WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Lawmakers will iron out differences between the two chambers’ budget plans before wrapping up the 2021 legislative session on April 30.
Read More »Florida Senate Scales Back Prison Closure Plan
Rural Leaders Worry About ‘Devastating’ Prison Closures
A plan to shut down up to four Florida state prisons is drawing concern from officials in rural areas, where some rely on correctional facilities for jobs.
Read More »Cedar Key Bridge Construction Meets Mixed Emotions From Residents
On a one-way bridge connecting the largest tourism district in Cedar Key, yellow caution tape hangs from six roadblocks forming a circle around holes separating the sidewalk from the road. A red “Sidewalk Closed” sign warns motorists and people passing through to nearby motels, restaurants and other businesses of one …
Read More »‘Retreat’ Not An Option For A California Beach Town, But It’s Already Happening In Duval County
By Jessica Palombo & Nathan Rott, NPR In Jacksonville Beach, Kimberlee Prescott is selling her home to the county so it can be torn down. The house, built just over two decades ago at 3640 Sanctuary Way S., is located in unfortunate proximity to a Florida Department of Transportation drainage culvert along Butler Boulevard. After Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, rain and storm surges caused “tremendous damage, expense, time loss, and disruption to the homeowner and her family,” according to Jacksonville
Read More »Cost Doubles For Restoration Project At Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park
The original estimated cost to renovate the Hartman House was around $200,000 before J. E. Decker Construction thoroughly analyzed the building.
Read More »St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Torn Down Ahead Of Meeting That Might Have Preserved It
Deconstruction on the building began Wednesday, within hours of the City of Gainesville issuing a demolition permit.
Read More »Gainesville’s Historic Preservation Board Wants To Save St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
Gainesville's Historical Preservation Board nominated St. Michael’s Episcopal Church to be added to the local register, potentially saving it from being torn down. The Episcopal Diocese of Florida would prefer to raze the structure and develop the land.
Read More »“Dangerous Building” Backlog Is Too Much For Gainesville’s Annual City Budget
The city of Gainesville has nearly 100 properties on it's Dangerous Building list, but only $27,000 a year to deal with the decrepit homes and buildings.
Read More »As Hurley House Comes Down, Catholic Gators Set Plans For New Student Activity Center
The Catholic Gators are preparing for a new home this summer as they say goodbye to Hurley House and anticipate ground breaking for a new student activity center.
Read More »