All posts by Donna Green-Townsend

Shark researchers concerned about effects of BP oil spill on the total food chain in the Gulf (07/22/2010)

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Aired on WUFT on July 22nd, 2010

Shark experts from around the globe recently met in Providence Road Island. Among them was George Burgess from the University of Florida. Burgess wears many hats including work as the Curator of the International Shark Attack File and as the Coordinator for Museum Operations at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Though the BP oil spill was not on the official agenda for the conference, Burgess says it was a hot topic amongst all the shark researchers. In part two of her interview, Donna Green-Townsend talked with Burgess about how the BP oil spill will virtually take a toll on the entire food chain in the Gulf of Mexico.

Online travel company offers ‘Open Beach Guarantee’ to encourage travel to Florida (06/17/2010)

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Aired on June 17th, 2010

Florida hotels and resorts are trying to stay afloat despite negative news about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This past Monday the online travel booking company Orbitz launched what it calls an “Open Beach Guarantee” to help travelers and the hotel industry. Donna Green-Townsend talked with Orbitz spokeswoman Jeanenne Tornatore about the new travel concept and how it’s designed to possibly save Florida’s key tourism season.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Prompts Quick Response In Light Of BP Oil Spill (06/14/2010)

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Aired on WUFT on June 14th, 2010

No one is watching the traveling oil plumes in the Gulf of Mexico more than David Godfrey. Godfrey is the Executive Director of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, which next week will change its name to “The Sea Turtle Conservancy”. This not-for-profit organization is continuing the turtle research and conservation efforts started by the late Archie Carr, the internationally acclaimed sea turtle expert from the University of Florida. Godfrey talked with WUFT’s Donna Green-Townsend and says his staff is at alert status because of the BP oil spill.

‘Dead Man’s Cellphone’ Opens At The Hipp (01/12/2010)

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Aired on WUFT on January 12th, 2010

Imagine someone having access to all of the deleted messages, voicemails and contacts on your cellphone. That’s what happens in the Hippodrome State Theatre’s new comedy, “Dead Man’s Cellphone.” the play opened January 8th. Donna Green-Townsend talked with one of the actors in the production, Jessica Morris, who plays the role of the estranged wife and widow of the dead man.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Gives His Perspective On The BP Oil Spill’s Effects On The Future Of The Gulf

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Originally aired on WUFT on June 8th, 2010

My Father, The CaptainJean-Michel Cousteau has spent his entire life either on the ocean or educating the public about protecting the ocean. Jean-Michel is the eldest son of the late Jacques Cousteau who will forever be remembered as an ambassador of the sea. Jean-Michel spent much of his life traveling aboard the famous Calypso with his father exploring and videotaping the undersea world. He recently published a book about his life with his father called, “My Father, The Captain.” Jean-Michel talked with WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend about why he’s continuing his father’s work and how that work took him to the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida CFO Alex Sink Weighs In On Oil Spill, Negative Publicity and Tourism Dilemma

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Aired on WUFT on May 27th, 2010

Florida CFO Alex Sink wants people to know that Florida’s beaches are beautiful, the fish are biting and the only oil on the state’s beaches is suntan oil. Sink is worried that all the coverage on the oil spill has caused people to make vacation reservations elsewhere. Sink, who is running for Governor, wants to use $25 million dollars from BP to fund a global advertising campaign to get the word out that Florida’s beaches and waters are free of oil and open for business. She talked with WUFT’s Donna Green-Townsend.

It’s ‘Spring Cleaning’ Time At Alachua County Animal Services (05/14/2010)

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Aired on WUFT on May 14th, 2010

Alachua County Animal Services is holding a “Spring Cleaning “ adoption event on Saturday (May 15th) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at their headquarters on Northeast 53rd Avenue in Gainesville. The afternoon event will feature a variety of vendors and educational materials as well as food and a raffle. The main goal is to have people come out and take home a furry friend. Donna Green-Townsend walked through the animal services facilities and talked with Public Education Program Coordinator and Event Coordinator, Hilary Hynes.

Wild Iris Books Offers Its Store As Dropoff Point For Oil Cleanup Supplies (05/12/2010)

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Aired on WUFT on May 12th, 2010

Area residents are being encouraged to contribute needed items for oil cleanup. The Wild Iris Bookstore has agreed to be a drop-off point through Monday morning (May 17th) for items ranging from toothbrushes to towels and shovels. This effort came about when a Gainesville writer met up with a group of activists who were holding a meeting over another contaminated site. Donna Green-Townsend talked with writer Lola Haskins and one of the owners of Wild Iris Books, Cheryl Krouth about how others can get involved. For more information about ways to help you can go online to http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/whatyoucando.html

UF Officials Hope New Biomedical Sciences Building Will Lead To Unique Research Collaborations (05/11/2010)

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Aired on WUFT on May 11th, 2010

The University of Florida held a dedication ceremony on Tuesday (May 11th) afternoon for the new Biomedical Sciences Building on campus. Donna Green-Townsend has more on what this new medical facility is expected to offer to researchers.

Gainesville Chamber Orchestra Collaborates With The Harn Museum Of Art and Florida Museum Of Natural History For Celestial Performance

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Aired on WUFT on May 7th, 2010

The Gainesville community can experience a true audio and visual art and science performance Friday night (May 7) at the Phillips Center For The Performing Arts. Donna Green-Townsend talked with the Musical Director of the Gainesville Chamber Orchestra, Evans Haile, about this celestial happening involving music, NASA video and telescopes.