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Carter Mudgett leaning on a blue Spinnaker box.

Carter Mudgett, Reporter

Carter Mudgett is a University of North Florida student majoring in multimedia journalism. He was Spinnaker's editor-in-chief from August 2021 to December 2023. Carter led Spinnaker to be awarded a 2023 Online Pacemaker Award, and most recently placed second in the Society of Professional Journalists's Sunshine State Awards for "Best Coverage of LGBT Issues" in the college category. Backed by a passion for creative storytelling and accurate reporting, Carter typically covers education, gender and race issues.

All content by Carter Mudgett
UNF logo.

Their assaulter isn’t on the graduation program, but UNF never told them

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief December 14, 2023
A University of North Florida student who was sexually assaulted in their dorm room by another student in 2021 was facing the possibility of walking on Friday in the same graduation ceremony as their assaulter, despite months of asking the university to make a change.
A University of North Florida graduation cap.

They were sexually assaulted in the dorms and told they would graduate alongside the man UNF deemed responsible

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief December 14, 2023
Beneath the crisp silver and gray University of North Florida seal, hundreds of graduates will receive their diplomas on Friday. They’ll look out at cheering family and friends, capping off years of accomplishments. But for one student, the day will be different.
Rabbi Shmuli Novack lights the Menorah. (Photo courtesy of the Chabad at UNF)

Chabad at UNF celebrates Jewish unity at Menorah lighting

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief December 11, 2023

University of North Florida and Jacksonville community members gathered in the Student Union Plaza on Thursday evening to light the Menorah and celebrate the first night of Chanukah. The night came...

Long-time squatter moves out of Spinnaker

Long-time squatter moves out of Spinnaker

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief December 11, 2023

When I joined Spinnaker in January 2021, I hardly read the news, much less wrote an article.  I’d just started college and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Typical. This was back when...

The view from an apartment balcony in the Flats at the University of North Florida.

Storm no longer appears capable of producing tornado, National Weather Service says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief December 2, 2023

Updated 5:45 p.m. The Tornado Warning issued for southeastern Duval County will expire at 5:45 p.m., the National Weather Service in Jacksonville said. “The storm which prompted the warning has weakened...

Author Gina Caserta (right) and her debut memoir In Fifty Pages or More (left). (Photos courtesy of Gina Caserta)

How a UNF graduate student is continuing the college sexual assault prevention conversation

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief November 20, 2023

“Stranger danger” is a two-word phrase often associated with keeping someone safe from potential predators and is often instilled in children as early as grade school.  Widespread or not, its message...

Protesters chant as a line of approximately 50-75 police cars leave the Adam W. Herbert University Center Tuesday night.

Chants, police and metal detectors: Michael Oren’s visit to UNF

Carter Mudgett and Jeanne Gilbert November 17, 2023
When Michael Oren's lecture at the University of North Florida was first announced, people marked their calendars...
The Student Government Senates seal on the wall of the Senate Chambers on the third floor of the University of North Floridas Student Union.

UNF SG condemns Gov. Ron DeSantis in joint resolution, swears in new senators

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief November 17, 2023

The University of North Florida Student Government Senate passed a joint resolution Friday afternoon that condemns Gov. Ron DeSantis and reaffirms their commitment to diversity. Though there was opposition...

The University of North Florida faculty union bargaining team on Zoom for negotiations with the Board of Trustees team.

Faculty ratify salary proposal in landslide vote, heads to UNF BOT for approval

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief November 17, 2023

After two days of voting, University of North Florida faculty passed a university-proposed salary agreement in results announced by UFF-UNF leadership Friday afternoon. Of the 180 faculty members who participated...

A sign on the third floor of the Student Union West building points toward the newly renamed Interfaith Space.

Permanent Interfaith Space opens in UNF Student Union

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief November 15, 2023

The University of North Florida announced on Tuesday that the graduate lounge on the third floor of the Student Union West building will be converted into a permanent Interfaith Space.  The space will...

Michael Oren, the former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. (Photo courtesy of UNF and the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville)

UNF ups security ahead of former Israeli ambassador’s Tuesday night lecture

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief November 13, 2023

Less than 24 hours before Michael Oren, the former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., is scheduled to deliver a lecture at the University of North Florida, the university announced that the event will instead...

Around 1,500 people showed up to the protest on Saturday.

