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Florida Legislator Proposes New Calorie Bill

The Florida Legislator is back in session and one proposed bill has caught the attention of Florida resturants and residents. Chairman of Health and Family Services Council Edward Hollman says it is important to mandate that Florida resturants put calorie information on their menus. Hollmans says obesity is now a greater health risk than smoking and that obesity rates have tripled over the past thirty years. Hollman also says Americans should stop worrying about the cost of health care and be more concerned with the health of Americans. He says getting this information put on Florida menus will enable residents to make healthier choices. Hollmans says that while the Florida Resturant Association does not support the proposed legistlation that the general public is in favor of it. He used New York City as an example to the success this bill could possible have. New York City is required to provide customers with calorie information, and the resturant business is still booming.

]]> The Florida Legislator is back in session and one proposed bill has caught the attention of Florida resturants and residents. Chairman of Health and Family Services Council Edward Hollman says it is important to mandate that Florida resturants put calorie information on their menus.

University of Florida Program Gets Students Invovled in the 2010 Census

The US Census is underway and a local program is working hard to get University of Florida students involved. The program is called Free Ride Fridays for the Census and was started by three UF alumni. The program uses zero emission, electric run Zipcar golf carts to provide rides for students. Free Ride Fridays provides rides every Friday in February. UF Bateman Team member Ngozi Chuku says that students have responded well to the program. She encourages everyone to participate in the census because over 400 billion dollars of government funding is at stake. Chuku says UF students need to register in Gainesville, not their home towns, because funding is distributed in April when school is still in session. For more information about the census Chuku encourages residents to go online to www.youmecensus.com.

]]> The US Census is underway and a local program is working hard to get University of Florida students involved. The program is called Free Ride Fridays for the Census and was started by three UF alumni.

New Ordiance a Possibility for Gainesville

An Ocala ordinance that prohibits people who are under 21 from entering establishments that serve alcohol may be repealed. The ordinance was recently ruled unconstitutionally vague by a US district Judge. Ocala city council members want input from people who will be effected by the ordinance before making any decisions on the ordinance. Ocala Police Chief Samuel Williams is helping put the group together. The ordinance came under review when Bankshot Billiards challenged the constitutionality. The judge ordered they city to refrain from enforcing the ordinance against the pool hall. Williams says the orginal ordinace was in place to protect the saftey of people under 21 .
Williams hopes the meeting will occur in about a month. The city council can challenge the judge's decision, repeal the ordinance or repeal the ordinance and adopt one similar to Gainesville's ordinance . Gainesvilles law allows people under 21 those younger than 21 to go into places that sell alcohol but not drink.

]]> An Ocala ordinance that prohibits people who are under 21 from entering establishments that serve alcohol may be repealed. The ordinance was recently ruled unconstitutionally vague by a US district Judge.

Wine Tasting Party to Come to UF

From wine tasting parties to the perfect companion for steak or chicken dinners, wine is becoming a common staple in everyday life. According to Mayo Clinic's website, wine packs an antioxidant punch and has heart-healthy benefits. Co-owner of the Wine & Cheese Gallery in downtown Gainesville, Wade Tyler says the continuing evolution of the wine industry is increasing as Americans urge to become more culturally aware. For those of you who don't know where to start when finding the perfect wine, or those of you who are still searching, Tyler recommends trusting your taste buds. When it comes to bringing people together, wine can be the perfect drink to share. Tyler says that wine can be a great addition to gatherings because it's not overly alcoholic. This weekend WUFT will be co-sponsoring their annual wine tasting on Sunday from 1-4 PM in the UF Reitz Union Grand Ballroom. Tickets are 60 dollars at the door.

]]> From wine tasting parties to the perfect companion for steak or chicken dinners, wine is becoming a common staple in everyday life. According to Mayo Clinic's website, wine packs an antioxidant punch and has heart-healthy benefits.

Changes Coming to the University of Florida

A conference concerning distance learning and graduate education was held today at the University of Florida. UF officials say the university will see great changes in the areas of enrollment, tuition, and graduate education. President of the University of Florida Bernie Machen says undergraduate students could see as much as a fifteen percent increase in tuition in the upcoming years due to lack of stimulus funds. Machen also believes the state will be unable to provide public universities with relief to combat budget deficits. He says distance learning will provide the university with relief.Chairman to the Board of Trustees Mac McGriff also believes distance learning will help UF. McGriff says the university cannot rely on the state to fix the universities budget problems. McGriff emphasizes that the Board of Trustees is focused on getting graduate education up to the same prestigious level UF is known for in undergraduate education. UF officials assure the public that while many changes are to come to the university, they are keeping what is in the best interest of the student's educational experience at UF in mind.

]]> A conference concerning distance learning and graduate education was held today at the University of Florida. UF officials say the university will see great changes in the areas of enrollment, tuition, and graduate education.

Florida's Eden to Host Event

This weekend painter, poets, and musicians will gather at the Orange Lake overlook just South of McIntosh on US Highway 441 for an event called OLO. The organization called "Florida's Eden" is sponsoring the two day artistic weekend to bring attention to what North Central Florida has to offer in the way of ecotourism. It will also be a chance for people to pick up a free copy of the "Heart of Florida" guidebook. The book also includes hundred of photos of historical and scenic sites in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Mraion and Levy counties. The event will take place this Saturday at 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. at the Orange Lake overlook.

