“We couldn’t take it anymore, the constant fear that one of us could be disappeared by ICE,” Silva said in an interview translated from Portuguese. “We wanted to stay in Florida where we’ve built our life, but my kids deserve a place where they feel safe and welcome.”

The Democrat-backed bills would ban the sales of assault-style weapons or magazines that carry more than 10 bullets, require background checks to buy ammunition, limit where guns can be carried and make drivers lock away guns inside their cars.

Community members gathered at Veterans Memorial Park in Gainesville on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, to honor military service members during the county’s annual Veterans Day celebration, despite frigid temperatures.

Karen Fiore, a long-time Archer resident and vocal presence at city meetings, will be sworn in on Monday as the newest Archer city commissioner amid the city’s ongoing financial struggles. Archer had amassed $1.3 million in debt as of January. She said she has one goal in mind: to help Archer stay financially afloat.

As SNAP benefits have been put on hold, people from all walks of life are visiting area food pantries — some for the first time — to make ends meet.

A court ruling Thursday morning paused the transfer of control of Gainesville Regional Utilities until it settles legal issues following Tuesday's referendum in which Gainesville voters overwhelmingly approved returning control to the city.

With only a single issue on the ballot, more than 75% of voters chose to return control of City of Gainesville utilities to the city government.

The legislation, sponsored by Republican Sen. Erin Grall of Fort Pierce, would broaden the types of damages recoverable, including medical and funeral expenses and compensation for emotional suffering, whether the unborn child’s death, caused by a negligent act, is classified as stillbirth or miscarriage.

High Springs voters reelected Tristan Grunder to City Commission Seat 3 on Tuesday and voted to pass an amendment to an alcohol ordinance, lifting restrictions on which businesses can sell alcohol on Sunday.

Gainesville voters overwhelmingly approved a measure Tuesday to return control of the city’s utility to the City of Gainesville, a rejection of Republican efforts to install a GOP-appointed board from Tallahassee.