Gainesville FL

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Sheriff’s deputies were able to save the life of a 2-year-old boy who drowned in a pool in Marion County last week. Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an Airbnb rental on Pencan Pass on reports of a toddler falling into the pool on April 20.

In a chicken tenders mood? Raising Cane's is bringing its hand-battered, cooked-to-order wares to a new location in Gainesville, Florida, in May, according to the company website. The rapidly expanding, Louisiana-based chain known for fried chicken fingers, buttered Texas toast, and special sauce (and named after the founder's dog) opened two Orlando locations in December and a new Ocala location...

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The Union County School Board, coming off its first financial emergency meeting with the state last week, meets on Tuesday to plan the 2026-27 budget. A state audit found deficiencies in financial recordkeeping and reporting, and a falling budget ratio triggered state oversight. Isaac Toye returns...

Fire crews from High Springs, Newberry, Alachua County and Lacrosse responded to a house fire at 25262 Northwest 143rd Road at around 2 a.m.

From the mountains of Guatemala to the shores of Newnan’s Lake, the impact of a small Gainesville bagel shop stretches far beyond its front counter. The Bagel Bakery has become a model of community-driven business, supporting Guatemalan coffee farmers through long standing relationships while investing in local organizations like Gainesville Area Rowing and YoungLife. Under original owner Ken Rembert and now new owner...

Two 18-year-old men bonded out of Marion County Jail on Sunday morning hours after they were arrested on several misdemeanor charges associated with driving a lawnmower into a Target in Ocala and shooting a leaf blower at Culver’s employees. Janek Szkaradek and Luke Charske were both arrested on Saturday,...

Multiple wildfires in Alachua, Levy, Putnam, and Clay counties have containment levels ranging from 50% to 80%. The N. Main Street fire in Gainesville covers 106 acres and is 75% contained with 50,000 gallons of water dropped on hotspots. The Cow Creek Fire in Levy County spans 2,403 acres with...

This episode features Jason Degen, director of Commencement for the University of Florida. In his role, he coordinates graduation and recognition ceremonies for the 16 colleges and professional schools and the annual Spring university-wide graduation ceremony on Florida Field in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on the UF campus. At this university-wide ceremony bachelor’s, master’s and specialist’s degrees are conferred by a member...

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) — The 46th annual Fifth Avenue Arts Festival returned this weekend, celebrating the history of the Fifth Avenue and Pleasant Street neighborhoods. The two-day event celebrates the culture of one of Gainesville’s most historic Black communities, featuring local artists, live performances and food vendors from across the region.

Marion County Public Schools has officially released the commencement schedule for the Class of 2026, marking the upcoming graduation of nearly 3,500 high school seniors across the district. Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer and members of the Marion County School Board will confer diplomas during the ceremonies, which are scheduled to...