News

Controversy Over Voucher Law

While the voucher bill is now a law, many are afraid there will be too many private school students receiving vouchers. President of the Alachua County Education Association Gunnar Paulson says the law allows all kinds of students to receive vouchers, including those who have the economic necessity. Paulson says with the tough economy, this is a bad time to increase spending if there is a shortfall in the budget. Paulson goes onto say he does not think it's fair to take money from the public school system.

]]> While the voucher bill is now a law, many are afraid there will be too many private school students receiving vouchers. President of the Alachua County Education Association Gunnar Paulson says the law allows all kinds of students to receive vouchers, including those who have the economic necessity.

AAA Recycling Drive

One local auto club that cares for the needs of drivers is also caring for the environment. This week the AAA Auto Club South branch office on 13th street will be collecting items and recycling them in celebration of Earth Day. Branch Manager Rita Armstrong says the company will recycle items most people don't know how to properly dispose of. Armstrong says cell phones and luggage will be donated to local shelters. The collection drive ends Friday.

]]> One local auto club that cares for the needs of drivers is also caring for the environment. This week the AAA Auto Club South branch office on 13th street will be collecting items and recycling them in celebration of Earth Day.

Cabot-Koppers Lawsuit

Gainesville residents are taking legal action for a cleaner community. A federal class action lawsuit was filed yesterday on behalf of residents and property owners within a two mile radius of the Cabot/Koppers Superfund site in Northwest Gainesville. The lawsuit was filed by Stuart Calwell, a lawyer from The Calwell Practice in West Virginia. The lawsuit seeks remidiation for cleaner properties and medical testing. Calwell says that cleaning up the site and surrounding homes could cost anywhere from $250 million to $1 billion. The suit also wants to set-up a fund of approximately $250 million for medical testing of the people who live or have lived in the area. While the suit has been filed, legal proceedings may take several months.

]]> Gainesville residents are taking legal action for a cleaner community. A federal class action lawsuit was filed yesterday on behalf of residents and property owners within a two mile radius of the Cabot/Koppers Superfund site in Northwest Gainesville.

Gymnastics

Gainesville could see an economic boost this week with the University of Florida hosting the Gymnastics National Championships. Gainesville Tourism Coordinator Jon Pritcher says business's will see an increase in sales.
Pritcher says this will bring expousure to Gainesville and it's likely people will be more interested about this area. The competition starts thursday and runs through saturday.

]]> Gainesville could see an economic boost this week with the University of Florida hosting the Gymnastics National Championships. Gainesville Tourism Coordinator Jon Pritcher says business's will see an increase in sales.

Processed Foods

The Food and Drug Administration is planning on reducing the amount of sodium consumed each day by Americans over the next ten years. Local dietician Mary Killian says Americans take in almost twice the amount of sodium as necessary. She says the change won't be that drastic.
Killian says people should cut down on the amounts of processed foods they eat by cooking at home. The plan is scheduled to launch this year, and it will be the first legal limits on the amount of sodium in processed foods.

]]> The Food and Drug Administration is planning on reducing the amount of sodium consumed each day by Americans over the next ten years. Local dietician Mary Killian says Americans take in almost twice the amount of sodium as necessary.

Homelessness

The homeless could have protection against hate crimes. A bill has passed the house that will add the homeless to Floridas hate crime laws. The bill's sponsor Representative Ari Porth says if homlessness is added to hate crime law, than there could be an increase in punishment.
Porth says Florida is the most violent state in the nation against the homeless. He say's it's important to protect societies vulnerable from being victimized. A similar bill will now be voted on by the senate.

]]> The homeless could have protection against hate crimes. A bill has passed the house that will add the homeless to Floridas hate crime laws.

Retirees Keep Monthly Stipend

State lawmakers decided to leave the monthly stipend in the state budget for retired state workers, helping many low income retirees pay the high costs of health insurance. Legislative Director for AFSCME Council 79 Doug Martin credits this win to those same retirees and state employees who made the calls necessary to sway the vote. He says that he is more than pleased with the decision state lawmakers made on the monthly stipend, but also feels their job is not over. He says there are still many cuts they are worried about that could affect employees in adult mental health programs, commitment to mental health programs, and the juvenile system. He says he aims to direct those cuts to targeting vacant positions. However, he also says one of his main focuses now is the threat of a three-percent cut on state and university workers. He encourages people to continue calling the legislature to let them know how they feel about the bill. Martin says AFSCME is working with the sub committee chairs, budget chairs, and majority and minority offices to provide people with a way to share how they feel about the bills being proposed. He recommends those concerned to contact the number 1-866-580-3030.

]]> State lawmakers decided to leave the monthly stipend in the state budget for retired state workers, helping many low income retirees pay the high costs of health insurance. Legislative Director for AFSCME Council 79 Doug Martin credits this win to those same retirees and state employees who made the calls necessary to sway the vote.

FDA to Moniter Sodium Levels

The Food and Drug Administration is planning to start a new effort to gradually reduce the amount of salt that is consumed each day by Americans. The plan which is scheduled to launch this year will eventually lead to the first legal limits on the amount of salt allowed in food products ranging from soup to nuts. Local dietician Mary Killian says that while this is a great plan, she hopes for a minor change in how it is administered. The program is set to last 10 years and Killian hopes that they would shorten the time period since our health as a nation is at risk.

As far as how Americans will react to the food, Killian says that it won't be as big of an issue as some people may believe because the changes will be gradual and our bodies will barely notice the difference. Currently, manufacturers can use as much salt as they please in products because salt falls into the federal category of an item that is generally recognized as safe and this is apparent by the amount of sodium that is being taken in by Americans which is around twice the amount that is recommended says Killian.