Close to 1,500 call for ceasefire overseas at pro-Palestine rally in Jacksonville

Carter Mudgett, Rachel Bacchus, and Collin Frye November 11, 2023

Chants from close to 1,500 mouths echoed from the grassy area in front of the Town Center Publix Saturday afternoon, where people peacefully protested in support of Palestine, called for a ceasefire overseas...

The Associated Collegiate Press promotes the standards and ethics of good journalism as accepted and practiced by print, broadcast and digital media in the U.S., according to their website. (Graphic created by Spinnaker/Logo courtesy of ACP)

‘Best of the Best’: Spinnaker wins Associated Collegiate Press Online Pacemaker Award

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief November 2, 2023

Spinnaker has been recognized as one of the nation’s top student-run media news organizations after being awarded a Pacemaker Award by the Associated Collegiate Press in results announced Monday at the...

Marlo Crosby, vice president of UNF SDS, chants into a megaphone as they walk across the Green during a student walkout in support of Palestine on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.

Pro-Palestine, pro-Israel protesters clash at student walkout Wednesday

Coinciding with similar protests across the country, a few dozen students at the University of North Florida held a walkout Wednesday to demonstrate their support of Palestine. A small group of counter-protesters...

UPD Chief Frank Mackesy (second from left) and other university officers accept the Excelsior status from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. (Photo courtesy of UPD)

UNF Police Department awarded “highest level” of accreditation

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 26, 2023

For the first time in its 24-year accreditation history, the University of North Florida Police Department was awarded the “Excelsior” status by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation...

Candidates from the Soar Party (left), Unity Party (right) and two independents competed for 20 open seats in the fall 2023 Senate elections. (Graphic created by Spinnaker/logos courtesy of the Soar Party and Unity Party)

Soar Party unofficially wins majority open Senate seats in UNF election, results await validation

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 26, 2023

In a dominant win, all 18 candidates who ran with the Soar Party won seats in the fall 2023 University of North Florida Student Government Senate election, according to unofficial results released Wednesday...

The outside of UNFs Student Wellness Center. (Jonathan Merin/Spinnaker)

Gym and rock wall to close for renovations next month, university says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 25, 2023

Were you planning on hitting the gym before the end of the year? Well, you’ll soon have to wait a few months.  The University of North Florida will be closing the Student Wellness Complex, including...

UNF logo.

‘Under new leadership’: UNF announces new associate dean of MedNexus

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 25, 2023

The University of North Florida announced Wednesday that Dr. Julie Merten will be the new associate dean of MedNexus, a university initiative to link healthcare resources in North Florida that was developed...

Protesters marched down up and down Town Center Parkway on Saturday in a march for Palestine.

Gallery: Activists rally for Palestine in Jacksonville

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 14, 2023

Supporters of Palestine have participated in marches and rallies across the U.S. this week, and Jacksonville was no exception. Well over 100 people gathered on the corner of Brightman Blvd. and Town Center...

Senators met for their regular meeting on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.

Senate denies proposed UNF student club funding limit in close vote

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 13, 2023

After a lengthy discussion on the purpose of funding requests from University of North Florida student clubs and whether Treasurer Michael Barcal’s proposal was truly a limit, Student Government’s...

Senators in the SG Senate Chambers

SG treasurer proposes extra barriers for UNF student clubs requesting funding

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 12, 2023

Student clubs at the University of North Florida may soon be limited in how much funding they can request from Student Government—and how often they can request it—under a new Financial Code revision...

UNF logo.

UNF student died in traffic accident over weekend, university confirms

Jeanne Gilbert and Carter Mudgett October 11, 2023

Updated Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023: The accident happened on Saturday, friends of Dowdy told Spinnaker, not Sunday as the university said. Spinnaker apologizes for the error.  Noah Dowdy, 23, died in...

Members of the Jewish community wore the Israel flag on their shoulders at Monday night’s vigil. (Photo courtesy of the Chabad of UNF)

“We’re scared but resilient”: War overseas heightens UNF Jewish community’s fears

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 11, 2023

When Jacksonville and the University of North Florida’s Jewish community members gathered Monday night for a vigil, the mood was solemn. Yet, student leadership at the Jewish Student Union emphasized...

Waving flags, banners and signs, people rallied for Palestine Monday night.

