Category Archives: Features

State senator doubts proposed Levy County nuclear power plants will ever be built

February 15, 2012NewsDonna Green-Townsend, Levy Count nuclear power plants, Mike Fasano, Progress EnergyDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT February 15th, 2012

Progress Energy’s proposed nuclear power plant in Levy County may not actually get built….that’s according to Republican Senator Mike Fasano. Fasano recently led an unsuccessful attempt in the Florida Florida’s to repeal the entire advance nuclear cost recovery statute. That law allows public utilities to bill customers in advance of the actual construction of a facility without having to pay customers back if the facility plans are cancelled. Despite the defeat of his bill, Senator Fasano is optimistic that Progress Energy’s two proposed nuclear reactors for Levy County won’t be built. He spoke with Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend.

Despite Senator Fasano’s concerns, Progress Energy officials say they still plan on building the two reactors.

Lawmaker, utility talk about nuclear plant

February 15, 2012NewsDonna Green-Townsend, Mike Fasano, nuclear plant, Progress Energy, Susanne GrantDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT on February 15th, 2012

Some critics claim Progress Energy’s proposed nuclear power plant in Levy County may not be built. WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend spoke with State Senator Mike Fasano about the potential future of the plant.

Despite the senator’s complaints, Progress Energy says it still plans on building the reactors. WUFT-FM’s Chip Skambis spoke with Progress Energy Spokeswoman Susanne Grant about how the financing of the proposed plant works.

Prison privatization measure killed on Senate floor

February 14, 2012NewsDonna Green-Townsend, Mike Fasano, prison privatizationDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT on February 14th, 2012

A proposed bill to privatize 27 Florida prisons met defeat on the state Senate floor today in a 19-21 vote. The controversial bill has drawn criticism and heated discussion from both Republicans and Democrats in the state Senate. Today membes of the Tea Party, corrections workers, labor groups, the NAACP, as well as members of civil rights groups and faith leaders turned out in Tallahassee to protest the bill. They say privatization would elimiante thousands of state jobs and have a negative impact on public safety. Supporters of the bill maintain privatization would save the state at least $17 million dollars during a time the state is facing a budget shortfall. One of the key opponents of the idea has been Republican Senator Mike Fasano. Fasano, who represents Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Pinellas Counties talked with Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend about why he’s stayed adamant about the need to defeat the measure.

Supporters and opponents of proposed Levy County nuclear plants turn out for public hearing

January 16, 2012Newscrystal river, Donna Green-Townsend, John Siefert, Levy County Commission, Levy County nuclear power plants, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Ryan Bell, Tana Silva, Theodara RusnakDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT on January 16th, 2012

Supporters and opponents of Progress Energy’s two proposed nuclear power reactors in Levy County turned out for a public hearing last Thursday in Crystal River. The hearing was before a three-judge panel of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, the judicial arm of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The hearing was a result of a legal challenge to Progress Energy’s license application from three environmental groups over how much water the plants will need to pump for cooling towers. Last Friday we heard from two of the people who spoke at the hearing. Today we’ll from two others who voiced their opinions before the judges.

One of the supporters of the plan to construct the two reactors is Levy County Commissioner, Ryan Bell. He talked with Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend about why he thinks Progress Energy is a good neighbor which could improve the economy there by providing more jobs and electric power to the area.

Levy County Commissioner, Ryan Bell. Also speaking at the hearing in Crystal River was the President of the Citrus County Council which represents 19 homeowner and environmental groups. Group president Theodora Rusnak told the panel of judges the proposed Levy county nuclear facility is “the wrong plant, at the wrong place being paid for in the wrong way.” Rusnak also spoke with Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend:

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is expected to complete an environmental impact statement this spring. The public can give written comments on the proposal through the fall. The cost for the new plant is expected to be between 17 and 22 billion dollars. With license approval, the construction could start in 2021.

