2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letter to the Editor 1/13/14

By Bruce Frendahl | Jan. 12, 2014

Dear Editor,

OPINION | COLUMNS

Gov. Chris Christie’s bridge to nowhere

Jan. 12, 2014

For commuters in New York and New Jersey, Sept. 9 was just another day — until they reached the George Washington Bridge that connects the two states.

OPINION | EDITORIALS

R.I.P. Sam Berns: The importance of public optimists

Jan. 12, 2014

As consumers of media, we often encounter public intellectuals: well-known, intelligent, learned persons whose written works and other social and cultural contributions are recognized not only by academic audiences and readers, but also by many members of society in general. Vaclav Havel, Noam Chomsky and Gloria Steinem are all prominent public intellectuals who contribute to discourse across a wide span of topics that affect our lives, from politics to economics to feminism.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Florida kicks off indoor season with record-setting weekend

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Jan. 11, 2014

After a dominant performance in the preliminary round Friday, the Gators picked up where they left off on the second day of the UAB Blazer Invite on Saturday.

Florida point guard Scottie Wilbekin (5) attempts a layup against Richmond on Jan. 4. Wilbekin tied his career high with 18 points Saturday against Arkansas, including eight from the free throw line.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Wilbekin powers Gators to overtime win despite injured ankle

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Jan. 11, 2014

Arkansas was going to make Scottie Wilbekin win the game for No. 10 Florida. And he did.

Florida's Hugh Graham Jr., left, hugs Antwan Wright as teammate Dedric Dukes looks on after winning the 4x400-meter race during the NCAA outdoor track and field championships in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, June 8, 2013. Florida tied with Texas A&M for the men's championship.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators send 12 athletes to finals following strong preliminary showing

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Jan. 11, 2014

Putting on a show and breaking records is what the UF men and women’s track team did at the season-opening indoor UAB Blazer Invite Friday afternoon.

Scottie Wilbekin (center) poses for a photo with Casey Prather (left) and Patric Young (right) during Florida’s basketball media day on Oct. 9. Prather will miss Saturday's game, Wilbekin is questionable and Young will see limited minutes.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Prather out against Arkansas, Wilbekin questionable

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Jan. 10, 2014

The Gators will be without their leading scorer Casey Prather on Saturday when they travel to Arkansas.

NEWS

Pro-gun group says it's suing UF over car, dorm policies

Jan. 10, 2014

UF is being sued for its guns-on-campus policies.

Jaterra Bonds attempts a free throw during Florida’s 59-52 win against Arkansas on Thursday night in the O’Connell Center on Jan. 9, 2014. Bonds scored 15 points in Florida’s victory, which was UF’s ninth straight win. The Gators will attempt to extend their streak to 10 games against No. 12 LSU on Sunday in Baton Rouge, La.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida knocks off Arkansas to continue recent hot streak

By GORDON STREISAND< | Jan. 9, 2014

Another Southeastern Conference foe, another victory for the Gators.

UF’s Casey Prather looks to pass the ball during the Gators’ 74-56 win against South Carolina in the season’s SEC opener on Wednesday night. Prather is questionable for Florida’s road game against Arkansas on Saturday due to swelling in his right knee.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Lethargic play hurting UF

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Jan. 9, 2014

South Carolina is no Kansas.

Five-star cornerback Jalen Tabor commits to Arizona on ESPN at the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 2 in St. Petersburg. Tabor flipped his commitment to Florida on Thursday.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators swing top commit

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Jan. 9, 2014

Thursday was a busy day for UF’s 2014 and 2015 recruiting classes.

Bridget Sloan performs on vault during Florida’s win against Kentucky on Feb. 22, 2013. Florida opens the season against UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Gators return to site of 2013 championship to open season

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Jan. 9, 2014

Florida ended the 2013 season in Los Angeles ranked No. 1 in the country after finishing .200 points better than Oklahoma in the NCAA Super Six.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Weight Watchers meetings now on UF's campus

By Debora Lima | Jan. 9, 2014

Students looking to drop pounds can attend Weight Watchers meetings at UF for the first time.

Eddie Lovett leaps over a hurdle during an NCAA East Preliminary Round in Greensboro, N.C., on May 24, 2013. Lovett has been leading the Gators in the build up to this season.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gators look to seniors for leadership in final season

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Jan. 9, 2014

When the UF track and field team travels to Birmingham, Ala., for its season-opening indoor meet this afternoon, one thing will be stressed above all: consistency.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Alachua man arrested after huffing cleaning duster spray

By Jenna Lyons | Jan. 9, 2014

Gainesville Police arrested an Alachua man whom officers said passed out behind the wheel of a car after huffing cans of cleaning duster spray.

A new restaurant will replace Kay Bros. BBQ at 1620 W. University Ave. The Coop is set to open on Saturday and will feature a Southern-inspired menu.

METRO | BUSINESS

The Coop to open Saturday in former Kay Bros. location

By Briana Erickson | Jan. 9, 2014

Kay Bros. BBQ may have closed at the beginning of December, but starting Saturday, Gainesville residents can visit a new restaurant in the same location.