WCJB News Feed

University of Florida March For Babies

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:58:42 -0500

Thousands of babies are born each year prematurely. Over the past 25 years, premature births have increased by 36 percent in the United States. The University of Florida hosted it's sixth annual Gators March for Babies at Turlington Plaza Sunday. . . .

Animal Abuse

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:39:56 -0500

A Gainesville man is behind bars tonight after officers arrested him on animal abuse charges.

Officers say 26-year-old Melvin Shackelford's great dane was in such an emaciated state that all of its ribs, and rear tail and leg bones were clearly visible. A vet examined the rescued dog and says the . . .

Ocala Remembers Fort Hood

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:33:26 -0500

Father Arthur Roshlow of the St. George Anglican Cathedral in Ocala, was saddened when he heard the news about the shooting at Fort Hood army post in Texas on Thursday. A combat veteran himself, Roshlow says it was necessary to have this mass.

"We have a large number of military people in the pa . . .

Bud Chiles Walks "One Million Steps for Florida's Kids"

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:34:36 -0500

If you walked a mile in his shoes, you'd just be starting. The son of former Governor Lawton Chiles, Bud Chiles laced up his walking shoes for his "One Million Steps for Florida's Kids."

The group departed this morning from Santa Fe College, walking all the way to the University of Florida's Plaz . . .

Alachua County Staff Banned From Texting

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:31 -0500

Technology upgrades can be great, but for Alachua County, one form is becoming a burden. So for now, Alachua County staff are banned from using text messages to discuss county business. This goes for both county-issued cell phones and personal phones.

According to the states' open record law, the . . .

Suspect in Custody After Orlando Shooting

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:13:09 -0500

A suspect is in custody after a mass shooting inside a downtown Orlando high-rise left one person dead and five others injured, according to Orlando police.

**Updated at 7:02 p.m.**
Police say 40-year-old Jason Rodriguez was arrested at his mother's home after he opened fire in a downtown Orlan . . .

Local Veterans Groups React to Ft. Hood Shooting

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:47:08 -0500

39-year-old Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, who is an army psychiatrist, is in custody after the shooting rampage at Ft. Hood Thursday afternoon that killed 13 people and injured dozens more.

**Updated at 7:21 p.m.**
TV20's Crispin Lopez tells us how veterans groups across the country and in North Cent . . .

Unemployment Benefits Extension

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:34:10 -0500

More than a million Floridians are looking for work and struggling to make ends meet. Every day, thousands dial the state’s unemployment call center looking for money at the end of the line. There’s good news tonight for the state’s jobless. The President signed legislation to keep unemploymen . . .

Local Unemployment Update

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:56:33 -0500

The national unemployment rates have now surpassed 10 percent. Rates in Alachua County are lower, and local job opportunities are available. More than 700 jobs are open at www.floridaworksonline.com.
. . .

Would-be Robber Attempts to Enter Home Through Doggy Door

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:59:52 -0500

One northwest Gainesville resident got quite the surprise one morning when she witnessed someone's arm trying to open the side door to her house--through the doggy door. TV20's Josh Rosenthal tells us how GPD's recent redeployment of several officers helped nab the suspect quickly. . . .

Family Spotlight 11/5/09

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:43:15 -0500

Families may be downsizing their holiday celebrations this year, thanks to the economy. But there can be an upside to this. Nicole Irving from Giggle Magazine shares insights with David Snyder on the Family Spotlight, during the 5:30 Live newscast. . . .

Republicans Unite at "Black Tie and Blue Jeans"

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:43:01 -0500

The message tonight: unity. That's what some Republicans say their party needs, and they rallied at the Ronald Reagan Black Tie and Blue Jeans barbecue to emphasize that message.

In many places, Republicans are facing a battle between conservatives and moderates for control of the party.

That . . .

TV20's Top Cop Part 4

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:18:22 -0500

Find out if TV20 anchor Amanda Decker and reporter Erica Rodriguez can survive the Alachua County Sheriff's Office police academy. . . .

Middle Schoolers Tour Santa Fe College

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:25:22 -0500

Thursday afternoon Santa Fe College hosted hundreds of prospective students, but these prospies won't be applying for admission any time soon. That's because they're all eighth graders.

Middle school students must take one course in career and education planning in seventh or eighth grade. That . . .

Man Pulls Gun on Wife, Takes Friend Hostage

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:16:04 -0500

Levy County Sheriff's Deputies say he had a clean criminal history - until yesterday. He's now accused of shooting and killing, of all people, his new bride.

The couple was married for less than two weeks and lived together in a trailer in Rosewood. Now, that home has become a murder scene.
. . .

Local Artist Makes a Big Donation

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:45:06 -0500

One local artist is donating her entire art collection to a local art gallery, with all of the proceeds going to the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation.

Irene Salley knows what it is like to loose a young child. She suddenly lost her grand-daughter to an unexpected accident. Salley now wants to help t . . .

Post "Fest" Melee caught on video

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:09:48 -0500

"The Fest" from last weekend brought a lot of money and people to Gainesville, but it also brought some wild parties. Find out what happened to one person from "The Fest" who got tased by watching the video on your right. . . .

