WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
As House Bill 1 “Combating Public Disorder” passed the Florida House of Representatives Friday, activist groups rallied in Orlando to protest the legislation.
Read More »Groups Rally In Orlando As Anti-Riot Bill ‘HB 1’ Passes Florida House
Putnam School Board Votes To Keep Open Melrose Elementary School But Close Others
The school board passed the updated revitalization plan that will save Melrose with a vote of 3-2.
Read More »Parents Fight To Save Melrose Elementary School From Closure, Await Feb. 16 Vote
The associate superintendent says the district will endorse the new plan that would keep Melrose open, but until the school board officially votes on Tuesday, parents will be apprehensive.
Read More »See Who Won The 2020 North Central Florida County-Level Elections
All results are unofficial until county-level canvassing boards certify votes later this month.
Read More »Florida Votes 2020: What To Expect In The Putnam County Primary Election
Custom guide for voters in the 2020 Putnam County Primary Election, Aug. 18.
Read More »Little Orange Creek Reopens With “Relaxing And De-Stressful” Nature Day
The bridge and the road leading to the creek’s entrance on Southeast Hawthorne Road had been closed until six months ago because of construction on State Road 20.
Read More »Sandy Soil And Rising Seas Spell Septic Tank Disaster In Florida
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 »Melrose Area Dog Attacks Threaten Neighbors, Livestock
Groups of dogs have been demolishing cages and chicken coops, attacking livestock and harassing community members in Melrose and Keystone Heights. Despite residents' calls to animal services, very little has been done to address the issue in the rural neighborhoods.
Read More »Behind The History That Rochelle’s Trio Of Giant Trees Have Witnessed
Witness Tree Junction, a trailhead along the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail in Prairie Creek Preserve, features towering pine trees and swampy soil — and a deep history dating back to 1812.
Read More »Where In The World Is John Belushi? The Disappearance Of A Melrose Landmark
For nearly five years, two statues have greeted visitors outside of an old art gallery along State Road 26 in Melrose. The sculptures depicting the likenesses of John Belushi and Dan Akyroyd’s characters Jake and Elwood from the 1980 film The Blues Brothers have become a local landmark, but now the one of the sculptures is missing.
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