“Free free Palestine!”: Jacksonville activists decry U.S. support of Israel

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 9, 2023

Activist groups and many Jacksonville residents joined together Monday evening to speak out against those supporting Israel, drawing a line connecting the conflict overseas and the Black liberation movement...

UNF logo.

UNF reviewing proposed SB 266 guidance from BOG, president says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 9, 2023

The University of North Florida is reviewing proposed guidance from the Board of Governors for following SB 266, President Moez Limayem announced on Monday. After months of uncertainty, this draft regulation...

The Gray Lounge on the second floor of the Student Union West Building.

SG releases survey about student lounge usage, some respondents call for return of Interfaith space

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 6, 2023

Student Government is looking to hear from the campus community about the usage of student lounges in the University of North Florida Student Union and thoughts on improvements.  The survey, released...

Spinnaker observed at least two cars that appeared to have been involved in a collision Wednesday afternoon.

“No serious injuries” after two car crash on UNF Drive, university says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 4, 2023

Updated 5:05 p.m.  Two cars were involved in a crash outside the University of North Florida Library on UNF Drive Wednesday afternoon, the university confirmed to Spinnaker. Both cars had to be towed,...

The sukkah faces out toward the water at Ogier Gardens.

Connecting with nature during harvest festival, Jewish Student Union opens sukkah at UNF Ogier Gardens

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 3, 2023

Situated at the northernmost part of campus is the Ogier Gardens. Established in 2012, it has vegetable beds, fruit trees and flowers but there’s a new spot among it all: a sukkah. Through the garden’s...

A large, blue statue with the letters UNF on a concrete slab

UNF, faculty union agree on post-tenure review procedures

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief October 2, 2023

The University of North Florida and faculty union, UFF-UNF, officially came to an agreement over post-tenure review procedures, President Moez Limayem announced in a faculty-wide email last Wednesday.  A...

The Osprey Cafe, often called the dining hall, is situated on the southern part of UNF’s campus, close to the dorms. (Photo courtesy of the UNF dining website)

Cockroach found in Osprey Cafe chips by student was an “isolated incident,” UNF dining manager says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief September 28, 2023

After an unidentified University of North Florida student posted to a public Snapchat story that they’d found a cockroach in the Osprey Cafe chips earlier this week, dining officials told Spinnaker on...

President Moez Limayem speaks to Jacksonville leaders, community members about future collaboration between the city and the university, among other topics, at a Cuppa Jax event on Wednesday, Sep. 27, 2023.

What’s UNF’s dream? “To be the destination of choice,” Moez Limayem tells community leaders at Cuppa Jax

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief September 27, 2023

It was just before 8 a.m. when the University of North Florida’s seventh president arrived at the Riverplace Tower’s Skyline Room on Wednesday. About 20 people were already there, ready to hear from...

UNF logo

President announces 5% raise, extended vacations for eligible UNF faculty and staff

Jeanne Gilbert and Carter Mudgett September 26, 2023

Faculty and staff at the University of North Florida will soon get a 5% pay increase and extended time off for Thanksgiving and Winter Break, President Moez Limayem announced in an email Tuesday morning.  This...

The suspect (shown above). Photo courtesy of the University of North Florida.

UNF police release photos of suspect in on-campus theft

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief September 26, 2023

After an unidentified person robbed an office on the third floor of Building 51 Monday afternoon, the University of North Florida has now released two photos of the suspect. The suspect allegedly...

The words Police Beat are written in red and white, surrounded by a white square outline. In the background, a University of North Florida Police Department cruiser is tinted blue.

UNF police searching for suspect in theft on-campus, alert says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief September 25, 2023

The University of North Florida Police Department is searching for a suspect who allegedly robbed an office on the third floor of the Social Sciences Building (Building 51) Monday afternoon, according...

Limayem smiles

Limayem turns down salary bump, UNF BOT praise his “successful first year”

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief September 19, 2023

Presenting their annual job evaluation of President Moez Limayem Monday morning, the University of North Florida Board of Trustees called the president’s first year a successful one. The BOT called...

Faculty Association President Mike Binder.

Board of Trustees approve post-tenure review policy 12-1 as UNF faculty look on in disappointment

Carter Mudgett and Jeanne Gilbert September 18, 2023

“Good luck hiring people. They’re not going to come.” Those were the final words from faculty as they swept out of the University of North Florida Board of Trustees quarterly meeting Monday morning....

