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

Among the many Veterans Day celebrations today (Thursday), an especially touching ceremony happened at Kanapaha Park in Gainesville. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT FM’s Kara Van Hoose has more on the event and the veterans it touched. Reporters Gillian Finklea and Alyssa Hayden gathered the sounds and comments at the cermony. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Vet …

The World Series is over. But before you forget about baseball season, WUFT-FM’s Dan Katz reports on a connection between Gainesville and the Giants, even though it’s from many, many years past. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/dk giants wrap.mp3]

A new report released today(Tuesday) shows troubling findings among black male students in public schools. According to the report, the gap between black male students and everyone else is widening. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Jason Hackett has more on a program at the University of Florida, which is trying to help. …

Cotton prices have increased drastically due to a series of events in Asia. Three of the world’s top cotton producers reduced supply to the U.S. A drought in China damaged crops, India restricted exports to protect its domestic market and flooding in Pakistan made it worse. Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM reporter …

Just last week, John “Casper” Morgan of Ocala was arrested on charges of domestic minor sex trafficking after forcing a thirteen and a sixteen year old to prostitute themselves in Marion County. Sex slavery is a growing problem, not just overseas, but right here in Florida. More than 70% of …

The city of Dunnellon lies at the intersection of the Rainbow and Withlacoochee Rivers. Recent construction projects along the riverfronts have threatened the pristine ecology along both rivers…but one man is trying to spread his message of conservation…using an unusual and unique technique. WUFT’s Trent Kelly has more.

Governor-elect Rick Scott held his first press conference today(Thursday) in Fort Lauderdale. WUFT FM’s Trent Kelly breaks down Scott’s first comments and talks to a University of Florida economist to find out whether he thinks the plan for the economy will work. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/TK Scott Wrap.mp3]

Voters in Alachua County said yes to “Ordinance number one” in Tuesday’s election. The measure puts a curfew on airboats on bodies of water in Alachua County. And as Jason Hackett reports, both parties, for and against the measure had a lot to say about the decision. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/FPairboatdepth.mp3]

The Republicans had a true party at the Hilton in Ocala last night after the polls closed. As WUFT’s Jon Perry reports, it was all to celebrate the number of Republican victories locally and statewide. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/StearnsPerryWrap.mp3]

STATE SENATOR Marco Rubio REP 2,470,224 (49.87%) Kendrick B. Meek DEM 977,868 (19.74%) Alexander Andrew Snitker LBT 23,099 (0.47%) Bernie DeCastro CPF 4,511 (0.09%) Sue Askeland NPA 14,509 (0.29%) Bruce Ray Riggs NPA 3,416 (0.07%) Bobbie Bean NPA 4,071 (0.08%) Rick Tyler NPA 6,965 (0.14%) Charlie Crist NPA 1,445,076 (29.17%) …

US Senator Total: 55,597 votes Marco Rubio 27,496 (49.4%) Kendrick B. Meek 6,363 (11.4%) Alexander Snitker 345 (0.62%) Bernie DeCastro 82 (0.14%) Sue Askeland 253 (0.45%) Bruce Ray Riggs 90 (0.16%) Bobbie Bean 75 (0.13%) Rick Tyler 129 (0.23%) Charlie Crist 20,612 (37.0%) Lewis J Armstrong 78 (0.14%) Write-in candidates …

US Senator Total Votes 74417 Marco Rubio REP 29780 40.02% Kendrick B. Meek DEM 21269 28.58% Alexander A. Snitker LBT 534 0.72% Bernie DeCastro CPF 97 0.13% Sue Askeland NPA 184 0.25% Bruce Ray Riggs NPA 39 0.05% Bobbie Bean NPA 49 0.07% Rick Tyler NPA 76 0.10% Charlie Crist …

UNITED STATES SENATOR Percent, # of Votes Marco Rubio (REP) 55.71% 64,553 Kendrick B. Meek (DEM) 18.44% 21,370 Alexander Andrew Snitker (LBT) 0.42% 488 Bernie DeCastro (CPF) 0.42% 485 Sue Askeland (NPA) 0.45% 516 Bruce Ray Riggs (NPA) 0.11% 128 Bobbie Bean (NPA) 0.12% 136 Rick Tyler (NPA) 0.23% 270 …

The small town of Dunnellon in Marion County was founded where the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers meet. As Trent Kelly reports, with the threat of development looming along the banks of the two rivers, a citizen-led group is now trying to save what’s left, before it’s gone forever. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/RainbowmixdownTK.mp3]

Supporters of democratic nominee for governor, Alex Sink and her running mate Rod Smith packed the parking lot of Gator’s Dockside in Gainesville on Monday. Brittany Thompson was there. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/SinkTour.mp3]

The campaign trail has been busy leading up to Election Day, but Republican Rick Scott’s “Clear Choice Bus Tour” was done like none other in the state this campaign season. It operates like a presidential campaign. Florida Public Radio’s Trimmel Gomes caught up with Scott in the Panhandle, in his …

