Government and politics

The Senate's Criminal Justice Committee passed its version of a bill (SB 7068) that would revise Florida's sentencing process for the death penalty.

Lauren Poe is running for mayor in the upcoming city election. He recently sat down with WUFT to discuss some of the issues affecting Gainesville, and here’s what he had to say.

Gainesville Mayor Ed Braddy is seeking re-election in the upcoming city election on March 15. First elected in 2013, Braddy also served as city commissioner from 2002 – 2008. He sat down with WUFT News to discuss some of the issues affecting Gainesville.

Four nurseries cited the University of Florida in applications to the state for medical marijuana licenses. The university says it is prohibited by federal law from conducting research on marijuana.

The Duckpond-area home has been vacant for over a decade, and the disheveled home is a cause for concern among neighbors.

The legislation seeks to prevent lawsuits against churches or preachers for refusing to perform same-sex marriages.

House members debated the measures for three hours combined, with most Democrats strongly opposing both bills and most Republicans supporting them with equal emotion.

A public pool in Gainesville has been closed since Jan. 9 due to a tear in the pool's liner. The pool is expected to be closed through March.

A bill to allow anyone with a concealed carry license to be able to publicly open carry a firearm is on the Florida House calendar.

Floridians Against Fracking is a coalition of Florida residents concerned with the process’s dangers to the environment and public health. Despite the Florida House Bill prohibiting local communities from passing bans or regulations on fracking, 41 cities and 27 counties have passed or planned on passing regulations against the process.