The Point

The Point, March 9, 2023: Man alleges abuse in Alachua County Jail

WUFT | By WUFT News

Published March 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM EST

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The stories near you

• WUFT News: Earleton man alleges abuse at the Alachua County Jail. "More than a year after his arrest on Dec. 2, 2021, Juan Sterk said his experiences at the Alachua County Jail never leave his mind and consume his day-to-day life."

• WUFT News: How the Big Cat Public Safety Act affects a Melrose animal facility. "Carl Bovard, owner of Single Vision, calls his establishment an animal sanctuary. Others regard it as a roadside zoo."

• Mainstreet Daily News: Revamping Gainesville’s ‘Field of Dreams.' "For 50 years, Citizens Field has been just that—a place for Rams, Bobcats and Hurricanes to cheer and support their teams. The field has crushed dreams and fulfilled them for scores of athletes."

• Fresh Take Florida: Land of the fee? Costly permits now required to film some YouTube, TikTok videos in national parks. "Social media mavens may need to think twice before pulling out their iPhones, GoPros or other video equipment when they’re recording in breathtaking national parks like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon or the Everglades."

• WCJB: Alachua County Sheriff Watson agrees to lend K-9 Unit to Gainesville Police when needed. "According to the statement, the police department will operate its K-9 Unit in a 'limited capacity' under newly established guidelines. Chief Scott will now approve any use of the unit."

• WUFT News: UF’s David Canton reflects on his career in African American Studies. "New to the University of Florida campus, Dr. David Canton leads the African American Studies program during a time when politicians ask: Why does this matter?"

• WUFT News: Students organize protests against Florida governor’s proposed changes to education diversity programs. "College students across Florida are organizing a protest campaign against a new proposal backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that would remove degree programs that teach critical race theory and gender studies."

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Around the state

• WUFT News: Florida’s 2023 Legislative Session begins with lawmakers emphasizing on education changes. "After Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State Address on the first day of the 2023 Florida Legislative Session on Tuesday, multiple proposals will be brought forth within the next couple of months."

• WUFT News: Florida residents being dropped by private insurance companies turn to state-backed insurer. "Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance predicts to hit a record with nearly 2 million policies in 2023."

• WLRN-Miami: As other states ban unpaid 'slave' prison labor, lawmakers drop plans to tackle issue in Florida. "It's in your civics classes. The 13th Amendment of the US Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. But there was one glaring exception clause: if convicted by state courts, incarcerated Americans can be slaves of the state."

• WFSU-Tallahassee: Florida Republicans are leading efforts to revamp state's lawsuit environment. "The legislation is even backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, but critics have doubts over whether the bill will improve the state’s insurance markets."

• WFSU-Tallahassee: Florida senators await estimates from state economists on a voucher expansion as cost concerns grow. "Now some lawmakers are expressing more hesitation about the potential price tag as other states with similar programs begin to face big problems."

• Florida Politics: Report: New Disney governing board looks at hiring special counsel with ties to Reedy Creek law. "The new members of Disney World’s governing board said they wanted to make 'big changes' as they met for the first time since Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed them."

• WGCU-Fort Myers: Fishing boat captains score privacy victory. "About three years ago, Captain Allen Walburn of A&B Charters in Naples learned that to renew the federal fishing permit he needed to run his business, he would be required to install a tracking device on the vessel."

• Spectrum News: Alligator expert says warmer weather is causing increased gator activity. "Fisher said alligators spend a significant amount of energy to move around on land, but the 1.5 to 2 million alligators in Florida are getting more lively earlier this season."