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: Lawtey police threatened to arrest a traffic stop bystander. What we can learn from the incident. “Lawtey Police Capt. Nathan Blom backed the officers’ response. He said (Jessica) Kreitzer could …
Read More »Zip line at Haile Quarry hopes to create economic growth
Spain Development LLC projects their newest project will bring over $800,000 a year worth of jobs to the city of Newberry. The adventure park is estimated to have around 14 shifts a day, with employees making an hourly wage plus additional tips from guests. Karl Spain, owner of Spain Development, …
Read More »Mobile home donated to deter crime in Marion County
The home comes in all different shapes and sizes. It sets in many different places. Sometimes it sets in the middle of a park. At least, that’s the goal of Marion County Parks and Recreation Director Jim Couillard. “We will dedicate an area of the park,” Couillard said, “We’ll give …
Read More »The Point, Feb. 20, 2023: Alachua County approves surtax plans
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Alachua County Commission moves forward with plans for surtax revenue. “Alachua County’s elected leaders have approved two new plans on how they will use $188 million in taxpayer money.” • …
Read More »Alachua County Commission moves forward with plans for surtax revenue
Alachua County’s elected leaders have approved two new plans on how they will use $188 million in taxpayer money. In November 2022, voters in Alachua County helped pass an infrastructure surtax that will be in place for the next 10 years. It’s a 1% sales tax, equating to one cent …
Read More »Florida Springs Council announces big legal win
The Florida Springs Council announced a legal victory last week. In a Facebook post, the council said the Florida First District Court of Appeal had reversed a lower court’s decision in a legal battle that has been ongoing since 2019. In 2016, the Florida Legislature passed the Florida Springs and …
Read More »The family learning center at Metcalfe Elementary aims to narrow the achievement gap in east Gainesville
Renovation work continues on the Early Learning Center at Metcalf Elementary School, which is expected to open in June. GNV4ALL is organizing public service campaigns to reach parents in need of the services the learning center will offer.
Read More »The Point, Feb. 16, 2023: Florida school board races could become partisan
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Residents asked to review Santa Fe Watershed Flood Risk maps. “The Suwannee River Water Management District has completed a flood-risk review of the Santa Fe River Watershed.” • WUFT News: …
Read More »The Point, Feb. 9, 2023: East Gainesville fights landfill expansion – again
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: East Gainesville neighbors fight the expansion of a landfill in their backyard – again. “To the west of the landfill is Showers of Blessings church. To the north, an organic …
Read More »Wild Spaces and Public Places funding increases accessibility at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
In pursuit of winter cranes, bird enthusiast Tom Jackson drove from Tallahassee to Gainesville. His destination: Sweetwater Wetlands Park, renowned for its unique array of birds. When the 72-year-old walked into the park he was treated to a surprise. Right away, he noticed a sign about tram tours. “It looked …
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