GNV News Wrap for Friday, June 21

Topics covered in today's edition:

Two local youth productions on gun violence awareness to air locally
GNV commission finalizes housing code change, approves loan
Gainesville City Commission votes unanimously to remove restrictions on single-room occupancies (SRO)
Bielarski fires 2 top GRU officials, reassigns third
Gainesville Regional Utilities attorney requests supervisor of elections stop GRU referendum
Black music celebrated at annual Juneteenth breakfast in Gainesville
Santa Fe College celebrates Juneteenth
Children’s Trust approves tentative budget
Florida Museum's exhibits director to retire next month
Newberry Education First board member arrested for soliciting sex with a minor
Florida Highway Patrol releases video footage from protest arrests at Plaza of the Americas
$13.1 million state grant to help complete Archer Braid Trail expansion
'Kitten Season' in north central Florida overwhelms shelters, increases adoptions
Mac’s Drive Thru last founding employee retires
Jaguars could play up to three home games in London in 2027 during stadium rebuild

2 local youth productions on gun violence awareness to air locally - Mainstreet Daily News

Community 12TV to broadcast shows.

GNV commission finalizes housing code change, approves loan - Mainstreet Daily News

Loan will go to affordable housing project.

Gainesville City Commission votes unanimously to remove restrictions on single-room occupancies (SRO) - WCJB

Thursday afternoon, Gainesville's City Commission voted unanimously to remove certain requirements that would make approving single-room occupancies (SRO) easier.

Gainesville City Commission passes single room occupancy ordinance through second reading - The Independent Florida Alligator

In its Thursday meeting, the Gainesville City Commission passed an ordinance covering restrictions on single room occupancy (SRO) residences through a second reading.

Bielarski fires 2 top GRU officials, reassigns third - Mainstreet Daily News

Sustainability office has also been reorganized.

Gainesville Regional Utilities attorney requests supervisor of elections stop GRU referendum - The Independent Florida Alligator

On June 19, GRU Attorney Scott Walker wrote a letter to Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Kim Barton debating the legality of the GRU referendum slated to be placed on the November general election ballot.

Black music celebrated at annual Juneteenth breakfast in Gainesville - The Gainesville Sun

"African American Music: The Heartbeat of our Freedom" was the theme of annual Juneteenth breakfast in Gainesville

Santa Fe College celebrates Juneteenth, faculty help spread awareness - WUFT

Trenita White was the first Black faculty member at Santa Fe College to establish Juneteenth events for students, faculty, staff and the Gainesville community.

Around Alachua

Children's Trust approves unallocated funds, tentative budget - Mainstreet Daily News

1.6 million left from last year being allocated for three goals.

A new era: Florida Museum's exhibits director to retire next month - The Gainesville Sun

MacMahon had a 35-year career with the Florida Museum.

Man who helped spearhead Newberry charter initiative accused of trying to lure teen for sex - The Gainesville Sun

According to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office arrest report, Joel Searby, 43, used Snapchat to communicate with the 15-year-old boy.

Education First for Newberry leader arrested for lewd behavior, luring a minor - Mainstreet Daily News

Joel Searby booked into Alachua County Jail.

Newberry Education First board member arrested for soliciting sex with a minor - The Independent Florida Alligator

Searby initiated conversation with the 15-year-old boy through Snapchat June 19 and sent a detailed description of sexual encounters Searby had with older adults when he was around the same age as the boy.

Report: Newberry Education First board member solicits sex from teen boy on Snapchat - WCJB

One of the people leading the charge to attempt to convert Newberry public schools into charter schools is facing child sex abuse charges

Florida Highway Patrol releases video footage from protest arrests at Plaza of the Americas - WUFT

The Florida Highway Patrol on Thursday released footage from the April 29 arrests on the University of Florida campus.

$13.1 million state grant to help complete Archer Braid Trail expansion - WUFT

The Archer Braid Trail project, conceived about 20 years ago, is nearing completion with only the final bit, called the Kanapaha Hall section, still under construction.

'Kitten Season' in north central Florida overwhelms shelters, increases adoptions - WUFT

So called "kitten season" typically runs from April to late October, following the breeding season for feral cats.

Mac's Drive-Thru last founding employee retires - Mainstreet Daily News

Jon McMillan says goodbye after 37 years of service.

Jaguars could play up to three home games in London in 2027 during stadium rebuild - The Florida Times-Union

Fans who want to watch the Jaguars in person in 2027 would need to travel to Orlando or Gainesville and possibly London during stadium renovations.

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GNV News Wrap for Friday, June 21

Around Alachua