Episode 38 looks into how Florida's second largest industry, agriculture, is faring during the pandemic. Melissa Feito has a story about the agricultural workers risking their lives to harvest our food (01:36). Josh Williams talks to Christa Court, the Director of IFAS' Economic Analysis Impact Program, about how the pandemic is hurting different parts of the industry and what dangers lurk around the corner (06:57). Florida Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, Deborah Tannenbaum speaks with Gabriella Paul about growers' concerns statewide and how the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is working to keep them afloat (12:59). Anthony Montalto spoke with two Florida blueberry growers to find out how they're situation is different from other farmers during this pandemic (18:24). And Taylor Levesque visits a farmers market in Gainesville that never closed because of COVID-19 (23:20). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.
Read More »Amid New Surge In Florida Virus Cases, Children Resume Sports Across State
Welcome to the summer of youth sports in America in 2020, the year of the virus.
Read More »How To Request A 2020 Vote-By-Mail Ballot In Alachua County
In just over eight weeks Floridians will be casting ballots in the August primary election.
Read More »Pandemic’s Bicycle Boom Leaves Gainesville’s Bike Shops Reeling
With gyms closed and stay-at-home orders in place, many people were desperate for any excuse to get outside, which made independent forms of exercise and outdoor recreation all the more desirable, leading to a boom in bicycle sales.
Read More »North Central Florida Humane Society Exceeds Adoption Expectations During Quarantine
Adoptions from mid-March to the end of May exceeded The Humane Society’s expectations at 300 since the beginning fo quarantine.
Read More »Deaf Community Faces Access Issues To Vital Government Updates
When Florida first began responding to the coronavirus in March, Alachua and Marion counties gave updates without an interpreter or closed captioning, delaying access to vital news for those in the hard of hearing and deaf communities.
Read More »COVID-19 And Racism: The Black Community Fights On Two Front Lines
Episode 37 explores how a pandemic is not the same for everyone and where race intersects with public health. Three audio post cards from Gainesville residents about being black during a time of protests and a pandemic (02:00). Anthony Montalto talks with Tonja Smith, Deputy Chief of the Tallahassee Police Department and President of the North Florida Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (10:01). Taylor Levesque speaks with black business owners in Gainesville about the messages they plan to spread throughout the community during this time of unrest and uncertainty (16:26). Camron Lunn listened to leadership and professors from Florida’s two most prominent historically black colleges and universities as they discussed the challenges facing their student populations (20:45). Melissa Feito talks with faith leaders to discuss their role in guiding their communities through two tough challenges (24:27). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.
Read More »Alachua County Public High Schools Hosting Drive-Thru Graduation Ceremonies
This week, Alachua County high school seniors are receiving their well-earned diplomas via drive-thru.
Read More »Alachua County Braces For Eventful Hurricane Season Amid Pandemic
If a serious hurricane should develop, shelters might look a little different this year due to the coronavirus.
Read More »How Will Florida’s Tourism Industry Bounce Back From COVID-19
Episode 36 explores how Florida's tourism industry is faring during this pandemic. Josh Williams talks with Rebecca Shireman, Communications Manager for Kennedy Space Center, about the extra steps being taken to protect guests.. and the center's impact on the local economy (02:21). Melissa Feito looks into how Orlando's local tourism industry has been impacted by coronavirus and how they're planning to welcome visitors back safely (08:51). Taylor Levesque talked to water parks to find out how closure due to the pandemic has hurt business (14:25). Anthony Montalto takes a stroll along Hollywood Beach which has recently reopened and caught up with visitors and businesses about how things are going (18:56). Camron Lunn looks into how social distancing and a preference for being outdoors during the pandemic could be a boon for ecotourism in Florida (24:01). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.
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