COVID-19 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Lauren Lemasters, UF’s Student Body president, listens to public comment at the Board of Trustees confirmation vote Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. Some students have criticized her pro-Sasse vote amid student backlash.

News

Sasse hires former UF student body president as assistant and student life liaison

By Garrett Shanley and Vivienne Serret | Aug. 23, 2023

UF President Ben Sasse hired Lauren Lemasters, former UF student body president, as the presidential assistant and student life liaison in May. As student life liaison, Lemasters serves as a point of contact for student groups, collaborates with the Office of Student Life and provides recommendations to enhance the student experience.

A GRACE Marketplace moving truck is parked at GRACE Marketplace in Gainesville, Fla., on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.

Metro

Gainesville homeless population suffers through record-breaking heat

By Kylie Williams and Zachary Carnell | Aug. 23, 2023

The local homeless population, which often lacks reliable access to resources like air conditioning and water, has become especially vulnerable due to the recent heat waves slamming Florida. GRACE Marketplace is scrambling to address the increased need for its resources.

News

UF signs $4.7 million contract with global consulting firm

By Garrett Shanley | Aug. 23, 2023

UF President Ben Sasse hired McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, on a $4.7 million contract to help develop the university’s vision for the future. The firm’s name carries prestige as one of the “big three” management consulting firms, with Boston Consulting Group and Bain and Company tailing McKinsey as direct competitors.

UF President Ben Sasse talks with attendees of the press conference held at Jacksonville City Hall about plans to open a new graduate campus, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023.

News

Sasse’s preliminary strategic plan includes tuition changes, department reductions

By Garrett Shanley | Aug. 23, 2023

UF President Ben Sasse described an early framework of UF’s new strategic plan in faculty-only presentations across UF’s colleges last week. Sasse discussed adjusting student tuition costs, reducing the total number of academic departments, eliminating "quiet-retired" faculty and restructuring the delivery of education, a professor said.

Florida freshman Lena Bailey celebrates after scoring a goal against the Maryland Terrapins in a 1-0 win Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023.

Sports

Gators take down Terrapins to pick up second victory

By Austin Stirling | Aug. 20, 2023

The Florida Gators (2-0) started their season with back-to-back wins after a 1-0 victory against the Maryland Terrapins (0-1-1) in Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Florida matched its win total from the 2022 season with the victory. and started 2-0 for the first time since 2019.

Florida Gators alternate white football helmet.

Sports

Florida running back Cam Carroll out for season with knee injury

By Topher Adams | Aug. 19, 2023

Florida redshirt senior running back Cam Carroll is out for the season with a knee injury, Gators head coach Billy Napier confirmed Saturday. The Tulane transfer suffered an injury in Florida’s Friday scrimmage.

Metro

Gainesville man faces charges of murder and robbery

By Jordan Ramos | Aug. 18, 2023

The Gainesville Police Department arrested a man Thursday in connection to a shooting of a juvenile earlier this month. The investigation is ongoing.

Redshirt senior defender Daviana Vaka passes the ball to sophomore defender Lauren McCloskey in the Gators' 2-0 win against the East Carolina Pirates Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.

Sports

Gators soccer wins 2023 season opener against East Carolina

By Hailey Hurst | Aug. 18, 2023

The Florida Gators (1-0) opened its 29th season with a 2-0 win against the East Carolina Pirates (0-1) Thursday evening at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Florida finished with 11 shots and four on goal.

A sign in front of the Alachua County Public Schools district office building is seen Sunday, June 6, 2021.

Metro

Alachua County School Board hosts workshop to discuss rezoning issues

By Ella Thompson | Aug. 17, 2023

Alachua County School Board members and concerned parents met in a workshop meeting Wednesday to discuss the district's comprehensive rezoning plan.

Opinion

Welcome to the 2023 Fall semester, Gators!

By Ben Sasse | Aug. 16, 2023

UF President Ben Sasse writes his welcome column to the incoming students.

Metro

Alachua County RV parks: Finding friends and financial freedom on the road

By Aidan Bush | Aug. 16, 2023

Alachua County resident Catherine McGuire dreamed of living the ‘van life’ since van lifestyles videos started trending on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks after being sworn in to begin his second term during an inauguration ceremony outside the Old Capitol on Jan. 3, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

News

DeSantis appoints UF alum as chief of staff

By Garrett Shanley | Aug. 16, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis hired Alex Kelly, a UF alumnus and commerce secretary, as his chief of staff Aug. 8.

News

The unbreakable relationship between the Gators’ gymnastics and diving teams

By Krisha Sanghavi | Aug. 7, 2023

Florida's gymnastics and dive teams have developed a unique friendship with each other since training together last offseason.

The Avenue

Gainesville’s beauty industry: hairstyling with a twist

By Aubrey Bocalan | Aug. 7, 2023

There is a little girl squirming in the salon chair. She’s been there for several hours. Every few minutes she asks to go to the bathroom while a half-empty can of soda waits on a table nearby. The room smells of hair gel and shampoo.

Florida freshman field athlete Alida Van Daalen winds up a discus throw at the Florida Relays Friday March 31, 2023.

Sports

Van Daalen finds home at Florida as international student-athlete

By Hailey Hurst | Aug. 7, 2023

Freshman field athlete Alida Van Daalen came from the Netherlands to pursue an athletic and academic career at UF

Metro

AP Psychology remains an option for high school students

By Gabriel Velasquez Neira and Amanda Friedman | Aug. 7, 2023

After a two-day quarrel between the Florida Department of Education and the College Board, high school students will get to keep AP Psychology on their class schedules.

Metro

Gainesville students concerned about gun laws, safety after deadly shooting

By Vivienne Serret | Aug. 7, 2023

A deadly July 30 shooting raised several questions about the future of gun safety around university campuses — particularly in Florida — with the passing of HB 543.

Kristine Villarroel was the Summer 2023 Engagement Managing Editor of The Independent Florida Alligator.

Opinion

Inside a dusty office off 13th Street

By Kristine Villarroel | Aug. 7, 2023

I could’ve told you what it meant to work at The Alligator at any point in the past three years, but I don’t think I would’ve gotten it right.

Jiselle Lee was the Summer 2023 Editor-in-Chief of The Independent Florida Alligator.

Opinion

This is what happens when you join The Alligator

By Jiselle Lee | Aug. 7, 2023

If you choose to join The Alligator, I hope you also get to experience the love and friendship it can offer.

Eli Tragash (left) and Virginia Carr (right) perform with their band, The Front Porch Backsteppers, at the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

Metro

Cross Creek celebrates late author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ birthday

Aug. 7, 2023

On a hot summer day, Cross Creek residents gathered in front of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ house and celebrated the late author’s birthday.