2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

The Alan and Cathy Hitchcock Field & Fork Pantry is seen at the Reitz Union North Lawn on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Students across Gainesville struggle with food insecurity

By Jinelle Vazquez | Aug. 28, 2023

The food insecurity rate in Alachua County has remained higher than the overall rate in Florida since 2014. A 2021 report from the city based on USDA data identified 11 food deserts — low-income areas where a substantial number of residents have low access to a supermarket or large grocery store — in Gainesville.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Taking a look at the data: UF’s sexual assault cases over the past five years

By Jordan Ramos | Aug. 28, 2023

At UF and surrounding campus areas, rape and sexual assault has fluctuated throughout the years. There have been 67 reported cases of rape and sexual assault on UF campus and six for the surrounding campus areas in the past five years, according to data from the UF Crime Map.

Graduate student forward Molly Grant celebrates her goal in the Gators' 8-0 win against the Stetson Hatters Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Gators soccer off to a historic start to 2023 season

By Austin Stirling | Aug. 28, 2023

Following a scoreless draw against the Miami Hurricanes, the Gators currently sit at 3-0-1 and have outshot their opponents in all four of their early matches. UF opened the 2023 season with four shutouts for the first time in program history.

Patrons visit The Rowdy Reptile and Fat Daddy’s on its final weekend open on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.

METRO | BUSINESS

UF Midtown favorites The Rowdy Reptile and Fat Daddy’s to be replaced by Lil Rudy’s

By Alexandra Burns | Aug. 28, 2023

After 12 years of business, The Rowdy Reptile and Fat Daddy’s — located at Midtown on the corner of University Avenue and Northwest 17th Street — announced Aug. 25 they will be closing their doors and reopening under new ownership.

ENVIRONMENT | ENTERPRISE

Gov. Ron DeSantis issues state of emergency for Alachua County ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia

By Kylie Williams | Aug. 28, 2023

Tropical Storm Idalia, which started brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, is showing signs it could organize into a hurricane. The storm is projected to hit the Florida Big Bend region by early Wednesday, though its exact path is still uncertain.

Republican U.S. Sen Ben Sasse, of Nebraska, applauds President Kent Fuchs at the Board of Trustees meeting to discuss his candidacy at Emerson Alumni Hall Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022.

ENTERPRISE | POLITICS

Lawmakers reflect on UF President Ben Sasse’s strategic plan

By Sophia Bailly | Aug. 28, 2023

Florida legislators from both the majority and minority parties clarified that Sasse's proposals won’t have an immediate impact on the university.

NEWS | SFC

New penalties for bathroom law threaten Santa Fe College students, faculty

By Bailey Diem | Aug. 28, 2023

Some LGBTQ Santa Fe College attendees fear discrimination after a law prohibiting people from using public bathrooms of their non-assigned sex can now result in firing.

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

'Bad faith readouts': Sasse disputes previously reported accounts of his vision

By Garrett Shanley | Aug. 28, 2023

UF President Ben Sasse described previous reports of his strategic plan as inaccurate at his State of the University Address Aug. 24, but professors disagree.

Local dancer Kevin Rodriguez, also known as Woahdizzy, gets down low at the How Bazar block party on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.

THE AVENUE | NIGHTLIFE

How Bazar’s Block Party brings together community, culture in Gainesville

By Bonny Matejowsky | Aug. 27, 2023

The How Bazar's organization’s third-ever Block Party extended across the exteriors of several buildings surrounding its official location. The event attracted crowds of people eager to immerse themselves in a community experience rarely seen in Gainesville.

Freshman forward Megan Hinnenkamp shoots the ball in an 8-0 win against the Stetson Hatters Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Florida routes Stetson in dominant home showing

By Austin Stirling | Aug. 27, 2023

The Florida Gators (3-0-1) defeated the Stetson Hatters (0-4) 8-0 Sunday night at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Florida has now one back-to-back matches against Stetson dating back to last season. UF’s eight goals marked the most goals in a mtach since 1999 when the Gators defeated Florida International 8-0.

Joshua Joseph, the chef and owner of Tropical Eatz food truck, grills at 1225 NW 10th Ave., on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023.

