Every week, journalists at the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications report important stories for people in the North Central Florida area and beyond. This is The Rewind from WUFT News, a look into some of the strongest reporting from our newsroom and a discussion with the journalists who write these stories.
The 30-minute episode features a deeper dive into our top stories of the week. In this episode, we discuss a news desert in Gilchrist County, school board changes to Camp Crystal Lake and two UF students working to find a cure to their rare disease.
Part 1: North central Florida newspapers attempt to remedy Gilchrist County news desert
After 91 years, the Gilchrist County Journal decided to print its final newspaper. This leaves the county without a local news source, effectively creating a news desert.
Though nearby papers are trying to fill in the gaps, the paper leaves behind a long and beloved legacy. WUFT Reporter Alan Halaly spoke about the gap this newspaper is leaving behind, and what it will mean for this small but tight-knit community in this interview.
Part 2: Alachua County School Board eyes changes to Camp Crystal Lake, former superintendent calls for external investigation
Camp Crystal Lake, a summer camp owned and funded by the Alachua County School board, was recently under investigation for misuse of taxpayer money. After a look into the camp’s management, the director, Scott Burton, was cleared of any charges relating to the camp’s finances.
However, the school board and surrounding members of the community are advising changes and having discussions about the camp’s accessibility to local students. Katie Hyson, WUFT's inequity reporter and Report for America member, reported on the history of the camp and how its management is raising questions across the school board.
Part 3: Two UF students are working to end their rare disease, Friedreich’s Ataxia
Two UF students are working to end their rare disease through research, raising awareness and donations. The students dreamed of finding a cure for Friedrich’s Ataxia, a neuromuscular disorder since they found out they were diagnosed.
WUFT Reporter Lexi Carson spoke about her reporting on what this disease is and how it has affected Christian Maugee, 22, and Shandra Trantham, 24.