UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Florida agriculture losses from Hurricane Idalia are estimated at between $78 million and $371 million, with producers also suffering widespread damage to such infrastructure as irrigation rigs and fences.

The University of Florida was named the top U.S. public university in the 2024 America’s Best College Rankings, published Wednesday by the Wall Street Journal.

The Florida Gators faced a tough season opener against the Utah Utes on Thursday evening after Bryson Barnes threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Money Parks.

Police say two people were killed after shots rang out in a crowd in the home city of Florida’s flagship university.

The Gators are an SEC underdog going into the 2023 football season. Here's what to know.

The most racially and ethnically diverse U.S. Congress to date is also the most educated.

University of Florida landscaping research is helping to save water, money, and the changing climate.

A Florida man is in jail accused of beating another man with a baseball bat after finding him in bed with his wife, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

The Swamp is getting a makeover.

Imagine having a home with landscaping that doesn’t need additional water.

An animal shelter in Daytona Beach is temporarily closed due to some dogs at the center being diagnosed with upper respiratory infections.

Haiti’s inmates are thirsty and starving in severely overcrowded jails, many forced to sleep standing up.

Here are some places to check out for World Dinosaur Day, June 1.

Fossil hunters in Florida are unearthing incredible finds, including prehistoric creatures such as rhinos, sabretooth cats and ancient relatives of elephants.

The University of Florida is revamping and streamlining its fundraising collective.

According to the university, the move comes as a result of an emergency regulation issued by the Florida Board of Governors amid security concerns posed by these platforms.

The university sent an email to students and faculty outlining five apps, including TikTok, that will no longer be allowed on devices or networks owned by the school.

You have a higher chance of being struck by lightning than being attacked by a gator — but that doesn't mean it can't happen.

University of Florida scientists are asking residents to report sightings of nonnative lizards, in order to prevent invasive spread.

Hurricane Ian caused an estimated $1 billion in agricultural-production losses, with the biggest hits to the citrus industry, along with growers of vegetables and melons, according to a new University of Florida report.

The University of Florida and the city are working on plans to build a new graduate satellite campus in Jacksonville.

According to the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File, unprovoked shark bites in Florida accounted for 28% of attacks worldwide.

The beached 21-foot killer whale that was found dead on a beach in Flagler County was buried in a secret location.

A potential class-action lawsuit has gone to the Florida Supreme Court in a dispute about whether the University of Florida should return fees to students because of a campus shutdown early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Florida motorists had more than 1.99 million specialty license plates as of last week.

A group of University of Florida medical-school faculty members challenged controversial guidance by state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo on COVID-19 vaccinations, but a university official said Wednesday the guidance is outside the scope of Ladapo’s work with the school.

University of Florida professors are asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit that challenged a controversial conflict-of-interest policy that gave school administrators discretion over allowing faculty members to serve as expert witnesses in litigation.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced two new specialty license plates on Thursday: one featuring the University of Florida Gator and the other displaying the Gadsden Flag.

A former UF football players shares his experience being one of the "guinea pigs" for Dr. Cade's groundbreaking concoction: Gatorade.

The Board of Trustees for the University of Florida is meeting to consider the selection of Ben Sasse to serve as the university’s president.

The University of Florida is going to start enforcing a decades-old prohibition against indoor protests following a raucous demonstration earlier this month against the selection of U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse as a finalist for the school president’s job.

Hurricane Ian caused as much as $1.8 billion in damages to Florida agriculture last month.

Nebraska U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse faced pointed questions and loud protests during his first visit to the University of Florida as the lone finalist for the school’s presidency.

The UF presidential search committee recommended Dr. Ben Sasse as the sole finalist for the job to its Board of Trustees Thursday.

Fans of the University of Kentucky Wildcats football team flipped over a car and set furniture on fire in Lexington, Kentucky, while celebrating the team’s 26 to 16 win over the University of Florida Gators on Sept. 10.

