Public Safety

Undercover sting nets over 50 arrests for child predator offenses in North Central Florida

A week-long multi-agency undercover operation called ‘Operation Bad Habits’ resulted in more than 50 arrests across North Central Florida, targeting men who attempted to solicit sexual activity from minors online. Among those taken into custody were a Branford man who traveled to Columbia County to meet who he believed was a child — with a shovel and tarp found in his vehicle — and a Citrus County man who sought nude photos and asked a decoy to find additional children. A St. Augustine man was also arrested after admitting to exchanging illicit photos with someone he believed to be a minor.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Education

Alachua County School Board rejects plan to buy Citizens Field from city

The Alachua County School Board voted Tuesday against purchasing Citizens Field from the city of Gainesville, citing reluctance to take on the financial burden and unwillingness to partner with the city. Board members debated several motions before reaching their decision. District documents indicate a full demolition and rebuild of the stadium — which is currently shared by Buchholz, Eastside, and Gainesville high schools — could run between $22 million and $25 million.

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Sources: WCJB TV20