The first section of President Limayem’s email to faculty on Wednesday, Sep. 15. (Graphic by Carter Mudgett for Spinnaker)

UNF’s proposed post-tenure review policy goes before the Board of Trustees Monday; understanding the context

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief September 16, 2023

The University of North Florida has received more coverage about post-tenure review negotiations in the last 48 hours—mostly over the announcement that negotiations with the faculty union had reached...

UNF logo carved in stone

Post-tenure review negotiations grind to a halt as UNF declares impasse

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief September 13, 2023

Five days before the Board of Trustees is set to vote on the University of North Florida's post-tenure review final policy, President Moez Limayem announced in an email to faculty Wednesday afternoon that...

Six yellow-colored stick figures play tug-of-war. Three on the right represent the Board of Trustees, and stand beneath a UNF logo. Three on the left represent the faculty union, and stand beneath the UFF-UNF logo.

Negotiation of UNF’s post-tenure review implementation nears an end

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief September 5, 2023

Waist-deep in a months-long negotiation over how exactly the University of North Florida will implement its state-required post-tenure review policy, the Board of Trustees and faculty union bargaining...

The University of North Florida announced Monday that its campus would be shut down on Tuesday and Wednesday, aside from food and shelter for students living on campus. Construction materials were secured and campus was largely devoid of students before Idalia made landfall.

UNF classes, activities to resume Thursday, university says

Carter Mudgett and Jeanne Gilbert August 30, 2023

After closing for two days in preparation for Hurricane Idalia, the University of North Florida announced Wednesday evening that its campus will resume normal operations on Thursday. Shuttle and on-campus...

Hurricane Idalias rainfall forecast as of 4:45 a.m. Wednesday. Courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Idalia heads toward Georgia, leaving over 7,000 without power in Jacksonville, JEA says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief August 30, 2023

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in the Florida Big Bend as a Category 4 storm Wednesday morning, bringing strong winds and rain across North Florida, knocking out power for some 7,000 people in the Jacksonville...

The outside of the Fine Arts Center, which began construction during the first few weeks of the fall 2023 semester, was locked down in preparation for Hurricane Idalia. Though still not complete, materials left outside were strapped down.

Strengthening to Category 2, NHC advises Idalia is “likely to become a major hurricane soon”

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief August 29, 2023

Forecast by the National Hurricane Center in Miami to reach the Big Bend of Florida as a major hurricane Wednesday morning, Hurricane Idalia reached Category 2 status earlier tonight as its outer bands...

On-campus dining locations, shuttles to completely close Wednesday, UNF says

On-campus dining locations, shuttles to completely close Wednesday, UNF says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief August 29, 2023

The University of North Florida announced Tuesday afternoon that campus dining facilities will be completely closed on Wednesday and bagged food is being made available for students living on campus today. Shuttle...

The forecast cone for Hurricane Idalia as of Tuesday morning. (Courtesy of NOAA)

Idalia becomes Category 1, expected to be Category 3 before landfall

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief August 29, 2023

Tropical Storm Idalia strengthened to a Category 1 Hurricane early Tuesday morning, and the National Hurricane Center in Miami warned that it is still strengthening. Already crossing the westernmost...

The forecast cone for Tropical Storm Idalia as of 4:30 p.m. Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

UNF cancels classes, shuts down campus ahead of Idalia

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief August 28, 2023

The University of North Florida announced in a campus-wide alert this afternoon that it will be shut down on Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia. All activities and classes will...

UNF logo.

Postponed: UNF to hold community gathering Tuesday after racist shooting over weekend

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief August 28, 2023
The University of North Florida announced they will hold a community vigil on Tuesday to grieve, heal and support the community after a racist shooting left three dead in New Town on Saturday. 
A UNF student holds up an LGBTQ flag with a fist at a protest

UNF pulled from Campus Pride’s 2023 LGBTQ-friendly colleges, universities list

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief August 26, 2023

The University of North Florida was the sole university in the state of Florida to be named one of the “Best of the Best” LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities by Campus Pride in 2022.  However,...

UNF President Moez Limayem (right) holds hands with his wife, Dr. Alya Limayem (left) as they make their way across the campus to Lazzara Hall for his inauguration ceremony.

UNF president named one of the Jacksonville Business Journals’ 2023 Ultimate CEOs

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief August 18, 2023

Shortly after he wrapped up his first year as president of the University of North Florida, Moez Limayem was named one of 25 recipients of the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 2023 Ultimate CEO award...