College football season has arrived, bringing heated rivalries along with it.

Shilese Jones grabbed the lead at the U.S. gymnastics championships, riding a dynamic bars routine to post an all-around total of 57.200.

A wide receiver from Boone High School uses animals to help announce his college decision.

Scientists for the first time have grown plants in soil from the moon collected by NASA’s Apollo astronauts.

Can you believe it was just 50 years ago the University of Florida was the first university in the southeastern conference to form a women’s athletics program?

A University of Florida investigation has found no merit to allegations that state or university officials pressured researchers to suppress or destroy COVID-19 research data.

A federal judge has temporarily prohibited the University of Florida from enforcing a policy that restricted faculty members from providing expert testimony in cases that conflict with positions taken by the state of Florida.

A federal judge sharply criticized an attorney for the University of Florida during a hearing on whether six professors’ free speech rights were infringed upon after the lawyer accused some of the academics of having no standing to make their cases because they had violated school policy.

As the demand for COVID-19 tests remains high, the former head of the Food and Drug Administration said things should start improving soon in Florida.

Researchers at University of Florida released a new study projecting the end of the omicron wave is near, but they said it will get worse before it gets better.

University of Florida President Kent Fuchs announced Wednesday that he plans to step down at the end of 2022, saying he has fulfilled commitments he made when he took the helm of the state’s flagship university.

University of Florida researchers predict that COVID-19 cases in the Sunshine State could peak in February with more than 30,000 reported cases a day from the omicron variant.

New Florida coach Billy Napier plans to hire an “unprecedented” support staff.

A person familiar with negotiations says new Florida coach Billy Napier agreed to a seven-year, $51.8 million contract that makes him the fifth-highest-paid coach in the Southeastern Conference.

A University of Florida professor said the omicron variant of the coronavirus has more mutations than the delta variant.

Nearly two decades after earning a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and more than four years after his death, rock icon Tom Petty has been awarded a honorary Ph.D. from the University of Florida.

A University of Florida professor has filed a grievance against the school, saying administrators told him he couldn't use the worlds ‘critical' and ‘race' together in describing a new study concentration.

A U.S. House subcommittee is investigating whether the University of Florida interfered with academic freedom and free speech when it stopped three professors from testifying as experts in a lawsuit challenging Florida’s controversial election law.

The University of Florida is reversing its position, saying it will allow three professors to serve as experts in a lawsuit challenging a new state election law.

The University of Florida has been asked by its accrediting body to explain how denying a request by three professors to serve as paid experts in a voting rights lawsuit conforms to standards for academic freedom and avoids undue political influence.

The University of Florida is prohibiting three professors from providing expert testimony in a lawsuit challenging a new law that critics claim restricts voting rights.

Is Dan Mullen really on the hot seat at Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference at the University of Florida.

The University of Florida will open its upcoming semester with in-person classes, reversing itself within hours of telling students the term might begin online because of the state’s renewed COVID-19 outbreak.

The University of Florida notified all students, faculty and staff they would be asked to wear face masks indoors.

The University of Central Florida will play against the University of Florida in three games in the latest scheduling agreement.

The city that is home to the University of Florida may allow people to drink legally from open containers in public places such as sidewalks.

A three-year-old bottlenose dolphin was rescued by several teams from Spruce Creek in Volusia County and relocated back to the Halifax River Wednesday, according to Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute.

The fundraiser wraps up on May 9.

Any adult in Florida is now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Health officials in Central Florida are helping those qualified to receive the COVID-19 vaccine pre-register to get the shot. [READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Brazil virus variant found in Florida as officials report 6,650 new cases]Find the state-run COVID-19 dashboard below:Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on Feb. 20. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 7,280 new cases on Saturday, bringing the state’s overall total to 1,863,707 cases since the virus was first detected on March 1. Health officials say the rate should remain between 5% and 10% to prove a community has a hold of the virus and is curbing infections. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health recently began releasing a daily report on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.