Additional interviews:

The Executive Director of the Citrus Couny Economic Development Council, John Siefert:

Concerned citizen, Tana Silva from Gainesville:

Manatee experience in Crystal River a double-edged sword

January 5, 2012Newscrystal river, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Donna Green-Townsend, manatees, Michael LuskDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT on January 5th, 2012

scan0002 — Manatee spotted in one of the many waterways of Citrus County

As the temperatures dip into the 20s and 30s, sea cows are seeking the warmth of Kings Bay in Citrus County. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend talked with the Refuge Manager for the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Michael Lusk. Lusk says while the freezing temperatures provide a challenge for law enforcement who have to patrol the Kings Bay area, the cold weather also provides an educational opportunity for the public:

Freezing temps cause manatees flock to warm waters of Kings Bay

January 3, 2012NewsBob Bonde, crystal river, Donna Green-Townsend, manatees, U.S. Geological SurveyDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT on January 3rd, 2012

As the temperatures in Florida continue to plunge, hundreds of manatees are flocking to the warm waters of Crystal River. Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend talked with Research Biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Bob Bonde about the current status of the endangered sea cow.

River CD aims to educate public about history and plight of Florida waterways

December 23, 2011Arts, NewsDonna Green-Townsend, Florida rivers, Florida waterways, Karen Ahlers, PCEC, River RoadsDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT on December 23rd, 2011

A variety of Florida singer-songwriters have contributed their original songs about Florida rivers and waterways to a unique educational endeavor. The coordinator of this special CD project, Karen Ahlers, says through music listeners can learn about the history, culture, commerce, beauty and fragility of Florida’s water. The sponsor of the CD is the Putnam County Environmental Council or PCEC, a not-for-profit environmental education organization. Coordinator Ahlers says PCEC members recognize the value of the waterways in Putnam and nearby counties:

Burnt Island Wildfire continues to spread causing smokey conditions in Southeast Alachua County (12/22/2011)

December 22, 2011NewsBurnt Island, Cross Creek, Donna Green-Townsend, wildfireDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT on December 22nd, 2011

Gusty winds are pushing the growing wildfire in Southeast Alachua County a little closer to Cross Creek. Forestry officials say a variety of agencies are fighting the fire from the air and on the ground. The wildfire has grown to about 1,300 acres as of Thursday afternoon. Heavy smoke and flare-ups caused a shutdown of U.S. Highway 301 near County Road 325 last night. The highway is currently open for traffic today. Meanwhile, Alachua County and Union County officials have issued a burn ban because of current fire conditions. Residents are not allowed to have any type of outdoor burning for the next two weeks given the extremely dry conditions. Marion County has just issued a voluntary burn ban.

Ocala horses, history and heroes event encourages Marion County residents to visit downtown

December 21, 2011NewsBuddy Martin, Donna Green-Townsend, Horses History and Heroes, Ocala, Save The Marion TheatreDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT on December 21st, 2011

Thoroughbreds, quarter horses and a variety of other breeds will be parading around downtown Ocala this evening as part of the “Horses, History and Heroes” event in downtown Ocala. The Save the Marion Theatre Group is partnering with the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park to sponsor this 5 to 7 p.m. event to promote the Christmas Day release of the new Steven Spielberg epic “War Horse.” More importantly, the event coordinators say it’s a perfect way to bring the community downtown for a special holiday event that not only features the 73 year old historic Marion Theatre, but also brings attention to the number one economic engine of Marion County—-horse farms. Donna Green-Townsend talked with the Co-founder of the Save the Marion Theatre organization, Buddy Martin about this evening’s event.

Award-winning Florida author pushes for a blue revolution

September 27, 2011NewsBlue Path, Blue Revolution: Unmaking America's Water Crisis, Cynthia Barnett, Donna Green-Townsend, Florida's EdenDonna Green-Townsend

Aired on WUFT on September 27th, 2011

Award-winning Gainesville journalist Cynthia Barnett is calling for a national water ethic. Barnett, a senior writer for Florida Trend Magazine kicks off a national tour for her new book called “Blue Revolution: Unmaking America’s Water Crisis” this Sunday, October 2nd at 2:15 at the Matheson Museum in Gainesville. Proceeds from the sale of her new book will help support the Blue Path water awareness programs of Florida’s Eden. Barnett talked with Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Donna Green-Townsend about the need to change attitudes toward the country’s fresh water supplies.

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