Florida Gators defensive back Dijon Johnson (27) makes a tackle during the first half at TIAA Bank Field on Saturday, November 02, 2024.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

‘I want to be the best’: UF DB Dijon Johnson prepared to lead defense in 2026

By Curan Ahern | 5:24pm

Less than six months ago, Gators fans across the country grimaced as third-year defensive back Dijon Johnson went down with an injury to his right knee in the second half of UF’s 26-7 loss to Miami on Sept. 20. Johnson underwent surgery to repair his meniscus just two days later, a procedure that sidelined him for the remainder of his redshirt sophomore campaign.

Florida football head coach Jon Sumrall helps with a drill during spring training camp at the Heavener Football Training Center in Gainesville, Fla., Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

‘You can’t beat anybody until you don’t beat yourself’: Jon Sumrall details current state of Gators football

By Riley Orovitz | 5:12pm

Ricky Castillo tees off from the 13th hole of the Seminole Golf Club Sunday. (Chris Keane/USGA)

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Former Gator Ricky Castillo wins first PGA Tour tournament

By Colby Kistner | 4:41pm

Ultimately, he finished with a 271 (-17), just one stroke ahead of Gainesville native Chandler Blanchet. ...

SPANISH

Noche llena de risas y representación latina: Comediante venezolano se presenta en Gainesville

By Ornella Moreno | 12:50pm

Angelo Colina trajo su show de comedia a Gainesville por segunda vez

A sign in front of the Alachua County Public Schools district office building is seen Sunday, June 6, 2021.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

Gainesville and Alachua County commissioners challenge ACPS rezoning plans

By Grace Larson | 11:27am

The current maps propose the closure of Williams, Foster, Irby and Alachua Elementary Schools. The school ...

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Monday, 3/9/2026

New issues of The Independent Florida Alligator are available every week.

News | Campus

Bikes sit locked up in front of Broward Hall on UF campus, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. Records from the University of Florida Police Department detail bicycle and scooter theft reports across campus, highlighting patterns and potential theft hotspots.

5 years of UF theft data show riskiest locations, months for swiped bikes

By Alanna Robbert | Mar. 9

The most commonly reported time of day for bike-related incidents is the afternoon, while the most common locations are Museum Road and central campus near Marston Science Library.

Gator Service Dogs hosts first puppy yoga event under new club name

By Caroline Walsh | Mar. 8

2 months in: Where the Hamilton School is heading with new director

By Leona Masangkay and Alexa Ryan | Mar. 8

UF students face increasing competition for law school

By Mia Giannicchi | Mar. 6

Student Government inducts newly elected senators

By Nevaeh Baker Harris | Mar. 5

Metro

A.D. Hunter, a Gainesville local, stands outside the Alachua County Library District Headquarters, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.

Gainesville homeless community calls for change one year into encampment ban

By Maria Arruda | Mar. 8

In the first year after the ordinance went into effect, Gainesville residents submitted 109 reports of camping on public property or encampment, according to records obtained by The Alligator.

Pi Kappa Alpha executive arrested at house party

By Vanessa Norris | Mar. 8

Alachua County officials worry property tax bill will affect public services

By Kaitlyn McCormack | Mar. 7

Gainesville restaurant strikes up charitable deal with wine thieves

By Vanessa Norris | Mar. 7

Florida executes man for 1991 murder of Fort Pierce police officer

By Alexa Ryan | Mar. 4

Sports

Florida head coach Kelly Rae Finley during the second half of an NCAA basketball game against Arkansas, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Gainesville, FL.

Florida parts ways with Kelly Rae Finley

By Isis Snow | Mar. 9

The Gators and Kelly Rae Finley are set to part ways after a five-year partnership, per an official statement released by the University Athletic Association.

Previewing Florida’s potential opponents at the SEC Tournament

By Jeffrey Serber | Mar. 9

Walker’s walk-off single pushes No. 5 Florida over Missouri

By Zach Moore | Mar. 8

Selena Harris-Miranda excels in Gators gymnastics’ elite night against LSU

By Riley Orovitz | Mar. 8

Gators rally in final inning to avoid sweep against High Point

By Adrian Carmona | Mar. 8

Multimedia & Podcasts

More Multimedia

SLIDESHOW

UF's Black Student Union hosts 36th annual Florida Invitational Step Show at Bo Diddley Plaza

Feb. 9

About 300 people gathered on 13th Street and University Avenue at 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, walking out of work and school as part of a nationally organized day of action to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

SLIDESHOW

Gainesville residents walk out of school and work for a ‘Stand with Minnesota’ ICE protest

Jan. 30

Community-made quilts honor 47 victims of racial violence in Alachua County as part of a broader remembrance effort

SLIDESHOW

'We can’t forget’: Alachua residents memorialize lynching victims through quilts gallery

Jan. 22

Listen on Spotify

The Avenue

Venezuelan comedian brings laughter and Latino representation to Gainesville

By Ornella Moreno | 11:09am

Originally from Venezuela, Colina now lives in New York City and is the founder of Gente Funny, one of the most successful Spanish-language comedy showcases in the U.S.

Fill your calendar with this week’s Gainesville music events

By Isabel Kraby | Mar. 9

Whoopi’s brings country music, bar games and late-night snacks to downtown Gainesville

By Aaliyah Evertz | Mar. 8

The Alligator heads to Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival

By Corey Fiske | Mar. 7

‘Cook Like a Chef’ with Field and Fork cooking classes

By Summer Johnston | Mar. 5

Opinions

OPINION: College campuses should have more armed defenders

By Alannah Peters | 6:46pm

If a bad actor brings a weapon onto campus because they do not care about the law, and every responsible adult nearby is prohibited from defending students, the imbalance is obvious. The bill attempts to correct that imbalance without abandoning oversight.