University of Florida zoo medicine resident tries to remove a shoe from Anuket the crocodile's stomach. (UF Vet Med Facebook)GAINESVILLE, Fla. – There are a lot of gator stories in Florida, but this croc may have them beat. Doctors at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine recently conducted surgery to get a shoe out of a crocodile’s stomach after she swallowed it. Anuket, a nearly 11-foot croc, came to UF Veterinary Hospital on Feb. 5 to remove the offending footwear. After a short while, the team was able to remove the shoe.

(AP Photo/Matt Stamey, File)GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After spending more than a week in the hospital, the University of Florida’s Keyontae Johnson is heading home just in time for Christmas, the basketball player’s family said in an update on Tuesday. Keyontae is being released from the hospital. Johnson has been recovering at UF Health in Gainesville since he collapsed during a game against Florida State University on Dec. 12. Prior to his release, Johnson shared an update on Instagram from his hospital room on Friday. In the post, Johnson said thank you to doctors, medical staff and UF Nation.

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – The Ormond Beach Police Department is combating identity theft one swipe at a time. The red light on the device alerts that the card was read twice, indicating there is a skimmer. The “Skim Reaper” did not detect any skimmers this time, but police said fraudulent activity is one of their most prevalent crimes, with 217 cases reported so far this year. So, with that, we can do what we can with the physical capture which is the use of the Skim Reaper which we purchased recently,” said Sgt. News 6 introduced the “Skim Reaper” when it was just a prototype in 2018.

University of Florida men’s basketball player Keyontae Johnson is in a medically induced coma following his collapse on the court during a game Saturday, USA Today reported. Johnson’s grandfather, Larry DeJarnett, told USA Today that doctors hoped to try and bring him out of the coma Monday, according to the report. | Pilot killed in Fla. gyroscope crash]UF was playing rival Florida State University when the incident happened. Johnson, the Southeastern Conference’s preseason player of the year, collapsed coming out of a timeout and needed emergency medical attention Saturday. Johnson was taken back to Gainesville Monday, according to the report.

Blame it on a headache or stomachache caused by eating some bad fish. A University of Florida study found increased mercury exposure is turning egrets off from sex. The study also noted the full effects of mercury exposure among wading birds may be “systematically underestimated." Certain microorganisms can change mercury into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that builds up in fish, shellfish and animals that eat fish, in a process known as bioaccumulation. Most human exposure to mercury is from eating fish and shellfish contaminated with methylmercury.

University of Florida football coach Dan Mullen announced on Saturday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. In his tweet, Mullen said he self-isolating with his family and following guidelines set forth by the CDC and public health officials. The news capped off a whirlwind week for Mullen, who drew criticism for comments after last Saturday’s loss at Texas A&M that he hoped Ben Griffin Stadium would be at full capacity for a scheduled Saturday game against LSU. The game ended up being postponed until Dec. 12 after 21 Florida players (18 scholarship, 3 walk-ons) tested positive for COVID-19.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida coach Dan Mullen was given several more chances Monday to clarify any confusion regarding his comments about wanting to pack 90,000 screaming fans inside Florida Field during the coronavirus pandemic. He declined each of them, brushing aside criticism and insisting he's focused on defending national champion LSU. “I think Texas A&M actually, they created a great atmosphere at the game, created an exciting atmosphere, you know?," the coach said. The Gators had 2,000 of a nearly 17,000 allotment unsold for their home opener against South Carolina two weeks ago. But Mullen apparently believes crowded bleachers would be OK.“These preventative measures remain the most effective ways to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Fuchs said.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. In late August 30 years ago, Sadie Darnell was seen in news photographs and videos around the world. She was a Gainesville Police Department lieutenant who served as the agency spokeswoman when five college students were murdered and mutilated and was a daily presence in the news. At other anniversary points of this pivotal tragedy, the Gainesville community has gathered for vigils or services of commemoration. The University of Florida stopped anniversary recognitions, such as tolling the carillon bells of Century Tower five times, after the 25th anniversary. Thirty years is a long time, and the anniversary coincides with some events that are closing a part of the era.

