CROSS CITY, Fla. — Dixie County residents sat in blue chairs outside the FEMA recovery center in blistering heat. They waited for help and a semblance of hope after Hurricane Idalia swept through multiple cities across the Big Bend region. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, opened a recovery center …
Read More »One night, two lives changed forever: Case against shooter of neighborhood burglar ends in plea deal
A man who saw a teenager burglarizing a neighbor’s vehicle in the middle of the night and shot him in the back as he walked away in the dark has agreed to a plea deal that could send him to prison for up to 15 years. “Send somebody,” the man …
Read More »Gainesville City Commission resolution in support of gender-affirming care a sign of solidarity with Florida’s LGBTQ community
The Gainesville City Commission voted unanimously to pass a non-binding resolution supporting gender-affirming care a week ago. The move is a meaningful gesture in the fight against legislation that harms LGBTQ individuals, according to Gators for Gender Affirming Care.
Read More »Judge to weigh Florida’s legal fight over new ‘drag show’ law
TALLAHASSEE — Arguing that the measure does not “target” drag shows, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is urging a federal judge to toss out a constitutional challenge to a new law that bars children from attending “adult live performances.” State lawyers filed arguments Friday as U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell prepares …
Read More »UF group holds memorial service for one of campus’ oldest residents, the Bicentennial Tree
WUFT · Bicentennial Tree service Twenty years ago, Jack Davis started teaching environmental history at the University of Florida. On most work days outside his classroom, he would greet one of the university’s oldest residents: the tall, longleaf pine tree nicknamed the Bicentennial Tree. Davis became aware of the tree’s …
Read More »Gainesville drag community wary of Florida drag ban bill
Performers and venues worry about the implications — but believe that drag will survive For Gainesville-based drag queen Star Shine, drag has always been connected with family. Star, who asked to use her stage name out of fear for losing her job, was first introduced to drag by her mother …
Read More »9-year-old finds unique way to honor first responders
Easy may not be in the job description of a first responder. But their selfless duties don’t go unnoticed by one 9-year-old in Marion County. Aubryn Barnes said they work hard all day, every day to save us, which is why they deserve to feel appreciated day in and day …
Read More »The Point, Feb. 17, 2023: Second lawsuit against “don’t say gay” thrown out
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Conversation about antisemitism promotes expression and equality for UF Jewish students and allies. “This event sought to expose some of the university’s authority figures to the fears that the Jewish …
Read More »Garden of Love: A final home for cherished pets
The Garden of Love, a pet cemetery in Micanopy, is the final resting place for some 1,500 beloved pets -- and one man who was cremated and had his ashes buried next to his pets. It's a peaceful space that has provided pet owners with comfort for the last 43 years.
Read More »2022 ranks as Florida’s fifth warmest year on record
Florida’s climate hit a new record in 2022. According to NOAA, last year marked the fifth hottest year in the state’s recorded history. An unusually warm January followed in the new year, with most weather stations in Florida trending three or four degrees above normal in the past month. Karin …
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