Community News
Monday, May 11, 2026 · Alachua County
Collier County Celebrates Picayune Strand Everglades Completion
A cornerstone Everglades restoration project spanning 55,000 acres in Collier County has reached full completion, restoring natural water flows and revitalizing wetlands. The Picayune Strand Restoration Project marks another victory in Florida's massive Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Officials hailed the milestone as a model of federal-state collaboration.
Florida Bills Slash No-Fault Auto, Shield Homeowners from Roof Hikes
Florida's 2026 insurance reforms repeal the state's no-fault auto system and protect homeowners from coverage denials over old roofs, aiming to curb skyrocketing premiums amid hurricane risks. Effective July 1, new laws mandate fault-based liability for crashes and require human review of AI claim denials. Drivers and residents from Miami to Tampa face a transformed market promising rate relief.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Florida's Heat Wave Eases Slightly Friday After Record-Breaking Thursday
South Florida and Central Florida residents get a brief respite from scorching temperatures Friday, with highs dropping into the upper 80s at the coast and low 90s inland—but forecasters warn the dangerous heat pattern will persist through the weekend. Thursday's near-record temperatures set the stage for what meteorologists are calling one of the hottest stretches of the year so far.
Monday, May 11, 2026
DeSantis Signs 2026 Farm Bill in Sebring, Boosting Rural Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 290 into law Monday in Sebring, delivering wins for Florida farmers with protections for gas-powered equipment and farmland preservation. The measure bans local bans on gasoline tools, makes the Farmers Feeding Florida program permanent and curbs high-density rural development. Critics decry potential sprawl from related land-use changes.
Monday, May 11, 2026
UF Professor Carves Wooden Comfort Symbols for Shands Cancer Patients
A UF professor carved over 200 wooden comfort symbols for cancer patients at Shands Hospital while recovering from long COVID. Students packaged the handcrafted carvings with encouragement messages for delivery to patients undergoing treatment.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Nancy Moody Donates $10,000 for K-9 Ballistic Vests
Nancy Moody donated $10,000 to the Levy County Sheriff's Office to purchase ballistic vests for K-9 units in memory of her husband Bob Moody.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Jesse Sandusky Named 6th Chief of Alachua Police Department
Jesse Sandusky becomes the 6th chief of the Alachua Police Department, promoted from within after 23 years with the agency.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Alachua K-9 Ramsey Certified in Narcotics Detection
Alachua Police K-9 Ramsey completed narcotics detection certification May 28, adding drug detection to his patrol skills.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Alachua Police to Ticket Unbuckled Drivers Through May 31
Alachua police will ticket unbuckled drivers and passengers through May 31 as part of a national seat belt enforcement campaign.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Santa Fe High Student Arrested After Bomb Threat at School Gate
A 14-year-old Santa Fe High student was arrested Monday after telling a guidance counselor she had a bomb in her backpack. School officials found no device or contraband.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Morriston Man Charged With 14 Counts of Child Sexual Abuse Material Possession
A Morriston man faces 14 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material following his arrest June 9. Peter William Jacobs, 36, was booked into the Levy County Detention Center with bond set at $350,000.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Morriston Man Charged With 14 Counts of Child Sexual Abuse Material Possession
A Morriston man was arrested June 9 on 14 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material following a monthslong investigation by the Levy County Sheriff's Office.
Monday, May 11, 2026
UF's Broward Dining Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification
The University of Florida's Broward Dining facility earns LEED Gold certification after a 15-month renovation, becoming the second UF building to achieve the distinction.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Registered Sexual Predator Now Living in Hawthorne
A registered sexual predator is now living in Hawthorne. Residents can search the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's online registry for details.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Alachua County Canvassing Board to Oversee 2026 Primary Election
Alachua County's Canvassing Board will verify vote counts and certify results for the 2026 Primary Election, following procedures outlined in Florida law to ensure election integrity.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Sexual Predator Registration Issued for Newberry Resident
Alachua County authorities registered sexual predator Wayne Jamar Solomon, 43, who resides in Newberry following a conviction involving a minor.
Monday, May 11, 2026
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami
Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Alachua County Elections Office Launches Online Account System
The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections office now offers online account management for residents to track election notifications and save forms. The office is at 515 North Main Street in Gainesville.
Monday, May 11, 2026
DeSantis Rejects Florida Gas Tax Pause Amid $4/Gallon Spike
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shot down calls to suspend the state's 25-cent gas tax, warning drivers won't feel relief at pumps hitting $4 a gallon. Despite pleas from Democrats and Palm Beach County leaders, he cited past failures and oil market volatility. As global tensions rise, Florida motorists brace for pain at the pump.
Monday, May 11, 2026
DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws on Safety, Schools and Traffic
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine new laws Thursday in Tallahassee, tackling unlicensed drivers, church security and body camera privacy amid rising public safety concerns. Most take effect July 1, joining nearly 60 others passed this year. From stricter traffic penalties to expanded school guardians, the measures aim to bolster security across the Sunshine State.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Survives Federal Court Challenge
Nearly two years after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning cultivated meat sales in Florida, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law as constitutional. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge from California-based Upside Foods, cementing Florida's status as the first state to prohibit lab-grown meat—a move critics say protects the traditional livestock industry rather than consumers.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties
With hurricane season looming just weeks away, Florida's Division of Emergency Management has rolled out mandatory public safety drills statewide to sharpen readiness. The initiative targets all 67 counties, urging residents to stock seven days of supplies and master evacuation protocols. Officials warn that recent storms underscore the need for swift action amid rising threats.
Monday, May 11, 2026
DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill unleashing eight new specialty license plates, from UFC fighters to South Florida high schools and military academies. Drivers can start pre-ordering Oct. 1, but only if 3,000 vouchers sell in two years. With over 2.3 million special tags already on roads, these could boost scholarships, mental health and more.
Monday, May 11, 2026