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Vol. 1 · No. 60 · Tuesday, June 30, 2026

The Gainesville Ledger

Public Safety

Florida woman dies after alligator attack; boy also bitten in Marion County

A woman swimming with friends died after an alligator bit off her arm, according to 911 calls captured by local media, in what authorities are investigating as a fatal attack in Seminole County. Separately, a boy fishing at Nelson’s Fish Camp in Marion County was bitten on the hand by an alligator, which an FWC officer subsequently killed. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials say three people have been attacked by alligators in Central Florida this month, during what they describe as an active mating season.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20

State & National

DeSantis signs state budget, cuts $1.6 billion including school security funds

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s 2026-27 state budget on Monday while vetoing approximately $1.6 billion in spending, describing the result as a leaner, more efficient government. Among the vetoed items were security funds for Catholic schools, a move that drew criticism from opponents who accused the governor of partisanship. The line-item veto power under Florida law allowed DeSantis to cut specific appropriations while leaving the rest of the budget intact.

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Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20

State & National

Lt. Gov. Collins files lawsuit to remove Republican rival Fishback from governor’s race

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins filed a legal complaint in Leon County Circuit Court seeking to disqualify fellow Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback on the grounds that he does not meet the state constitution’s requirement of seven years of Florida residency. Collins attached public records alleging Fishback registered as a Washington D.C. voter in 2020 and remains an active registrant there, potentially rendering him ineligible under Article IV of the Florida Constitution.

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Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20

City

In Brief

Education

Santa Fe College lands $2.5M state allocation for M Building renovation

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s state budget while vetoing more than $800 million in line items, but Santa Fe College’s $2.5 million allocation for renovating its M Building survived the cuts. College officials had originally sought nearly $12 million for the project last November and anticipated receiving the $2.5 million as funding for phase two. The money is intended to expand instructional areas, modernize technology access, and open a hands-on fabrication lab for students.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Board of Governors to vote on Stuart Bell as UF’s 14th president

Florida’s Board of Governors is set to meet in a special session Wednesday to decide whether to confirm Stuart Bell as the University of Florida’s 14th president, despite reported tension between the board’s chair and UF Trustees. The week also brings a Levy County commissioner workshop on data center policy, Fourth of July fireworks events at locations including Newberry and UF’s Flavet Field, and a Marion County court hearing in a domestic violence murder case.

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Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

Public Safety

Gainesville woman killed in Putnam County hit-and-run; driver fled on foot

A 27-year-old Gainesville woman died Monday night after a driver struck her while she was cycling on St. Johns Avenue in Putnam County. The 35-year-old driver of a 2020 Kia Forte veered into oncoming lanes before hitting the cyclist, then abandoned the vehicle and fled. Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and asking anyone with information to come forward.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Gainesville man charged with armed robbery after metal pipe attack

Gainesville Police arrested 37-year-old Lonnie Barton on Sunday on charges of armed robbery and battery after he allegedly struck a man with a metal pipe, leaving a laceration on the victim’s forehead, and searched his pockets for money. Officers say the assault was preceded by a dispute after the victim exposed himself to Barton and a witness. Barton is being held without bond at the Alachua County Jail.

Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

Business

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Sports

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Arts & Culture

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Community

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State & National

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