UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

The study makes use of lunar soil samples collected from Apollo 11, 12 and 17.

Researchers had no idea if anything would sprout in the harsh moon dirt and wanted to see if it could be used to grow food by the next generation of lunar explorers. Plants actually grow in lunar stuff. Ferl and his colleagues planted thale cress in moon soil returned by Apollo 11′s Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, and other moonwalkers. Most of the moon plants ended up stunted. One solution might be to use younger geologic spots on the moon, like lava flows, for digging up planting soil.

Researchers had no idea if anything would sprout in the harsh moon dirt and wanted to see if it could be used to grow food by the next generation of lunar explorers. Plants actually grow in lunar stuff. Ferl and his colleagues planted thale cress in moon soil returned by Apollo 11′s Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, and other moonwalkers. Most of the moon plants ended up stunted. One solution might be to use younger geologic spots on the moon, like lava flows, for digging up planting soil.

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

I joined the WFTV Sports lineup in 2009 after spending the previous two years behind the play-by-play microphone for the Daytona Cubs, Advanced-A Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Prior to that, I spent a season in Maryland with the Hagerstown Suns, Single-A Affiliate of the Washington Nationals. I am a Florida-native that grew up in the shadows of "The Swamp" and live and breathe Florida Gator football. I graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Telecommunications. In my spare time I love to play soccer, golf, basketball, softball and surf.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced on Monday that they are providing free starter seed packets to Floridians at locations across the state as part of the new Unity Gardens Initiative. Starting Monday, Floridians can pick up their free seed packets from one of 59 locations of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences across the state. People can receive up to three seed packets and an IFAS Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide to start their own Unity Garden. The mission of the Unity Gardens Initiative is to bring Floridians together to encourage positive community engagement, and to connect with our food systems and production. Read: Orlando mayor names next police chiefFlorida gardeners are invited to share pictures of their Unity Gardens on social media using the hashtag #FLcommUNITYGardens.

Calling it the latest example of creeping authoritarianism, the president of the University of Florida's faculty union urged silence on the survey.

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.

Yellow cardinal: A rare yellow cardinal was spotted on the University of Florida campus last month. But this month, a yellow cardinal has soared to the top of the university’s popularity list. >> Read more trending newsThe rare bird, a male Northern cardinal, has been spotted in a wooded area on the Gainesville campus, the Gainesville Sun reported. A yellow cardinal was first spotted in Alabaster, Alabama, in late January 2018 in the backyard of Charlie Stephenson. Experts believe there are only 10 to 15 yellow cardinals in North America, the Sun reported.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension is looking for homeowners to participate in a new program to promote healthy gardening and improve water quality along the St. Johns River and Indian River Lagoon. The Soil Guardian program is part of an effort by UF/IFAS Extension in Brevard County to educate homeowners on how to improve the overall health of the soil by creating organic matter that promotes healthy plants. Read: Researchers studying presence of potentially toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in the Indian River LagoonOrganizers said the objective of the program is to increase soil organic matter over the next four years. WATCH: Volusia County looking to use technology to help Indian River Lagoon surviveAs part of the program participants will receive a newsletter four times a year on how to improve soil health and agree to have their soil tested once a year at a cost of $10. ©2022 Cox Media Group

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The University of Florida is halfway through a 3-year study of “forever chemicals” in the Indian River Lagoon. Researchers provided an update Thursday evening on the project they hope will soon help area residents make more informed decisions about avoiding the contaminants. WATCH: Brevard County reports increased number of manatee deathsResearchers and “citizen scientists” have collected surface water and soil samples up and down the Indian River Lagoon. Photos: Researchers looking into cancer concerns from ‘forever chemicals’ in the Indian River LagoonExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Researchers looking into cancer concerns from ‘forever chemicals’ in the Indian River LagoonPFAS are a group of human-made chemicals found in a variety of consumer and industrial products. UF researchers are using an $800,000 Environmental Protection Agency grant to study perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the Indian River Lagoon with good reason.

His father was the first black doctor to acquire membership in the Florida Medical Association, so it’s no surprise that when George Jr.’s opportunity to make history arrived, he took it. On a sunny September day in 1958, Starke Jr. walked into a classroom at the University of Florida and became the first Black student in the school’s history. “It had been in the news about desegregation had been ordered in Gainesville, and I decided to apply,” Starke said. A few years ago, he was recognized by the University of Florida with an honorary doctorate of law. He was also recognized last year by state leaders for his contribution to Florida history and education.

