In a major ruling with broad implications across Florida, the state’s Supreme Court said Thursday that a constitutional amendment voters passed in 2018 known as “Marsy’s Law” does not guarantee victims of crimes a categorical right to keep their names secret. The justices said the amendment’s provisions to allow crime …
Read More »Exclusive: Florida temporarily suspends political ideology surveys to nearly 2 million in state colleges, universities
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After only one year, Florida has temporarily suspended a highly controversial, statewide survey required under a new state law compelling public colleges and universities annually to ask students and faculty to identify political bias in college classrooms. The executive vice chancellor of the Florida College System, Clifford …
Read More »Destruction seen from above: New video, photos reveal hurricane damage in Florida’s hardest hit region
An aerial tour of the region in north-central Florida where Idalia made landfall early Wednesday and nearby communities revealed the devastating scale of destruction spanning more than 100 miles across Florida’s Big Bend.
Read More »Historic Florida fishing village sees record storm surge
CEDAR KEY, Fla. – While Hurricane Idalia made landfall farther northwest than originally expected in Cedar Key, the town still saw a record 6.9-foot storm surge Wednesday morning. Residents of this historic, Gulf Coast fishing village renowned for its waterfront seafood restaurants and quaint stores watched live newscasts of water …
Read More »Alachua County realtor, veteran enters treatment court after threatening city commission officials
A Gainesville man will enter a diversionary veterans treatment court after threatening Gainesville city commissioners via email and Facebook posts. Terry Martin-Back was accepted into the diversionary program after an evaluation process. A judge in Alachua County found him an eligible veteran with a “qualified diagnosis” to enter the program. …
Read More »Son of Mojo’s owner in Ocala arrested on charges of sexual battery on a minor
The adult son of a prominent restaurant owner in Ocala was arrested Tuesday on charges of sexual battery and lewd and lascivious behavior on a minor. A warrant was issued with a $35,000 bail, which had not been posted as of Wednesday afternoon. According to an arrest report, Ronald “Ronnie” …
Read More »Man sentenced to 10 years in prison for Millhopper Road pedestrian crash
An Alachua County man was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years probation Tuesday for hitting and killing a man on Millhopper Road near I-75 last year. Robert Neal Duncan Jr., 45, pleaded guilty to DUI vehicular homicide. Duncan will have his license revoked for the rest of …
Read More »White woman who killed Black neighbor will face manslaughter charges, state attorney confirms
Susan Lorincz, the Marion County woman accused of shooting and killing her neighbor, will face a manslaughter charge instead of second-degree murder. The prosecutor on Monday announced he also dropped charges of misdemeanor assault, misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor culpable negligence. State Attorney William M. Gladson recognized the wishes of the …
Read More »UF student found not guilty for reckless driving after 116-mph ticket on I-75
A University of Florida student, who said he was trying to avoid being late for class when he was clocked going 116 mph on I-75, was found not guilt Thursday of reckless driving.
Read More »Alachua County 2020 voter fraud case results in 3-year prison sentence
An Alachua County man pleaded no contest to committing voter fraud during the 2020 election Thursday. Derrick Albert Robinson, 53, was sentenced to 36 months in prison after willfully voting in the 2020 election while not qualified to do so due to his status as a felony sex offender. Robinson’s …
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