The Lancaster Correctional Institution is a level IV youthful offender facility for male inmates between the ages of 15 and 24. Operated by the Florida Department of Corrections, it is located in Trenton, Florida and can house up to 730 minimum, medium, and closed-custody inmates. The Marine Service Technology Program …
Read More »Lubee Bat Conservancy holds 19th annual Bat Festival
The Lubee Bat Conservancy is working hard to breed rare, exotic bats to support the wild populations of bats across the globe. They promoted this effort with the 19th annual Bat Festival. Event attendees like Tulpa Black, 36, were enthralled by the furry creatures at the festival. “They eat mosquitoes. …
Read More »Prosecutors formally charge man accused of crashing stolen excavator into Walmart
Florida prosecutors have decided to formally proceed with their criminal case against the man who took a stolen excavator for a joyride and crashed into a Walmart store, causing estimated damages of $2 million. Police said Jesse Charles Smith, 47, of Trenton, hot-wired and stole a large construction excavator Sept. …
Read More »The Point, Oct. 4, 2023: Low air quality in Florida from Canadian wildfires
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: New lawsuit seeks to block DeSantis’ appointments to control city’s utility. “Members of Gainesville Resident United Inc. filed a lawsuit Monday against Gov. Ron DeSantis for his appointees to the …
Read More »Living alongside coyotes, Floridians defend their livlihoods
The North Central Florida terrain is home to what some call an unwanted visitor. In areas like Fort White, Trenton and Bell, packs of coyotes often leave traces behind. From murdered chickens to attacked cats, the area has seen its fair share of encounters. Andrew Nettles is a Trenton, Florida …
Read More »Newly released video shows police with assault rifles searching inside Walmart for rogue excavator driver
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Carrying assault rifles through a local Walmart, police officers can be seen on newly released video moving past startled shoppers looking for a shirtless man who they said just crashed a stolen excavator into the building and caused $2 million in damages across the popular shopping district. …
Read More »Man accused of crashing excavator into Walmart ordered to face mental health evaluation
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A judge has ordered a man accused of stealing an excavator and running it into several buildings to undergo a mental health evaluation before he can be released on bail. Jesse Charles Smith, 47, of Trenton, Florida, was arrested late Monday in Gainesville. Police accused him of …
Read More »The Point, Sept. 13, 2023: State wants to toss residents’ lawsuit against GRU law
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Trenton man who hijacked an excavator caused an estimated $2 million in property damage. “Police say Smith has been charged with one count of grand theft, four counts of criminal …
Read More »Trenton man who hijacked an excavator caused an estimated $2 million in property damage
Police say a Trenton man stole construction equipment and went on a destructive spree just after 10 p.m. Monday causing an estimated $2 million in property damage to four businesses, according to early estimates. Police say Jesse Charles Smith, 47, hot-wired an excavator at a construction site and drove it …
Read More »Man drives stolen excavator through a wall at Butler Plaza Walmart, police say
Gainesville Police posted a brief description of the crash that also damaged power poles and lines in the area. A suspect is in police custody.
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