Identifying Local Opportunities

Title: "Like to smoke on the beach? It could be illegal soon"

Link: p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0103%21January%2B03&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170C36F50A62A160

Description of Story: A proposal by a Sarasota senator would make smoking on the beach illegal. While currently there are no restrictions on smoking on the beach, the new proposal would impose a $25 fine or 10 hours of community service for smoking at the beach.
Problem: The Sarasota senator and others are concerned about how smoking on the beach can contribute to pollution and the environment. There is no regulation on smoking on the beach and there have been no median proposals, such as designated smoking areas on beaches.
Who has the problem: The problem mainly resides with government officials and citizens who do not want smoking on the beach to be allowed. However, those who are opposed to this proposal, specifically smokers who want to continue to be able to smoke on the beach, have a problem with the possible new legislation.

Title: "Group argues some springs clean-up plans lacking"

Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0104%21January%2B04&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170C8A3E23B93F98

Description of Story: The Florida Springs Council (FSC) has argued that some plans to maintain springs in Alachua county and other counties in Florida are not sufficient enough to meet proper standards. Inadequate plans to tackle septic issues as well as a lack of details in regard to cleaning and maintaining the springs are the main concern for the group. A main focus for the group and environmentalists is reducing the nitrogen levels in these springs.
Problem: The problem is that Florida springs are in need of maintenance and clean up, however the plan that is currently in place is not sufficient according to the FSC and they are hoping to encourage officials to amend the plan to better Florida springs clean-up.
Who has the problem: The Florida Springs Council has a problem with the current springs clean-up plan but there is also a problem for local springs that are directly affected by the plans set in place to preserve the environment.

Title: "I-75 safety: What can be done?"

Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0105%21January%2B05&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170CDCC07A221868

Description of Story: Interstate 75 has historically been a dangerous road where reckless driving has been the cause of many accidents, including the most recent accident that cost the lives of seven people. A collision with a semi-truck was the cause of this particular accident, and research has shown that more heavy trucks have led to more accidents in Alachua county. This most recent crash brought attention to the possibility of building a new road in order to divert traffic from I-75.
Problem: The combination of light state troop presence, not enough roadways for mass travel, and an increase in heavy trucks on the interstate has caused an increase in crashes in Alachua and Marion counties.
Who has the problem: State troopers who are trying to maintain safe roads and drivers who have to use these roads during travel without the guarantee that they are completely safe.

Title: "GDP: More unlocked vehicles burglarized"

Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0107%21January%2B07&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170D8BC4164DF9E8

Description of Story: An increase in burglarized unlocked vehicles has caused concern in the Gainesville area. There has also been an increase in scooters that have been stolen as we are making it "too easy" for thieves to steal from us. A campaign has been launched to remind citizens to make sure their vehicles are locked and that all belongings are taken out of their cars.
Problem: Leaving vehicles unlocked and belongings in sight has lead to an increase in car thefts.
Who has the problem: Citizens and local police who are working on efforts to reduce the number of unlocked vehicles and hopefully reduce car burglaries.

Title: "Educational equity isn't a zero-sum game"

Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AGSGB%21Gainesville%2BSun%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0109%21January%2B09&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170E3DB875CD7FA0

Description of Story: It is obvious that every child has different needs and needs a different amount of attention in order to succeed. Alachua county has a large gap between white and African American student's based on many categories, including test scores. This gap emphasizes the changes that need to be made in the Alachua county school system as a whole and the approach to teaching students, specifically, African American students. The approach that will ensure students are succeeding and using their full potential needs to be one that addresses students on an individual basis no matter their background.
Problem: The approach to education in Alachua county needs to be changed in order to close the gap between white and African American students.
Who has the problem: Students, especially African American students, who need more attention or require specific needs in order to succeed educationally.