Alachua County teachers receive pay raise after five years of negotiations with the school board. Fifteen other counties are still negotiating deals.

The federal government is investigating a potential problem with school buses used across the nation.  Alachua County Public Schools Transportation Director Harrell Harrison says parents don’t have to worry about the school buses in the county. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/Harrison1.mp3] The model in question could stall without any warning, but Harrison adds buses …

Local scuba diving experts are stressing dive safety after a Gainesville man’s drowning Saturday. Ginnie Springs dive expert Larry Green says scuba is a high-risk activity. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/Green1.mp3] He says one of the most important steps a diver can take ahead of a plunge is becoming familiar with the dive site. …

Detectives are waiting for final medical reports regarding a Gainesville diver’s drowning this weekend. Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Cinda Moore says investigators do not suspect any foul play. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/Moore1.mp3] Moore says detectives were called to Weeki Wachee Springs to investigate the death of research diver Marson Kay.

On the University of Florida Campus, the Students for a Democratic Society held a rally to promote justice for Trayvon Martin. Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Jillian Baach reports. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/baachTrayvonRally.mp3] [jwplayer config=”News-video” file=”wuftnews/20120409-UF-Campus-Rally-Against-Racism.mp4″] UF students rally for justice for Trayvon Martin on Monday (pictures by Jillian Baach and Jillian de Montluzin)

City Commissioners are urging big businesses to take advantage of new programs to boost jobs in Gainesville. The commission approved two incentive programs that will relocate high-tech companies to Community Redevelopment Areas.  Gainesville City Commissioner Jeanna Mastrodicasa says despite competition by surrounding communities, these tools will set us apart. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/03/Mastrodicasa1.mp3] …

Rain or shine drag racing fans from all over traveled to Gaineville this weekend for the Gatornationals. As Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Jillian de Montluzin reports, fan’s just couldn’t resist their need for speed. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/webGatorNationalsLocalBoostdepth.mp3] Gatornationals attracts fans from across the country. Aaron Weber from Micanopy at one time lived in South Carolina and says …

You’ve received the advice at one point or another- make sure you get 8 hours of sleep a night. But as you settle in to bed tonight, Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Jillian de Montluzin says you may want to keep the Sandman away. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/03/SleepMythWrap.mp3]

The U.S. Postal Service is finalizing plans to cut 35,000 jobs as an attempt to reduce company costs. Gainesville Area Postal Spokesman Sam Bolen says these cuts are necessary because more people are turning to email over letters. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/02/Bolen1.mp3] USPS is waiting until May to announce which specific post offices …

Newly appointed Alachua County Commissioner Winston Bradley starts his first week on the commission today. Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Jillian de Montluzin says the new commissioner is hitting the ground running. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/02/CommBradleyfinalWRAP1.mp3]