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

The incoming president of Florida's Senate is pushing back on the idea of recalling the Legislature to the Capitol for a special session to deal with economic consequences of the pandemic, the upcoming elections or other matters.

Episode 32 takes a look at how parts of Florida are slowly re-opening under phase one of Governor Ron DeSantis' plan. Taylor Levesque talks with city and county officials about how their communities are reacting to the reopening plan (02:15). Camron Lunn takes a look at how Bradford County is facing its own unique challenges with reopening (07:47). Josh Williams checks in with local restaurants to see what they are doing to get back to business safely (11:22). Lastly, Anthony Montalto visits with businesses in one of the three counties not reopening this week (17:19). This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Lawyers argued to a federal judge whether a state law is unconstitutional in requiring that even impoverished felons must pay court fees and fines before they are allowed to vote.

Lawyers argued to a federal judge whether a state law is unconstitutional in requiring that even impoverished felons must pay court fees and fines before they are allowed to vote.

Breaking 175 years of tradition, the Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday did not meet in person for its oral arguments. This time, it used video conferencing and courtroom virtual backgrounds. The experiment was largely successful, with a few minor glitches: long pauses between speakers, a pop-up on the screen displaying …

The unprecedented surge in Florida's unemployed due to the coronavirus has put pressure on the governor to investigate the faulty state system for processing claims.

A federal civil rights trial wrapping up in Tallahassee may resolve the question of whether felons in Florida who have served their prison sentences – but can’t afford to pay court fines and fees – will be allowed to vote in the upcoming election. Here’s what you need to know about the case.

Our semester-long investigation of climate change and public health found that human hazards — from heat-related hospitalizations to disease-carrying insects — are on the rise in Florida

Episode 31 features a change in format. We will revisit a story earlier this week on drive-through weddings in Alachua County. Then we will hear from University of Florida Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology Dr. Cameron Smith on a collaboration that is helping protect patients and health care workers alike. Finally, biotech company Noachis Terris is moving to Gainesville to help develop a potential COVID-19 vaccine. We will hear from representatives with the company and the City of Gainesville. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

It was the most COVID-19 deaths the county has seen in one day.

When a large tent city downtown was shut down shortly after, the residents were told they could encamp around the shelter instead. It seemed like a neat solution. The rest of the city was relieved to not see them anymore.

Episode 30 features Dr. Sarah McKune and Dr. Eric Nelson, two University of Florida researchers leading a study on the role children play in community transmission of COVID-19. They discuss what they hope to learn, and how this study could be useful during future outbreaks. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Alachua County reported three deaths tied to long-term care facilities on Thursday, April 30, marking the largest number of reported deaths the county has seen in a single day.

Adam Mandel, 19, of Weston, Fla., was driving as fast as 80 mph on West University Avenue, when he lost control on a Thursday evening in January and crashed his Lexus sports car into a guardrail and hit a utility pole. Mandel’s passenger was his 20-year-old girlfriend, Kassandra Guzman-Ramirez of Weston, who died from her injuries.

The governor outlined the plan soon to be in effect for all but three South Florida counties.

Episode 29 features Jess Irby, Alachua County Clerk of the Court. He discusses why he decided to hold drive-through weddings for couples looking to tie the knot during the pandemic, and what those ceremonies will look like This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Restaurants and many retail stores outside of Southeast Florida can start reopening Monday with limited occupancy as part of the first phase of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ economic-recovery effort after the coronavirus caused massive shutdowns.

The start of the semester will likely be pushed back.

Myers will provide another COVID-19 update to the Alachua County Commission next week.

Episode 28 features Florida Virtual School Chief Operations Officer Sam Verghese. He discusses how Florida Virtual School has been helping students, parents, and teachers get used to online learning during COVID-19. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis attended a press briefing alongside President Donald Trump on Tuesday at the White House Oval Office where DeSantis announced he will unveil the first phase of reopening Florida on Wednesday.

Coasts around Florida grapple with the logistics of resuming beach life amid the pandemic.

Episode 27 features Peaceful Paths Executive Director, Dr. Theresa Beachy. She spoke about how the domestic violence center is working through restrictions to help survivors during these trying times. This podcast serves to provide updates on Florida's response to coronavirus, with a particular focus on north central Florida.

The trial opened in the dispute over Florida’s law requiring former felons to pay all fines and fees before they can register to vote.