WEATHER ALERT
UF nursing student project leads to human trafficking arrests
Read full article: UF nursing student project leads to human trafficking arrestsJust three months in, Katelyn Watts’ graduate student project rescued several victims of human trafficking and became part of a hospital system’s screening process.
Do any sex offenders, predators live along your trick-or-treating route? Here's how to find out
Read full article: Do any sex offenders, predators live along your trick-or-treating route? Here's how to find outSex offenders also have specific rules about what they can and can't do around Halloween, depending on what county they live in. We've compiled a county-by-county breakdown of those rules and regulations.
Over 40 Florida counties eligible to file 2023 taxes by May 2025, IRS says
Read full article: Over 40 Florida counties eligible to file 2023 taxes by May 2025, IRS saysAccording to the IRS, residents in nearly 40 counties throughout Florida will have until May 1, 2025, to finish filing their 2023 taxes.
Sandbags still being offered in Alachua County as Hurricane Milton closes in on Florida
Read full article: Sandbags still being offered in Alachua County as Hurricane Milton closes in on FloridaNeighbors should prepare themselves, their families and their property as this storm is expected to bring 4-8 inches of rain to the Gainesville area.
Alachua County waives restrictions on yard debris from Hurricane Helene in unincorporated areas
Read full article: Alachua County waives restrictions on yard debris from Hurricane Helene in unincorporated areasAlachua County has waived restrictions on yard debris from Hurricane Helene in unincorporated areas.
Sandbags, shelters, closures: Northeast Florida’s inland counties prepare for Helene
Read full article: Sandbags, shelters, closures: Northeast Florida’s inland counties prepare for HeleneOfficials from Northeast Florida’s inland counties are preparing for what will become Hurricane Helene before it hits the Florida Panhandle on Thursday.
2024 Voter's Guide: High Springs commission elections, charter amendments
Read full article: 2024 Voter's Guide: High Springs commission elections, charter amendmentsThe city of High Springs, in Alachua County, is governed by a five-member commission, with each member serving a three-year term. This year, two of the seats are up for election. These races are non-partisan. In addition to the two commission seats, High Springs voters will make decisions on four proposed charter amendments. The commission voted to put the proposals on the ballot, following the work of a charter review committee earlier this year.
2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County & Gainesville ballot questions
Read full article: 2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County & Gainesville ballot questionsAll Alachua County voters will see two local ballot questions in the 2024 general election: a proposed charter amendment and a school district referendum on property taxes. Additionally, voters in Gainesville, which makes up about half of the county's population, will make a choice on a proposed charter amendment.
Sunday is last day to vote early in Duval County ahead of Tuesday’s Florida primary
Read full article: Sunday is last day to vote early in Duval County ahead of Tuesday’s Florida primarySunday is the last day for voters around Northeast Florida to cast an early, in-person ballot ahead of the state’s primary election on Tuesday, for congressional, state and local races.
Gainesville City Commission
Read full article: Gainesville City CommissionTwo seats on the Gainesville City Commission are up for election this year, in non-partisan races. The race for At-Large Seat A will on the ballot for all voters in Gainesville city limits. The other seat, District 1, will only be open to voters in that commission district.
2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County Commission, District 3
Read full article: 2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County Commission, District 3District 3 commissioner Anna Prizzia is seeking re-election this year. Prizzia will face Republican Jenn Garrett in the general election in November. No other candidates filed for this race, so no party primaries were needed for August.
2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County Commission, District 1
Read full article: 2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County Commission, District 1District 1 commissioner Mary Alford is seeking re-election this year. Alford defeated one challenger in the Democratic primary in August, and will face the sole Republican candidate, Lizabeth Ann Doebler, in the general election in November.
2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County Supervisor of Elections
Read full article: 2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County Supervisor of ElectionsIncumbent Alachua County supervisor of elections Kim Barton is seeking re-election this year. Barton, a Democrat, will face Republican Judith Jensen in the general election in November. As each party only had one candidate file for the race, there will not be a primary for this office.
2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County Sheriff
Read full article: 2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County SheriffAlachua County Sheriff Emery Gainey is seeking re-election this year. Gainey, a Republican, faced no opposition in his party’s primary. Chad Scott won a three-way Democratic primary in August. Additionally, a no party affiliation candidate, Pamela Marshall-Koons, will be on the ballot in November.
