December 1, 2022
Human Interest
Of the thousands of motorists who drive southbound Interstate 75 every day, hundreds take the Exit 374 ramp toward Micanopy, and they all pass Sharon James and Tim Rader. James and Rader have been “off and on” homeless for over 20 years and have been in Florida since 2016. They spend their days panhandling at the exit and return to their tent in the woods at night, where they weathered Hurricane Ian and Tropical Storm Nicole.
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December 1, 2022
Florida Good
In partnership with Winn Dixie, Pepsi donated $50,000 to the Alan and Cathy Hitchcock Field and Fork Pantry. The donations came in the form of $20,000 in Winn Dixie gift cards donated by Pepsi, as well as $5,000 in groceries courtesy of Winn Dixie. According to the University of Florida’s …
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November 25, 2022
Florida Good, Holidays
Food banks and pantries in Alachua County are facing more challenges than usual this season thanks to a rise in the price of groceries, the aftermath of Hurricane Ian and an increase in demand.
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November 16, 2022
Florida Votes, Government and politics, Law and public safety
Florida’s outgoing Democratic agricultural commissioner, Nikki Fried, is asking the Justice Department to knock down former President Donald Trump’s claims that he used the FBI to help Gov. Ron DeSantis win the gubernatorial race in 2018. Last week, Trump said in an online post without citing any evidence that he …
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November 15, 2022
Human Interest
His Compassion Food Bank in Ocala has canceled Thursday food distribution for the last three weeks because of a lack of food supply. An increase in the number of families in need and a decrease in donated food products are problems food banks face throughout the state and nationwide as a result of inflation.
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November 8, 2022
Florida Votes
Florida House Yvonne Hayes Hinson vs. Hollye Merton Winning close to two-thirds of the vote, Yvonne Hayes Hinson glided into her second term as a state House representative, this time for District 21. In keeping incumbent Yvonne Hayes Hinson, a majority of voters chose to advocate for more liberal policies, …
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November 2, 2022
Arts and Entertainment, Human Interest
Florida Gator fans already have a reason to love Tom Petty; the lyrics of his 1989 hit “I Won’t Back Down” echo through Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during every home football game. Now fans have more reason to love the late Gainesville native and rock icon after several donations to the community have been made in his honor. A gift of $25,000 was made to the Cade Museum on Petty’s behalf by his daughter, Adria Petty, in October. Jennifer Dempsey, the marketing manager for the Cade Museum, said the donation will go toward Operation Full Steam, an outreach program serving students in Title I schools in Alachua County.
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October 28, 2022
Business and development
Twenty-three families partnered last weekend to host the first annual Northwood Pines and Northwood Oaks community yard sale. To some, the event was an opportunity to fundraise for their beloved charities, while others had fun simply getting rid of clutter and making an extra buck. Families donated earnings to Hurricane …
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October 26, 2022
Arts and Entertainment, Business and development, Florida Good, LGBTQ+
After traveling almost 1,000 miles in her RV to make the move from Dallas, Texas to Gainesville one week ago, 41-year-old SolAmor Ildefonso found herself at the Queer Maker’s Market at 4th Ave Food Park Tuesday. About 15 vendors – all of whom identify with the queer community – set …
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October 24, 2022
Agriculture, Animals, Business and development, Florida Good, Human Interest, Statewide, Weather
Louisa Barton had no idea that one Facebook message would change the trajectory of her next few weeks. Immediately after Hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida, Barton opened her phone up to a direct message from Kelly Moore, a member of the Ocala Equestrian Community. Moore reached out to get support …
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WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
