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: Man mauled by police K9 signals plans to change plea in case. “This week, his attorney, Curtis Lee, told a judge that Terrell Marquis Bradley, 32, of Gainesville, wanted to …
Read More »Death sentence appeal rejected by Florida Supreme Court
The Florida Supreme Court rejected the appeal of an inmate convicted of first degree murder in 1994. Floyd Damren, 72, challenged his death sentence after being diagnosed with autism and post-traumatic stress disorder. Damren was sentenced to death after he beat an R.G.C. Mineral Sands employee with a steel pipe …
Read More »The Point, Aug. 9, 2023: One year of 988, DeSantis campaign shuffle, ‘Barbie’ makes $1 billion
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: 988 hotline, one year later: mental health professionals talk positives and pitfalls. “Erin Brooker Lozott has worked in the field of autism and mental health for 29 years. She answers …
Read More »988 hotline, one year later: mental health professionals talk positives and pitfalls
Editor’s note: This story includes the mention of suicide and its impact on a community. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you can reach the national crisis hotline at 800-273-8255 or by dialing 988. Erin Brooker Lozott has worked in the field of autism and mental …
Read More »Schools request more foster grandparents as program approaches 50th anniversary
Lots of children call her “grandma.” She gets recognized outside of the classroom, like when she’s out doing her grocery shopping. Youngsters run up to her in public, sometimes to the shock of their parents, who don’t recognize the person their child is hugging tightly. Belinda Williams, 68, has grown …
Read More »Albert “Ray” Massey Park reopens after $2 million renovation
On Friday, kids were joyfully screaming as they pushed each other around on a purple playground spinner. Smiles beamed across their faces after popping out of an orange slide and laughs could be heard as their parents pushed them on a swing. After the city closed it in 2020 to …
Read More »Disability Resource Expo returns after three-year break caused by pandemic
More than 90 organizations gathered at Trinity United Methodist Church on Feb. 4 for the fourth annual Disability Resource Expo, which started as a Facebook group where parents could share information about services for their children.
Read More »After a low turnout last year, Special Olympics Florida had over 400 athletes participate in the Race for Inclusion
After crossing the finish line with aching muscles and a rapid-beating heart, Chris Nikic knew he had proven himself yet again. The 23-year-old athlete with Down syndrome was the first Special Olympics Florida athlete to complete the second annual Race for Inclusion at Flavet Field Saturday. Special Olympics Florida collaborated …
Read More »The Point, Oct. 13, 2022: The lawmaker who helped change Florida’s university president searches reacts to UF’s process
State Sen. Jeff Brandes says the school's move to name a single finalist wasn't what he intended.
Read More »Gainesville agribusinesses challenge the inflation struggle
Due to the current economic crisis, prices on produce and products have not only increased in grocery stores but for specialty agribusinesses.
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