2 - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | FOOD

GNV’s best spots to spend Super Bowl Sunday

By Kirsten Chuba | Feb. 1, 2017

The best Sunday of the year is finally here, and whether you’re a football fan, a beer fan or a fan of good commercials, you know you’ll be watching the game. If you’re looking to get off your couch but still watch the New England Patriots take on the Atlanta Falcons, there’s a lot of places around Gainesville joining the celebration. Here are some of the best spots:

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Four-day Gainesville Improv Festival returns to town for 11th year of laughs

By Ana-Katarina Stanic | Feb. 1, 2017

The Gainesville Improv Festival has returned this weekend for it’s 11th run of making students and residents laugh.

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots against New York Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn (9) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, in Washington. The Wizards won 117-101. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Beal Leading Wiz’ to Eastern Conference Prominence

By Skyler Lebron | Jan. 31, 2017

American philosopher and author Norman Vincent Peale once said, “There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.”

Amanda Lorenz bats during Florida's doubleheader sweep of Jacksonville on Feb. 17, 2016, at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Gators softball ready to start season

By Cassie Amundson | Jan. 31, 2017

Every morning, senior Delanie Gourley awakens to a text.

Jim McElwain looks on during Florida's 54-16 loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 3, 2016, in Atlanta.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

The absurdity of National Signing Day

By Ethan Bauer | Jan. 31, 2017

When I was in high school, I wanted to be a recruiting reporter. I read recruiting stories daily while I was supposed to be paying attention in class, and National Signing Day was one of my favorite days of the year (seriously).

Tyrie Cleveland (89) runs toward the end zone during Florida's 40-14 win over Missouri on Oct. 15, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Recruiting notebook: Florida still looking for top-tier talent

By Ethan Bauer | Jan. 31, 2017

A year ago, it was Tyrie Cleveland. The year before that, it was Martez Ivey and CeCe Jefferson. Those were the headliners Jim McElwain managed to snag on signing day in his first two seasons at Florida. With Ivie and Jefferson, it was expected. With Cleveland, it was considered a moderate surprise.

Coach Jim McElwain speaks during a press conference on Aug. 3.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

National Signing Day: Florida’s top targets

Jan. 31, 2017

Jim McElwain is hoping to make major moves. His team’s recruiting class currently ranks 19th in the nation, but he’s hoping to vault up the list with some big commitments today. Here, alligatorSports writers Ethan Bauer, Matt Brannon, Ian Cohen and Patrick Pinak break down some of Florida’s top targets for National Signing Day.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF researcher breeds new, tasty tomatoes

By Grace Kenny | Jan. 31, 2017

A UF researcher is working to make tomatoes great again.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

UF fraternity disbanded after hazing allegations

By Romy Ellenbogen | Jan. 31, 2017

Following allegations of hazing, a UF music fraternity has been disbanded and is now under police investigation.

About 500 attended Islam On Campus’ 14th annual Fast-A-Thon at O’Connell Center.

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

After travel ban, UF students, Fuchs celebrate Islam

By Molly Vossler | Jan. 31, 2017

Five days after President Donald Trump’s controversial travel ban, UF students refused to eat Tuesday, a show of solidarity with their Muslim peers.

Beatriz Pereira Póvoas, Carla Amancio, Andre Valladon and Bárbara Várady pose while visiting UF Health Shands Hospital’s pediatric cancer center. The members of the Gainesville dance troupe Dance Alive National Ballet were visiting sick children and promoting their show, “Robin Hood,” on Friday.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Robin Hood, friends make routine visits to pediatric unit

By Clare Roca. Contributing Writer | Jan. 31, 2017

Robin Hood pranced through UF Health Shands Hospital on Friday in green spandex and velvet vest.

More than 100 people gathered outside Rep. Ted Yoho's office on Tuesday with signs to protest President Donald Trump's administration.

METRO | POLITICS

Anti-Trump protest erupts outside congressman’s office

By Mary-Lou Watkinson | Jan. 31, 2017

Chants of “Resist Trump” and “No wall, no ban” could be heard outside Rep. Ted Yoho’s Gainesville office Tuesday,

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

SG Spring registration ends, low turnout

By Paige Fry | Jan. 31, 2017

Students hoping to register with a Student Government political party had their last chance Tuesday.

NEWS | CAMPUS

CNN political commentator talks MLK at UF

By Jimena Tavel | Jan. 31, 2017

A social activist reminded students on Tuesday to fight against injustice on the last day of UF’s Martin Luther King Day celebrations.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Number of shark attacks decrease in 2016

By Isabella Arjomand | Jan. 31, 2017

Shane Obi can surf easily knowing there are fewer sharks in the ocean.

METRO

UF student reflects on Boy Scouts dreams, now possible

By Jimena Tavel | Jan. 31, 2017

While Nate Quinn grew up selling Girl Scout cookies, he dreamed of being a Boy Scout instead.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Virtual campus to launch for UF Online

By Romy Ellenbogen | Jan. 31, 2017

Online students will soon be able to mingle with their classmates, despite being hundreds of miles away.

About 25 customers dine at Burrito Bros. Taco Co., located at 1402 W. University Ave., on Sunday night. The restaurant has been serving the Gainesville community since 1976.

METRO

Burrito Bros. sells out, has second busiest day

By Max Chesnes | Jan. 31, 2017

For the second consecutive night, Burrito Brothers Taco Co. ran out of food Tuesday, its second busiest day in 40 years.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Senators discuss art programs

By Paige Fry | Jan. 31, 2017

Student senators asked how they can help promote UF’s art museum, natural history museum and performing arts center Tuesday.

NEWS | FEATURES

Playing with fire: City firefighting units at capacity

By Romy Ellenbogen | Jan. 31, 2017

As Gainesville’s population has swelled, the city’s fire rescue is grasping for resources to meet demands.

COVID-19