Alachua County clarifies large-scale data centers are banned under current rules

Alachua County officials have confirmed that large-scale data centers are not permitted under the county’s existing Comprehensive Plan or land development code, and could only be built if both documents are updated through a public process. The County Commission heard a separate presentation on the potential impact of a Florida Legislature property tax reform ballot measure heading to voters in November. The county’s June 10 newsletter also highlights free fiber broadband and digital literacy events on June 11 at three local library and fire rescue locations, a virtual employment law seminar on June 30, and openings on two environmental advisory committees.

Sources: Alachua County

Petition nears 1,000 signatures urging UF to restore Krishna Lunch service

An online petition launched within the past week is calling on the University of Florida to resume Krishna Lunch on campus, gathering close to a thousand signatures. UF suspended the decades-long vegetarian lunch program after a Krishna House delivery truck struck a 19-year-old student in a crosswalk in February, hospitalizing her. The petition asks the university to reopen negotiations with Krishna Lunch organizers, evaluate a revised safety plan, and establish a timeline for restoring the program.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Federal judge to rule soon on UF College Republicans’ First Amendment lawsuit

A two-day civil trial in federal court over the University of Florida’s deactivation of its College Republicans chapter concluded Wednesday without an immediate ruling from Judge Mark Walker. Attorneys for the student group argued the university violated their First Amendment rights by disbanding them, and sought to show that administrators including Interim President Donald Landry acted to suppress future speech. The deactivation stemmed from a March incident in which the Florida Federation of College Republicans said it dissolved the chapter following a student’s alleged nazi salute.

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Sources: WCJB TV20

Judge denies Stand Your Ground claim in Gilchrist County murder trial

A judge ruled Wednesday that Fisher Watts, accused of killing Koty Stewart on Memorial Day, was not acting in self-defense and denied his Stand Your Ground argument. Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard found no credible evidence that Watts reasonably feared imminent death or serious injury, noting that Stewart appeared to be turning away when he was shot. A written order is expected by Friday, with a status conference set for June 24 and trial scheduled for the week of July 6.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Gainesville’s First Baptist Church splits from Southern Baptist Convention over female pastors

A Gainesville church has broken from the Southern Baptist Convention in a dispute rooted in the denomination’s stance on women serving in pastoral leadership roles. The separation reflects a broader national tension within the SBC over whether congregations that affirm female pastors can remain in fellowship with the convention.

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Sources: The Gainesville Sun