2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida Gators gymnast Selena Harris-Miranda performs on the balance beam in a gymnastics meet against the Kentucky Wildcats in Gainesville, Fla., on Friday, March 14, 2025.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Wong, Ferris and Harris-Miranda earn perfect scores in No. 3 Florida’s Senior Night victory over No. 10 Kentucky

By Max Bernstein | Mar. 14

Holding back a wide array of emotions as she stepped towards the floor, Florida senior Leanne Wong had the Stephen C. O’Connell Center watching her every move with intense eyes. Fans clapped and cheered along during her routine, gradually getting louder with each move. When her routine finished, the crowd was on their feet as Wong was mobbed by her teammates and coaches.

UF Women's Tennis player Talia Neilson-Gatenby returns the ball during the Florida Invitational on Jan. 11, 2025. (Credit: Kade Sowers)

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Florida women’s tennis dominates Mississippi State to secure first conference road win

By Jeffrey Serber | Mar. 14

After taking a tough 4-0 loss at home to Texas A&M on Sunday, Florida bounced back and started its two-game road trip strong with a statement victory at Mississippi State.

Florida gymnast Sloane Blakely performs her floor routine in the Gators’ meet against the No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. UF clinched the SEC title with their victory.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

In the wake of Blakely’s injury, Gator gymnastics remains undeterred

By Liana Handler | Mar. 14

In the wake of Blakely’s injury, Florida gymnastics bounced back, tying the nation’s highest score this season while earning multiple SEC honors.

Data shows a downward trend in officers per 1,000 civilians in the GPD over the past 50 years.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville Police Department understaffing puts strain on residents’ faith

By Kaysheri Haffner | Mar. 14

The Gainesville Police Department had two employees per 1,000 Gainesville residents in 2023, a ratio lower than the state and nationwide averages.

A Gold Marbled Angelfish in the Florida Aquaculture and Aquarium Club fish tank on the third floor of Marston Science Library. Sunday, March 9, 2025.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

The club behind Marston’s swimming showstoppers

By Pristine Thai | Mar. 14

Thousands of students walk past the aquarium by Marston Science Library’s third-floor elevators every week. Some worn-out studiers pause to appreciate the creatures’ calming presence before getting to work, but few know the fishes’ stories or who ensures the ecosystem runs swimmingly.

Fans celebrate a long touchdown run by Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (1) at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Opportunities on defense through three Florida football practices

By Noah White | Mar. 13

With nearly a week of spring practice down, Florida football’s defense is back in shoulder pads, taking one day at a time.

SPORTS

Brian McLaughlin, former Alligator sports writer, dies at 50

By Noah White | Mar. 13

Brian McLaughlin loved sports. He was present, in touch with the people around him, and driven by telling their stories. He spent his final days doing exactly that. McLaughlin died on Feb. 25. He was 50 years old.

Signs announcing the store's closure and discounts are displayed at the entrance of the JOANN Fabric and Craft store on Archer Road on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

‘I feel like I'm mourning a death’: Joann is closing its doors after over 80 years

By Annie Wang | Mar. 13

Joann Fabrics is shutting down after more than 80 years in business. The Gainesville location has served customers for over 11 years.

A cookie from Karma Cream on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Inside the Gainesville chocolate chip cookie scene

By Corey Fiske | Mar. 13

Here’s five Gainesville stores offering chocolate chip cookies, judged by their size, thickness, taste, texture and price.

Freshman Camyla Monroy dives in the Gators meet against Florida State, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

Florida divers secure multiple NCAA Championship tickets at the Zone B Diving Championships

By Isabella Sanin | Mar. 12

Florida diving put on strong performances all around at the Diving Zones in hopes of securing multiple spots at the highly-coveted NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships.

Florida Gators outfielder Kendra Falby (27) celebrates as she arrives to home plate after her second home run of the season during a softball game against UCF in Gainesville, Fla., on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

UF continues midweek winning streak defeating UCF

By Jackson Colding | Mar. 12

Following a gutsy, resilient series win over the No. 5/4 Texas A&M Aggies, the Gators continued their momentum with a home win over the UCF Knights.

Florida senior Jasmine Moore competes in the long jump during the Razorback Invitational Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 at Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas / Photo by Anna Carrington

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TRACK

Florida track and field sends five entries to NCAA Indoor Championships

By Paul Hof-Mahoney | Mar. 12

Six entries is a slimmer roster than usual for the Gators, but there’s plenty of potential for Florida to pick up some respectable points at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Theresa Bragg (25) plays against Navy on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

No. 6 Florida completes comeback behind dynamic day from Frannie Hahn

By Max Bernstein | Mar. 12

Down by as many as four goals in the third quarter of Wednesday’s match, No. 6 Florida faced a challenge to secure its third ranked win of the season. However, UF’s leading point scorer in 2025 powered a Gators comeback.

UF basketball player Walter Clayton Jr. (1) scores as the audience erupts during the game against the Texas Longhorns on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Walter Clayton Jr. makes Florida basketball history with first-team All-American honors

By Max Tucker | Mar. 12

Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. was named the first ever first-team All-American in Florida Gators men’s basketball history by Sporting News on Wednesday.

Student fans camping out for the basketball game on Saturday, March 8th, 2025.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Students camp out for final game in the Florida men’s basketball season

By Rachel Mish | Mar. 12

On March 8 and many game days in the past, UF students crowded next to the streets of Stadium Road, decorating the sidewalks with tents and folding chairs.

How AI and automation are reshaping renting- for better or worse.

ENTERPRISE | BUSINESS

Renter versus algorithm: Software shakes up Florida housing market

By Natalie Kaufman | Mar. 12

As more developers adopt automated property management tools, they’ve faced challenges with their renters and the law.

A sign for La Cocina de Abuela stands outside the restaurant in Gainesville, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.

SPANISH

La Cocina de Abuela: Un sabor de Colombia para llevar

By Gabriella Chavez | Mar. 12

En La Cocina de Abuela, un restaurante familiar y vibrante, los sabores tradicionales colombianos se encuentran con la conveniencia de un servicio de comida al mostrador. Con una configuración de estilo línea de ensamblaje, los clientes están invitados a crear su plato perfecto, saboreando comidas frescas y hechas desde cero que cuentan la historia de generaciones de herencia colombiana.

Florida Gators infielder Colby Shelton (10) jogs around the bases after hitting a home run in a baseball game against the Air Force Academy in Gainesville, Fla., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2025.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

No. 7 Florida dismantles No. 5 Florida State on the road

By Hugh Green | Mar. 11

The No. 7 Gators dominated No. 5 FSU in the “Sunshine Showdown” on the diamond Tuesday night to snap the Seminoles’ undefeated start to the season.

SPANISH

La Cocina de Abuela: A taste of Colombia on the go

By Gabriella Chavez | Mar. 11

At La Cocina de Abuela, a vibrant family-owned restaurant, traditional Colombian flavors meet the convenience of counter-service dining. With an assembly line-style setup, guests are invited to build their perfect bowl, savoring fresh, made-from-scratch dishes that tell the story of generations of Colombian heritage.

Florida Gators midfielder Josie Hahn (15) runs with the ball in a lacrosse game against Loyola Maryland in Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Hahn sisters’ bond grows as they share the field together at Florida

By Max Bernstein | Mar. 11

UF redshirt freshman attacker Frannie Hahn and senior midfielder Josie Hahn are experiencing their dream: playing collegiate lacrosse with their sibling by their side.

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