Claudia Bellofatto
News Reporter
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Claudia Bellofatto was born and raised in Boston, MA. She graduated from S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University with a B.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism.
Claudia was the Reporter and In-Game Host for the Washington National’s Class-A affiliate during the 2019 season. Before joining the WCJB team in February 2020, Claudia was the In-Game Host for SU Men’s Basketball and Football, as well as Digital Host for the official SU social media accounts.
As a lover of both storytelling and sports, Claudia was excited to move to Gainesville not only to tell the community’s stories but also to check out some Gator action!
If she’s not working … she’s either trying out a new restaurant, at the gym, or on a plane to somewhere new!
Have a news tip or just want to say hi?
You can reach claudia.bellofatto@wcjb.com
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Ex-prisoners could soon receive up to $600 a month, no strings attached, to help them get back on their feet.
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Two years later and millions of dollars lost so far, the owners say they are determined to finish the hotel.
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The project that would be funded by the city includes partnering with local businesses to display “swag”-- posters, coasters, stickers, shirts, and more.
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Footage shows the two women, on Wednesday around 2 AM, walking past the law office and stealing flowers from the pot outside.
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Deputies say the 12-year-old student had taken a pen from the 20-year-old teacher's desk and was playing a game of keep-away when the student claims the teacher punched him.
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The idea is to provide monthly cash payments directly given to people, with no strings attached or work requirements.
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Bar owners could soon be facing another major financial hit as a possible new emergency order is in the works.
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The proposal comes following the commissioner’s frustrations about bars packed with university students, in particular, not following COVID safety guidelines.
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From a real estate agent’s perspective, it’s best not to wait. They say a short supply and increase in demand means prices will only go up from here.
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The dogs are trained to detect anything from skin cancer, to bed bugs, to even invasive pythons.
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To qualify, you must be receiving federal aid such as Medicaid, SNAP, or earning an annual income that is below 300% of the federal poverty level.
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GRU's GM says while the county figures out payment responsibility -- taxpayers are paying the county’s costs.
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Several community leaders took the time to reflect on the importance of change needed to the roads — the only main change they will be acting on for now though, is increased law enforcement.
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Cammack: “I couldn’t be more proud to represent this area. This is a model that we should be replicating all across the state and all across the country."
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The children say 40-year-old Anthony Terry was telling them to ‘come here’ and that he ‘loved them’
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The 31-year-old mother is on her 21st consecutive day of being on life support.
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For the friends and families of Sophia Lambert, and 18-year old Maggie Paxton who was hit and killed five weeks ago, the tragic loss has left behind irreversible pain.
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In Alachua County, some products are considered contaminated or unusable-- like egg cartons, pizza boxes, and black plastic.
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Almost two weeks into the investigation, police have no further details on who might have been behind this murder. They ask anyone with information to come forward. Crime stoppers is offering a reward for any information.
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Volunteers including students from the University of Florida joined Alachua County's Park and Conservation team
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According to studies and data, ammunition and gun sale spikes have historically been directly linked to political or health paranoia-- like elections and pandemics.
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For many bar and restaurant owners, a change like this could mean closing their doors for good.
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“He’s always been one to push through anything ... but he was beginning to get very very weak."
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After being diagnosed with cancer back in March, London Allen talks about the 9 months she spent helping NYC rebuild after 9/11 and what it's like, as a result, being at-risk during the pandemic.
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As of Wednesday, Levy County has filled all appointment slots for the current round of vaccines and has suspended appointments until the next vaccine shipment is received.
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Deputies say the 17-year-old boy shot and killed his 14-year old brother and injured his 45-year-old mother.
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With an increase in members during the pandemic, staff members say that it will take a team effort to keep everyone healthy.
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From a COVID-19 outbreak that sidelined the team for 2 weeks, to playing eight straight weeks, to not seeing their families since July, the Gators have made plenty of sacrifices in what was a unique 2020 season.
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If you’re 65 years old or older and you’re looking to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the best way to do that is to register online.
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While not a vaccine, the plasma contains antibodies that can recognize and neutralize the virus. The sharing of these antibodies could help those who are immunocompromised or already infected by the virus.
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The cutting-edge simulations challenge students to apply their clinical reasoning skills through life-like interactions.
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A young brother and sister living on their own took part in the program, receiving gifts and a meal they otherwise may not have had this Christmas.
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Opioid deaths have spiked in Florida since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. In Marion County, opioid deaths rose from almost 70 deaths to nearly 140.
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The University of Florida has awarded 20 faculty teams $50,000 each from UF Research’s Artificial Intelligence Research Catalyst Fund to pursue a range of AI-related projects.
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You can no longer apply for Alachua County CARES Act dollars since the funds have already been allocated, but the city of Gainesville and Alachua County are offering Coronavirus Relief Fund assistance programs to provide temporary financial assistance for costs like rent, mortgage, electric, and gas.
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The new superintendent believes her extensive background in teaching, leadership, and education finance will be crucial to the district's recovery process.
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The 24-year-old woman was shot dead, her body found by her mother.
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For some veterans, creating art is a pleasant distraction. For others, it’s a favorite pastime or new hobby. For many, it’s a form of therapy.
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Some members of the NAACP and the DEC claim the 6 members campaigning as a team disrespected the African American community by not including African Americans in the unofficial slate.
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A UF spokesperson said transmission on campus being virtually nonexistent played a major role in the decision to return to more in-person classes.
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Paramedics said they never thought the UF senior would survive.
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St. Francis house prepares for families ahead of the cold temperatures.
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Through technology-based learning activities, students are given the chance work towards a diploma they may not otherwise have gotten.
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The tool can be used by both tenants and landlords to find affordable housing in Alachua County.
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Experts say the benefits include possibly strengthening your immunity for the disease while also playing a part in the world-wide effort towards developing a vaccine.
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The app not only helps you find local restaurants with specific features, but it also emphasizes the importance of inclusion.
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UF professors whose requests were denied say they have high-risk characteristics include pregnancy, weakened immune systems, diabetes, chronic asthma, and auto-immune disorders.
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According to data released by UF, over 60% of requests by staff to work remotely were not approved
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With the new building, the 75 active GOC members now have the opportunity to learn valuable hands-on social, financial, and educational skills.
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Angelica Williams has been creating her own businesses since she was 19. Fourteen years later she’s the CEO of five different companies.
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