WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville

Paula and her family left their native Mexico to chase their dream of opportunity in the United States. A lot of paperwork and a two-day bus ride later, they arrived in Gainesville in May. Since then, Paula’s family has struggled to get their feet on the ground. Paula and her husband do not have the legal documentation to work in the U.S. Their efforts to find schools for their sons and a way to earn an income while dealing with their legal status have been nearly impossible to navigate, said Paula, who is waiting for her family's 2024 court date to seek asylum. Paula’s story exposes the challenges that immigrants face in Gainesville and other parts of the country.

The first time Deborah Willis went dumpster diving, it was out of curiosity. She soon realized that most grocery and general stores throw out an abundance of fresh, unexpired food. Now she holds regular food giveaways at her home for families in her community who are in need.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The holiday travel season this year is expected to rival the busiest seasons before the pandemic at Florida’s two most bustling airports, which will see millions of travelers passing through them, officials said. Orlando International Airport, the state’s busiest airport and the seventh busiest airport in the …

Step up and get bucked down. It’s as simple as that. And the Infamous Diamonds of Gainesville always bring their A-game. Majorette-style dance began in the 1960s, with dance lines at historically Black colleges and universities that typically accompanied marching bands. Shows such as “Bring It!” popularized the hip-hop style of majorette dance and competition in 2014, making it a household dance style for many who were unfamiliar with it.

Every Saturday and Sunday, Project Downtown Gainesville sets up camp in the same spot, where volunteers provide hot meals and other resources for individuals facing homelessness. On some weekends local barbers like Ju-Ray Kuo partner with the organization Project Downtown Gainesville to provide haircuts free of charge to homeless individuals.

The four recipients of the Rosa Parks Quiet Courage award this year are Devondrick Slater, Sheila Payne, Tony Jones and Desmon Duncan-Walker, who were recognized recently for their work in the community that “demonstrates a commitment to the cause of justice, equality and peace.” 

It was impossible to feel settled with the threat of arrest and deadly force hanging over them. But where else could they go?

An accurate record of the number of families experiencing homelessness in Alachua County and surrounding areas is nonexistent. According to Patrick Dodds, the director of Continuum of Care in Gainesville, there are currently about 10 homeless families in the coordinated entry system in need of housing assistance. “I think the number’s probably 10 times that,” Dodds said. “Families are often kind of the invisible homeless.” 

His Compassion Food Bank in Ocala has canceled Thursday food distribution for the last three weeks because of a lack of food supply. An increase in the number of families in need and a decrease in donated food products are problems food banks face throughout the state and nationwide as a result of inflation.

Twelve-year-old Jasmine Lassiter said kids used to make fun of her hair. Now, thanks to an organization called Her Natural Wreath, classmates admire her beautiful braids. That’s the kind of news Rachel Eloy, the organization’s founder, likes to hear. Eloy, a third-year University of Florida student, recently launched Her Natural Wreath, a Gainesville nonprofit organization that offers free braiding services to girls ages 3 to 17.

The number of Black-run farms has dwindled from almost one million to just 50,000 today. John "Ronnie" Nix is fighting to preserve what's left.

The investigations found no policy violations in the arrest of Terrell Bradley, the Gainesville resident who lost his eye to a K9 after running from a traffic stop.