Metro
Impacts of 1990 Gainesville murders remain strong, especially for college-aged women
By Alanna Robbert | July 31"The Gainesville Ripper" murdered five Gainesville college students 35 years ago.
Metro: Alachua County
Metro
‘See Something, Say Something’: Gainesville rally promotes safety ahead of school year
By Candy Fontana-Verde | July 28Organized by People Against Violence Enterprises, the event provided 1,500 free backpacks filled with school supplies to local students, offering families a message of peace before the new school year begins Aug. 11.
Metro
Alachua County family addresses grief in petitioned bill
By Logan McBride | July 28Following his death, Clayton Emerson's family drafted “Clayton’s Law,” which would require toxicology tests for all fatal crashes where negligence is involved, regardless of suspicion.
Metro
From east to west, Fie Scoobie has Gainesville pride
By Sydney Johnson | July 25Underneath the glamour of local celebrity Fie Scoobie is Gerald Jones, a 42-year-old Gainesville native who worked for his success in his rap career over the past 25 years.
Metro
New Florida CFO targets Gainesville in sweeping audit
By Sara-James Ranta | July 22In less than one day on the job, newly appointed Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia stated he will audit the City of Gainesville after sending a seven-page letter to Mayor Harvey Ward.
Metro
Federal cuts force Foster Grandparent Program to close after 60 years
By Logan McBride | July 21The Alachua County Foster Grandparent Program is a volunteer-driven program in Alachua County’s Department of Community Support Services. The program, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, may come to an end in September. Federal budget cuts forced AmeriCorps to cut the program's funding after the Trump administration pulled nearly $400 million in grants.
Metro
After Florida opens ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ activists worry Camp Blanding is next
By Sara-James Ranta | July 21Over 250 people gathered in the beating sun July 19 to protest what could become Florida’s next immigration detention center. Protesters gathered across a nearly mile-long stretch across the road from Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in a heat index near 105 degrees.
Metro
Constant changes to RTS bus schedule may disrupt access to health care
By Alanna Robbert | July 21Despite recent RTS schedule changes made in the name of efficiency, healthcare workers find themselves adjusting their schedules to catch the bus on time.
Metro
Five years after John Lewis’ passing, a protest echoes his ‘good trouble’
By Alanna Robbert | July 18Around 200 community members gathered in East Gainesville’s Fred Cone Park to participate in a nationwide protest Thursday.
Metro
Local nonprofit teaches gardening skills to adults with disabilities
By Alanna Robbert | July 18People primarily visit GROW HUB for its nursery, but through its business model and events, the nonprofit sells more than just plants. Many of GROW HUB’s part-time employees are adults with disabilities, providing them with community and employment opportunities.
Metro
Alachua County, Gainesville hold public workshop about future of public transit
By Logan McBride | July 16The Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization held its third public workshop Tuesday for its long-term plan for Gainesville and Alachua County’s public transit.
Metro
Newnans Lake neighbors fear proposed development could muddy its future
By Logan McBride | July 14A proposal to add 149 single-family homes to an 82-acre rezoning is being led by Adams Homes and Garden Street Communities. When the issue reached the Alachua County Commission, the planning commission’s recommendation was overruled when the commission unanimously approved the development near Newnans Lake in late May. Two months later, community members close to the property are still fighting the proposal.
Metro
Books-for-Prisoners project bridges volunteers and prisoners
By Alanna Robbert | July 11Independent nonprofits across Florida push for access to reading materials, which foster education, entertainment and personal growth during prison time.
Metro
The Language Exchange Party Bonanza: A party to practice languages and make friends
By Candy Fontana-Verde | July 9The Language Exchange Party Bonanza hosts a crowd where language learners can practice in a fun, engaging environment.
Metro
Environmental scientists weigh in on proposed development near Paynes Prairie
By Logan McBride | July 8Florida’s only wild bison roam the savanna of Paynes Prairie State Park, but a proposed housing development has environmental scientists concerned for the future of the park’s endangered species.
Metro
‘Patriots who pay attention’: Protesters gather at Depot Park on the Fourth of July
By Delia Rose Sauer | July 4Instead of barbecue tongs and chilled drinks, Gainesville residents traded parties for posters to protest the Trump administration Friday morning.
Metro
Proposed housing development near Paynes Prairie puts park’s future in question
By Logan McBride | July 2When Ross heard of a new housing development proposed off U.S. Highway 441 – adjacent to Paynes Prairie – the 75-year-old was concerned about the potential environmental impacts of the project.
Metro
Illiteracy’s hidden toll on Alachua County families
By Logan McBride | July 1Nearly one in five adults in Alachua County can’t read well enough to navigate daily life – part of a rising tide of illiteracy that has quietly surged across the country in recent years.
Metro
Alachua County residents raise their concerns about budget bill
By Alanna Robbert | June 27Over 75 people gathered Thursday night in a church-turned-town hall to discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a budget bill passed by the U.S. House May 22.
Metro
‘Tha Cookout’ honors Black fatherhood with food, community and connection
By Candy Fontana-Verde | June 23Throughout Cynthia Chesnut Park, laughter and conversation echoed through the trees as Gainesville residents gathered for “Tha Cookout” Sunday afternoon. The event marked not only a tribute to Juneteenth but an opportunity to honor Black fatherhood and strengthen community ties.
