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Vol. 1 · No. 75 · Wednesday, July 15, 2026

The Gainesville Ledger

Public Safety

Alachua County scam losses on track to reach nearly $9M in 2026, sheriff warns

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office held a public forum Monday warning that residents are projected to lose nearly $9 million to fraud and scams in 2026, a rise of more than 25% over last year’s $6.8 million in losses. Sheriff Chad Scott noted that scam-related losses already exceed combined losses from theft, burglary, criminal mischief, and vehicle break-ins, and that artificial intelligence is making fraudsters harder to detect. Older residents are considered especially vulnerable, and the nonprofit Elder Options was highlighted as a resource for victims.

Sources: Mainstreet Daily News · The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20 · The Independent Florida Alligator

Public Safety

Gainesville man sentenced to 10 years for vehicular manslaughter

Clayton Wamsley, 20, pleaded guilty Tuesday to vehicular manslaughter and was sentenced to ten years in prison. Wamsley had originally entered a not guilty plea after his January arrest in connection with the death of Matthew Umanos, 42, who was struck and killed while walking his dog at the intersection of Northeast 16th Avenue in Gainesville.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · The Gainesville Sun

Education

Free meals available at 23 Alachua County schools for 2026-27 school year

Twenty-three Alachua County schools will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in the coming school year under the federal Community Eligibility Provision program, regardless of household income. Families at the remaining 27 schools must submit applications to determine whether they qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Reduced-price breakfast costs $0.30 and lunch $0.40, while full-price students pay $1.50 for breakfast and up to $2.75 for lunch.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · Mainstreet Daily News

City

In Brief

Education

UF’s $443M housing expansion will add a new Disability Resource Center building

The University of Florida’s $443 million housing expansion plan includes construction of a dedicated building for its Disability Resource Center, according to the Florida Alligator. Demand for disability services at UF has more than tripled over the past decade, driving the need for expanded facilities. The project also involves the demolition of Graham Hall, which was torn down in fall 2025.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

In Brief

Public Safety

In Brief

Sports

In Brief

Environment

Extreme drought keeps north-central Florida lakes below normal levels

Lake Geneva and Lake Brooklyn in the Keystone Heights area remain in deficit despite recent rainfall, according to the St. Johns River Water Management District, with a Phase Three Extreme Water Shortage still in effect. The nonprofit Save Our Lakes is advancing the Black Creek Aquifer Recharge Pipeline, an 18-inch pipe designed to pump water to a treatment area at Camp Blanding and help restore levels in both lakes.

Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

Community

Falling tree crashes through Gainesville home during July 11 thunderstorm

A large tree broke through the roof of a residence on NW 19th Lane during a powerful thunderstorm that swept through Gainesville on July 11, leaving the home with a persistent leak. The family was inside when the tree struck, shaking the structure and causing the ceiling to collapse inward. Repairs have not yet begun, and the residents have launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover rebuilding costs.

Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

State & National

Man fleeing ICE agents killed by semi-truck near St. Augustine

A 28-year-old man was struck and killed by a semi-truck on State Road 16 near St. Augustine on Tuesday after fleeing on foot from an encounter with ICE and Homeland Security Investigations agents. The truck was driven by a 64-year-old man from Lake City. Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the man died at the scene, and authorities described it as the third death in roughly a week tied to ICE encounters nationally.

Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

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