COVID-19 - The Independent Florida Alligator

UF defender Christen Westphal dribbles during Florida's 2-1 win against LSU on Oct. 11, 2015, at James G. Pressly Stadium.

Sports

Gators soccer kicks off NCAA Tournament Play

By Ryan Summers | Nov. 12, 2015

A fresh start and a whole new season awaits the Florida soccer team on Saturday night.

Under coach Gregg Troy (above), Florida returns 11 All-Americans this season on the men’s team and two-time Olympian Elizabeth Beisel to the women.

Sports

International ties key for Troy and the swimming and diving program

By Lauren Staff | Nov. 12, 2015

If you were to glance at UF’s swimming and diving roster, you could easily mistake it for an Olympic lineup, with athletes on the team representing 11 nations across four continents.

Rhamat Alhassan swings for a kill attempt during Florida's 3-0 win against Texas A&M on Oct. 9, 2015, in the O'Connell Center

Sports

Gators look to get back on a roll against Alabama

By Patrick Pinak | Nov. 12, 2015

One block is all it would’ve taken.

January Miller drives into the lane during Florida's 72-58 win against Arkansas on Sunday in the O'Connell Center.

Sports

Florida women’s basketball set to open season on the road against Temple

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 12, 2015

UF will open the 2015-16 women’s basketball season hoping to get lucky on Friday the 13th.

Jimmy Clark races during the 2013 Mountain Dew Invitational.

Sports

Florida seeking success at NCAA regionals

By Alejandro López | Nov. 12, 2015

Heading into Friday’s NCAA South Regional Championship, the University of Florida’s men’s and women’s cross country teams may have some ground to make up.

Metro

Author and divers speak out about treatment of springs

By Daniela Bulla | Nov. 12, 2015

Margaret Ross Tolbert says Florida’s springs are in deep trouble.

Heather Monae Jackson, a 20-year-old UF business management senior and action co-chair of the Gator chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, stands in the middle of a demonstration on Turlington Plaza on Nov. 11, 2015, in support of University of Missouri students. “The primary message of the new generation is 'Justice or Else,'” she said, “and that is what this rally was about.”

University

In solidarity: Gainesville community stands with Mizzou on Wednesday

By Caitlin Ostroff | Nov. 11, 2015

With their arms around each other, chanting in a circle on Turlington Plaza, students and community members were united with the University of Missouri.

Wendy’s locations all over Gainesville, including the Reitz Student Union, revealed a new grilled chicken sandwich that is made with antibiotic free chicken. Gainesville is one of four markets with the new chicken sandwich.

University

UF group wants Wendy’s to give fair pay to farmers

By Caitlin Ostroff | Nov. 11, 2015

A group of UF students wants Wendy’s to ensure fair pay and working conditions for Florida’s tomato farmers, and they’re willing to stage a boycott of the Reitz Union Wendy’s if necessary.

Metro

A veteran’s best friend: Program connects veterans with canine companions

By Sara Marino | Nov. 11, 2015

Ten months ago, Chuck Hubert got a second chance at life.

Frank Blankenship, the 63-year-old founder of MindFreedom Florida, protests for a $15 minimum wage at the corner of West University Avenue and 13th Street on Nov. 10, 2015. There were 60 people protesting, including local politicians, student group representatives, local faith leaders and Santa Fe College faculty.

Metro

Local workers rally to fight for $15 minimum wage

By Brooke Baitinger | Nov. 11, 2015

About 50 local workers gathered at the corner of West University Avenue and 13th Street on Tuesday to rally for higher wages.

Bunduki "Duke" Ramadan hypes up the crowd during Florida's 42-13 loss to Missouri on Oct. 18, 2014, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

The Avenue

Mr. Orange and Blue talks music, helping the community

By Jack DaSilva | Nov. 11, 2015

Bunduki Ramadan, also known as Hip Hop Duke, has stood out in the Gainesville hip-hop scene since opening up for the Ying Yang Twins in July 2014. You may now know Duke from his performances as Mr. Orange and Blue and the "Mic Man Hype Man." You may also know the 23-year-old UF economics senior as the guy who seems to know everyone on campus.

UF safety Marcus Maye attempts to tackle Georgia quarterback Faton Bauta (10) during Florida's 27-3 win against the Bulldogs on Oct. 31, 2015, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

Sports

Florida safety Marcus Maye showing unselfish mentality

By Luis Torres | Nov. 11, 2015

Marcus Maye’s season began watching Florida beat New Mexico State 61-13 on Sept. 5 from the sidelines, forced to sit out the season-opener because of a violation of team rules.

UF men's basketball coach Mike White talks with redshirt freshman guard Brandone Francis-Ramirez during the first half of Florida's 89-42 win against Palm Beach Atlantic in an exhibition game Nov. 5, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

News

Gators men’s basketball team a work in progress

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Nov. 11, 2015

Last Thursday, Mike White took the court of the O’Connell Center for the first time as Florida’s head coach. In an 89-42 exhibition game victory over Division II Palm Beach Atlantic, White observed his team’s strengths and weaknesses in a game situation just eight days before the regular season began.

Mitch Walters will display five photos at the Hippodrome demonstrating how the human population and urbanization affects birds. “I like so many parts of science, but research is such a key opportunity to go out there and study these birds,” he said.

Metro

Hippodrome features students’ research projects as art

By Kendaline Watt | Nov. 11, 2015

UF biology graduate students are showing off their research projects through artwork.

Alternative-rock band A Silent Film is returning to Gainesville Friday to perform at High Dive, 210 SW Second Ave. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show begins at 8:30 p.m.

The Avenue

English band crosses the pond to perform at High Dive

By Joshua Williamson | Nov. 11, 2015

Based out of Oxford, England, alternative-rock band A Silent Film is returning to Gainesville after the October release of its self-titled album.

The Avenue

Netflix Binge Drinking Game: Freaks and Geeks

By Katherine Dagand | Nov. 11, 2015

James Franco. Seth Rogen. Jason Segel. Linda Cardellini. Busy Philips. No, this isn’t the cast to a Pineapple Express sequel. It’s the cast of the cult classic TV series "Freaks and Geeks," and it’s this week’s drinking game.

The Avenue