WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Forest Park reopens after $3.6 million renovation paid for by Wild Places and Public Spaces money. “The park, which has been closed since February, has been transformed, and every element …
Read More »UF alumni works to rebuild community devastated by the Maui wildfires
Scott Kirby and his wife, Dana, grew up in South Florida, graduated from the University of Florida, and built their careers in the state before moving to Maui more than 20 years ago. They are among the Lahaina residents struggling to rebuild after the devastating wildfires.
Read More »Two-week tax break on hurricane supplies begins Saturday
This Saturday marks the start of Florida’s second Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday. It runs through Friday, Sept. 8. The two-week holiday, which first started May 27 through June 9, allows Florida residents to save on hurricane preparedness supplies. In May, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7063, extending the …
Read More »Doctor urges Fourth of July revelers to practice safety and avoid an ER visit
Some 10,200 people were treated for fireworks-related accidents in hospital emergency rooms in 2022, according to an annual report.
Read More »Killer whale carcass at UF to be transferred to nation’s capital by end of summer
The carcass of a killer whale that was found on a Palm Coast beach nearly six months ago will be transported to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., by the end of the summer. University of Florida scientists have been studying the carcass at an undisclosed UF facility.
Read More »Federal judge rejects Florida’s ban on Medicaid coverage on gender-affirming care
TALLAHASSEE — Calling the state’s policy “invidious discrimination” against transgender people, a federal judge ruled that Florida’s prohibition against Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle’s ruling Wednesday largely echoed a decision he issued earlier this month in …
Read More »Gainesville City Commission resolution in support of gender-affirming care a sign of solidarity with Florida’s LGBTQ community
The Gainesville City Commission voted unanimously to pass a non-binding resolution supporting gender-affirming care a week ago. The move is a meaningful gesture in the fight against legislation that harms LGBTQ individuals, according to Gators for Gender Affirming Care.
Read More »Recreational marijuana to be reviewed by Florida Supreme Court after voter petition
Randy Rembert started growing hemp four years ago at his Hawthorne farm. In April 2022, he applied for a medical marijuana cultivation license. If granted, he’ll join the 5% of Florida licensed hemp farm owners who are Black. The medical marijuana license will allow the fourth-generation farmer to sell recreational …
Read More »The Point, May 30, 2023: Nine injured after Memorial Day shooting
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Gainesville’s Evergreen Cemetery hosts Memorial Day service to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. “Gainesville’s Evergreen Cemetery Memorial Day service held on Monday offered a chance for community connection …
Read More »DeSantis signs bills targeting drag shows, transgender kids and the use of bathrooms and pronouns
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed bills Wednesday that ban gender-affirming care for minors, target drag shows, restrict discussion of personal pronouns in schools and force people to use certain bathrooms. DeSantis has made anti-LGBTQ+ legislation a large part of his agenda as he prepares to seek the …
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