Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
We inform. You decide.
Saturday, May 17, 2025

COVID-19

ENTERPRISE  |  POLITICS

Florida university faculty, students share mixed opinions on 2024 legislative session academic freedom bills

As the legislative session ramps up, newly proposed bills that could alter the higher education landscape have faculty and students bracing themselves after last year’s education regulations.  Following the state’s 2023 move to defund public universities’ diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, the Florida State Board of Education prohibited the usage of public funds for DEI programs in Florida’s 28 public state colleges, according to a Florida Department of Education news release Jan. 17.


RACE AND EQUITY  |  ENTERPRISE

Gainesville community members develop initiatives in wake of gun violence legislation

From July 1 to Dec. 31, 2023, there were 83 incidents where shots were fired, killing a total sum of seven people. From Jan. 1 the start of 2024 to Jan. 15, there have been 13 incidents where shots were fired, resulting in the deaths of two people, according to a data report shared by Alachua County’s Criminal Investigation Division.  The city implemented efforts to combat firearm misuse during 2023, yet attempts have continuously clashed with state law. 


Springs Residential Complex on Jan. 5, 2024.
NEWS  |  CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

In single-gender dorms, UF transgender students often feel out-of-place

With a prominent LGBTQ+ community at UF, including the UF Pride Student Union and the UF LGBTQ+ Alumni Association, gendered housing can be a difficult experience for many students on campus. Out of 26 residence halls on campus, UF only has one gender neutral housing option — the Lavender Living Learning Community, located in Springs Residential Complex, hopes to create a more inclusive and diverse housing experience.


THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

Playa Bowls hosts grand opening for first Gainesville location

Playa Bowls is a national health food chain corporation specializing in acai bowls, smoothies, chia seed pudding and oat and juice products. Founded by Abby Taylor and Rob Giuliani in 2014, the brand has over 200 locations and operates in 22 states. Now at 1260 SW Fifth Ave., the location is the company’s first in north central Florida. 


Florida redshirt freshman Matthew Kress swings his club during the Southeastern Conference Championships Thursday, April 20, 2023. / Photo by Leslie White
NEWS

Reigning NCAA champions Gators men’s golf set to start spring season

The course was silent as Fred Biondi lined up his final shot, two putts away from the national title. With a deep breath, Biondi took the putt, rolling the ball slowly across the green, stopping inches from the hole. It was close enough. The hole was conceded. He was enveloped in a group hug as the team cried and celebrated. The Gators just won the 2023 national championship. 


Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2025 The Independent Florida Alligator and Campus Communications, Inc.