WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Take a walk back through all of the Florida storylines we covered for you this year.
Read More »UF backup quarterback played season while secretly under investigation in child pornography case
The University of Florida’s backup quarterback played his whole season in the shadows of struggling starter Anthony Richardson — and now, it turns out, a sensational child pornography investigation, too. The criminal investigation, which began in June and unfolded slowly over five months during a disappointing 6-6 season, has redirected national attention on the Florida Gators – under new head coach Billy Napier – and quarterback Jalen Kitna, 19, of Burleson, Texas. Kitna was released from jail on an $80,000 bond late Thursday, after his first court appearance in a case involving five felony counts of possessing and distributing child pornography online.
Read More »One of Florida’s popular destinations for rally racing? It’s in Starke
It may not be the Daytona International Speedway or the Sebring International Raceway, but the Florida International Rally and Motorsports Park (FIRM) in Starke is one of the only places in the nation that offers European rally racing. And that’s not all they’re up to. “Think of it like Disney …
Read More »District 11 incumbent expected to retain his seat after a contested primary
Daniel Webster has represented Central Florida in the House since 2010, but a contested primary and displeased voters might hint at a shrinking support base. A Democratic and an independent candidate will face the 11th Congressional District incumbent in the Nov. 8 general election. Webster is expected to retain his …
Read More »Barktober Fest brings a paw-ty to reopened Swamp Restaurant
On Wednesday, The Swamp hosted its first Barktober Fest since reopening, raising money for Faithful Friends Pet Rescue and Rehoming and giving out prizes. With a grand prize for the costume valued around $175, according to Swamp owner Ryan Prodesky, the competition proved ferocious.
Read More »Migrant workers among those experiencing food insecurity after Hurricane Ian
Three weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida, some people are still finding it hard to feed themselves and obtain basic household supplies. State agencies like the Florida Department of Emergency Management are shifting their response from offering immediate assistance, like food and water, to providing long-term recovery assistance as communities begin to stabilize. But the need for those resources has not disappeared, especially among low-income residents who struggle year-round.
Read More »The Point, Oct. 20, 2022: Florida State Board of Education adopts new rules
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Chuck Clemons and Brandon Peters battle for House District 22 Seat “The Florida House of Representatives recently redistricted, which means the new representative will represent Levy, Gilchrist and the western portion …
Read More »When a hurricane brings scammers knocking, ‘you are the best protection against fraud’
Hurricane Ian brought the deadliest destruction Florida has seen in years, and with it, likely billions of dollars in damages. Florida officials and property insurers are warning people left vulnerable after the storm to not become victims twice and fall prey to common scams.
Read More »Ocala Pride Inc. leaders say Saturday’s return of Pride Fest is needed now more than ever
After two years of cancellations due to COVID-19, Ocala Pride Fest is back to celebrate LGBTQ culture with vendors, live music performances and an assortment of food. The Fest will take place at the downtown Ocala Square, 1 Northeast 1st Ave., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday The event organizers, Ocala Pride Inc., say that Pride Fest is needed now more than ever in light of the discourse around LGBTQ equality taking root in Florida and reverberating around the country. Coming after legislation like the Parental Rights in Education bill, or the “Don’t Say Gay” bill as its dubbed by critics, LGBTQ rights in Florida will take center stage in Ocala this weekend.
Read More »Battle of the bands raises over $25,000 to help end homelessness in Gainesville
An exhilarating atmosphere filled The Wooly on Friday night as about 200 attendees sang and danced while local bands rocked out under the dim red glow of stage lights.
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