WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Mark your calendar for Remembering Rosewood centennial events. “The Remembering Rosewood Centennial Committee curated a week of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the destruction of Rosewood – what …
Read More »Newberry in talks with Archer and High Springs about new $40M regional wastewater treatment facility
The City of Newberry is negotiating with the cities of Archer and High Springs about joining onto its planned regional wastewater treatment facility. The new facility is part of an effort by Newberry to overhaul its wastewater infrastructure to accommodate new development and meet new environmental regulations the state legislature …
Read More »Alachua County Commission selects new chair, approves $340,000 in federal aid for landlord utility rental assistance initiative
The Alachua County Commission elected a new chair and vice chair at its special meeting Tuesday before voting to use millions in federal aid on several initiatives, including a pilot program meant to help local landlords make their properties more energy efficient.
Read More »Data do not account for families experiencing homelessness in Alachua and surrounding counties
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.”
Read More »Transition from trucker to CBD sales was a healing journey
Local hemp farmer Tyler Griffin said his path to helping people heal from pain and other discomforts has been full of interesting turns. Griffin is the owner and founder of Southern Sun, a company that specializes in quality, all-natural and affordable CBD products. The hemp used to produce Southern Sun’s products is homegrown at his family’s farm in Archer, Florida.
Read More »Creating community and confidence through hair
Bouncing hair beads, bright bows, braids, and bubble ponytail holders are a rite of passage for most Black girls. Most have their own satin hair bonnets as soon as they begin to grow hair. And “wash day” for Black hair is an experience, whether that be good or bad, not …
Read More »Pedestrian dead after being hit by two cars on Archer Road
A woman crossed busy Southwest Archer Road against the light during rush hour Friday morning and died after being struck by two vehicles, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Read More »A nonprofit’s free hair styling for girls builds their self-esteem
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.
Read More »The Point, Oct. 25, 2022: How to watch tonight’s Gainesville mayoral debate
WUFT and the Gainesville Sun have partnered to host the event between the two Gainesville candidates.
Read More »St. Peter Cemetery in Archer designated as a Florida Heritage Site
St. Peter Cemetery in Archer has been designated a Florida Heritage Site, and a state historic marker was unveiled Saturday commemorating the space. About 120 people from the St. Peter and Pinesville communities attended the dedication ceremony to celebrate the rich history of their families. The historic Black cemetery, active since the 1840s, is the final resting place for many former slaves.
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