Saturdays in the fall around north central Florida revolve in large part around the University of Florida’s football games with rivals from the SEC. Part of that rivalry is also the battle between marching bands. Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Katie Gillen reports on one part of the band that gets especially …

Rod Smith of Alachua, who is on the state democratic ticket as a lieutenant governor candidate emphasized the importance of early voting in downtown Gainesville today (Thursday). After speaking to a crowd of supporters at the Bo Diddley Plaza, Smith submitted his own early voting ballot to the Supervisor of …

A survey on the web site “Liveability.com” ranks Gainesville in the top ten nationwide for its farmers markets. As Dan Katz reports, more Gainesville residents are buying their food locally. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/DK Buying Locally in Gainesville.mp3]

The night most kids, and some adults have been waiting for all year is just days away. We’re talking about Halloween. Candy aside, ghosts are a big theme of the holiday. But are they more than just Urban Legends? Florida’s 89.1, WUFT FM’s Jason Hackett has more. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/FP Paranormal Final.mp3]

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection named October as officially Greenways & Trails Month. It’s a way to encourage Floridians and visitors to check out the many trails offered on state-owned property. The number one-ranked area for visitors looking for “green” recreation is in North Central Florida. WUFT’s Donna Green-Townsend …

The Alachua County Commission district 5 seat is up for grabs as Jim Gabriel challenges incumbent Lee Pinkoson. As 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Chris Peralta reports, both candidates are searching for ways to improve infrastructure and jobs. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/AlachuaCountyCommissionDistrict2final.mp3]

Political strategist James Carvel coined the phrase, ‘Its the economy, stupid” almost 20 years ago. Yet it still rings true today as economic issues are dominating the November election campaigns. While some politicians argue that President Obama’s economic policies have furthered the recession, others emphasize the inherited nature of many …

When the Gator basketball teams take the court this season, there will be the usual freshmen making their collegiate debut in the orange and blue. Both the mens’ and womens’ rosters feature freshmen from all around the world. WUFT-FM’s Matthew Cretul has more on some “not-so-new” newcomers. You can catch …

Many people wore purple this week to remember the lesbian, gay, bisexual teens who have recently comitted suicide. Meanwhile, the debate over how to deal with bullying in American continues. And as WUFT-FM’s Jason Hackett reports, in Alachua County there is a program that seeks to prevent bullying attacks in …

The Citrus County Commission District 2 seat is being sought by Democrat Phillip Mulrain and Republican John Kenney. WUFT-FM’s Jon Perry has this profile of the candidates. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/CitrusCountyCommissionDistrict2.mp3]

Services were held yesterday for Harold Nugent at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Gainesville. Mr. Nugent was better known as the “Alligator Man” to the thousands of school children he visited around the state as part of a joint effort with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to teach kids …

After a heated primary, Jancie Vinson and Carol Oyenarte are vying for the Alachua County School Board District 5 seat. As 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Dan Katz reports, Vinson and Oyenarte bring different perspectives to the School Board. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/meschoolboard.mp3]

The Hippodrome State Theatre is putting a modern twist on the blood-sucking play, Dracula. Lauren Caldwell directs the play which stars Justin Sease as Dracula and Jason Weis as Jonathan Harker. Justin Sease, or Dracula gives us an exclusive sneek peak at the blood-thirsty character. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/dracula.mp3]

Homecoming week has brought many people to Gainesville to enjoy the festivities. The parade is the big event for most, but prior to the parade is an annual two-mile run known as Gator Gallop. Florida’s 89.1, Jon Perry reports. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/GatorGallop.mp3]

Thousands turned out today for the annual homecoming parade on University Avenue. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT FM’s Patrick Colden talked to the crowd and even some people walking in the parade itself. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/parade.mp3]

Gainesville is a hotbed for women’s volleyball. As Florida’s 89.1 WUFT-FM’s Katie Gillen reports, the number one ranked University of Florida volleyball program is playing a key role in inspiring more girls to try their hand at serving, setting and spiking. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/volleyballmixdown.mp3]

Shands at the Universtiy of Florida will soon have new partners in the healthcare industry. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT FM’s Kara Van Hoose reports officials say the patients will benefit from the organizations’ cooperation. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/karashandswrap.mp3]

The economy is the focus of the District 24 race for the Florida House of Representatives. As Florida’s 89.1, WUFT FM’s Kara Van Hoose reports, the candidates have different solutions to the economy problem in Marion County. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/district24race.mp3]

It’s a battle between the experienced and a political newcomer in the Alachua County Commission District Four race between incumbent Cynthia Moore Chestnut and real estate agent Susan Baird. Florida’s 89.1, W-U-F-T’S Empriss Campbell previews the upcoming race. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/districtfourrace.mp3]