]]> This weekend painter, poets, and musicians will gather at the Orange Lake overlook just South of McIntosh on US Highway 441 for an event called OLO. The organization called "Florida's Eden" is sponsoring the two day artistic weekend to bring attention to what North Central Florida has to offer in the way of ecotourism.

Hope for the Homeless

After many delays, Gainesville's purchase of land for the city's one-stop homeless center was finalized this week. The Grace Marketplace One-Stop Homeless Assistance center is a significant part of Gainesville's 10-year plan to end homelessness in the community. Gainesville City Spokesperson Bob Woods says the center will have all the resources and services for the homeless in the Gainesville community. The land proposed for the future home of the Grace Marketplace faced resistance from owners of surrounding businesses as well as providing better access to the facility for its patrons. Woods says negotiations have finally been made to get the project started. City officials chose the 10-acre property in Northwest gainesville back in April, but the city's plan board didn't approve the application to use the land, which is zoned for industrial use, until earlier this month. Woods says the process to begin construction is finally complete. With the city commission also reviewing plans to lift the limit of meals served to the homeless at St. Francis House, Grace Marketplace will be another option for the homeless to go for a hot meal. Woods says the center will include facilities for sleeping, bathing and even office space. Grace Marketplace is schedule to be open to the public sometime next year. Gainesville City Manager Russ Blackburn is set to discuss more information on the center, as well as the limit on meals for the homeless at tonight's City Commission Meeting.

]]> After many delays, Gainesville's purchase of land for the city's one-stop homeless center was finalized this week. The Grace Marketplace One-Stop Homeless Assistance center is a significant part of Gainesville's 10-year plan to end homelessness in the community.

Sustainability Could Lie in Africa

A University of Florida research teams thinks one key to sustainability could lie in Africa. The UF Geography Department recently received an $870,000 grant from NASA to help fund research in several African countries. Associate professor in the Geography Department, Doctor Jane Southworth says her research team will analyze how climate change affects the land. While one part of the study is very technical-oriented another aspect of the study is strictly social. The researchers will talk with residents of Africa to find out how they are coping with climate change. The research team already went to Africa last summer but have not yet formulated concrete findings. Southworth says she hopes this summer will help them draw more conclusions about how local communities can better deal with a change in climate. Southworth says the money from the grant will be used mostly for travel expenses. More researchers will be sent to Africa this summer to continue work on the project.

]]> A University of Florida research teams thinks one key to sustainability could lie in Africa. The UF Geography Department recently received an $870,000 grant from NASA to help fund research in several African countries.

Sales Tax "Holiday" Report

A new report from The Tax Foundation, concludes that Florida's plan to re-implement a back to school sales tax will not live up to the promises of significant tax relief and state economic growth. The state wants to bring back the popular tax holiday this August as parents and teachers missed the it last year. State Senator Mike Fasano outlines the agenda. The plan to bring in state revenue may sound good but as Tax Foundation Economist Mark Robyn says the "tax holiday" does not benefit the economy in any way. Despite the report, proponents of the bill like Fasano say these tax "relief" policies are what the people need in tough economic times, especially since it's a win-win for the state economy. Robyn suggests instread of discriminating or targeting certain consumers such as parents and educators a more efficient way to raise funding is to provide relief for any consumer. Discussing the current proposal will be a part of next month's state legislative session. The Tax Foundation is a nonprofit organization that monitors fiscal policy at federal, state, and local levels.

]]> A new report from The Tax Foundation, concludes that Florida's plan to re-implement a back to school sales tax will not live up to the promises of significant tax relief and state economic growth. The state wants to bring back the popular tax holiday this August as parents and teachers missed the it last year.

650 New Jobs a Possibility for Alachua and Bradfor County

Hundreds of jobs in Alachua County and Bradford County could become available soon 650 to be exact. The jobs are being created as part of the Florida Back to Work program funded by stimulus dollars. FloridaWorks is partnering with the Alachua County and Bradford County Chambers of Commerce to help people take advantage of these new employment opportunities. FloridaWorks Director of Workforce Operations Jose Gavarrette says that in order to get these jobs, people must meet certain requirements. And that website is www.FloridaWorksOnline.com. FloridaWorks will be hosting an eligibility and recruitment event for anyone interested in acquiring one of the 650 jobs in the program. The event will be held tomorrow and Saturday and will pick up again on February 25th and 26th. Gavarette says the event will help match people up with jobs they are interested in. The program pays for 95 percent of a worker's pay, benefits and training through September 30th. After that date, employers do not have to keep employees but some businesses signed commitments to try to keep workers even after that period is up. And when it comes to job creation, Gavarrette says a little bit can go a long way. Again, anyone who is interested in acquiring one of the 650 jobs in the Florida Back to Work program should visit www.FloridaWorksOnline.com.

