Thousands strolled the streets of downtown Gainesville Saturday and Sunday to peruse and purchase works of art in the 44th annual Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival.

Eating family dinners can benefit adolescents' mental health, according to a professor at McGill University in Montreal.

Since the 1980s, the Food and Drug Administration has banned blood donations from gay men because of the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission. University of Florida student James J. Sadler hopes that ban will be lifted, so he and other gay men can donate blood.

Sexual assault victims and members of the community gathered together Wednesday night to raise awareness of rape and sexual assault.

A video round-up of local, state and national stories for readers in North Central Florida: nonprofit animal clinic, Gainesville shooting, Samoa Air, Pope Francis on women, Cairo food poisoning.

Sixty-four-ounce growlers, or beer containers, may have to wait to be available to locals after officials refuse to put the bill for the growlers (SB 1344) on the agenda for the Florida House of Representatives.

A video round-up of local, state and national stories for readers in North Central Florida: St. Francis House needs donations, Three killed in massive pileup near Va-NC line, Powerball winner promises to share piece of winnings with neighbors, Death toll from collapsed building in Tanzania rises to 34, South Korean ally Japan announces its readiness for North Korea attacks.

The House has proposed a $1,400 pay raise for state employees. The Senate has proposed a 3 percent pay raise for state employees. Members of the House and Senate will have until early May to reach a final decision on the state's new budget. If passed, the pay raise would take effect Nov. 1.

Hospitalizations and arrests connected to Molly, the powder or crystal form of MDMA, have increased, according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network. The drug is popular among high school and college students who attend music festivals.

Residents wishing to get rid of old furniture or electronics can participate in seven collection dates during April and May. Once residents bring the items to the set location, the Marion County Solid Waste Department will transport them to either be recycled or disposed at a landfill.