2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

Sasse’s quiet first week follows loud first day

By Christian Casale and Alissa Gary | Feb. 13, 2023

Ben Sasse’s first day as UF president began with an email to students, faculty and staff with high expectations to see them around campus. That same afternoon, students, faculty and alumni gathered for another protest against him outside Tigert Hall. Despite the commotion of the first-day protest, a majority of students didn’t attend, and some were unaware that Sasse began his tenure at all.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville to provide $7.2 million for affordable housing grants

By Siena Duncan | Feb. 13, 2023

The city of Gainesville announced Feb. 7 it will put $7.2 million toward grants for apartment complexes willing to build housing for families at or below 65% of the city’s average median income level — amounting to $26,609, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Remembering Kaleb Boateng, former Gators offensive lineman

By Kyle Bumpers | Feb. 13, 2023

Boateng died at 21 in his Varsity House apartment on Feb. 9. While fans of Florida Gators and Clemson Tigers football may know him as an offensive lineman for their favorite football team, those close to him remember him as a big man with an even bigger heart.

Florida guards Nina Rickards, KK Dean and Leilani Correa walk back on defense in the Gators' 61-54 win against the Texas A&M Aggies Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

SPORTS | BASKETBALL

Shooting woes, turnovers plague Florida in blowout loss

By Austin Stirling | Feb. 12, 2023

The Florida Gators (14-11, 3-9 SEC) fell to the Georgia Bulldogs (17-9, 6-6 SEC) 81-55, as the Bulldogs completed the season sweep against the Gators. Georgia took advantage of Florida's offensive struggles and turnovers. The Bulldogs built a large lead early and never looked back.

Midfielder Madison Waters celebrates after scoring a goal against the Michigan Wolverines Feb. 12, 2023.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

No. 7 Gators beat No. 18 Wolverines in season opener

By Kate Wiggins | Feb. 12, 2023

The Florida Gators (1-0) defeated the Michigan Wolverines (0-1) 17-8 in the first game of the season. LoPinto led the way on her career day. She scored four goals and provided three assists for the Gators.

Florida’s Talitha Diggs competes during the SEC Indoor Track and Field Championships on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Ark. / UAA Communications photo by Alex de la Osa

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TRACK

Gators rank in two different invitationals this weekend

By Namari Lock | Feb. 12, 2023

Florida Gators split up for this weekend's events competing in the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and David Hemery Valentine Invitational in Boston, Massachusetts.

Trlicek entered at the top of the fifth and retired the Ospreys in order. Photo from UF-Charleston game Feb. 20.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida blows out Illinois State to finish doubleheader

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | Feb. 11, 2023

The No. 4 Florida Gators (3-0) defeated the Illinois State Redbirds (1-3) 21-0 Saturday afternoon in the USF-Rawlings Invitational. UF now holds a 16-2 advantage against the Redbirds in the overall record book.

Florida forward Colin Castleton celebrates during the Gators' 88-80 loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida struggles late in loss to Vanderbilt

By Brandon Hernandez | Feb. 11, 2023

The Florida Gators (13-12, 6-6 SEC) lost to the Vanderbilt Commodores (13-12, 6-6 SEC) 88-80 in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man arrested in connection with double homicide shooting

By Claire Grunewald | Feb. 11, 2023

A Gainesville man was arrested Friday for his alleged role in a Feb. 2 shooting that left two people dead and one critically injured.

Florida pitcher Elizabeth Hightower during a game against Louisville game Feb. 27, 2021. She got the start in the circle for the SEC opener versus Mississippi State Friday.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida shutout Boston College in first game of Saturday double-header

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | Feb. 11, 2023

The No. 4 Florida Gators (2-0) defeated the Boston College Eagles (3-1) 9-0 Saturday afternoon. They won their first game of the season, 11-2, Friday against the Boston Terriers.

Attendees walk through the “Posing Beauty in African American Culture” exhibit Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Harn Museum of Art debuts African art exhibit

By Halima Attah | Feb. 11, 2023

The Harn Museum of Art hosted “Africa Everywhere,” an Africa-themed exhibition event Thursday. Celebrating the “beauty of the arts of Africa and the African diaspora,” the program was one of Harn’s many Museum Nights: monthly showcases that allow visitors to interact with unique art, speakers and attractions. The featured artwork will still be available for viewing following the event.

SPANISH

Clases de inglés como segundo idioma continúan creciendo

By Valentina Sandoval | Feb. 11, 2023

El sistema de escuelas públicas del condado de Alachua ofrece clases de inglés como segundo idioma o ESOL, por sus siglas en inglés. La pandemia de COVID-19 hizo que el número de estudiantes se redujera; sin embargo, han logrado volver a crecer.

Five innings later, Echols knocked in UF’s last run of the day and scored Cheyenne Lindsey on a walk. Photo from UF-FSU game March 3.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida softball dispatches Boston during USF-Rawlings Invitational

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | Feb. 10, 2023

The No. 4 Gators (1-0) opened the 2023 season with an 11-2 win against the Boston Terriers (0-1) in Tampa at the USF-Rawlings Invitational.

Florida freshman Kayla Dicello performs her floor routine in the Gators' win against the Missouri Tigers Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

DiCello leads Florida to win against No. 11 Missouri

By Jori Rzepecki | Feb. 10, 2023

The No. 3 Florida Gators (8-0, 5-0 SEC) competed at home against Missouri (4-3, 1-3 SEC) for the Gators’ Link to Pink event. Florida finished with a season-high score of 198.350 to defeat Missouri, which finished with a score of 196.625.

Florida Gators alternate white football helmet.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Former Gators offensive lineman Kaleb Boateng dies at 21

By Kyle Bumpers | Feb. 10, 2023

Kaleb Boateng, a Gators offensive lineman who transferred from Clemson following the 2020 season, died late Thursday night, according to a statement from Clemson football’s Twitter account.

Elementary schools are desperate to fill teacher positions across both the state and county.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

‘Survival mode’: Worsening post-COVID-19 quarantine student behavior contributes to classroom issues

By Peyton Harris | Feb. 10, 2023

The issue is widespread across the U.S. — teachers are noticing worsened, aggressive behavior following virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man arrested for downloading more than 100 child pornography photos

By Aidan Bush | Feb. 10, 2023

A Gainesville man was taken into custody Wednesday on charges of child pornography possession, court records show.

METRO

Alachua County Public Schools adult English second-language classes continue to grow

By Valentina Sandoval | Feb. 10, 2023

Alachua County Public Schools’ adult ESOL classes participation decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the classes have managed to grow back to pre-pandemic levels.

Florida guard Leilani Correa handles the ball in the Gators' 61-54 win against the Texas A&M Aggies Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida fall on home floor again against Mississippi State

By Topher Adams | Feb. 9, 2023

The Florida Gators (14-10, 3-8 SEC) lost to the Mississippi State Bulldogs (17-7, 6-5 SEC) 73-56 Thursday night in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Florida shot just 19-59 from the field and lost the rebounding battle 46-31.

Florida freshman Sophie Williams swings her racket in the Gators' 4-1 win against the Florida State Seminoles Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Gators win Sunshine Showdown in thrilling Spring season home opener

By Luke Adragna | Feb. 9, 2023

The No. 18 Florida Gators women’s tennis team hosted its first match of the Spring season versus in-state rival Florida State. The 4-1 Gators defeated the 5-2 Seminoles 4-1 to win their fourth rivalry match in a row.