By Brendan Rivers Communities across Florida are already grappling with aging septic tanks, which leak into groundwater and are considered a leading cause of toxic algae blooms. As sea level rise is expected to worsen that situation, the state and cities are beginning to tackle the expensive task of converting septic systems to sewer or newer septic technologies. It’s no small challenge. Floridians are estimated to be using 2.6 million septic systems, most of them the conventional variety with two
Read More »Real Estate And Sea Level Rise: A Buyer’s Guide
By Brendan Rivers In the Tampa Bay area, Pinellas County is teaching real estate agents how to field questions about flooding — an increasingly common concern when homebuyers talk to Realtors. “They really are the boots on the ground for all of the floodplain managers everywhere,” said Lisa Foster, the county’s floodplain administrator. She developed the Real Estate Flood Disclosure training program, a first of its kind in Florida. Realtors are eager, she said, to take the classes on everything
Read More »All Alachua, Marion County Nursing Homes Comply With State’s Generator Requirement As Hurricane Season Begins
Most counties in north central Florida are compliant, including Levy, Gilchrist, Columbia, Union, Bradford and Putnam.
Read More »Addicts Helping Addicts: Opioid Recovery Care Pilot Program To Expand After Dramatic Drop In Overdoses
The city of Jacksonville has seen a 70 percent drop in repeat opioid overdoses in the past year thanks to a new program that immediately introduces overdose patients rehabilitation and treatment resources during their initial visit to the emergency department.
Read More »Florida Youth Voter Turnout Increases With New Early Voting Sites
Sporting a baseball cap and a Florida Gators hoodie, Matthew Hunter walked into the University of Florida’s J. Wayne Reitz Union on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, excited to vote for the first time. His heart sank just a bit when he first saw the line of others waiting to vote …
Read More »FEMA Workers Spreading Word About Assistance After Irma
FEMA personnel from around the U.S. have descended upon Florida to assist residents with aid after Hurricane Irma tore through the state. WUFT News rode along with FEMA workers in Duval County as they visited with residents and informed them of their options.
Read More »Hurricane Irma Recovery Updates For North Central Florida
Live Blog Hurricane Irma Original Post Schools: Alachua County: closed through Tuesday Clay County: district schools and offices will remain closed through Wednesday, September 13th College of Central Florida: closed Friday and Monday Dixie County: closed Friday and Monday Duval County: early dismissal Thursday and closed Friday Hernando County: closed Thursday and Friday …
Read More »Death Penalty Opponents Protest Asay State Execution
On Thursday Mark Asay was sentenced to death for the 1987 murders of two Jacksonville men, after nearly 30 years of waiting on death row. His case sparked controversy, as some of its circumstances were debated for decades.
Read More »State Grapples With Increase In Card Skimmers
Credit-card skimming devices at Florida gas stations and stores are on a dramatic rise this year. State figures show 315 skimmers had been discovered at Florida gas pumps through July 18, compared to 120 skimmers discovered through the first seven months of 2016.
Read More »Critics Call For Veto Of Massive Education Bill
After lawmakers ignored their calls to vote down HB 7069, which covers everything from charter schools and teacher bonuses to school uniforms and sunscreen, opponents of the measure have turned to Gov. Rick Scott as their last hope to stop the proposal from becoming law.
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