2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Brad Heron, piano player and owner at Rockey's Dueling Piano Bar, spent Sunday night out with his coworkers Sean Reed (left), Mayan Alvarado (middle) and Marylin Prado (right). He is one of 30 people who will participate in the Wheelchaired for a Day Challenge in Gainesville this month, which raises awareness of issues that affect the disabled community.

METRO

Local man barhops in wheelchair to raise awareness for those with disabilities

By Brooke Baitinger | Aug. 23, 2015

Most people are familiar with rolling through Midtown on a Sunday night.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Police: Gainesville man defecates on church

By Giuseppe Sabella | Aug. 23, 2015

Gainesville Police arrested a local man Saturday morning after he reportedly caused $70 in damages to St. Augustine church by defecating on the front door and steps of the church.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

ASO deputies cleared in shooting outside Winn-Dixie

By Giuseppe Sabella | Aug. 23, 2015

The state attorney cleared two Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies last week in the May 12 shooting of a man outside the Northside Shopping Center Winn-Dixie, according to ASO spokesman Art Forgey.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Editorial: UF can be tough but rewarding

Aug. 23, 2015

If you’re reading this: Welcome to the first edition of The Independent Florida Alligator for the Fall 2015 semester. Whether you’re a freshman leaving home for the first time or a world-weary senior who has already hit every Midtown bar and is well versed in the culture of Club West, you ought to be excited; UF is one of the most exciting places for a young person to pursue a higher education.

OPINION | COLUMNS

The media’s coverage of Trump is detrimental

Aug. 23, 2015

Thus far, the 2016 presidential election has been the most opulent and luxurious race for the White House in recent memory. The primary reason for this has been the candidacy of Donald J. Trump. The billionaire’s no-holds-barred sound bites and — oddly enough — every-man attitude have rallied many in both the middle and the right to his cause.

Aaron Rampersad, a 21-year-old UF microbiology and nutritional sciences senior, shouts “Go Gators!” at the Rally in the Swamp event at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Sunday. Rally goers were led through a series of chants and songs that will be used during UF sporting events.

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

Rally in the Swamp trumps rain, Fuchs visits students

By Caitlin Ostroff | Aug. 23, 2015

A little rain couldn’t keep UF students and President Kent Fuchs away from The Swamp on Sunday as the university got ready for the Fall football season.

NEWS | SFC

Santa Fe celebrates 50 years and looks to the future

By Hunter Williamson | Aug. 23, 2015

It was 1966 when Joan Golliday walked through the doors of what was then Santa Fe Junior College.

NEWS | SFC

Santa Fe Senate builds leadership team during summer

By Hunter Williamson | Aug. 23, 2015

After two contentious semesters, Santa Fe College Student Senate enjoyed an uneventful summer.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Graduate Assistants United negotiates contracts

By Ansley Pentz | Aug. 23, 2015

Ioannis Ziogas challenged UF administrators to imagine taking care of a child on a graduate assistant’s salary — a salary he says is below the poverty level.

NEWS | SFC

Legislation concerning guns on campus back in Senate

By Hunter Williamson | Aug. 23, 2015

Legislation aiming to allow guns on campus is back in the Florida Senate chamber.

METRO

Activists discuss black oppression, confederate statue

By Hunter Williamson | Aug. 23, 2015

Standing at the podium, Nailah Summers fought back tears as she listed names.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF researchers prepare for West Nile outbreak

By Caitlin Ostroff | Aug. 23, 2015

Although Florida hasn’t had a West Nile virus epidemic, UF entomology researchers are ready in case the state’s luck runs out.

UF midfielder Mayra Pelayo hugs teammate Kristen Cardano after Pelayo scored the equalizer during Florida's 2-1 win against Troy in an exhibition match on Aug. 11, 2015, at the soccer practice field at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

UF soccer opens season with 2-0 road shutout against UCF

By Ryan Summers | Aug. 21, 2015

The No. 8 Florida soccer team kicked off the 2015 season on Friday night with a 2-0 victory over No. 17 University of Central Florida.

Safety Marcus Maye intercepts a pass during Florida's 31-17 win against Tennessee on Sept. 21, 2013 in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida suspends three for season opener due to violation of team rules

By GRAHAM HALL | Aug. 21, 2015

The Gators will be without three players for the Sept. 5 season opener against New Mexico State.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

Take a chance and make the most of your college experience

Aug. 16, 2015

If you’re new to college, chances are you’re missing home.

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

Welcome to UF. Let’s take on our freshman year together

Aug. 16, 2015

I am so pleased to welcome all our new students to the University of Florida. I consider myself a freshman and a member of your class, since I started at UF in January. You bring new energy to campus, enlivening the university after a productive and restful summer. I offer a special shout out to transfer students and new international students.