County-by-county: Government offices, school districts, other agencies announce closures ahead of Hurricane Debby
Read full article: County-by-county: Government offices, school districts, other agencies announce closures ahead of Hurricane DebbySeveral Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia school districts, government offices, and other agencies have announced closures for Monday ahead of Tropical Storm Debby which continues to strengthen while making its way to Florida’s Big Bend.
Evacuation order issued for Alachua County residents; officials say 3 shelters now open
Read full article: Evacuation order issued for Alachua County residents; officials say 3 shelters now openAlachua County officials have issued an evacuation order for residents who live in vulnerable homes ahead of Tropical Storm Debby.
County-by-county: Northeast Florida increasing preparation efforts ahead of Tropical Storm Debby
Read full article: County-by-county: Northeast Florida increasing preparation efforts ahead of Tropical Storm DebbyAs Tropical Depression 4 approaches the Gulf, Northeast Florida counties are increasing their efforts to prepare for the storm, which is expected to have the biggest impact in our area overnight Sunday into Monday morning.
County-by-county: How Northeast Florida is preparing for Potential Tropical Cyclone 4 as it approaches the Gulf
Read full article: County-by-county: How Northeast Florida is preparing for Potential Tropical Cyclone 4 as it approaches the GulfTropical storm watches are warnings were issued in many parts of Florida as Potential Tropical Cyclone 4 approaches the Gulf this weekend.
2024 Voter's Guide: Florida House, District 22
Read full article: 2024 Voter's Guide: Florida House, District 22There is no incumbent on the ballot this year in District 22, which covers western Alachua County and extends west to the Gulf Coast, including Gilchrist and Levy counties. Republican Chuck Clemons couldn’t seek re-election due to term limits.
2024 Voter's Guide: Florida Senate District 9
Read full article: 2024 Voter's Guide: Florida Senate District 9District 9 includes the southern half of Alachua County (everything south of State Roads 26 and 24) as well as all of Marion and Levy counties. Incumbent Republican state senator Keith Perry can’t run again due to term limits. With only one Republican and one Democrat competing for this open seat, this race only appears on the November ballot.
Final days for early voting ahead of Tuesday’s Florida primary
Read full article: Final days for early voting ahead of Tuesday’s Florida primaryVoters around northeast Florida will be able to cast an early, in-person ballot as soon as Monday for the state’s August 20 primary, which includes congressional, state, and local races.
St. Johns, Nassau school districts lead state in Florida’s end-of-year student testing
Read full article: St. Johns, Nassau school districts lead state in Florida’s end-of-year student testingTwo years into Florida’s new form of standardized student testing, two northeast Florida school districts once again have the leading scores in the state, marking student progress at the end of the year.
Gov. DeSantis issues executive orders to investigate Alachua, Baker County Sheriff’s offices
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis issues executive orders to investigate Alachua, Baker County Sheriff’s officesGov. Ron DeSantis issued two executive orders Tuesday that said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.
Woman dead, infant hospitalized in Alachua County after striking large tree off I-75
Read full article: Woman dead, infant hospitalized in Alachua County after striking large tree off I-75A woman in Alachua County is dead and a 3-month-old infant was hospitalized after striking a large tree off I-75, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
Two dead after police pursuit involving stolen vehicle in Alachua County
Read full article: Two dead after police pursuit involving stolen vehicle in Alachua CountyTwo people are dead after a police pursuit involving a stolen vehicle from Alachua County rolled over and struck a cement pole, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
Where to vote, what to bring for Tuesday’s presidential primary, local races in Northeast Florida
Read full article: Where to vote, what to bring for Tuesday’s presidential primary, local races in Northeast FloridaWhile only Republicans are eligible to vote in Tuesday’s presidential preference primary in Florida, three Jacksonville-area municipalities have additional local races on the ballot Tuesday.
Final days of early voting in northeast Florida for presidential primary, local races
Read full article: Final days of early voting in northeast Florida for presidential primary, local racesAhead of Florida’s Presidential Preference Primary on March 19, early voting starts this week across northeast Florida, giving voters an opportunity to cast their ballot in-person, before election day.
