Editor’s note: This story includes the mention of suicide and its impact on a community. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you can reach the national crisis hotline at 800-273-8255 or by dialing 988. Erin Brooker Lozott has worked in the field of autism and mental …
Read More »Youth Energy Academy gets kids excited about energy
Duke Energy and Gainesville Regional Utilities partnered with two nonprofit organizations to hold a Youth Energy Academy event for underprivileged kids. Eight middle- and high-school-age students from around the state gathered on Wednesday at GRU’s Eastside Operations Center to learn about the energy industry, as well as participate in activities …
Read More »What’s happening with GRU? Here’s an explainer as its control shifts to new authority
A timeline of mounting debt, the biomass plant and a power struggle With Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signing of a bill last month appointing an independent board to oversee Gainesville Regional Utilities, customers may be wondering about the future of the city’s utility company. If the headlines about GRU from the …
Read More »Santa Fe Raiders youth softball prepares for the World Series
The crack of the bat and the clatter of cleats fill the air as the Sante Fe Raiders prepare for their upcoming tournament. “We’re getting these kids prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They’re being able to play against teams from other countries,” Santa Fe Head Coach Gene Findley said. After …
Read More »Agritourism conference tours north central Florida farms
The Florida Agritourism Association held its first-ever annual conference in Gainesville this week. Farm owners from across the state came out to attend seminars and listen to keynote speakers, including Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. Attendees learned everything from industry regulations and insurance to social media strategy and business planning. …
Read More »Alachua County School Board chair discusses new position, goals for the district
Alachua County School Board Chair Tina Certain was sworn into a new role as president of the Florida School Boards Association this month. She starts in July. WUFT’s Kristin Moorehead spoke with her to discuss her goals for the association — a statewide advocacy group — and the district. This …
Read More »Marion County approves $21 million fire union contract agreement
The Marion County Commission approved a more than $21 million contract with the county’s firefighters union at a meeting on Tuesday. The contract, approved unanimously by the commission, raises the starting pay of all firefighters and emergency services employees and includes a two percent annual cost of living adjustment and …
Read More »Gainesville business builds homes out of shipping containers
At a typical home construction site, two-by-four beams build the skeleton of a home. Insulation and drywall complete the inner walls. A roof is placed on top; in Florida it’s usually made of shingles, metal or tile. But John Cook, founder and CEO of Welding to Recycle, doesn’t do typical …
Read More »Gainesville Regional Airport to build new 4-story garage
Gainesville Regional Airport has plans to build a new, 4-story parking garage this fall. According to CEO Allan Penksa, the garage will have approximately 420 spaces and will include a covered walkway to the terminal. It will also feature electric vehicle charging stations. Penksa said the airport deals with a …
Read More »2021 Swamp Car Wash murder case defendant changes plea again
Jury selection is scheduled for the week of May 15.
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