]]> The Food and Drug Administration is planning to start a new effort to gradually reduce the amount of salt that is consumed each day by Americans. The plan which is scheduled to launch this year will eventually lead to the first legal limits on the amount of salt allowed in food products ranging from soup to nuts.

Shooting Video Released and Rally Held

The University of Florida's Students for a Democratic Society posted a new video to YouTube showing the events of the night UPD shot Kofi Adu-Brempong. An anonymous neighbor of Adu-Brempong's shot the 10 minute video. The SDS used the video at a Justice for Kofi rally yesterday at the Plaza of the Americas. Protestors marched to the office of State Attorney Bill Cervone's office. SDS member Justin Wooten says the video shows the quick progression of events the evening of March 2nd. After about five and a half minutes, the video shows police breaking down the door and within the next minute firing on Adu-Brempong first with a taser, then with bean bags and finally an assault rifle. Wooten says the video is difficult to stomach. UF Spokesman Steve Orlando says he's hopeful about negotiations between the student protestors and the university. He says the students have met with President Bernie Machen twice, and they have always been respectful.

]]> The University of Florida's Students for a Democratic Society posted a new video to YouTube showing the events of the night UPD shot Kofi Adu-Brempong. An anonymous neighbor of Adu-Brempong's shot the 10 minute video.

Sturgeon Jumping Around

Every year sturgeon migrate in the Suwannee River, but area residents are not exactly jumping for joy- because the fish are jumping at them. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Center Spokesman Karen Parker says this jumping is just as normal as the fish swimming. She says this may be an interesting sight, but is a dangerous one nonetheless. She says boaters should be especially careful and drive slowly when around the jumping sturgeon, because hitting them at high speeds could be like hitting a brick wall.

]]> Every year sturgeon migrate in the Suwannee River, but area residents are not exactly jumping for joy- because the fish are jumping at them. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Center Spokesman Karen Parker says this jumping is just as normal as the fish swimming.

UF to Be Completely Tobacco Free

The University of Florida campus will be going completely tobacco-free starting the first of July this year. Director of UF News Bureau Steve Orlando says this change is in an attempt to make the campus a healthier place. Orlando says they are planning to get the message out to the UF community to through several different ways. Recently, there have been rumors floating around campus that police will be handing out tickets to those who do not abide by the tobacco-free rule. Orlando denies such rumors. This change has been accepted very well by the UF community, according to Orlando. Orlando adds that the university is also providing additional resources to assist people in addressing their addiction. This effort started with a group called Healthy Gators whose goal is to spread health awareness throughout the campus.

]]> The University of Florida campus will be going completely tobacco-free starting the first of July this year. Director of UF News Bureau Steve Orlando says this change is in an attempt to make the campus a healthier place.

National Smoke Marijuana Day

With today being 420, National Marijuana Day, debates may surface over whether or not the drug should be legalized. Florida Cannabis Action Network Executive Director, Jodi James thinks marijuana should be legalized because of its many benefits. James says that legalizing marijuana would allow legitimate farmers to take advantage of the marketplace. Not everyone thinks legalizing marijuana is a good idea. Clinical Psychology Associates of North Central Florida Executive Director Ernest Bordini says marijuana use can lead to other hard drugs. Bordini also says that marijuana can be more toxic than cigarettes.

]]> With today being 420, National Marijuana Day, debates may surface over whether or not the drug should be legalized. Florida Cannabis Action Network Executive Director, Jodi James thinks marijuana should be legalized because of its many benefits.

School Board

Uniforms are going to be a big topic tonight at the Alachua County school board meeting. School Board Chair Ginger Childs says, tonight will be the opportunity for anyone to speak to the board and tell them what they think about the school uniform policy. She says there are some aspects of the policy she doesn't like.
Childs says uniforms have been a topic of conversation for the last nine to twelve years. She says there are different opinions between schools.
Childs says the board would vote to schedule a meeting in May to vote on the uniform policy. If it passes the vote in May, it will go into effect at the beginning of the school year in August. The school board meeting is tonight at the Kirby Smith Center at six-thirty.

]]> Uniforms are going to be a big topic tonight at the Alachua County school board meeting. School Board Chair Ginger Childs says, tonight will be the opportunity for anyone to speak to the board and tell them what they think about the school uniform policy.

Senate

Charlie Crist is considering a run for senate as an independent candidate. Alachua County Republican Party Chairman Stafford Jones says there are polls that show there is too much ground to be made up between Crist and Mark Rubio. Jones says its really up to the canidates and primary voters.
Jone's says Crist can still be a Republican, but run as a non party affiliated canidate. He says voters have mixed feelings about both candidates.
Jones says it's ultimately up to the candidate to make the best decision for themselves.

]]> Charlie Crist is considering a run for senate as an independent candidate. Alachua County Republican Party Chairman Stafford Jones says there are polls that show there is too much ground to be made up between Crist and Mark Rubio.

ACORN Clinics May Face Cuts, but Service Will Continue

With the state budget approaching its final stages and national health care reform settling in, some local health organizations are waiting to see what their fate will be. Alachua County Organization for Rural Needs Executive Director Diane Mauldin says the ACORN clinics do not expect to be effected directly by cuts, but they are planning for the trickle down effect. She says they have not seen a change in demand for the health services they provide, or in the level of volunteerism that the clinic runs on. In anticipation for potential funding needs, Mauldin says the clinics are trying to spend smart and run right. She says some primary sources of revenue are fundraising and grants, which both become more difficult to generate in tough economic times. She says regardless of funding, they will stay opne and provide whatever services they are capable of giving.

]]> With the state budget approaching its final stages and national health care reform settling in, some local health organizations are waiting to see what their fate will be. Alachua County Organization for Rural Needs Executive Director Diane Mauldin says the ACORN clinics do not expect to be effected directly by cuts, but they are planning for the trickle down effect.