City commissioner urges pedestrian safety fixes after UF freshman killed on University Ave

Gainesville City Commissioner Bryan Eastman has publicly called for improved roadway safety for both drivers and pedestrians following the death of 19-year-old UF freshman Hazel Krauss, who was struck and killed while crossing University Avenue last weekend. Eastman raised the issue online four days after the fatal crash.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Florida Ethics Commission finds probable cause to investigate ACPS Superintendent Patton

The Florida Commission on Ethics has opened a formal investigation into Alachua County Public Schools Superintendent Kamela Patton after finding probable cause to examine whether she failed to disclose all of her income sources on required financial forms. Patton founded Patton Solutions LLC, an educational consulting firm, in late 2022 before becoming the district’s superintendent. Patton clarified that a probable cause finding is not a ruling of wrongdoing and that the matter will proceed to a formal hearing.

Sources: WCJB TV20

UF researchers launch plant disease experiment to International Space Station

A University of Florida team led by UF/IFAS researchers Andrew Schuerger, Robert Ferl, and Anna-Lisa Paul sent an investigation called MVP-Plant-02 to the International Space Station on Oct. 13 to study how a fungal pathogen affects plants in microgravity. The experiment examines whether the space environment weakens plant defenses and makes infections more severe, using a specialized device to inoculate plants with powdery mildew spores after they are already in orbit. The findings are intended to advance the development of bioregenerative life support systems that could provide fresh food for astronauts on long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

Sources: UF News

Gainesville man gets 25-year federal sentence for carfentanil trafficking

Trai Williams, 28, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in July to possessing more than 100 grams of carfentanil with intent to distribute. Authorities found the drugs — along with heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and more than $50,000 in cash — in his Gainesville apartment following a multi-county high-speed chase in October 2025. Williams had faced a sentencing range of 10 years to life.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Wanted man with cocaine and fentanyl arrested after chase in Alachua County

Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Victor White, 44, Tuesday evening after he fled a traffic stop on Southwest 20th Avenue, driving into a dead end at Pinetree Gardens Apartments before attempting to escape on foot. Deputies subdued him with a taser and recovered about 8 grams of cocaine along his flight path and 0.4 grams of fentanyl in his vehicle. White also had two outstanding Alachua County warrants for battery, false imprisonment, and robbery, and was driving on a suspended license.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Civil suits filed against three UF students over nonconsensual explicit videos

Civil sexual cyber harassment lawsuits have been filed against one former and two current University of Florida students who allegedly posted nonconsensual sexually explicit videos of another student. The criminal charges that had been brought in connection with the same conduct were dropped, according to a sworn civil complaint.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida Gators basketball prepares for season opener with final scrimmage

The Florida Gators men’s basketball team held a final practice session ahead of their upcoming season opener, according to coverage from the Gainesville Sun. A separate piece offers five bold predictions for what fans can expect from the team this season.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun

Donalds and Jolly outline contrasting visions ahead of Florida governor’s race

With Florida’s gubernatorial election six days away, Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly are signaling distinct priorities for how they would govern. Donalds has emphasized tax relief and continuity with the current administration’s direction, while Jolly has pledged an aggressive use of executive power, including removing the state surgeon general as a first act in office.

Read both sides →

Sources: WCJB TV20