A Florida man sentenced to death for the 1988 attack on a woman who was sexually assaulted and killed with a hammer, then set on fire in her own bed, is set for execution Thursday after dropping all his appeals and saying he was ready to die. James Phillip Barnes, …
Read More »Florida school shooting reenactment set for Aug. 4 using live ammunition, judge told
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The reenactment of a 2018 mass shooting at a Florida high school will take place early next month as part of a civil lawsuit and will use live ammunition with a bullet safety device, a judge was told Thursday. Circuit Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips endorsed an agreement reached …
Read More »Deputy acquitted of all charges for failing to act during deadly Parkland school shooting
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A Florida sheriff’s deputy was acquitted Thursday of felony child neglect and other charges for failing to act during the 2018 Parkland school massacre, concluding the first trial in U.S. history of a law enforcement officer for conduct during an on-campus shooting. Former Broward County Deputy Scot …
Read More »Convicted killer Duane Owens is executed for murders of two Florida women
Duane Eugene Owens, who was convicted of the murder and sexual battery of a Delray Beach teenager and a Boca Raton woman, was executed Thursday at Florida State Prison in Raiford.
Read More »The Point, May 19, 2023: Disney opts against $1B investment in Florida campus
The corporation made the decision as a yearlong feud evolves into a legal battle.
Read More »Here’s how 18 big issues settled from the 2023 Florida legislative session
TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers ended the 2023 legislative session Friday. During the 60-day session, the Republican-controlled House and Senate passed numerous high-profile bills that lined up with priorities of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Here are snapshots of 18 different issues, with links to relevant WUFT coverage over the past several months: …
Read More »The Point, May 8, 2023: Special report: Exploring the latest in the battle against citrus greening
UF’s shrinking orchard is an emblem of the statewide groves its researchers are trying to save.
Read More »Former death row inmates slam new Florida law making it easier to impose capital punishment
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – With Florida making it easier for juries to impose the death sentence, two formerly condemned inmates who are still behind bars are warning that the change gives too much power over life and death to elected prosecutors. Their concerns are at odds with some families of murder …
Read More »The Point, May 2, 2023: School board term limits head to DeSantis
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Six former Florida Gators selected during NFL Draft. “It was a great weekend for Florida Gator football, as six former players were selected in the NFL Draft, including Gainesville local …
Read More »The Point, April 21, 2023: Gainesville drag community reacts to drag ban bill
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Gainesville drag community wary of Florida drag ban bill. “For Gainesville-based drag queen Star Shine, drag has always been connected with family.” • Mainstreet Daily News: GNV reapproves solar after …
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