Cassidy Whitson

Olivia Pitts, 3, has lived with cerebral palsy her whole life. Now, her community has pulled together to provide her with a service dog..

An executive action to be issued by Governor Scott would reduce the number of tests Florida students are required to take. Subsequent legislation would eliminate progress-monitoring requirements, make certain exams optional and reassess how to evaluate teachers in public schools.

A bill introduced by Rep. Ed Narain would pay up for to $16,000 in student loan debt for qualified candidates. Candidates must be a graduate of a state university, obtain a teaching certificate, be employed by a school district and teach any STEM subject at a public school within Florida for at least eight consecutive years.

Law school enrollment of minorities has been on the decline since 1993 nationally. The decline has raised concerns over equality in the educational system.

Students show off their intelligent inventions at Robot Demo Day on the University of Florida Campus. The bi-annual event has been around since 1994, giving students the opportunity to network and show their talent to companies.

The Partnership for Strong Families held a holiday toy drive to distribute gifts to over 1,000 disadvantaged children in Alachua County on Wednesday at Northwest Baptist Church. The drive will continue until Friday.

Homeless individuals in Alachua County find ways to cope with the cold weather. Some choose to sleep inside at shelters like Grace Marketplace, while others prefer to stay outside with their possessions, rely on friendship to stay warm.

Marion County Salvation Army had its annual Red Kettle Kickoff on Wednesday. The organization hopes to raise an extra $11,000 this holiday season.

A project to renovate the historic Blanche Hotel in downtown Lake City will soon be underway. Lake City Mayor Stephen Witt said he is hoping the renovations bring new allure to downtown Lake City.

Members of the community gathered in Pugh Hall on Wednesday to support Charlie Crist in the 2014 gubernatorial election.