For over 25 years, Gloria Jefferson Anderson researched her father’s side of the family, trying to figure out what happened to her ancestors once slavery ended. “When I found out where my father’s people were on the plantation – the next question was, ‘Well, where are these people buried?” said …
Read More »Woman who murdered $30 million lottery winner backs bill to keep secret names of those hitting jackpot: ‘It puts a target on them’
A bill awaiting the governor’s signature that would temporarily keep secret the names of lottery winners in Florida has at least one unexpected supporter: the woman in prison for murdering the winner of a $30 million lottery payout. In a telephone interview from behind bars, Dorice Donegan “Dee Dee” Moore, …
Read More »Florida House sets up final reading for bill that would ask voters if they want to reshape the Alachua County Commission
The Florida House on Tuesday moved toward the final passage of a bill to create a voter referendum that would create single-member districts in Alachua County.
Read More »Mayor Lauren Poe gives his last State of the City Address, covering equity and inclusivity
As Lauren Poe’s final term as Gainesville mayor comes to a close, he reflected on Gainesville’s progress toward equity and inclusion through community engagement programs and historic protections in his state of the city address.
Read More »Gainesville High School student advocates to reduce teen violence
Although the number of juveniles arrested in Alachua County has decreased since 2019, community members are feeling the effects of teen violence. Law enforcement is finding alternative ways to address the issue as crimes involving firearms continue to rise, according to Alachua County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Art Forgey. Joshua Franklin …
Read More »Bill reshaping Alachua County Commission progresses in the Florida Legislature
If signed into law, Clemons’ bill would overturn the work of the Alachua County Charter Review Commission, which decided to keep the county commission makeup as is when it successfully asked voters to endorse several charter changes in November 2020.
Read More »City of Gainesville rolls out program to assist homeowners lacking clear property titles
In March of 2021, the City of Gainesville approved the donation of 11 city-owned plots of land to the Alachua Habitat for Humanity. With the donation, the City intended to enable the construction of affordable homes to be sold to first-time homeowners at accessible prices. The project was lauded by …
Read More »Florida House discussing a bill that would change how Alachua County voters elect county commissioners
The Florida House is discussing a bill that would change Alachua County voters elect their county commissioners. The message is sounding from social media to the capital.
Read More »Protesters decry Florida bill aiming to ban discussion of sexuality and gender in schools
Cloaked in a flag with shades of teal and seafoam green representing queer men, Rey Arcenas shouted into a megaphone: “This legislation will kill queer youth.” Arcenas, 19, a freshman history and philosophy major at the University of Florida, spoke just before a crowd of 150 began a protest march …
Read More »Levy County to begin infrastructure project to convert dirt roads
Levy County is beginning an experimental project that will help convert two of its existing dirt roads to be more cement-like so they can be more stable and manageable. Dirt roads are commonly used in the county, but they can be costly and negatively impact vehicles. However, creating traditional roads on these dirt paths would …
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