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

Episode 39 revisits some of the topics we've covered and people we've talked to over the past three months as Florida faces an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Taylor Levesque checks back in with University of Florida professor in the department of food science and human nutrition, Keith Schneider, about what cautions we should be taking when in public and any new advice as coronavirus cases rise in Florida (01:02). Kristin Moorehead has a story about what state universities are doing to bring faculty, staff, and students back safely on campus in the fall (05:59). Camron Lunn catches up with Alachua County School’s Director of Food and Nutritional Services Maria Eunice to discuss the meal program's transition for the summer (11:03). Anthony Montalto talks with Florida Virtual School Chief Operations Officer Sam Verghese to see what the school has planned for the summer and the upcoming school year (13:49). Taylor last spoke to Lindsey Magness in May when her new business, Arvo Surf & Coffee’s grand opening was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, her business is now open. We hear how she's doing (20:28). Melissa Feito discusses what services the Alachua County Library District can provide during the pandemic with their public services division director Joyce West (24:21). And Josh Williams talks with Oragenics Incorporated President and C-E-O, Alan Joslyn whose company purchased a company previously featured on the cast that was developing a COVID-19 vaccine in Alachua County (29:24). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle denied most portions of the groups’ requests for preliminary injunctions in the case, which is a consolidation of three lawsuits, saying the plaintiffs lack “a substantial likelihood of succeeding” on the vast majority of the issues.

The bill signing comes despite looming budget cuts driven by the coronavirus pandemic response.

The initiative was one of DeSantis’ top priorities during this year’s legislative session, which ended in March.

Controversy over coronavirus tracking metrics erupts in Florida.

Warnings and citations will be issued to people in Alachua County who refuse to wear face masks inside of establishments.

Florida universities have been working on plans to reopen campuses after the coronavirus pandemic emptied out campuses in March. 

Warnings and citations will be issued to people in Alachua County who refuse to wear face masks inside of establishments.

Florida again made national headlines Monday.

Florida is one of a handful of states that's seeing a surge of record daily high cases. The governor says the jump is because of increased testing for the coronavirus.

Custom guide for voters in the 2020 Union County Primary Election, Aug. 18.

Custom guide for voters in the 2020 Suwannee County Primary Election, Aug. 18.

WLRN reports on the competing arguments for whether it should begin earlier than June 1.

Custom guide for voters in the 2020 Putnam County Primary Election, Aug. 18.

Custom guide for voters in the 2020 Marion County Primary Election, Aug. 18.

University of Florida President Kent Fuchs announced the change in an email.

The park hit its capacity by lunchtime during the first weekend of reopening.

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.

University of Florida President Kent Fuchs announced in an email Thursday afternoon a lengthy list of changes the school will be enacting as part of its effort to address racism and inequity including the discontinuation of the "Gator Bait" cheer at UF sporting events.

Custom guide for voters in the 2020 Levy County Primary Election, Aug. 18.

Custom guide for voters in the 2020 Hernando County Primary Election, Aug. 18.

The decision is a dramatic victory for immigration advocates and gives a new lease on life for the so-called DREAMers, immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

In Tallahassee, the owner of a children’s baseball league has banned young players from shaking hands, high-fiving and huddling at practice.

Custom guide for voters in the 2020 Gilchrist County Primary Election, Aug. 18.

Custom guide for voters in the 2020 Dixie County Primary Election, Aug. 18.

With gyms closed and stay-at-home orders in place, many people were desperate for any excuse to get outside.

In just over eight weeks Floridians will be casting ballots in the August primary election.

Custom guide for voters in the 2020 Columbia County Primary Election, Aug. 18.

Custom guide for voters in the 2020 Citrus County Primary Election, Aug. 18.