WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
There apparently will not be any monkey business in Levy County. Plans for a primate research lab in this rural north central Florida county have been shelved. And many residents, still harboring anxieties about the idea, say good riddance. “It’s bad enough that it’s gonna be a monkey lab, and …
Read More »Medical marijuana usage is increasing in America
Not only did COVID-19 unleash a virus that affected the entire globe, but the growing pandemic also triggered an epidemic of anxiety and depression among America’s Generation Z and millennial populations. And many people turned to cannabis, as opposed to prescribed medication, to calm their minds. In 2021, cannabis sales increased to $30 billion, 40% higher than the previous year. The United States is expected to make up 75% of global cannabis sales in 2026.
Read More »Gainesville becomes first city in Florida to apply ‘fair chance hiring’ to private employers
The ordinance prevents employers from running a criminal background check on a candidate until after making a conditional offer of employment.
Read More »The Point, Dec. 15, 2022: Alachua County withdraws from east Gainesville affordable housing project
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • Gainesville Sun ($): County votes to withdraw support for affordable housing project in east Gainesville. “The 96-unit development, known as Dogwood Village, was planned for the corner of Southeast Eighth Avenue and …
Read More »Hawthorne Middle/High School has a new principal
When Ginger Stanford threw her graduation cap in the air and earned her high school diploma from Hawthorne High School in 1991, she knew she would come back to her high school after college. But, she didn’t envision herself being the principal. Stanford became the new principal at Hawthorne Middle/High School in September after being a teacher and assistant principal for more than 25 years.
Read More »The Point, Dec. 14, 2022: Gainesville releases financial report almost 6 months late
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WCJB: The city of Gainesville released its financial auditing reports, which were approved unanimously. “The city of Gainesville’s 2020-2021 fiscal report was late by almost six months.” • Gainesville Sun ($): Does …
Read More »An inside look at GRACE Marketplace’s animal welfare services
GRACE Marketplace’s animal welfare program extends GRACE’s services to homeless individuals with pets. GRACE partners with St. Francis Pet Care to provide residents with vaccines and any treatment or operation the pet may need. GRACE also uses grants and donations to provide them with pet food.
Read More »‘I don’t care what she says’: Prosecutor says ex-congressional candidate mischaracterizes agreement in hacking case
Former Florida congressional candidate and fired pandemic health manager Rebekah Jones agreed in a court document to admit she was guilty of a hacking-related felony. But she now disputes prosecutors’ claims that she illegally used a government messaging service to send mass texts criticizing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ handling of the …
Read More »The Point, Dec. 9, 2022: State Rep. Joe Harding resigns
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • Ocala Gazette: State Rep. Joe Harding resigns. “Marion County Supervisor of Elections, Wesley Wilcox, indicated that a special election would likely be ordered by the Secretary of State- but when that election …
Read More »The Point, Dec. 8, 2022: Rep. Joe Harding indicted on wire fraud, money laundering charges
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • Florida Politics: Joe Harding indicted on wire fraud, money laundering charges. “Harding, an Ocala Republican recently elected to his second term representing District 24, was released Wednesday on a $10,000 bond.” • …
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