville is trying to help preserve their homes and history.
WUFT's Anna Harrell spoke about her story on the area and how the city has stepped in to help the community members.
WUFT · The Rewind: City department to help fight for affordable housing in historic Pleasant Street
Part 2: Internal investigation into alleged abuse at Alachua County Jail
The family is saying officers hurt Courtney Smith while he was in custody causing him to miss his first appearance before a judge. An internal investigation was conducted and the report concluded that the use of force by the correctional officers was justified.
Troy Myers from The Independent Florida Alligator spoke about the investigation and the family’s perspective on this issue.
WUFT · The Rewind: Internal investigation into alleged abuse at Alachua County Jail
Part 3: College stories: Florida students share their (sometimes) rocky roads to graduation
Getting to graduation can be hard for any student, but these past two and a half years have made it even harder. Students have had to adjust to pandemic-era college classes while also dealing with the existing struggles of being first-generation, low-income, or non-traditional students.
Fresh Take Florida reporter Melissa Hernandez de la Cruz spoke about her story, co-written with Daniella Sevares, which follows five Florida college students' journeys to graduation. Melissa starts by explaining some of the overarching themes she found in her reporting.
WUFT · The Rewind: College stories: Florida students share their (sometimes) rocky roads to graduation