2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Newnan's Lake seen on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The Lake’s future is uncertain after the impact of incoming housing developments.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Newnans Lake neighbors fear proposed development could muddy its future

By Logan McBride | 6:15am

A proposal to add 149 single-family homes to an 82-acre rezoning is being led by Adams Homes and Garden Street Communities. When the issue reached the Alachua County Commission, the planning commission’s recommendation was overruled when the commission unanimously approved the development near Newnans Lake in late May. Two months later, community members close to the property are still fighting the proposal.

Negotiations between the UFPD and the University of Florida stall as both sides fail to reach an agreement on a potential increase in police officer salaries.

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

UF, UFPD at an impasse over officers’ salaries

By Maria Avlonitis | 6:00am

The University of Florida Police Department wants a raise, but UF isn’t ready to meet its demands.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Books-for-Prisoners project bridges volunteers and prisoners

By Alanna Robbert | July 11

Independent nonprofits across Florida push for access to reading materials, which foster education, entertainment and personal growth during prison time.

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

UF announces new Hamilton School interim director

By Maria Avlonitis | July 10

Robert Ingram was named the interim director of the Hamilton School of Classical and Civic Education in an administrative memo Thursday. He will serve a one-year appointment as interim director starting Aug. 1.

Many students struggle to balance a job and academics, but the cost of attending college forces many to work despite the stress.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

The price of prestige: UF’s low-income students work to stay afloat during the summer

By Isis Snow | July 10

The heavy summer workload is shared by many low-income students at UF, who take on multiple jobs just to stay afloat while managing their academics. As UF markets itself as a top ten public university, the cost of attending is anything but low.

Euro Food Market & International Market is a grocery store located in northwest Gainesville.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

A taste of home: Gainesville's ethnic markets offer comforting meals, friendly faces

By Allison Bonnemaison | July 10

Homesickness is a familiar feeling. Whether you’re craving a meal your mom used to make, a snack from childhood or a friendly face, these two Gainesville ethnic markets can cure your longing or open the door to a new culture.

Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) surrounded by teammates, raises the national championship trophy after winning the National Championship against the Houston Cougars in the NCAA Tournament on Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Walter Clayton Jr. named SEC Male Athlete of the Year

By Luke Adragna | July 9

Florida men's basketball guard Walter Clayton Jr. became the 14th Florida athlete to receive the SEC Athlete of the Year honors Wednesday.

University of Florida’s international students share how a potential tuition increase could affect them.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

International students weigh in on proposed UF tuition increase

By Swasthi Maharaj | July 9

A proposed 10% tuition increase for non-resident students at UF raised concerns among out-of-state and international students. Students are left questioning the fairness of the proposal and considering its financial implications.

The Language Party gathers outside Boxcar Beer & Wine Garden at Depot Park on July 3, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

The Language Exchange Party Bonanza: A party to practice languages and make friends

By Candy Fontana-Verde | July 9

The Language Exchange Party Bonanza hosts a crowd where language learners can practice in a fun, engaging environment.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Alachua County Commission responds to Paynes Prairie proposal, sets transition date for Sports Event Center

By Logan McBride | July 8

The Alachua County Commission addressed a proposed development near Paynes Prairie and set a transition date for Celebration Pointe’s Sports and Event Center.

A proposed change could allow residential development across from the environmental landmark. Community members and officials are reviewing its potential impact.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Environmental scientists weigh in on proposed development near Paynes Prairie

By Logan McBride | July 8

Florida’s only wild bison roam the savanna of Paynes Prairie State Park, but a proposed housing development has environmental scientists concerned for the future of the park’s endangered species.

Dr. Barbara Knox, who faced allegations of creating a hostile work environment, has resigned in light of an investigation into her behavior.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF child abuse pediatrician resigns after investigation into workplace conduct

By Avery Parker | July 7

A human resources investigation into UF Jacksonville Health child abuse pediatrician Barbara Knox substantiated accusations she created a hostile work environment while leading the University of Florida’s Child Protection Team, a child pediatric clinic handling cases of suspected child abuse and neglect.

Drastic budget cuts to weather agencies have left meteorologists in the dark as they scramble to keep up with a rapidly approaching hurricane season.

NEWS | CAMPUS

NOAA budget cuts threaten hurricane response as Florida enters peak season

By Avery Parker and Koushin Unber | July 7

In 2024, Sean Farrell’s family found no damage after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. He doesn’t know if he could say the same about this year because funding cuts on weather prediction programs can chip away at families’ preparation.

A protester carries a sign as the crowd chants at Depot Park on Friday, July 4, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

‘Patriots who pay attention’: Protesters gather at Depot Park on the Fourth of July

By Delia Rose Sauer | July 4

Instead of barbecue tongs and chilled drinks, Gainesville residents traded parties for posters to protest the Trump administration Friday morning.

Jillian Colosimo, Gator Band’s first female drumline captain, poses in front of “Big Boom,” the band’s signature bass drum.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

Breaking barriers with a beat

By Swasthi Maharaj | July 4

The University of Florida Fightin’ Gator Marching Band has been keeping time since 1913, making it one of the oldest collegiate marching bands in Florida. Despite existing for over a century, no woman ever held the title of drum captain — until now.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man charged with kidnapping coworker

By Logan McBride | July 3

A Gainesville man was arrested early Thursday morning and charged with kidnapping after holding a coworker hostage for nearly four hours.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville sex offender charged with possessing child pornography

By Bailey Diem | July 3

A Gainesville man and registered sex offender was arrested Wednesday on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material.

Gainesville has many late-night eat options, offering a variety of food options for students up at all hours of the night.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Out at night and wanting a bite?

By Delia Rose Sauer | July 3

Venturing across Gainesville only takes up half an evening. The second half is greeted with growling stomachs and a craving night owls can only kick after the clock strikes midnight. Here are four choices, from quick stops to sit-downs, where you can satisfy your cravings.

Lorde’s new album Virgin is her first non-collaborative release in the past few years, exploring aspects of her own identity.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Messy, bold and deeply human: Lorde’s ‘Virgin’ album review

By Isis Snow | July 3

After a four-year wait, Lorde released her fourth studio album, “Virgin,” on June 27. She reintroduces herself in the release with a stark tonal shift from the warm wistfulness of her last album, “Solar Power,” to something colder, heavier and confrontational.

A sign at the lookout on the Bolen Bluff trail at Payne’s Prairie warns guests about preserve hours on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Proposed housing development near Paynes Prairie puts park’s future in question

By Logan McBride | July 2

When Ross heard of a new housing development proposed off U.S. Highway 441 – adjacent to Paynes Prairie – the 75-year-old was concerned about the potential environmental impacts of the project.

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