COVID-19 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida’s first presumptive case of monkeypox was identified May 22.

News

UF students confront pandemic fatigue, lingering anxiety as monkeypox cases rise in Alachua County

By Melanie Pena | Sep. 12, 2022

As of Sept. 10, there are nine monkeypox cases reported in Alachua County, with one of the cases belonging to the 15 to 19 years age range, and another in the 20 to 24 years age range. The number of reported cases increased by five since Aug. 29. Now, as monkeypox casts a familiar air of uncertainty, UF students worry they could face another viral outbreak.

Soup sits on a shelf at the Santa Fe Food Pantry Friday, Sept. 2, 2022.

News

Santa Fe College Saints Food Share pantry experiences a high demand head of food drive

By Claire Grunewald | Sep. 12, 2022

SFC’s food pantry, Saints Food Share, encountered an increased demand for food from students since school started, Sarah Blanc, a SFC civic engagement and service specialist, said: The pantry is getting three times the number of normal requests for food ahead of its Hunger Action Month Food Drive.

The Enson Market, an international grocery store, sits at University Towne Center in Gainesville Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022.

The Avenue

Gainesville Asian markets give customers a ‘taste of home’

By Erina Anwar | Sep. 12, 2022

Some may be looking to break out of their comfort zone with Asian snacks. Others may want to reminisce on a childhood favorite with a home-cooked meal. With these four favorites to choose from — Tahanan Filipino Bistro & Shop, Chun Ching Market, Enson Market and India Bazaar — fresh ingredients and groceries aren’t far from reach in Gainesville.

Customers wait outside Brownie Guy on its final day Monday Sept. 12.

The Avenue

Gainesville favorite Brownie Guy to close after owner Chris DeVeau’s death

By Lauren Brensel | Sep. 12, 2022

The store, located at 602 NW 75th St. Suite B near Newberry Square, will sell its final batch of brownies at 11 a.m. Monday, continuing until 10 p.m. or when it sells out. Purchases are cash only.

Construction on UF campus along Museum Road shutters bus routes and commutes across the university.

News

Part of Museum Road may open by October, multiple UF construction projects still underway

By Peyton Harris | Sep. 12, 2022

Road closures are still a major concern for the UF community, as construction is still underway under UF’s Campus Landscape Master Plan and other projects slated to continue for at least another year. Reasons for road closures range from underground piping replacement to new campus structures, which have resulted in altered routes and ways of transportation for many.

UF Graduate Assistants United Co-President Rachel Hartnett talks to Talia Jacobsen, a new graduate assistant from Chicago, at GAU’s first “payday party,” Friday, Sept. 9, 2022.

News

UF Graduate Assistants United expands recruiting efforts through first ‘payday party’ after stipend raise

By Siena Duncan | Sep. 12, 2022

UF Graduate Assistant Union hosted its first payday party to foster community among its members and recruit more of them, but opinions were divided over whether union membership was worth it.

Opinion

UF’s graduate stipend raise is still far from sufficient

By S. Elisha LePine | Sep. 12, 2022

The first year of my Ph.D. program in psychology had taken a toll on my finances. I had moved from a job that paid me just enough to get by, determined to make UF’s much lower stipend work. Unfortunately, determination wasn’t enough to make that stipend stretch to cover the cost of living.

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson threw two costly interceptions against the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

Sports

Florida shows inexperience and growing pains in Kentucky loss

By Topher Adams | Sep. 12, 2022

“With these things comes opportunity if you have the right attitude and approach,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said. The Gators showed their youth and need for growth in a disappointing loss to divisional rivals Kentucky.

Metro

Gainesville residents debate exclusionary zoning as key issue before mayoral race

By Allie Sinkovich | Sep. 12, 2022

As Gainesville residents anticipate the runoff mayoral race in November, the aftermath of the city’s elimination of exclusionary zoning is heavy on their minds.

News

Man who recorded victim in UF dorm shower in December released on probation

By Lily Kino | Sep. 12, 2022

Deontre Mason, a 25-year-old Illinois resident, was arrested in Carterville, Illinois, on nine counts of video voyeurism from the UF Police Department June 22. He was brought back to Gainesville where he served 81 days in the Alachua County Jail, according to court records.

