UF trustees file Bell presidential contract with $2M base salary before BOG vote

The University of Florida Board of Trustees has submitted Dr. Stuart Bell’s proposed contract to the state Board of Governors ahead of a confirmation vote scheduled for next week. If approved, Bell would receive a $2 million annual base salary with guaranteed 3% annual raises, along with potential bonuses and retention payments of up to 15% of base salary beginning in the second year of his term. The university would also cover his housing at the Dasburg president’s residence and provide a phone plan, insurance, and retirement benefits.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Planned Parenthood Gainesville closes; other clinics can fill some gaps

The Planned Parenthood location in Gainesville has shut down roughly a month after its closure was announced. Residents seeking reproductive and sexual health care can turn to Bread and Roses Women’s Health Center, which offers abortion services and contraception, or All Women’s Health Center of Gainesville for gynecology and birth services. The free, faith-based clinic SIRA also provides pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and STI testing and says it will serve anyone regardless of their situation.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Florida executes 74-year-old man convicted of killing wife in 1992

The state of Florida carried out the execution of Dusty Ray Spencer, 74, making him the oldest person ever executed by the state. Spencer had been convicted for the 1992 killing of his wife. Protesters gathered outside Raiford State Prison ahead of the execution.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida social media deplatforming law heads to trial after years of legal battles

A federal judge in Tallahassee has scheduled a trial to determine whether Florida’s social media law — which would fine platforms $100,000 for removing a statewide political candidate and require disclosure of content moderation practices — can take effect. The law has been blocked since 2021 on First Amendment grounds, and though the U.S. Supreme Court previously sent the case back for review, Florida cannot enforce the law while the trial proceeds. A tech industry trade association argues the law still violates the First Amendment and expects to prevail.

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Sources: WCJB TV20

Florida’s SNAP program faces closure risk over 12% error rate, expert warns

A political analyst from the Florida Policy Institute warns that millions of Floridians could lose food assistance if the federal government applies a potential $984 million penalty against the state’s SNAP program. A USDA report found Florida’s 2025 SNAP payment error rate exceeded 12 percent, nearly double the 6 percent threshold set by Congress. The analyst also noted that a projected state revenue deficit surpassing $6 billion by fiscal year 2028-29 could leave Florida without sufficient funds to sustain the program.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Two corrections officers attacked with improvised weapon at Florida State Prison

An inmate at Florida State Prison in Raiford attacked two corrections officers Friday using a makeshift contraband weapon, according to the Florida Department of Corrections. Both officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Bradford County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to assist state corrections staff, and an investigation is underway.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Opposition campaign launches against Florida property tax overhaul measure

A campaign called ‘Vote No on 3’ has organized to fight a proposed Florida property tax overhaul, according to a Gainesville Sun report. The effort signals a growing political battle over the state-level ballot measure that would reshape how property taxes are structured in Florida.

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Sources: The Gainesville Sun

AI data centers spark concerns over Florida water and power demands

Growing interest in artificial intelligence data centers across Florida has prompted worries about the strain such facilities could place on water and electricity resources. Several counties and cities have responded by pausing or imposing moratoriums on new data center development as communities weigh the costs and benefits.

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Sources: The Gainesville Sun