2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

ENVIRONMENT | ENTERPRISE

A Florida composting company has a checkered past. Alachua County chose it anyway.

By Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp | Sep. 13

The county began negotiations with Jacksonville-based Sunshine Organics & Compost June 11 to lay the groundwork for a local compost program, a pointed effort toward the joint city and county Zero Waste Strategic Plan. While the project could solve the county’s organic waste problem, the company and its co-owner come attached to a checkered past of inspection violations, debt and theft.

It is unclear which programs will be affected by the directive, but public speculation suggests most universities, nonprofits and local governments stand affected

NEWS | CAMPUS

As SG elections loom, UF Supreme Court refuses to rule on constitutionality of off-campus super-district

By Avery Parker | Sep. 13

UF Student Government’s five off-campus voting districts will be treated as a single 37-seat district this Fall.

Former RTS building located next to the Knot gym on the intersection of S Main Street and SW Depot Avenue sits empty while being bought out by owners of The Knot.

NEWS

Downtown Gainesville’s future: Climb, surf and skate

By Kairi Lowery | Sep. 13

While the 2024 Paris Olympics may be over, there are hopes to build off of the buzz and redevelop a former Regional Transit System maintenance building into a climbing, skateboarding and surfing hub to be opened in the next couple of years.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Federal systems cause financial aid delays at Santa Fe College

Sep. 13

In March, the U.S. Department of Education announced it had made about 200,000 calculation errors on completed FAFSA forms, delaying financial aid disbursement.

Forward Delaney Tellex takes a shot on goal during the first half of Florida's 3-0 win over the Kennesaw State Owls on Thursday, Sept. 12.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Florida outplays Kennesaw State in a dominant fashion

By Amanda Roman | Sep. 12

Florida (3-1-3) bounced back from its tough loss to Florida State on Sunday to secure a dominant victory over Kennesaw State (0-6-1) at Donald R. Dizney Stadium Thursday.

Freshman wide receiver Eugene Wilson warms up before the Gators' 52-35 loss to the Louisiana State Tigers on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Baton Rouge, Louisana.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida could turn new faces at receiver for Texas A&M matchup

By Chandler Hawkes | Sep. 12

With Eugene Wilson III potentially missing Saturday’s game due to a lower-body injury, the Gators may need to turn to their young and talented wide receiving core.

The Florida volleyball team celebrates a point against the LSU Tigers Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Gators look dominant in sweep against Alabama State

By Shaine Davison | Sep. 12

Florida swept Alabama State in a match under 90 minutes after being on the opposite side of the scoreboard last match.

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, front left, gestures as he speaks to supporters and members of the media before a bill signing by Gov. Ron DeSantis, front right, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brandon, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

NEWS | CAMPUS

3 years into tenure, state surgeon general remains controversial

By Annie Wang | Sep. 12

Florida's surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, nears his three-year tenure as a UF professor of medicine. His presence at UF has largely served as a figurehead role, despite years of public concern and reports depicting otherwise.

Early action: What is it, and will it help or harm prospective University of Florida students?

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF introduced early action. Here’s how it’s going.

By Timothy Wang | Sep. 12

For the first time, UF offers prospective students the opportunity to apply the university through early action.

The Florida volleyball team during pre-match introductions Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Florida volleyball swept by Georgia Tech

By Max Bernstein | Sep. 11

Florida volleyball was unable to grab a set from Georgia Tech on Wednesday evening, falling in a sweep.

Students and community members watch the first presidential debate at The Swamp on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

ENTERPRISE | POLITICS

Presidential debate sparks watch parties across Gainesville

By Morgan Vanderlaan | Sep. 11

From border concerns to “the opportunity economy,” both Trump and Harris did not shy away from tough topics on the Philadelphia stage. In a 90-minute period, both candidates were tasked with presenting their own policy points while also defending themselves from opposing attacks.

The Gainesville County Commission election is approaching, those running shared a little bit about who they are outside the office.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

County Commission approves funding for Agricultural Land Protection Strategy

By Sofia Meyers | Sep. 11

The motion would allow Alachua County Forever to fund the acquisition of land with the intentions to be conserved and other projects under ACF’s Agricultural Land Protection Strategy.

School buses arrive and wait for students to dismiss at Carolyn Beatrice Parker Elementary School in Gainesville, Florida on August 29, 2024.

ENTERPRISE | POLITICS

C.B. Parker Elementary community struggles with transportation

By Sara-James Ranta | Sep. 11

Without courtesy buses, some elementary school students inside of the two-mile radius have to walk across dangerous roads or rely on neighbors for transportation to school.

Youth Action Fund campus coordinator at Gainesville High School, Mira Lemstrom, (pictured on the left) registers students to vote during lunch period on Aug. 22, 2024.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County high schoolers mobilize young voters, boost Gen-Z’s civic engagement

By Natalie Kaufman | Sep. 11

Incentivized by sugary treats, over 200 high schoolers registered to vote through drives at three ACPS high schools, including Gainesville, Eastside and Buchholz. P.K. Yonge, a developmental school at UF, also participated.

Tattoo artist Mike Salay sketches a new design on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

ET and mermaids: the story behind a long-standing Gainesville tattoo artist

By Juliana DeFilippo | Sep. 11

Mike Salay, who has been working as a full-time tattoo artist since 2000, now works at Anthem Tattoo Parlor, located in Downtown Gainesville. The studio was one of three tattoo studios in Gainesville when Salay moved to the area, and it aims to honor the roots of tattooing while contributing new creativity to the art form.

Florida Gators women's golf coach Emily Glaser on Monday, February 22, 2021 at the Mark Bostick Golf Course in Gainesville, FL. The women's golf team released its schedule for 2021-22 season Friday. Photo courtesy of the UAA.

SPORTS | BLOGS

Florida women’s golf earns fourth place in season opener at Cougar Classic

By Aiden Wacksman | Sep. 10

The Florida women’s golf team recorded a top five finish in its season opener behind the strong efforts of two freshmen.

Phi Delta Theta Brother Eli Bloom DJs outside of the Phi Delta Theta house on a “Front Lawn Friday” on September 6, 2024.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF Greek life saw record numbers for Fall recruitment

By Ella Dorfman | Sep. 10

UF Panhellenic and UF Interfraternity Council announced a record-breaking Fall recruitment season on Instagram, with 1,761 and over 1,300 registrations, respectively.

University of Florida students exit the Marston Library, which has reduced its hours of opening.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Goodbye, 24/7 Marston: why the library will change to a 24/5 model

By Avery Parker | Sep. 10

Marston Science Library is transitioning from a 24/7 hour to a 24/5 hour model, effective Sept. 9.

The UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute, located at 3450 SW Hull Road on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. At this location and others statewide, patients with Medicaid and employer-sponsored commercial plans are now out-of-network.

ENTERPRISE | HEALTH

What to know about the UF Health insurance dispute

By Zoey Thomas | Sep. 9

Thousands of people across Florida are facing disruptions in health coverage after UF Health and UnitedHealthcare failed to solve months-long contract negotiations. Patients with Medicaid and employer-sponsored commercial plans are now out-of-network at UF Health locations statewide. Medicare holders are not affected except at UF Health Flagler Hospital.

Rey Arcenas is a UF history and women’s studies senior.

OPINION | COLUMNS

When will the Sasse apologists admit they were wrong?

By Rey Arcenas | Sep. 9

The disastrous and short-lived Sasse presidency came as no surprise to the majority of students, faculty and campus workers who opposed his appointment for its lack of transparency and his lack of qualification.

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