WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
The Florida Legislature’s second recent endeavor in regulating kratom, an herbal extract that creates effects similar to stimulants and sedatives, won unanimous approval in the House of Representatives on Thursday and is on its way to the Senate. HB 179, named the “Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act,” will establish the …
Read More »Jewish community backs Florida House bill that would make antisemitic acts a felony
Members of the Gainesville Jewish community say a Florida House bill that proposes to make antisemitic acts felonies is long overdue.
Read More »House bill proposes to drop gun-buying age to 18
Republican Florida House of Representatives Bobby Payne, Palatka, and Tyler Sirois, Merritt Island, are cosponsoring HB 1543, which proposes to reduce the minimum age at which a person may purchase, sell or transfer a firearm from 21 to 18. The measure is headed to the Criminal Justice Subcommittee for discussion March 13.
Read More »Williston City Council considers four-day workweek for public works field staff
The Williston City Council is discussing the possibility of a four-day workweek for employees of the city's public works employees and utilities field staff.
Read More »Life on the line: Watch Florida linemen compete in these lofty events
A group of Gainesville Regional Utilities linemen competed at the Florida Municipal Electric Association and Orlando Utilities Commison's 2023 Florida Lineman Competition earlier this month.
Read More »Students organize protests against Florida governor’s proposed changes to education diversity programs
College students across Florida are organizing a protest campaign against a new proposal backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that would remove degree programs that teach critical race theory and gender studies. “Students are rallying to reject House Bill 999,” said Bryan Gonzalez, a fourth-year political science student at Florida State …
Read More »Land of the fee? Costly permits now required to film some YouTube, TikTok videos in national parks
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Social media mavens may need to think twice before pulling out their iPhones, GoPros or other video equipment when they’re recording in breathtaking national parks like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon or the Everglades. The National Park Service is now requiring permits that could cost hundreds of dollars …
Read More »Florida’s 2023 Legislative Session begins with lawmakers emphasizing on education changes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State Address on the first day of the 2023 Florida Legislative Session on Tuesday, multiple proposals will be brought forth within the next couple of months. From bills dealing with issues on immigration to abortion, the one thing lawmakers agree …
Read More »Ryan Chamberlin secures bid to general election for Florida House District 24 seat in crowded primary election
Republican candidate Ryan Chamberlin will face Republican write-in candidate Robert Fox at the general election on May 16 after winning Tuesday's primary election for the Florida House District 24 seat.
Read More »‘Ain’t seen nothing yet’: DeSantis touts making Florida attractive destination, largely tempers firebrand style
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In his first State of the State speech since his re-election, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday touted his policies as making Florida an attractive destination with a booming economy. Widely expected to run for the Republican presidential nomination, the governor appeared to temper his firebrand style for …
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