The Point

The Point, Sept. 29, 2023: Republican candidates slam Trump in second GOP debate

WUFT | By WUFT News,

WUFT News

Published September 29, 2023 at 12:00 PM EDT

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The stories near you

• WUFT News: DeSantis, candidates slam Trump in second Republican debate. "The debate went full circle as it started and ended in the same way: candidates telling the audience they planned to defeat the former Republican leader."

• Florida Storms: Hurricane Ian, 1 year later: A story of resiliency and hope. "Floridians are still picking up what was lost a year ago during Hurricane Ian, a deadly and destructive Category 4 storm. Sept. 28 marks the one-year anniversary of Ian plowing through the state, making landfall near Cayo Costa in Lee County."

• WUFT News: Florida proposes bill to permit bear killing in self-defense. "Under the bill, people can kill bears without authorization or permits if the person feels threatened. However, a person cannot lure a bear or provoke an attack and must contact the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee within 24 hours so they can dispose of the remains."

• WCJB: ‘So much reckless driving’: Melrose residents voice concerns about State Road 26 to FDOT. "Rodrigues is one of several, worried about speeding and accidents on State Road 26. Rodrigues said her friend lost her life in a car accident last week on State Road 26."

• Mainstreet Daily News: Gainesville to eliminate City Hall fountain, renovate entire plaza. "Gainesville’s City Hall Plaza will get a remodel over the next year after a Thursday vote to remove the fountain and pools on the grounds and create a new space."

• The Alligator: Frustration builds at Midtown hotspot Italian Gator Pizza amid ongoing theft incidents. "For more than four years, students have stolen signs and condiment shakers from the beloved pizza restaurant — located at 1728 W University Ave. — often stuffing items down their pants or shoving a parmesan shaker in their purses."

• Mainstreet Daily News: Chiefland attorney appointed to Levy County Court. "Bustamante will fill the judicial vacancy following the retirement of Judge James Browning."

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Around the state

• WUSF-Tampa:Despite minimum wage increase and growing Florida economy, many workers are struggling. "Experts say not all workers in the labor market are benefitting equally from high job growth and low unemployment in Florida."

• WLRN-Miami: Surfside officials give conditional OK to preserving Champlain memorial space. "In a 3-2 vote, following hours of impassioned testimony, Surfside commissioners agreed to conditionally approve requiring developer DAMAC International to modify its plans and preserve 88th Street for the memorial park."

• Associated Press: Disney World government will give employees stipend after backlash for taking away park passes. "The stipend will be $3,000 a year, which is around the equivalent value of the theme park passes, Glen Gilzean, district administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, told board members during a meeting Wednesday evening. The board then unanimously approved the stipend."

• WMFE-Orlando: Florida's Chinese community calls for reform, repeal of law that limits property ownership. "Members of Florida’s Chinese community met virtually with local and national attorneys, activists, and legislators Tuesday evening to call for the repeal or reform of SB-264, a law that limits real estate owners of some foreign nationals."

• News Service of Florida: Nearly a thousand claims have been paid after Port of Tampa gas contamination. "The state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said that Citgo has closed 950 claims, resulting in more than $447,000 in auto repairs or reimbursements."

• WFSU-Tallahassee: Protecting pets is an important part of hurricane planning. "Florida’s hurricane season continues through the end of November. Officials are urging residents to stay prepared, and they say that includes having a plan for pets."

• WLRN-Miami: How two childcare centers used COVID money - and prepare for it to run out. "It is one of the thousands of child care centers nationwide preparing for the financial challenge beginning in October when billions of dollars of federal grant money expires."