The United Faculty of Florida are the states largest faculty union, representing over 25,000 faculty members at all 12 of Floridas public universities.

Florida faculty union files federal suit against SB 266 arbitration ban

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief August 16, 2023

A month after releasing guidance for its members to “comply now [and] grieve later” with SB 266 — a newly signed law that set new guidelines for faculty unions, among other changes — Florida’s...

The University of North Florida entrance sign with a green palm tree behind and purple and white flowers in front.

Asbestos found during UNF’s remodel of Building 10 removed, given all-clear

Mallory Pace and Carter Mudgett August 16, 2023
Trace amounts of asbestos — fibers linked to breathing issues and some major health problems — were found and removed during construction on part of the University of North Florida’s Building 10 last week.
The Reflection Room in the University of North Floridas Interfaith Center can hold up to four people at once.

Unpacking SG’s case for a new Interfaith room at UNF

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief August 1, 2023
The day news broke that Student Government was discontinuing the interfaith room in the University of North Florida's Student Union was being discontinued by Student Government, it was met with outrage from interfaith students, student activists and even current members of the legislative branch. 
A screenshot of the EPAs Fire and Smoke air quality map as of 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

Canada wildfire smoke stretches low across U.S., far as North Florida

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief July 19, 2023

Raging wildfires in Canada have sent smoke rolling across the U.S., negatively impacting air quality in cities as far south as North Florida.  The Environmental Protection Agency’s Fire and Smoke...

Money Magazine; courtesy of Money Magazine.

UNF awarded as “one of America’s Best Colleges” by Money magazine

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief July 18, 2023
New rankings from Money magazine placed the University of North Florida among the best colleges in America on Tuesday, earning four out of five stars from the analysis. 
Student union banner

Anger, anxiety, uncertainty mark last six months of battle waged over Florida university diversity centers’ fight for existence

Mallory Pace and Carter Mudgett June 30, 2023

It’s been six months since Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pledged to defund all diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Florida state universities and the battle that has raged since has placed DEI staff...

The welcome sign to the Interfaith Space on the second floor of the University of North Florida Student Union.

SG created an interfaith space last year, now they’re turning it back into a lounge

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 29, 2023

The prayer and meditation room in the University of North Florida’s Interfaith Center was originally built as a closet. The room is a box—approximately 10 feet by 10 feet—that can support about four...

The University of North Florida entrance sign with a green palm tree behind and purple and white flowers in front.

Demand for on-campus housing is still “extremely high,” UNF says. Why?

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 26, 2023

Room selection for University of North Florida students looking to land a spot in an on-campus dorm opened Monday. However, with more and more students attending the university every year, there are bound...

Interfaith Center logo on a dark blue background

UNF Interfaith Center to hold discussion of critical hope and interfaith in the community next week

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 22, 2023

The Interfaith Center at the University of North Florida will be holding a discussion with author Dr. Kari Grain about embodied critical hope next Tuesday evening.  Earlier this year, student leaders...

The University of North Florida Board of Trustees heard and approved a new strategic plan for 2023-2028 on Thursday, June 15.

With a goal of 25,000 enrolled students by 2028, UNF Board of Trustees unanimously approve ambitious strategic plan

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 15, 2023

The University of North Florida Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new strategic plan Thursday morning that sets a series of ambitious goals for the next five years. Building on both institution-wide...

People walk beneath a giant rainbow flag.

Pride Month is halfway over, and UNF’s president stays silent

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 15, 2023

For the past three years, the start of Pride Month at the University of North Florida corresponded with an email from the president outlining their and the university’s support of its LGBTQ+ Ospreys.  Thursday...

UNF logo

UNF Board of Trustees postpones vote on post-tenure review policy to next month

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 14, 2023

A vote for the proposed post-tenure review policy has been removed from Thursday’s Board of Trustees agenda, according to an email from the University of North Florida’s faculty union. The vote has...

Lavender Celebration 2023 top grads bottom award winner smile for a photos with LGBTQ Center Director Manny Velásquez-Perez (far left) and LGBTQ Center Program Coordinator Dwan Love-Dinkens (far right). (Photo Courtesy of Dwan Love-Dinkens)

She’s spent the past decade at UNF’s LGBTQ Center. Soon, she moves to the University of Virginia.

