WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
The first event is expected to take place at the High Springs branch on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m.
Read More »Reading program that includes therapy dogs returns to Alachua County libraries
Rescuers flock together to save 275 parrots stranded by Ian
A rescue mission — dubbed “Operation Noah's Ark” — was launched Tuesday to catch, cage and ferry the birds off the island, as a condition to persuade Peratino and Stepp to leave the island.
Read More »Savannah Hudson does it all: Meet Ridgeview Farm’s horse trainer and instructor
It’s third grade. Savannah Hudson has no idea a simple easter-egg-hunt would lead her to the love of her life. She opens up a small, plastic egg that holds the ticket to her future inside. Well, a coupon. Inside the egg is a coupon for a free horse-riding lesson at …
Read More »Alachua County animal shelters weather Hurricane Ian, find ‘silver linings’
By Sep. 27, a few days before Hurricane Ian was predicted to hit Gainesville, staff at North Central Florida Humane Society had emptied the building.
Read More »World Equestrian Center provides free shelter to 3,000 horses ahead of Hurricane Ian
The largest equestrian complex in the nation opened its doors Tuesday to shelter more than 3,000 horses and other animals from Hurricane Ian – and they did it for free.
Read More »Despite economic hardships, a few Archer hunting preserves thrive
Swaddled in the arms of his owner, a seven-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer contests a ride-along in the bed of Jacob “Huck” Huckabee’s white Chevrolet truck. At Emerald Creek Kennels in Archer, Dude is the youngest of Huckabee’s 14 hunting dogs that he trains alongside his wife, Logan, and their four-legged …
Read More »Florida wildlife agency expected to shoot down commercialized turtle breeding proposal
The U.S. Association of Reptile Keepers of Florida wants the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to approve captive breeding of Diamondback terrapins. The move would combat declining populations of the species of turtle due to high demand as both low-maintenance pets and poachable commodities. The program will be discussed at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting Wednesday, but FWC’s staff report, slated to be presented during discussion, recommends maintaining current rules.
Read More »Pit bull rescue works to rehome dogs in crowded shelters
Plenty of Pit Bulls, a Gainesville nonprofit organization that specializes in placing at-risk shelter dogs in foster care, is looking for volunteers to provide homes for its rescued dogs. The group is hosting a fundraising event Oct. 2 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at First Magnitude Brewing Co., located at 1220 SE Veitch St. All proceeds go toward the dogs’ medical care and other needs.
Read More »Wild Spaces and Public Places campaign kicks off
Wild Spaces and Public Places returns to the ballot in November. Alachua County voters get to decide if the sales tax should increase by another half-cent. At the campaign kickoff, held at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center, supporters stressed the funding is essential. Wild Spaces and Public Places currently funds …
Read More »Show Series at Florida Horse Park in Ocala offers variety and family fun
Mike Clark has been a horse showman for over 20 years and enjoyed what he saw on Saturday at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala.
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