Alachua County names Meredith McLean as new Animal Resources director

County commissioners unanimously approved a contract for Meredith McLean, who currently leads Collier County Animal Services, to serve as the permanent director of Alachua County Animal Resources at a salary of $150,000 annually. McLean, who holds a graduate certificate in animal shelter leadership from the University of Florida, is set to begin the role Monday. Her appointment follows the firing of former director Julie Johnson last summer and a subsequent internal investigation that identified operational and leadership problems within the department.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Alachua County commissioners approve Everlee Farms development plan 4-0

The Alachua County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to amend the county’s master plan, clearing the way for the Everlee Farms residential development near Archer Road and Parker Road. The project could bring up to 2,500 homes to the area along with a 20-acre farm. Before the vote, commissioners discussed whether the county had authority to enforce irrigation requirements tied to the development.

Sources: WCJB TV20

School board candidate vows to block $16M Buchholz stadium if elected

Hunter Miller, running for an Alachua County School Board seat against Janine Plavac, says he would attempt to stop a proposed $16 million stadium project at Buchholz High School if he wins the race. The headline indicates the stadium plan is a central issue dividing the two candidates in this local school board contest.

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Sources: The Gainesville Sun

Political influencer Myron Gaines holds campus debate at UF on ‘Toxic Masculinity Tour’

Podcaster and former federal agent Myron Gaines visited the University of Florida on Tuesday as part of his ‘Toxic Masculinity Tour,‘ engaging students in debate. Gaines displayed a sign referencing a sexual assault case at Cornell University and wore a sweatshirt parodying a well-known toy retailer’s logo. The visit was recorded for the Uncensored America YouTube channel and marked his second stop at UF this year, following an earlier appearance in March.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Alachua County deputies arrest Buchholz High student on bomb-making charges tied to ISIS

Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies and the FBI arrested a 15-year-old Buchholz High School student after a joint investigation found he had been communicating online with ISIS members and supporters while attempting to build explosives. Investigators searching the teen’s home found two jars he said contained chemicals used to produce TATP, along with files on his phone containing bomb-making instructions and extremist propaganda. The investigation was initiated after authorities learned of the student’s online contacts with the terrorist organization.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Levy County man’s child pornography charges doubled to 40 after device review

Investigators doubled the charges against a 43-year-old Levy County man after finding additional child sexual abuse material on his devices following his initial arrest earlier this month. Evan McQuiston now faces 40 counts, up from 20, with bond set at more than one million dollars.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Gainesville man arrested for DUI with 9-year-old child in car

Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies stopped Gabriel Juan Lopez, 36, on Southwest 33rd and Schoolhouse Road Monday night after he made an illegal left turn that nearly caused a collision. Deputies detected signs of intoxication and Lopez registered a blood-alcohol level of .150 on a breathalyzer, nearly twice the legal limit. He was charged with aggravated DUI and child endangerment, with his 9-year-old child present in the vehicle at the time.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Harn Museum opens new gallery showcasing 70 Florida paintings, free study room

UF’s Harn Museum of Art has completed a yearlong construction project adding a new gallery and study room to its facilities. The gallery displays 70 works from the Sam and Robbie Vickers Florida Collection, including 20th-century paintings of North Central Florida landscapes such as an 1900 depiction of what is now Paynes Prairie. Both the gallery and the Bishop Study Center are open free of charge to UF students and the broader community.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Waldo officials warn state property tax amendment could gut city revenues

A proposed constitutional amendment on Florida’s general election ballot would expand property tax relief for homeowners, but officials and activists in Waldo say the measure could significantly reduce municipal revenues and threaten local services and programs. The small Alachua County city’s leaders are raising alarms about the financial impact the ballot measure could have on their ability to fund basic city functions.

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Sources: WUFT News

John Oliver spotlights HD-10 candidate Marshall Rawson’s Charlottesville ties

HBO comedian John Oliver devoted a segment on Last Week Tonight to Florida State House District 10 Republican candidate Marshall Rawson, citing his attendance at the 2017 Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville. The segment was part of a broader episode examining Republican politicians and staffers linked to white nationalist groups or accused of antisemitic and racist remarks. The race has drawn repeated national media attention over Rawson’s controversial associations.

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Sources: WCJB TV20