Legislators want to exert more control over thoughts, actions and beliefs of Floridians seeking higher education to improve their lives.

In a scathing ruling Friday, Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker blocked the University of Florida from enforcing a controversial conflict-of-interest policy that gave school...

Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker blocked the University of Florida from barring professors from giving expert witness testimony.

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.

Former University of Florida tight end Kemore Gamble announced that he will be transferring to UCF on Sunday. AdvertisementGamble finished the season with 414 yards and four touchdowns on 13 receptions. The former Gator also had a productive 2020-21 season, catching 10 passes for 160 yards in 12 appearances. The commitment comes at a convenient time for UCF head coach Gus Malzahn and the Knights, who lost freshman WR/TE Titus Mokiao-Atimalala to the transfer portal last week. Gamble will likely split reps with current Knights’ junior TE Alec Holler next season.

A federal judge excoriated a lawyer for the University of Florida who accused political science professors of having “misled” the cour.

Garden It’s not often that temperatures dip near freezing in Central Florida, but when they do, it’s important to prepare your outdoor plants for the cold. (Pixabay)ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s not often that temperatures dip near freezing in Central Florida, but when they do, it’s important to prepare your outdoor plants for the cold. Here are nine tips from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) about what to do before and after a freeze to help your plants weather the cold. READ: Cold weather shelter to open in Brevard County3. On woody plants, UF/IFAS officials say the cambium layer under the bark will be black or brown if a branch is damaged.

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.

A new report from researchers at the University of Florida claims that up to 80% of Floridians will contract COVID-19 by the end of the...

People across Aceh province in Indonesia's Sumatra island remain at shelters several days after floods first hit. "It’s been three days (we’re living outside home). We've moved from one place to another," says one Lhok Sukon resident, adding that now floods happen "almost every year."

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.

AccuWeather's Tony Laubach reported from Wyoming on Jan. 5, as intense snow bands heading for the Midwest caused whiteout conditions.

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.

WESTON, Fla. — At 12, a Florida girl has not only graduated from high school, but Broward College as well, and now plans to attend the University of Florida. Sawsan Ahmed of Weston, Florida, earned an associate degree from Broward College with a 4.0 GPA on Dec. 15, ABC News reported. >> Read more trending newsAhmed didn’t receive her high school diploma until May 2021, but had been taking classes at Broward College for years, starting at just 10 years old, WSVN reported. “The first course that I took in person and the only course I took in person was my biology lab, and everyone was staring at me the entire time,” Ahmed told WSVN. After earning her bachelor’s degree, Ahmed told ABC News she plans to continue her education to earn either an M.D.

Missed the second half of the show? The latest reactions to and information on the January 6 insurrection, one year later.

University of Chicago professor Richard Pape, who has been studying the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, tells "Face the Nation" that the people participating in the attack were "mainstream" and not on the fringe.

Representative Liz Cheney, the vice chair of the House January 6 committee, said on "Face the Nation" that that panel "will not be deterred. At the end of the day, the facts matter and the truth matters."

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona tells "Face the Nation" that he believes "very firmly" that "children belong in the classroom" despite the Omicron COVID-19 surge.

We leave you this Sunday morning with Monarch Butterflies in Pacific Grove, California. Videographer: Lance Millbrand.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee after a wildfire tore through several Colorado towns, quickly destroying nearly 1,000 homes.

The Powerhouse Roundtable breaks down the latest news on "This Week."

South Africa bids farewell to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the last great hero of the struggle against apartheid, in a funeral stripped of pomp but freighted with tears and drenched in rain.

George Stephanopoulos interviews Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., on "This Week."

As COVID-19 continues to surge across the U.S., the professional and college sports landscape is being thrown back into chaos. Games are being cancelled or postponed and players are testing positive. Johnathan Vigliotti reports.

The U.S. begins 2022 with record-high new coronavirus cases. The nation reported more than 2 million new cases over the past seven days, beating the previous record of 1.7 million set last January. CBS News reporter Alexander Tin gives Bradley Blackburn an update on CBSN.

Worshippers at Tokyo's Musashi Mitake Shrine pray for a good year in 2022. The Musashi Mitake Shrine sits at the summit of Mount Mitake, which is 929 metres (3,048 feet) high. Many visitors brave the hike to climb the mountain to watch the first sunrise of the year.