FWC changes bass fishing rules in Alachua lakes to ‘make Florida the undisputed trophy bass capital of the world’
Read full article: FWC changes bass fishing rules in Alachua lakes to ‘make Florida the undisputed trophy bass capital of the world’The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new regulations to support trophy bass conservation during its February meeting.
Father arrested on child abuse charge after son jumps out of 3-story apartment to escape, find help, deputies say
Read full article: Father arrested on child abuse charge after son jumps out of 3-story apartment to escape, find help, deputies sayA 15-year-old was severely injured in Gainsville Wednesday after deputies said a 41-year-old man ordered the teen to strip naked and started beating him with a belt, according to a report from WCJB.
Schools back in session Wednesday after severe storms roll out of Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia
Read full article: Schools back in session Wednesday after severe storms roll out of Northeast Florida, Southeast GeorgiaSeveral school districts throughout Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia announced temporary closures in an abundance of caution for the impending threat of severe weather that was forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rains on Tuesday.
NTSB report on plane crash in Alachua County indicates ‘erratic 360 turns’ & ‘numerous climbs & descents’
Read full article: NTSB report on plane crash in Alachua County indicates ‘erratic 360 turns’ & ‘numerous climbs & descents’The National Transportation Safety Board released its report on a plane crash two weeks ago that killed the pilot of a small plane. It indicates several factors in the Alachua County crash.
After reports of a ‘boom,’ Alachua County Sheriff’s Office searching for crashed airplane
Read full article: After reports of a ‘boom,’ Alachua County Sheriff’s Office searching for crashed airplaneA search is on for a plane that is believed to have crashed Tuesday in Alachua County after reports of residents hearing a loud boom, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
23-year-old killed when pickup truck crosses into oncoming traffic on Waldo Road: FHP
Read full article: 23-year-old killed when pickup truck crosses into oncoming traffic on Waldo Road: FHPA 23-year-old driver was killed Sunday night when his pickup truck crossed into the oncoming lanes on Waldo Road and hit another pickup, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
VIEW RESULTS: Northeast Florida, southeast Georgia election results for Nov. 7, 2023 general election
Read full article: VIEW RESULTS: Northeast Florida, southeast Georgia election results for Nov. 7, 2023 general electionElections were held for 11 local offices across northeast Florida and southeast Georgia.
With rule changes about yard signs, here’s how to check your trick-or-treating route for sex offenders, predators
Read full article: With rule changes about yard signs, here’s how to check your trick-or-treating route for sex offenders, predatorsSex offenders also have specific rules about what they can and can't do around Halloween, depending on what county they live in. We've compiled a county-by-county breakdown of those rules and regulations.
Northeast Florida, southeast Georgia voters head to polls next month for local elections
Read full article: Northeast Florida, southeast Georgia voters head to polls next month for local electionsWhile the first primaries and caucuses in the 2024 presidential nominating cycle are still several months away, some northeast Florida and southeast Georgia voters will be heading to the polls for Election Day on Nov. 7.
Man arrested in Alachua County after posting video sharing plans to shoot up middle school, deputies say
Read full article: Man arrested in Alachua County after posting video sharing plans to shoot up middle school, deputies sayA man was arrested Thursday afternoon after he posted a video to Instagram sharing plans to shoot up a middle school, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Inland Northeast Florida counties expected to take brunt of local effects from Hurricane Idalia
Read full article: Inland Northeast Florida counties expected to take brunt of local effects from Hurricane IdaliaHurricane Idalia has strengthened into “an extremely dangerous major hurricane” as it targets the Gulf Coast on Wednesday and is expected to sweep across North Central and Northeast Florida.
Volunteer at Gainesville church accused of inappropriately touching children during overnight camp
Read full article: Volunteer at Gainesville church accused of inappropriately touching children during overnight campThe Gainesville Police Department (GPD) said it has arrested a man accused of inappropriately touching multiple children who attended an overnight camp at a Gainesville church two years ago.
Nassau, St. Johns counties score higher than any other district in Florida on end-of-year testing
Read full article: Nassau, St. Johns counties score higher than any other district in Florida on end-of-year testingTwo Northeast Florida school districts had the highest scores in end-of-year math and English language arts test, according to recently released statewide data.