Ron DeSantis said Thursday that hes hoping one of college footballs biggest rivalry games can take place in 2020. I am gonna see if we can make sure that rivalry game continues because I know its one that we all look forward to every year, DeSantis said. I think they played LSU better than any team did (last season). And then I think we got a new coach at Florida State, (so) I think theres some renewed optimism with the program there.The 2020 game was originally scheduled to take place in Tallahassee. I just want to say that, as the governor, I would like to see a way for that game to happen, DeSantis said.

I do way better with in-person lectures, said the 19-year-old rising sophomore from Port St. Lucie about online classes. And its thrown into disarray the things often associated with UFs fall semester: football Saturdays, homecoming weekend and parties. The plan, approved by the Florida Board of Governors last week, would finalize remaining questions about online versus in-person classes, and how fall semester will look. Seven UF students told The Sun they either havent made up their mind about returning to campus or theyre yearning to come back. Students also say theyre pining for in-person classes, but they are skeptical about about how it can be done safely.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. The University of Florida has had 11 athletes test positive for coronavirus since April, the school confirmed on Tuesday to News 4 Jax. Dating back to April, weve had a total of 11 student-athletes from several of our teams test positive, Gators athletic director Steve McClain said in a statement. As weve said before, we will have positive tests and with guidance from UF health we feel we are well-positioned to manage those cases.Florida didnt identify the athletes or the sports that the athletes play. It joins a growing list of colleges to announce positive COVID-19 tests for athletes who have resumed workouts. Alabama, Clemson, Florida State and UCF are among schools that have announced that athletes there have tested positive.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The coronavirus pandemic had one silver lining this year: fewer shark attacks. Three unprovoked attacks resulted in deaths — two in Australia and one in California, up from last year’s total of two deaths. The ISAF experts already had been documenting an unusual decrease in shark bites in recent years. Last year’s 64 unprovoked attacks worldwide were a 22% drop from the most recent five-year average of 82 incidents annually. “The East Coast has been pretty quiet, and that’s where we pick up blacktips and the occasional bull shark,” Bowling said.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. The University of Florida announced Thursday the ban of the Gator Bait cheer by the universitys athletics and Gator Band. In a letter from President Kent Fuchs that detailed out a list of plans to combat racism and social injustice on Floridas campus, the president listed the ban of the cheer by University Athletics and the Gator Band. While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our Gator Bait cheer at UF sporting events, there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase. Accordingly University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer, Fuchs said. The chant is used at Florida Gators sporting events in insinuating its opponents are gator bait.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. The University of Florida has rescinded an admissions offer to a prospective student who posted a racial comment on social media. Floridas flagship university tweeted earlier this week that the prospective student will not be joining the University of Florida community this fall. The tweet did not offer any further details. The Gainesville Sun reports that University of Florida officials have been looking into allegations of prospective and enrolled students posting racist messages on social media. The source of the admissions offer being rescinded was an Instagram post a Cape Coral, Florida, student made about two years ago. Last week, the University of Florida tweeted that it was looking into racist or threatening posts made by other students.

THE VILLAGES, Fla. – The University of Florida is offering coronavirus tests for residents at The Villages, according to a news release. As a result, we can only offer a limited number of testing appointments each day and currently only to residents of The Villages,” officials said. Ron DeSantis announced the testing site will be operational and available by residents of The Villages on an appointment only basis. Appointment slots for tomorrow’s drive-thru virus testing at The Villages Polo Club are now open to be requested at https://t.co/ugTI5cs71C. RELATED: Governor: ‘Golf cart’ drive-thru coronavirus test site at The Villages possibleAccording to the university, the testing process will consist of two arms.

Love is in the air across Central Florida, at least for one pesky insect.