]]> Hundreds of jobs in Alachua County and Bradford County could become available soon 650 to be exact. The jobs are being created as part of the Florida Back to Work program funded by stimulus dollars.

UF's Faculty Passes Three Year Contract

The University of Florida's faculty union voted for and agreed on a new three year contract. The agreement comes after years of dispute with the university administration but as UF President of the United Faculty Union Jon Biro says the new contract is practically revolutionary. In addition to increased sabbaticals, better leave guarantees and more protections for academic freedom make up the new agreement. Biro says after long negotiations concluded it was just a matter of time for it to pass. The university first challenged the union in court over collective bargaining rights. Negotiations resumed in 2005 but fell apart last year, leading to a dead-end for both parties until now. UF News Bureau Steve Orlando says both parties win here. The new contract will make UF one of the most academically free universities in the nation, and is expected to help attract high-quality research professors. The union represents about 1,800 faculty members among different UF colleges. The 300 page contract will be ratified by the university's board of trustees later this March.

]]> The University of Florida's faculty union voted for and agreed on a new three year contract. The agreement comes after years of dispute with the university administration but as UF President of the United Faculty Union Jon Biro says the new contract is practically revolutionary.

Florida Congressman Kendrick Meek Seeks Students

Florida Congressman Kendrick Meek is serious about involving students in his campaign for senate and his student followers are serious about him. Despite arriving behind schedule, Meek was greeted by a packed room of applauding students in the Reitz Union at the University of Florida. Meek, who is collecting petitions to get on the ballot for Senate in Florida, was not shy in reminding the students how important Gainesville is to his campaign. Meek spent a half an hour fielding questions, mostly about improving Florida's education system. Meek says he was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and believes that things like the F-CAT make it hard for students with disabilities. The congressman, an alumnus of Florida A-and-M, says he symphathizes with the working students who depend on scholarships like Bright Futures to help put them through school. Meek says these early visits will help him stand out. Many students signed up to help out with Meek's campaign after the speech. Emily Sasser, a UF political science sophomore, says she feels Meek is a relatable candidate. Meek is currently leading the polls in the Democratic primary for Senate -- if he wins, he will be the first candidate for Senate to qualify for the ballot by petition in Florida.

]]> Florida Congressman Kendrick Meek is serious about involving students in his campaign for senate and his student followers are serious about him. Despite arriving behind schedule, Meek was greeted by a packed room of applauding students in the Reitz Union at the University of Florida.

Santa Fe College Hosts Open House

The Department of Surgical Technology at Santa Fe is hosting an open house until 6 P.M. today. Front Page's Candace Tossas spoke with lead instructor for the Surgical Technology Program, Diane May who believes the program offers many opprotunities. May says the progam is comprhensive and the only thing needed for those interested in becoming a surgical technician is a high school diploma. She hopes the open house will bring awareness to the importance and excitement involved in being a surgical technician. May encourages anyone interested in the program to visit the open house and apply by the March 30th deadline.

]]> The Department of Surgical Technology at Santa Fe is hosting an open house until 6 P.M. today. Front Page's Candace Tossas spoke with lead instructor for the Surgical Technology Program, Diane May who believes the program offers many opprotunities.

Marion County Judicial Center Expansion

Today marks the grand opening of the Marion County Judicial Center Expansion. About 200 workers were put to work on the 18 month project and spokeswoman for the Marion County Public Information Office Heather Danonhower is excited for the opening. Danonhower also says the expansion includes multiple new facilities and that the project was designed to meet current demands as well as future demands. The project was completed significantly under budget and Danonhower says the difference is due to efficient construction techniques. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners worked in cooperation with Fifth Judicial Circuit judges, Marion County judges, the Marion County Clerk of the Court and the Marion County Bar Association to celebrate the grand opening. The new judicial center will be officially open for business on Monday.

]]> Today marks the grand opening of the Marion County Judicial Center Expansion. About 200 workers were put to work on the 18 month project and spokeswoman for the Marion County Public Information Office Heather Danonhower is excited for the opening.

Biomass Plant a Possibility for Gainesville

Gainesville's request to delay the voting process for a 100-megawatt wood-burning biomass power plant has been accepted. Over thirty-seven public meetings have been televised to inform residents about the possible bio-mass plant. Voting on the power plant has gone on for seven years and has involved eleven political officials from every background, all have supported the plant. Gainesville Mayor Pageen Hanrahan believes a biomass power plant would benefit the Gainesville community both economically and environmentally. Hanrahan says that before making any decisions a variety of issues were considered.Hanrahan also says the bio-mass power plant will use an abundance of materials already present in the Gainesville area. While there has been some controversy surronding the cost of a biomass power plant Hanrahan assures that although a one hundred million dollar decificit is possible, up to 400 million dollars could be generated by the power plant. She also notes that the only other alternative to a biomass plant is natural gas, which is more expensive and less safe for the environment.

]]> Gainesville's request to delay the voting process for a 100-megawatt wood-burning biomass power plant has been accepted. Over thirty-seven public meetings have been televised to inform residents about the possible bio-mass plant. Voting on the power plant has gone on for seven years and has involved eleven political officials from every background, all have supported the plant.