2 firefighters injured while battling fire at firewood plant in Alachua County
Read full article: 2 firefighters injured while battling fire at firewood plant in Alachua CountyTwo firefighters were taken to hospital after heavy door fell on them while they were fighting a fire at Southern Fuelwood in Newberry.
Valdosta man charged with DUI after semi crashes, overturns into northbound lanes of I-75 in Alachua County
Read full article: Valdosta man charged with DUI after semi crashes, overturns into northbound lanes of I-75 in Alachua CountyA 42-year-old Valdosta man was arrested and charged with drinking under the influence after a Saturday morning Alachua County crash that caused a semi to overturn and block multiple lanes on Interstate 75, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Loaded gun found in backpack of first-grade Gainesville student; deputies say student didn’t know it was there
Read full article: Loaded gun found in backpack of first-grade Gainesville student; deputies say student didn’t know it was thereA loaded gun was found Wednesday in the backpack of a first-grade student at a Gainesville elementary school, but the student and their mother had no idea it was there, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
2 abducted Missouri children found in Alachua County supermarket
Read full article: 2 abducted Missouri children found in Alachua County supermarketTwo abducted children who had been missing from Missouri for almost a year were found in a central Florida grocery store with their non-custodial mother, who was taken into police custody.
Jaden Rashada case in Florida highlights issues in NIL, recruiting
Read full article: Jaden Rashada case in Florida highlights issues in NIL, recruitingUsing name, image and likeness compensation to recruit college athletes is still very much against NCAA rules. The recent de-commitment from Florida by blue chip quarterback Jaden Rashada shows that NIL is definitely a factor in decisions. Booster-funded collectives are taking on a big role in compensating athletes. Schools can only hope they are acting within the rules and in their best interest. Inserting a third-party in the recruiting process between coaches and recruits has only complicated things. Experts say the collectives should focus on athletes who are already on campus.
FDLE asked to investigate death of 32-year-old inmate at Alachua County jail
Read full article: FDLE asked to investigate death of 32-year-old inmate at Alachua County jailThe Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is asking the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate the death of an inmate who was found unresponsive hours after being told he was fit to stand trial, according to the sheriff’s office.
Clay County deputies arrest 4 men accused of targeting children online for sex
Read full article: Clay County deputies arrest 4 men accused of targeting children online for sexThe Clay County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday the arrest of four men connected to an online operation intended to find people attempting to target children for sex online.
Gainesville police make DUI manslaughter arrest in November hit-and-run
Read full article: Gainesville police make DUI manslaughter arrest in November hit-and-runThe Gainesville Police Department on Wednesday announced an arrest in a November hit-and-run, which resulted in the death of a bicyclist along South Main Street.
17-year-old Ocala teen killed, 3 hurt in I-75 crash in Alachua County
Read full article: 17-year-old Ocala teen killed, 3 hurt in I-75 crash in Alachua CountyA 17-year-old Ocala girl died and three others were hurt Saturday night in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 in Alachua County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Florida Gators coach Billy Napier opens up about arrest of Jalen Kitna on child porn charges
Read full article: Florida Gators coach Billy Napier opens up about arrest of Jalen Kitna on child porn chargesFlorida head coach Billy Napier on Thursday spoke about the arrest of backup quarterback Jalen Kitna on child pornography charges.
Florida formally dismisses QB Jalen Kitna following arrest on child porn charges
Read full article: Florida formally dismisses QB Jalen Kitna following arrest on child porn chargesFlorida has formally dismissed quarterback Jalen Kitna from the team following his arrest on five child pornography charges.
Florida Gators QB Jalen Kitna bonds out of jail after arrest on child porn charges
Read full article: Florida Gators QB Jalen Kitna bonds out of jail after arrest on child porn chargesFlorida Gators backup quarterback Jalen Kitna bonded out of jail Thursday evening after he was arrested Wednesday on two charges of distribution of child exploitation material and three charges of possession of child pornography.
Pedestrian killed after stepping into roadway during green light in Alachua County: FHP
Read full article: Pedestrian killed after stepping into roadway during green light in Alachua County: FHPThe Florida Highway Patrol says two vehicles were driving through a green light on 63rd Avenue in Gainesville, when a woman stepped into the roadway.
