The Point Podcast

Wednesday’s host, Ailee Shanes, speaks with UF IFAS and Florida Sea Grant extension agent Armando Ubeda about the spike in manatee deaths this year and what we can do to help. Plus, a Williston businessman was sentenced to prison for defrauding the federal government, lawmakers propose making it easier to impose the death penalty in Florida, and more.

Tuesday's host, Serra Sowers, speaks with WUFT's Report for America Corp Member Katie Hyson about the significance of the University of Florida's plans to return thousands of Native American ancestral remains. Plus, a new Florida House bill may allow concealed carry without a permit, changes to I-75 are part of Governor DeSantis' latest Moving Florida Forward plan and more. Listen to these stories on Tuesday's episode of The Point.

WUFT reporter Kristin Moorehead speaks with Micanopy Town Commissioner Jiana Williams about a series of events that led to two local business owners leaving town. Plus, a Florida lawmaker is refiling a bill that lets businesses sue local governments over ‘arbitrary and unreasonable ordinances, local election officials in the state are calling to scrap new ID rules for mail-in voting and more.

Friday's host, Elliot Tritto, speaks with Carmen Ward, President of the Alachua County Education Association about her thoughts on the bill. Plus, Florida Senator Rick Scott is trying to stop President Joe Biden's federal student loan debt plan, the Alachua County Crisis Center is looking for volunteers, and more.

Thursday’s host, Julia Cooper, speaks with District 1 Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford about the potential for Amtrak passenger rail services to return to Gainesville. Plus, there’s a potential new lawsuit over Florida prohibiting an AP African American Studies course, lawmakers are considering more oversight of local utilities and more.

Wednesday’s host, Ailee Shanes, speaks with Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward about the city's traffic violence crisis. Plus, a controversial Florida bill remains blocked in a court challenge, a new study shows the growing number of employees working remotely, and more.

Tuesday's host, Serra Sowers, speaks with WUFT reporter Alexis Ashby about the dangers of illegal sports betting in Florida and her special report Behind the Bet. Plus, more high school students could benefit from Bright Futures, Disney World begins renovations on Splash Mountain and more. Listen to these stories on Tuesday's episode of The Point.

Friday’s host, Elliot Tritto, speaks with Dr. Joseph Larkin III about a new study from the University of Florida with evidence showing that the breast milk of people vaccinated against COVID-19 provides protection to infants too young to receive the vaccine. Plus, Dunnellon Mayor Bill White decides to leave his post, Florida’s health leaders warn medical providers against using abortion medication, and more.

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Thursday's host, Julia Cooper, speaks with Suwannee River Water Management District Communications and Outreach Manager Troy Roberts about how 65% less rainfall than average in December is affecting water levels. Plus, the Florida Department of Education is warning school librarians they risk committing a crime if they loan out materials considered harmful to minors, a Federal judge has rejected a request by Gov. Ron DeSantis to conduct “mental examinations” on a pair of 12-year-olds challenging a state rule that prohibits Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care, and more.

Wednesday's host, Ailee Shanes, speaks with Alachua County District 3 County Commissioner Anna Prizzia about rising egg costs and the effects on the local community. Plus, another former mayor of Gainesville dies, the United States Department of Agriculture forecast for the state predicts a drop in citrus production for 2023, and more.