High Springs weighs fire service cuts to close 12.5% budget gap

High Springs city leaders discussed potentially reducing fire services at a joint meeting Thursday with Alachua County commissioners as they work to trim 12.5% from the city budget. Several residents spoke in favor of preserving the city fire department, but no decision was reached. The next commission meeting is scheduled for May 28.

Sources: WCJB TV20

UF researchers help define ‘ecotech,‘ a new field drawing on ecosystem principles

A team of international researchers that includes University of Florida scientists has formally proposed a new discipline called ecotech, which applies the principles of natural ecosystems to the design of technologies. Published in Science Advances, the framework envisions applications ranging from marine-compatible wind farms to more sustainable agriculture. The researchers argue that Florida is well-positioned to become a hub for the emerging ecotech industry.

Sources: UF News

UF engineers sending photonic chips to ISS to tackle AI’s energy problem

University of Florida researchers are launching photonic semiconductor chips to the International Space Station to evaluate how they perform under extreme conditions, part of a broader effort to address the surging electricity demands of artificial intelligence. The project explores whether space could serve as a more energy-efficient location for data centers, as AI infrastructure on Earth continues to strain power grids.

Sources: UF News

UF researchers design AI role-play tool to teach school law

A University of Florida professor has replaced a traditional essay assignment in his graduate school law course with an interactive simulation called PrincipalGPT, in which students act as school attorneys advising an AI-generated principal on legal and ethical dilemmas. The exercise uses ChatGPT to let students apply real statutes to realistic scenarios in real time, rather than through static writing. Researchers are now working to extend the model into professional development workshops for K-12 administrators statewide.

Sources: UF News

Keystone Heights man arrested in Lake City undercover sex sting

Lake City Police arrested Timothy Jones, 44, of Keystone Heights after he allegedly exchanged sexually explicit messages with undercover investigators who were posing as underage girls. Jones arranged a meeting with who he believed to be a minor and was taken into custody Thursday. Investigators say the case remains active and additional arrests are possible.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Gainesville produce company owner pleads guilty in federal fraud scheme

William Brittenham, owner of the now-dissolved Rainbow Produce of Gainesville, entered a plea agreement on a charge of conspiring to commit an offense against the United States. Prosecutors allege he schemed to defraud a government fresh food program by submitting false claims about where produce was grown and by knowingly overcharging the government for snack packs supplied to military and school kitchens. Brittenham is scheduled to be sentenced later this month.

Sources: WCJB TV20

GPD identifies two victims in separate Gainesville homicides from weekend

Gainesville Police Department has released the names of two people killed in unrelated incidents on Sunday night. Jaheim Karon Black, 17, was shot on Northwest Sixth Street and died at the hospital, while Ricky Morrow, 53, was found with stab wounds on Northwest Third Street and also died after being taken to the hospital. The two deaths are being investigated as separate homicide cases.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Gators baseball tops LSU in series opener behind Surowiec grand slam

Florida baseball defeated LSU in the first game of their series, powered by a grand slam from infielder Ethan Surowiec. The Gators burst out of the gate with six runs in the opening inning to set the tone for the victory.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

UF softball set to host 2026 Gainesville Regional with three potential opponents

The Florida Gators softball team will host the 2026 Gainesville Regional, with the Alligator previewing the three programs Florida could face in the tournament field. The piece analyzes each potential opponent’s strengths and what UF might expect heading into postseason play.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

Jacksonville wastewater pipeline proposal for North Central Florida still alive

A plan to pump treated wastewater from Jacksonville to North Central Florida remains under consideration despite opposition from at least one state legislator who sent a letter challenging it. The proposal has not been formally withdrawn or abandoned, according to reporting from WUFT.

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Sources: WUFT News

St. Johns River district escalates to Phase Three water restrictions

The St. Johns River Water Management District board voted Tuesday to advance to a Phase Three Water Shortage Order, imposing tighter limits on water use including stricter rules on landscape irrigation. The neighboring Suwannee River Water Management District is maintaining its current Phase Two Water Shortage Order.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Alachua County extends burn ban through May 15 amid ongoing wildfire emergency

Alachua County has extended its mandatory countywide burn ban through May 15, 2026, as historic drought conditions and multiple active wildfires keep the county under a State of Emergency declaration. Drought index readings have remained largely unchanged due to a lack of recent rainfall, sustaining elevated wildfire risk across the area. The county’s May 12 commission meeting also included the retirement announcement of Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus after nearly 32 years of service, a posthumous proclamation honoring the late County Commission Executive Manager Latoya Gainey, and a planned overnight road closure on SW 20th Avenue beginning May 18.

Sources: Alachua County

Keystone Heights residents alarmed by advertised sex party at Airbnb rental

A Keystone Heights home on Pointview Road was used for a ticketed party advertised as a sex party last Saturday, drawing complaints from neighbors in what is described as a quiet residential area. The property owner said he was unaware of the event’s nature, and while an RSVP list showed over 400 expected attendees, residents estimated fewer than 100 people actually showed up. A nearby resident brought the issue before the Keystone Heights City Council on Monday, raising concerns about traffic and parking.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Medical supply shortage delays breast cancer biopsies for Gainesville patients

A nationwide shortage of specialized biopsy supplies, linked to a federal recall, is causing significant delays for Gainesville-area breast cancer patients awaiting diagnostic procedures. HCA Florida North Florida Hospital has confirmed the temporary shortage, which is affecting access to stereotactic biopsies used to evaluate suspicious mammogram findings. At least one local woman reported being unable to schedule her recommended procedure anywhere in Gainesville as a result.

Sources: WCJB TV20

DeSantis publicly attacks House Speaker Perez over blocked legislative priorities

Gov. Ron DeSantis publicly criticized Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez, accusing him of obstructing the governor’s policy agenda. The dispute marks a notable public rift between two prominent Florida Republicans over the direction of the legislative session.

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Sources: The Gainesville Sun