News

UF keeps No. 5 spot in public university ranking

By Christian Casale | Sep. 11, 2022

The university has maintained its status as a top five public university for the second year in a row, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2023 Best Colleges rankings released Sept. 11.

Florida quarterback Kyle Trask drops back to pass against the Auburn Tigers Oct. 5, 2019. Trask is now a member of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Sports

Keeping up with Kyle Trask

By Michael Hull | Sep. 11, 2022

AlligatorSports Podcast host Michael Hull sat down with former Florida quarterback and current Buccaneer Kyle Trask to talk about his time at UF, the adjustment to the NFL, Anthony Richardson and more.

Redshirt freshman midfielder Oakley Rasmussen shoots against South Florida Sept. 1, 2021.

Sports

Gators concede late goal, lose final non-conference match of the season

By Jackson Reyes | Sep. 11, 2022

UF fell to 2-5-0 on the season after its 2-1 loss to ECU Sunday afternoon. Florida finished with 18 shots and five on target, but it failed to find a late goal to salvage a draw. The Gators were assessed 14 fouls — which proved to be their achilles heel in the closing moments.

Metro

Alachua County Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler sued for alleged residency violation

By Aidan Bush | Sep. 11, 2022

Eugene Garvin filed a lawsuit Sept. 8 against Alachua County Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler, accusing her of not residing within District 2 during her Aug. 23 election against Democratic opponent Charlie Jackson.

Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key catches a 55-yard touchdown pass over Florida defensive back Jalen Kimber during the Gators' 26-16 loss to the Wildcats Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

Sports

Florida falls flat, drops conference opener to No. 20 Kentucky

By Joseph Henry | Sep. 10, 2022

No. 20 Kentucky silenced the Florida hype as quickly as it started Saturday night, defeating the Gators 26-16. Both teams made a plethora of mistakes, but it was the Wildcats who prevailed regardless. With the win, UK has now beaten Florida in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1976-1977.

Freshman setter Alexis Stucky serves against Virginia Aug. 27, 2022.

Sports

Gators volleyball rounds out Sunshine Invitational with sweep over VCU

By Zachary Curtin | Sep. 10, 2022

The Gators defeated VCU sweeping all three sets Saturday. UF was led by junior setter Birdie Hendrickson, who alongside outside hitter AC Fitzpatrick and middle blocker Bre Kelley shut out the Rams in straight sets.

Outside hitter Marina Markova and middle blocker Gabrielle Essix rise above the net for a block against Virginia Aug. 27, 2022.

Sports

No. 16 Gators sweep FGCU in second game of Sunshine Invitational

By Ethan Eibe | Sep. 10, 2022

Florida volleyball completed its doubleheader sweep of Georgia Southern and Florida Gulf Coast Friday night without the help of star outside hitter Merritt Beason. Gators head coach Mary did not provide a timetable for Beason’s return.

Junior safety Jadarrius Perkins during Florida's upset of Utah Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

Sports

Kentucky poses new threat to Gators in week two

By Jackson Castellano | Sep. 9, 2022

After exceeding expectations week one, the Gators must prove they aren’t a one-hit-wonder against No. 20 Kentucky.

The Florida volleyball team celebrates during a match against the Virginia Cavaliers Aug. 27, 2021.

Sports

No.16 Florida volleyball back in the win column, sweeps Georgia Southern

By Brandon Hernandez | Sep. 9, 2022

Florida volleyball defeated Georgia Southern in sweeping fashion to start the Sunshine Invitational at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center Friday. The Gators showcased a defensive masterclass in the early match to start the weekend, blocking the Eagles 11 times and preventing them from ever holding a lead in the first two sets.

The Gainesville Police Department building is located at 545 NW 8th Ave.

Metro

Former Gainesville Police Department K-9 officer alleges racism within the unit

By Omar Ateyah | Sep. 9, 2022

Edward Ratliff, a Black 13-year veteran of the force, alleged white officers casually used racial slurs within the K-9 unit through multiple uses of the n-word. This includes an incident where, in light of a K-9’s euthanization, a white officer said the dog “bit a lot of n—s.”