UF Board of Trustees votes unanimously to select Sen. Ben Sasse as school’s president
Read full article: UF Board of Trustees votes unanimously to select Sen. Ben Sasse as school’s presidentThe University of Florida Board of Trustees on Tuesday voted unanimously to select U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse as the school’s 13th president.
UF presidential search process draws no-confidence vote
Read full article: UF presidential search process draws no-confidence voteThe University of Florida’s Faculty Senate on Thursday passed a resolution saying members have no confidence in a presidential search process that led to U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse being the sole finalist to lead the university.
UF won’t allow protests inside campus buildings after Sen. Sasse hiring forum drew large, chanting crowd
Read full article: UF won’t allow protests inside campus buildings after Sen. Sasse hiring forum drew large, chanting crowdIn an effort to crack down on future protests, current UF President Kent Fuchs on Monday issued a statement saying the university will resume enforcement of a regulation on the books for at least two decades, prohibiting protests inside campus buildings.
Do you know how to check your Halloween trick-or-treating route for sex offenders, predators?
Read full article: Do you know how to check your Halloween trick-or-treating route for sex offenders, predators?Sex offenders also have specific rules about what they can and can't do around Halloween, depending on what county they live in. We've compiled a county-by-county breakdown of those rules and regulations.
Bodycam footage shows what Gainesville officers experienced after being exposed to white powdery substance
Read full article: Bodycam footage shows what Gainesville officers experienced after being exposed to white powdery substanceOne of the Gainesville police officers who was rushed to the hospital after being exposed to a dangerous drug after responding to a disturbance is speaking out about his experience.
UF committee’s pick of Republican Sen. Ben Sasse as next school president irks some students, alumni
Read full article: UF committee’s pick of Republican Sen. Ben Sasse as next school president irks some students, alumniAs students and faculty celebrate homecoming this week, there’s controversy around a University of Florida committee’s pick for the school’s next president.
Alachua County man accused of human trafficking owns group home; 2nd identified as registered sex offender
Read full article: Alachua County man accused of human trafficking owns group home; 2nd identified as registered sex offenderA home labeled as a place that offers services for homelessness is now at the center of a criminal investigation involving human sex trafficking.
Alachua County ballot initiative: 1% sales tax for ‘Wild Spaces, Public Places’
Read full article: Alachua County ballot initiative: 1% sales tax for ‘Wild Spaces, Public Places’Alachua County voters will be asked in November to vote up or down a one-cent sales tax to fund “Wild Spaces and Public Places.” If approved by a majority of voters, the tax would replace a similar half-cent taxes tax used to fund road repairs, park renovations, affordable housing and additional fire stations for the county.
Referendum: Change how Alachua County commissioners are elected
Read full article: Referendum: Change how Alachua County commissioners are electedAlachua County voters are being asked to amend the county charter relating to how Alachua County commissioners are elected -- changing from at-large districts, where all five commissioners are elected by all county voters, to what are called single-member districts -- where each citizen only votes for the one commissioner representing the district in which they live.
Alachua County Soil and Water Conservation District
Read full article: Alachua County Soil and Water Conservation DistrictEvery four years, the five board members of the Alachua County Soil and Water Conservation District are filled in the general election. These races will be on this November’s ballot.
County-by-county: Where to get sandbags in Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia
Read full article: County-by-county: Where to get sandbags in Northeast Florida, Southeast GeorgiaHere are the Northeast Florida counties that have announced plans to distribute sandbags as Hurrican Ian tracks toward Florida.
Alachua County urges residents to use weekend to prepare for possible hurricane
Read full article: Alachua County urges residents to use weekend to prepare for possible hurricaneAlachua County officials issued a news release Saturday warning residents that while the path of Tropical Storm Ian remains uncertain, now is the time to prepare.
UF ranked No. 5 among public universities for 2nd straight year
Read full article: UF ranked No. 5 among public universities for 2nd straight yearThe University of Florida was ranked one of the top five public universities in the nation for the second year in a row, according to the annual rankings released Monday by U.S. News & World Report.
Parents arrested on manslaughter, other charges after 3-year-old fatally shoots himself, Gainesville police say
Read full article: Parents arrested on manslaughter, other charges after 3-year-old fatally shoots himself, Gainesville police sayA father and a mother were arrested Wednesday after their 3-year-old son fatally shot himself last month, the Gainesville Police Department said.