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 14, 2023

Climbing the ranks from student assistant to program coordinator, Dwan Love-Dinkens has worked for the LGBTQ Center at the University of North Florida for nearly 10 years.  Now, the long-time staff...

A few of the items on the Board of Trustees agenda for Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Strategic plan and post-tenure review process on agenda for UNF Board of Trustees meeting

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 12, 2023

Several big topics will be debated and voted on during the University of North Florida's Board of Trustees meeting in the Student Union Ballroom on Thursday. The five-hour-long meeting will cover everything...

A University of North Florida golf cart, like the ones that were stolen. (Randy Rataj/Spinnaker)

Four carts stolen or missing from UNF in last two weeks, reports show

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 7, 2023

Two golf carts, one utility cart and a Chartwells cart have been reported missing or stolen in the last two weeks at the University of North Florida, police reports show.  UNF’s physical facility...

UFF-UNF is the United Faculty of Floridas UNF chapter, and represents UNF faculty.

Implementing post-tenure review without bargaining violates contract, faculty union tells UNF in cease-and-desist

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 5, 2023

The faculty union issued a cease-and-desist order to the University of North Florida administration and Board of Trustees Friday evening, according to a copy of the letter read by Spinnaker. It states...

The Chabad of Southsides new Model Family Terrace by the Lake will be dedicated on Sunday, June 4. (Courtesy of the Chabad of Southside)

Chabad of Southside to unveil new outdoor event space amid rise in antisemitism across Florida

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief June 2, 2023

The Chabad of Southside — an organization providing religious, educational and social services to the Jewish community in Jacksonville — will unveil a new outdoor space on Sunday.  Its new “Model...

UNF logo

Physical Facilities staff member found dead on campus, UNF says

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 30, 2023

A University of North Florida Physical Facilities staff member was found dead in Founders Hall Tuesday morning, the university said in a campus-wide alert. The unidentified person died of natural causes,...

FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis answers questions from the media in the Florida Cabinet following his State of the State address during a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Advocates for open government are ringing alarms about plans by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis administration that could make it harder to learn what public officials are doing and to speak out against them. (AP Photo/Phil Sears, File)

Rumors turn to reality as DeSantis files paperwork in a bid for president

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 24, 2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has thrown his hat in the ring and officially launched his campaign for the 2024 presidential election as he filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission on Wednesday. The...

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis holds up bills he signed during a bill signing ceremony at the Coastal Community Church at Lighthouse Point, Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Lighthouse Point, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

DeSantis signs anti-LGBTQ+ legislation restricting gender-affirming care, drag shows, pronoun use

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 17, 2023
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a series of bills on Wednesday that outlaw gender-affirming care for minors, restrict discussions of “preferred pronouns” in K-12 schools and tackle other issues that critics say attack the LGBTQ+ community.  Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation isn’t new to Florida and has been a large part of DeSantis’s war on “woke” as he is expected to announce a presidential run. 
Gov. Ron DeSantis talks during a press conference before signing legislation on Monday, May 15, 2023, at New College of Florida in Sarasota, Fla. DeSantis signed a bill that blocks public colleges from using federal or state funding on diversity programs, addressing a concern of conservatives ahead of the Republican governors expected presidential candidacy. The law, which DeSantis proposed earlier this year, comes as Republicans across the country target programs on diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Florida public universities barred from spending state, federal funds on DEI programs under new law

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 15, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis fulfilled his January pledge to defund all diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Florida public universities and colleges as he signed SB 266 into law on Monday. The signing,...

The header of President Moez Limayem’s letter to David Szymanski on Feb. 28, 2023, notifying him of his reassignment from MedNexus CEO to a tenured faculty member. Graphic created by Spinnaker.

UNF reassigns MedNexus CEO; gives him year of paid leave to find new job, documents reveal

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 15, 2023

A few months away from his two-year anniversary of becoming MedNexus's CEO, documents acquired by Spinnaker reveal that Dr. David Szymanski's last day in that role was April 30.  The former CEO is...

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference to sign several bills related to public education and increases in teacher pay, in Miami, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

DeSantis signs bills imposing new guidelines for teachers’ unions, bans social media in classrooms

Carter Mudgett, Editor in Chief May 10, 2023

New requirements are on the horizon for teachers’ unions and Florida schools after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a series of five bills on Tuesday.  One of the bills (SB 256) introduces new guidelines...

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