TV20's Top Cop Part 3

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:36:35 -0500

Find out if TV20 anchor Amanda Decker and reporter Erica Rodriguez can survive the Alachua County Sheriff's Office police academy. . . .

Levy Man kills Wife, Arrested After Standoff With Deputies

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:28:29 -0500

A Levy County Man is under arrest, charged with murder, armed kidnapping and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, after killing his wife.

On Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:37 p.m. Crystal Fine called the Levy County Sheriff's Office and stated that she received a text from Jus . . .

Eleven-Year-Old Delivers Baby Sister

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:21:23 -0500

The stork visited one home in Northwest Gainesville early this morning-- and he had a little help.
But it wasn't a doctor who delivered the newest addition to the Webb family.
TV20's Crispin Lopez introduces us to a young girl who became a big hero. Watch the video to the right to fi . . .

UF Business Students Get Advice from "Soleful" Entrepreneur

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:12:41 -0500

It's a business with soul... lots of soles, actually.
The creator of a growing shoe company was at UF today speaking to future entrepreneurs.
And he explains how he makes a profit and helps others pull themselves up by their bootstraps.
Many business students who attended a le . . .

Woman Dies After Being Hit By A Car On Archer Road

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:02:00 -0500

Monday night, fire trucks and police cleared Archer Road after an accident claimed the life of 24 year old Erin Elaine Pelton of Gainesville. Pelton a UF graduate, was walking south on Archer Rd around 23rd Ave but she was not at a crosswalk. A driver traveling east moved over into the center . . .

First Day Of Trial For Kevin Collins

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:54:46 -0500

The first day of trial came to a close for an Ocala man who is accused of touching a young girl inappropriately on Wednesday. The defense will have a chance to call their witnesses Thursday, but the state called theirs on the first day of trial. One of them being the 10 year old girl. The defe . . .

Juvenile Correctional Facility Employee Accused of Child Abuse

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:23:24 -0500

A staff member at the Marion County Juvenile Correctional Facility is in jail tonight and charged with aggravated child abuse after using what police describe as unnecessary force on one of the inmates.

On Monday, 40 year-old Ronald Wallace Jr. of Ocala was involved in a physical altercation with . . .

Florida Supreme Court Foreclosure Taskforce

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:07:42 -0500

The state court system has been facing a huge log jam of cases because of the national foreclosure crisis, which has hit Florida particularly hard. Some want more mediation, and others say if you don’t have any money, mediation won’t save your house.

Fed up with foreclosure filings bogging . . .

Technology Spotlight - November 3rd

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:16:43 -0500

We spoke with Matt Weisman about the new multi-million dollar traffic management system put in place by the City of Gainesville.

Click on the video on the right to see this week's community spotlight. . . .

Newcomers Elected to High Springs Commission

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:10:36 -0500

The votes are in, and the incumbents are out. Some fresh faces will be filling the two commission seats in High Springs.

Of the seven candidates vying for the two seats, it was the oldest one and the youngest one who voters chose. And they say age has nothing to do with it--it's all about change. . . .

Child Hurt In Gainesville School Bus Crash

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:28:32 -0500

A car crashed into a school bus carrying five students close to 2 p.m. today. The accident occurred at the intersection of Southeast 20th Avenue and Southeast 32nd Terrace in Gainesville.

The car was stopped at the intersection when the school bus was approaching. The driver of the car tried to m . . .

Glen Springs Manor Residents Plan to Move Out ASAP

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:28:50 -0500

Bad plumbing, broken air conditioners and flooding; these are just some of the problems residents of Glen Springs Manor in Northwest Gainesville say they've dealt with for years. But that should change soon.

Dozens of unhappy residents packed into Ridgeview Baptist Church Tuesday morning. Housing . . .

State Officials Crack Down On Harassing Bill Collectors

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:07:23 -0500

Harassing phone calls and threatening messages from debt collectors have lead thousand of Floridians to ask for the state’s help, but their complaints have fallen on deaf ears. As Whitney Ray reports, the state has ignored complaints because it’s been unclear about who has the authority to crac . . .

TV20's Top Cop -- Part 2

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:57:31 -0500

Can TV20 anchor Amanda Decker and reporter Erica Rodriguez be as tough in law enforcement as they are in the newsroom? Find out! . . .

Medical Spotlight 11/2/09

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:02:05 -0500

The move to the new Shands medical tower is complete. How does the building help doctors treat cancer? That's one question answered by Dr. Nam Dang, the head of Oncology and Hematology, in the Medical Spotlight. . . .

Local GIrl Goes to National Bible Bee

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:47:51 -0500

One girl in our area is creating quite a buzz--in a Bible Bee. It's the first year for the national competition which begins this Thursday in Washington D.C.

9-year-old Hope Lewellen won the local competition in her age group in September and is in the top 100 nationally in her group. Nearly 17,0 . . .

Stimulus Money Gives Local Man A Job

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:36:45 -0500

There was a recent debate last week over how many jobs were created or saved by the economic stimulus money signed into law earlier this year. But, for one local man, there's no debate in determining the money made a big difference.

