Hotels are near occupancy and businesses are buzzing with families in Gainesville for graduation. Alachua County Tourism Development Director Roland Loog says the vibrant environment of the weekend makes it a profitable one for the area. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/05/LOOG3.mp3] Loog says spring graduation used to mark the beginning of a quiet season, …

Prescription drug abuse has been an on-going issue in the state, as one estimate reports seven people die each day in Florida from prescription pill overdose. Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Stephanie Brown spoke with Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Gary Reisfield who says increased awareness efforts to combat the issue should lead …

Florida has seen a sharp rise in the sale of prescription pain medication, and University of Florida Addictive Medicine Professor Gary Reisfield says that is the first step in a dangerous trend. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/REISFIELD2.mp3] Reisfield has seen continued growth in sales over the past 20 years. The most popular, oxycodone, is …

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is refocusing state efforts to combat prescription drug abuse in expectant mothers. University of Florida Pediatrics Professor Mark Hudak says a baby exposed to certain classes of drugs in the fetus will experience severe symptoms of withdrawal. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/HUDAK4.mp3] He says the use of legal prescription …

President Barack Obama is travelling to Colombia today to attend the Summit of the Americas. Trade is expected to come up as a major topic of discussion. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Stephanie Brown spoke with UF Center for Latin American Studies Director Phillip Williams about the summit and what can be …

President Obama is heading for Colombia today for his second Summit of the Americas. University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies Director Philip Williams says trade will be a central focus during talks with Latin American leaders. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/WILLIAMS2.mp3] He says countries like Brazil have been booming economically and the …

A species that was brought back from the edge of extinction just a few years ago has now gained permanent protection.  The Miami blue butterfly’s endangered designation was set to expire at the end of last week, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to formally list the …

With heavy smoke hanging in the air around North Central Florida, county health officials are urging people to stay indoors. Alachua County Health Department Medical Executive Director John Colon says even the healthiest person can expect to see some side effects from the smoke. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/COLON1.mp3] He says those with allergy …

The teens responsible for seven incidents of racial and bigoted graffiti in Gainesville yesterday are facing more charges. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/VALURI3.mp3] Gainesville Police Department Corporal Angelina Valuri says the suspects, arrested yesterday, will not face hate related charges because the graffiti did not seem to target any of the area residents. She …

The most recent survey of wintering bird activity has shown seasonal climate change is not just coming, it may already be here. Florida Audubon Society Wildlife Conservation Director Julie Wraithmel says bird migration patterns are good indications of the climate situation, like temperature patterns. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/03/WRAITHMEL1.mp3] The results of the national …