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Vol. 1 · No. 89 · Wednesday, July 29, 2026

The Gainesville Ledger

State & National

Florida carries out first double execution since the 1960s, including oldest death row inmate

Florida executed two men hours apart on Tuesday at Florida State Prison in Raiford, marking the state’s first double execution in roughly six decades. One of those executed was Dominick Occhicone, 80, who had spent 38 years on death row for the murders of his ex-girlfriend’s parents and became the oldest person executed by lethal injection in Florida. The executions were the 39th and 40th carried out under Gov. Ron DeSantis and reignited debate over whether advanced age should factor into carrying out a death sentence.

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Sources: WCJB TV20 · The Gainesville Sun · The Independent Florida Alligator

Environment

Florida Heat Wave Poses Serious Danger for Elderly Residents

An ongoing heat wave is pushing feels-like temperatures in parts of Florida above those in Phoenix, driven by the state’s intense summer humidity. Florida recorded the highest number of heat-related emergency room visits in the nation between 2018 and 2022, totaling around 31,000 over that period. Older adults are considered especially vulnerable during prolonged periods of extreme heat.

Sources: Mainstreet Daily News · The Gainesville Sun

City

Two candidates make their cases ahead of Gainesville mayoral race

Challenger Evan Moon is campaigning on priorities including housing, Gainesville Regional Utilities, and Regional Transit System funding, while incumbent Mayor Harvey Ward is seeking a second term by pointing to progress on the GRU dispute, public safety, and growth management. The pair of profiles signal an active contest for the city’s top elected office.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun

City

Alachua commissioners approve commercial rezoning along US 441 in 3-2 vote

Alachua city commissioners voted 3-2 Monday to rezone farmland along U.S. Highway 441 for commercial development, overriding objections from some residents. At least one neighbor raised concerns that the project could affect private well water supplies and force her onto city water, raising her costs. Officials noted the development could eventually include a Walmart, while a planner for the applicant maintained the project poses no threat to public health or safety.

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Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

Education

In Brief

Public Safety

Improperly discarded batteries ignite two fires at Alachua County recycling facility

Lithium-ion batteries mixed into household trash started two separate fires at Alachua County Recycles on the same day last week, with a loading operator spotting smoke before flames reached the machinery. Alachua County Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Mike Cowart urged residents to never dispose of batteries or electronics in regular trash, noting that overheating, crushing, or overcharging can all trigger fires. The county maintains a list of approved drop-off locations for hazardous battery and electronics disposal.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Business

In Brief

Sports

In Brief

Environment

Community

In Brief

State & National

Fishback demands Lt. Gov. Collins resign after ballot-removal lawsuit fails

Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback held a press conference Tuesday calling for Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins to step down after Collins filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Fishback from the primary ballot on residency grounds. A Leon County Circuit Judge ruled Monday that Fishback would remain on the ballot, finding he had not intended to permanently leave Florida. Fishback called the legal challenge a waste of the court’s time.

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Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

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