METRO | BUSINESS

On-campus exposure brings off-campus success to local restaurant owners

By Zoey Thomas | Aug. 27, 2023

Chef JJ is one of several local restaurants that Chartwells Higher Education, UF’s dining partner since May 2022, brought to campus since launching the Florida Fresh Dining brand in July 2022. The brand was founded with a pledge from Chartwell to invest in local businesses — including launching the Taste of Gainesville section of the Reitz Union, which opened Summer 2022 and features two local eateries per day in a pop-up setting.

Freshman wide receiver Andy Jean completes a drill during the Gators' Spring scrimmage March 28, 2023.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida position previews: wide receivers and running backs

By Luke Adragna | Aug. 27, 2023

The flashy moves and long, breakaway touchdowns Florida fans became accustomed to behind former Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson’s offense likely won’t look the same this season.

Freshman setter Alexis Stucky serves against Virginia Aug. 27, 2022.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida wins game two of Tampa Bay Invitational against USF

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | Aug. 26, 2023

The No. 11 Florida Gators (2-0) defeated the South Florida Bulls (0-2) Saturday night. UF played at the Yuengling Center, the Bulls home court, for the second game of the Tampa Bay Invitational.

Freshman cornerback Ja'Keem Jackson lines up against freshman wide receiver Aidan Mizell in the Orange and Blue Spring Game Thursday, Aug. 15, 2023.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida position previews: cornerbacks and safeties

By Jackson Reyes | Aug. 26, 2023

The secondary room went through several changes during the offseason. Of the nine defensive backs who recorded at least one start last season, five departed the team either through the NCAA Transfer Portal or through the 2023 NFL Draft.

Outside hitter Sofia Victoria celebrates a point against the Louisiana State Tigers Sunday Oct. 9, 2022. Victoria led the Gators with 13 kills against Kentucky Saturday.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators bring home season-opener victory after rough start

By Krisha Sanghavi | Aug. 25, 2023

The No. 11 Florida Gators (1-0) started their season strong with a 3-1 win against the No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions (0-1). The team traveled to Tampa for the first game of the Tampa Bay Invitational and controlled the court for a win.

Anamika Naidu and Leah Kozakevich sip Opus coffee at The Row location's grand opening event Aug. 25, 2023 in Gainesville.

METRO | BUSINESS

Opus Coffee celebrates grand opening at Row location

By Zoey Thomas | Aug. 25, 2023

Plastic cups of nitro cold brew circulated at a new Opus Coffee cafe Friday, carried by caterers offering free samples to eager coffee drinkers.

Offensive linemen redshirt sophomore Austin Barber and junior Richie Leonard IV compete in drills before Florida football’s Fall scrimmage Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida position previews: offensive line and tight ends

By Topher Adams | Aug. 25, 2023

Florida head coach Billy Napier prioritized the offensive line from the earliest days of his Gators tenure. He hired offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Rob Sale from the NFL, and added another line coach with Darnell Stapleton.

The Florida volleyball team celebrates a point against the LSU Tigers Sunday Oct. 9, 2022. The Gators clinched a share of the Southeastern Conference title with their win over Ole Miss Saturday. It's the 25th time in program history UF has won the title.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida volleyball prepares for new season

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | Aug. 25, 2023

Florida heads to Tampa Friday to play the No. 8 Penn State Lions for their 2023 season opener.

UF President Ben Sasse talks with attendees of the press conference held at Jacksonville City Hall about plans to open a new graduate campus, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023.

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

UF Faculty Senate discuss productivity, political concerns surrounding post-tenure review

By Garrett Shanley | Aug. 24, 2023

The UF Faculty Senate convened in the Reitz Union Thursday to discuss state legislation impacting post-tenure review and general education requirements amid concern from faculty. Faculty Senate Chair Danaya Wright clarified details regarding the implementation of post-tenure review at UF.

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

UF President Ben Sasse warns faculty of necessary advances in State of the University Address

By Bailey Diem | Aug. 24, 2023

UF President Ben Sasse addressed an audience of dozens of UF faculty and staff members, mirroring his strategic plan for the university and detailing proposed changes to core curriculum, tenure review and the expansion of off-campus opportunities in the State of the University Address Thursday.

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