Public Safety

Alachua County residents push for transparency on license plate reader use

Automated license plate reader cameras used by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office log vehicle images, plate numbers, locations, and timestamps, and their growing deployment has prompted some residents to call for clearer policies on how the data is handled. A sheriff’s office spokesperson says every database query must be tied to an active case number and is subject to internal audits, with access restricted to vehicles flagged for issues such as theft, suspended licenses, or expired registrations. The agency’s current policy deletes stored plate data after 30 days.

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Sources: WCJB TV20

Community

North Central Florida man carries AK-47 on public walks to promote open carry awareness

A man known as Freedom Franko has been walking through communities in North Central Florida openly carrying an AK-47, saying his aim is to reduce public stigma around firearms and help people understand where open carry is and is not permitted under Florida law. He says law enforcement encounters during his walks have been friendly. Some residents, including one woman who said she would turn around rather than pass him, have expressed opposition to his presence in public spaces with the rifle.

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Sources: WCJB TV20

Public Safety

Alachua County deputies revive man who collapsed inside Criminal Courthouse

Several Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies are being credited with saving a man’s life after he lost consciousness inside the Alachua County Criminal Courthouse on Tuesday morning. Deputies cleared the courtroom and administered CPR, an AED, and Narcan to stabilize the man. Officials attributed the successful response to the deputies’ emergency medical training.

Sources: WCJB TV20