Mistie Webb

1 week ago | wcjb.com | Mistie Webb

PALATKA, Fla. (WCJB) - Days after a lightning strike ignited the Perchman Fire in the Ocala National Forest, wildland firefighters say their work is far from over. The wildfire began on May 27 in swampy terrain between the Little Lake George Wilderness and State Road 19. While rain briefly slowed the fire’s spread, officials say smoldering fuel and dense underbrush have kept conditions dangerous, prompting an extended response from firefighting crews.

1 week ago | wcjb.com | Mistie Webb

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Alachua County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a contested land-use change, paving the way for 149 single-family homes to be built on 82 acres just west of Newnan’s Lake, sparking controversy. Supporters say the development could bring much-needed private investment in East Gainesville, while opponents argue it threatens the area’s environment and could increase flooding risks for nearby residents. “I listened.

1 week ago | wcjb.com | Mistie Webb

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The University of Florida’s Board of Trustees approved the selection of Santa J. Ono, Ph.D. as the university’s next president in a meeting on Tuesday. If approved by the Board of Governors, Ono will become UF’s 14th president. Before the vote, O’No participated in a lengthy interview. Some of the many topics discussed included mental health, DEI, and antisemitism.

1 week ago | wcjb.com | Mistie Webb

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The University of Florida Gators Softball team is headed to the Women’s College World Series. UF Fans gathered Monday morning at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium to wish the team well as they head to Oklahoma City. The team will compete in the series after a hard-fought win against Georgia in the super regionals.

2 weeks ago | wcjb.com | Mistie Webb

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - A newly formed nonprofit theater company is inviting the Gainesville community to a magical journey to Agrabah with its debut production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr.2nd Act Productions, an arts organization founded to foster creativity and inclusivity among local youth, will present Aladdin Jr. across eight performances from May 24 through June 7 at a Gainesville-area venue.