WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Heavy smoke this morning throughout North Central Florida has reduced visibility on roadways and made for hazardous driving conditions. While the fire in Levy Prairie just over the Alachua-Putnam county line may bring in some smoke, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Ludie Bond says the main source of the smoke is from …
Read More »The smell of smoke is in the air
With heavy smoke hanging in the air around North Central Florida, county health officials are urging people to stay indoors. Alachua County Health Department Medical Executive Director John Colon says even the healthiest person can expect to see some side effects from the smoke. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/04/COLON1.mp3] He says those with allergy …
Read More »Co-existing with Florida’s black bear
With human and black bear populations on the rise in Florida, people in rural North Central Florida have had an increased number of encounters with this native species. The Umatilla bear festival occurred this past Saturday to give humans a bear’s eye-view of life in the forest. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s …
Read More »Water survey finds levels more stable than previously thought
A four year study of some North Central Florida waterways has come up with encouraging results. WUFT-FM’s Rachel Stern says levels are stable. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/02/OCKLAWAHAWRAP.mp3]
Read More »National mortgage plan may not resonate in Gainesville
Nationwide, struggling owners are expecting relief following a mortgage deal struck by the federal government and many large banks, but Gainesville/Alachua County Association of Realtors President Craig Wilburn says it may not be the long term solution North Central Florida really needs. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/02/WILBURN2.mp3] The plan outlines two possible paths for …
Read More »Reviewing the events of the “Boardwalk Fire”
Traffic is running again in both the north and southbound lanes on I-75 and U.S. 441 in Alachua County following yesterday’s deadly pileup. As Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Marc Whiteman reports, officials from all of North Central Florida have provided assistance. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/BoardwalkFireMWwrap.mp3] In the wake of the most devastating interstate pileup …
Read More »Homeless project grants provide more than just shelter
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has handed down $72 million in grants for homeless housing projects around Florida. While many North Central Florida programs will benefit, WUFT-FM’s Stephanie Brown says one group bringing home a slice of that money has truly changed lives. [audio:http://www.wuft.org/news/files/2012/01/HOMELESSGRANTWRAP.mp3]
Read More »Unemployment falls to lowest level in three years
New numbers released today show the U.S. economy added about 200,000 jobs in December, bringing the unemployment rate down to 8.5%, the lowest rate in nearly 3 years. This continues a 6-month trend in which the economy has added 100,000 or more jobs each month. Workforce Connection CEO Rusty Skinner …
Read More »Operation Migration hoping to get back in the air soon
A yearly north central Florida tradition is having trouble taking flight. Operation Migration, which leads a group of whooping cranes from Wisconsin to winter locations around Florida, is grounded in Alabama because of regulatory problems. Board of Directors member David Sakrison says if the dispute is not settled quickly, the …
Read More »Search for fugitive continues around Marion County
US Marshals are searching for a man who fled authorities in two North Central Florida counties yesterday. 41-year-old Michael Richard Maser is wanted in Sumter County for unlawful sexual activity with a minor and is now considered a fugitive after fleeing deputies in Citrus and Marion counties. US Marshal Service …
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