January 1 is typically a day when state and local laws passed in the previous year go into effect. Christina Ruffini takes a look at some of the new laws across the country that are going on the books.

New Year celebrations from across the world

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the last great hero in its struggle against apartheid, gave instructions for a no-frills funeral

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.

12-year-old earns college degree Sawsan Ahmed earned her college degree from a junior college a month shy of her 13th birthday. >> Read more trending newsSawsan Ahmed graduated from Broward College on Wednesday, becoming the youngest graduate in the school’s 61-year history, the Miami Herald reported. Sawsan Ahmed, 12, graduated from Broward College on Wednesday, the youngest graduate in the school’s 61-year history. “Thank you, Sawsan, you have helped us demonstrate that Broward College can support the dreams, regardless of age or academic pursuits,” Haile said. Asked if she had any regrets about her rapid rise through college at such a young age, Sawsan Ahmed said no.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Hundreds of thousands of clams were planted in the Indian River Lagoon in Brevard County Thursday. https://youtu.be/sEbhDkpJqX8 For donations and more info, check out https://www.whitney.ufl.edu/conservation--sea-turtle-hospital/clams/ Posted by IRL Clam Restoration Project on Saturday, September 11, 2021Osborne says the lagoon’s seagrass is fundamental to the entire system. All those things that disappear, it’s all because our water quality has degraded.”Launched in 2018, the Indian River Lagoon Clam Restoration Project began planting clams in the lagoon in 2019. For more information on how to contribute to the clam restoration initiative, click here. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Indian River Lagoon clam restoration project 600,000 clams were planted in the Indian River Lagoon on Thursday.

During her first in-person biology lab on campus, the professor asked the class to find an object and swab it for bacteria. Most students wiped their desks and phones. Sawsan Ahmed reached into her backpack and pulled out her white teddy bear, Ben.

A federal judge will hear arguments next month in a lawsuit filed by University of Florida professors challenging a policy that gives the school discretion...

The chairman of the University of Florida board of trustees served as a liaison with the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis when administrators were considering...

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

The UCF Knights (8-4) have officially been granted the opportunity to face in-state foe, the University of Florida (6-6), in a matchup that has been in the making for several years. AdvertisementFlorida vs. UCF in @UnionHomeMtg @GasparillaBowl, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. This is easily best regional matchup of bowl season & could result in bowl’s 1st selloutLive updates of every bowl matchup. This past offseason, the two programs agreed to a future 2-for-1 series that is set to begin in 2024 in Gainesville. Anticipation for a matchup between UCF and Florida began in 2018, when UF Director of Athletic Scott Stricklin expressed interest in a 2-for-1 series against the Knights.

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.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — (AP) — 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 an honorary Ph.D. from the University of Florida. READ: Central Florida woman wins $1M from scratch-off ticketThe school’s board of trustees unanimously voted to award Thomas Earl Petty a posthumous doctoral degree in music during a Friday meeting. Born and raised in Gainesville, Petty once worked as a groundskeeper at UF as he tried to make it in the music industry, but he was never enrolled. READ: BP oil spill fund: $103M to projects in 3 Gulf statesPetty passed away from an accidental drug overdose in October 2017. Days later during a UF home football game, the song “I Won’t Back Down” was played at the stadium as a memorial to Petty.

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

Tom Petty-Honorary Doctorate FILE - In a Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, file photo, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform at KAABOO 2017 at the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, in San Diego. The school’s board of trustees unanimously voted to award Thomas Earl Petty a posthumous doctoral degree in music during a Friday meeting. Born and raised in Gainesville, Petty once worked as a groundskeeper at UF as he tried to make it in the music industry, but he was never enrolled. Petty passed away from an accidental drug overdose in October 2017. Days later during a UF home football game, the song “I Won’t Back Down” was played at the stadium as a memorial to Petty.

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.

In a letter to UF President Kent Fuchs, a congressional panel said it's examining a conflict-of-interest policy used to silence professors.

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.

Florida shoppers say they're not very comfortable spending amid rising gas prices and pandemic blows.

Florida shoppers say they're not very comfortable spending amid rising gas prices and pandemic blows.

The university drew national attention and widespread criticism after a court document revealed the university's gag order.

Winds of political turmoil that roiled academic waters and riled Gators in the home of “The Swamp” and beyond may have calmed for now, after...

UF's reputation plummeting

The university is reversing its decision to bar three professors from serving as expert witnesses in a case against the state. The earlier decision was seen as an infringement of free speech.

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.