Through a pilot program between the social security administrat . . .

Kevin Collins Awaits Trial

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:26:17 -0500

Jury selection begins today in the case of a man who is accused of touching a young girl. The girl, who is now 10, was staying at a friends house along with her mother and other siblings sometime back in March. The homeowners, who live in the Baywood Hills neighborhood in Alachua, had friends stay . . .

Punk Rock Problems

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:17:39 -0500

Gainesville police tell us there was a crowd of at least 500 people in the roadway around Northwest 8th Avenue and 3rd Street. Authorities attempted to move the people from the street; most complied except for one unidentified individual. When police tried to arrest the individual, Ryan Clarey pul . . .

TV20's Top Cop Part 1

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:15:35 -0500

Find out if TV20 anchor Amanda Decker and reporter Erica Rodriguez survive the Alachua County Sheriff's Office police academy. . . .

Man Locked up 27 Years Seeks Compensation

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:09:31 -0500

A wrongfully convicted man locked up for 27 years is asking the state legislature for 2.4 million dollars. Bill Dillon was convicted of murdering a Brevard County man in 1981. However, DNA evidence freed Dillon less than a year ago after he has spent more than half his life behind bars.

According . . .

Lake City Inmate Attempts to Escape from Work Camp

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:56:27 -0500

An inmate at the Lake City Correctional Institute has been charged with trying to escape from prison. On Monday, Oct. 26, correctional officers in charge of the work release center observed inmate Jason Williams leave the grounds of the institute along with the aid of a woman, who was later identifi . . .

Story of the Week: Ghost Hunting

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:39:48 -0500

In this week's Story of the Week, Jordan Smith heads out on a ghost hunt just in time for Halloween. She checks out a graveyard in Micanopy that is infamous for its allegedly haunted graves. Click on the video to the right to find out if Jordan experienced any 'paranormal activity' while on the hunt . . .

Fans Say Farewell to Jacksonville

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:28:11 -0500

By Sunday afternoon there were only a few groups of tailgaters left packing up their things, after a long weekend of fun. In "RV City" Gator fans, who had arrived days before, were among the last to leave.

"It's definitely not fun. Fun setting up, not tearing down," said Gator fan Greg Marion. "E . . .

Shands Patients Move

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:53:06 -0500

Sunday morning, patients, nurses and doctors all moved over to their new home, Shands Cancer Hospital. Staff began at 7 a.m., transporting patients from not only AGH, but from UF North and South campuses as well. The 500,000 square foot facility cost 390 million dollars and took 30 months to build . . .

UF Bans Smoking

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:19:45 -0500

The University of Florida is trying to help curb the nation's most preventable cause of death and disease.

Patients, students, employees and visitors won't be able to smoke at any UF Health Science and Shands Healthcare facilities anymore. Beginning Sunday, no one can use tobacco products. UF . . .

Truck on Fire

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:55:08 -0500

Gainesville fire rescue responded to a fire that caused some major damage to a dump truck. Around 1 pm, fire rescue received a call a dump truck was on fire at 39th Avenue and Main Street.

The fire started under the hood of the off the road dump truck, which hadn't been used since last Friday.
. . .

Gator Fans Head to Jacksonville for Saturday Showdown

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:10:11 -0400

The top-ranked Gators square off with the Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville on Saturday. While some fans are already there for the game, many are expected to hit the roads Friday night and Saturday morning.

Officials with Florida Highway Patrol said there were no plans for specific speed enforceme . . .

UF Department Head Resigns After Investigation Begins

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:36:56 -0400

A University of Florida department head has resigned after an investigation began into whether he had inappropriate relationships with some of his students. Michael Garrett was responsible for UF's School of Human Development and Organizational Studies.

A university spokesperson confirmed a repo . . .

Wind FM and Hippodrome Team up for Pumpkin Drop

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:08:26 -0400

Crowds of spectators watched as people threw pumpkins off the roof of the Hippodrome State Theatre this morning. TV20's Amanda Decker and Aaron Boll participated in the first ever Pumpkin Drop, sponsored by Wind FM and the Hippodrome.

TV20's Gabriel Tyner has more on that story in the video to . . .

Man Accused of Sexual Comments to Girl Identified

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:59:26 -0400

The man who was accused of trying to lure an Alachua County Middle School girl into his car has been identified as a 58-year-old Newberry resident.

The 13-year-old girl says a man made sexual comments to her while she walked home from Oak View Middle School on Monday.

Sheriff's Deputies have n . . .

Veterans Fly to See World War II Memorial

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:53:28 -0400

They answered our nation's call to serve in the military and to fight during war. Today those individuals received a once in a lifetime gift.

TV20's Shani Muhammad tells us why 101 veterans went airborne-- one last time. Watch the video to the right to learn more. . . .

Local Halloween Sales are Booming

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:47:53 -0400

Halloween sales are expected to be down this year according to the National Retail Federation, but in at least one store in Gainesville, that sentiment is definitely more trick than treat.

In fact, area Halloween sales are booming. TV20's Josh Rosenthal has the story. Watch the video to the righ . . .