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Vol. 1 · No. 76 · Thursday, July 16, 2026

The Gainesville Ledger

Public Safety

Man fatally struck by box truck near Grace Marketplace on NE 39th Avenue

A man believed to be homeless was killed Tuesday evening after being struck by a box truck on Northeast 39th Avenue near the intersection of State Road 24, according to Gainesville police. Witnesses reported the man may have stepped into oncoming traffic outside of a crosswalk. Investigators say the driver does not appear to have acted wrongfully, and the case remains under investigation.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · Mainstreet Daily News · WCJB TV20

Community

WUFT series highlights hidden health risks of Florida’s summer heat

A two-part WUFT News series warns that extreme heat can impair brain function, disrupt sleep, and compromise decision-making well before most people recognize they are in danger. The reporting notes that some of the earliest warning signs of overheating are among the easiest to overlook, making Florida’s summer conditions particularly hazardous.

Sources: WUFT News

Arts & Culture

Phillips Center announces new UF Performing Arts season with interactive focus

The University of Florida’s Phillips Center has revealed its upcoming performance season, with organizers emphasizing greater audience participation. Highlights include performances by the Jason Marsalis Quartet and Bela Fleck, stage productions of King Lear and Clue, and a presentation by former New York City firefighter Bill Spade on his experience surviving the 2001 World Trade Center attack.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20

City

Gainesville commission to set property tax ceiling as city faces $8.6M budget gap

The Gainesville City Commission is scheduled Thursday to establish the maximum millage rate for fiscal year 2027, a ceiling that can be reduced but not raised before the final budget is adopted. Staff recommend holding the rate at approximately 6.7 mills, while rising property values would still push average tax bills more than 5% higher, growing city property tax revenue from $77.5 million to $81.5 million. The interim city manager’s preferred scenario among seven presented would close an estimated $8.6 million General Fund shortfall through a higher fire assessment, $1.4 million in departmental cuts, and tapping $1.2 million in Fleet Fund reserves — without eliminating any filled positions.

Sources: City of Gainesville · WCJB TV20

City

Fort White council fails to name interim town clerk at special meeting

Fort White’s town council adjourned a special Wednesday meeting without appointing an interim town clerk to replace Joe Helfenberger, who resigned earlier this month after about three months in the part-time role. Two candidates have been identified but were not ready for consideration, and the council plans to reconvene Monday to continue its search. In the meantime, members unanimously authorized Assistant Town Clerk Kelly MacPherson to process payroll so town employees continue to be paid.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Alachua County proposes rollback tax rate, opens new preserve, plans pet adoption event

The county’s proposed FY2027 budget holds the general fund property tax millage at the rollback rate of 7.2107 mills — down from 7.6000 — dedicating more than $343 million to public safety and transportation while maintaining other core services. Separately, a newly opened 69-acre natural area on the western shore of Little Lake Santa Fe near Waldo is now welcoming visitors for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The county’s animal shelter will also host a free pet adoption event on August 8 at its Gainesville facility.

Sources: Alachua County

Education

In Brief

Public Safety

Starke woman gets 100-year sentence in daycare shooting death of children’s father

Mindy Osteen, 34, pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree murder and additional felony charges for the July 2025 shooting death of Christopher Travis Jones outside Auntie Lili’s Daycare in Starke, where Jones was picking up the couple’s two children. A judge accepted the negotiated plea agreement, resulting in a 100-year prison sentence and closing the case without a trial. The victim’s family described themselves as traumatized by the killing.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Alachua County detective describes rising caseload of child abuse investigations

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Office detective with nine years of experience is speaking publicly about the psychological burden of investigating child abuse and death cases. Sheriff’s office data show the number of such cases investigated has climbed sharply, from 288 in 2024 to 382 in 2025, with 214 already recorded through the first half of 2026.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Pennsylvania man indicted in Gainesville federal court on child sex crime charges

A 39-year-old Pennsylvania man, Joshua Barber, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Gainesville on multiple charges including attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, cyberstalking, and threatening communications. Barber appeared in federal court for arraignment and is scheduled for a jury trial on August 4; he faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison. The case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative.

Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

Business

In Brief

Sports

In Brief

Arts & Culture

In Brief

Environment

Poe Springs swimming area closed over poor water clarity

Alachua County officials shut down the swimming area at Poe Springs in High Springs on Thursday after determining water clarity had fallen below safe levels. County staff have begun weekly water-quality monitoring while the closure is in effect. The rest of the park — including the boat ramp, picnic areas, and trails — remains open to visitors.

Sources: Alachua County · WCJB TV20

In Brief

Community

In Brief

State & National

In Brief

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