COVID-19 - The Independent Florida Alligator

A sign reads “This is… The Swamp” inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

New president, new era: How Stuart Bell could shape Florida athletics

By Lily Perkins | July 13

As Bell begins his tenure in Gainesville, attention turns to the role he could play in shaping the future of Florida athletics. Unlike many university presidents, Bell enters the role with extensive experience overseeing one of college athletics’ most notable programs. During his time at the University of Alabama from 2015 to 2025, the Crimson Tide won three national championships and six SEC championships under football coach Nick Saban, solidifying UA’s athletic department as one of the nation’s best.

UF presidential finalist Stuart Bell speaks with Rahul Patel and Matthew Bravo at a forum at Emerson Hall, Wednesday, June 3, 2026 in Gainesville, Fla.

News

A look into the contract of new UF president Stuart Bell

By Swasthi Maharaj | July 13

Bell’s contract outlines a five-year term, a $2 million base salary and 20 performance metrics used to evaluate his performance, retention and potential contract extension.

Melrose residents are challenging the legality of a festival held at WildFlowers Music Park.

Metro

Melrose residents threaten lawsuit against WildFlowers Music Park

By Logan McBride | July 13

In a five-page letter to the Alachua County Commission, a lawyer questioned on behalf of Melrose residents whether the new WildFlowers Music Park violated its temporary use permit.

The Acrosstown Repertory Theatre performed the musical "Company" this summer. The 14-time-Tony-nominated musical follows the story of a bachelor as he navigates his relationships with his married friends.

The Avenue

Acrosstown Repertory Theatre draws quite the ‘Company’ with run of sold out shows

By Mackenzie Haas | July 13

The theater held its final weekend of “Company” July 9-12 after continuous sold-out shows of the Tony Award-winning musical. The run comes as a huge success for the ART, a relatively underground performing arts venue in Gainesville.

Michelle and Finnley Duncan read to Poppi during the Purrs and Tails event hosted by the Humane Society of North Central Florida, Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.
The event was meant to encourage kids to practice their reading skills and socialize with the cats.

News

Purrs & Tales offers growing opportunity for young learners to read and cuddle with kittens

By Emily Medina-Finsen | July 12

It is a free event with books provided by the humane society’s Thrift Store. Not only does it help kids practice reading, but it also helps the animals get human exposure and increases their chances of adoption.

Florida baseball freshman right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson shows emotion after escaping a jam in the fourth inning of the team's game against Columbia University on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

Sports

Liam Peterson joins Florida’s first-round legacy under Kevin O’Sullivan

By Colton Veres | July 12

Since Kevin O’Sullivan took over as Florida baseball head coach in 2008, the Gators have established themselves as one of the premier programs in the country for developing future MLB talent. Year after year, Florida has produced players capable of competing at the highest level of the sport, and the MLB Draft has become another stage showcasing the success of the program’s player development.

Florida right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Sports

Headed to the show: Liam Peterson drafted by Cleveland Guardians

By Colton Veres | July 11

The Clearwater native posted a 4.59 ERA with 111 strikeouts in 84.1 innings during his third season with the Gators, finishing his Florida career with a 5.03 ERA. Despite his inconsistencies, Peterson’s raw tools and ace potential made him an attractive pick in the draft.

Produce sits on a table at a farmers market on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Metro

Florida sees surge in cyclosporiasis cases

By Grace Larson | July 10

Florida has seen an uptick in cyclosporiasis cases this summer, reporting 48 cases since June. Alachua County is among those impacted by the recent rise in cyclosporiasis cases, having observed one case last month.

FILE - In this July 8, 2019, file photo, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer looks on during an operation in Escondido, Calif. International students will be forced to leave the U.S. or transfer to another college if their schools offer classes entirely online this fall, under new guidelines issued Monday by federal immigration authorities. The guidelines, issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, provide additional pressure for campuses to reopen even amid growing concerns about recent spread of COVID-19 among young adults. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

News

ICE officials admit they killed the wrong man

By Angelique Rodriguez | July 10

Immigration Customs and Enforcement officials killed a man during a traffic stop in Houston on Tuesday. Days later, the Department of Homeland Security admitted to CNN the man was the wrong target.

Customers look over the menu of DJ's Cast Iron Burgers Wednesday, July 8, 2026 in Gainesville, Fla.

News

DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers soft opens first brick-and-mortar location

By Brandy Sumner | July 9

Country music, conversations and the smell of searing burgers filled the air on Wednesday as DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers served customers from its brick-and-mortar location for the first time.

Jancie Vinson speaks at a school rezoning town hall meeting hosted by the Visionaries and NAACP Alachua County branch in Gainesville, Fla., Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.

Metro

Get to know soon-to-be ACPS board member Jancie Vinson

By Grace Larson | July 9

Alachua County residents may recognize Jancie Vinson from the crowd at school board meetings or as someone who regularly signs up for public comment. Soon, her voice will be heard not from the audience but from the podium in the front of the Alachua County School Board room.

Metro

UF clinical assistant professor arrested on child pornography charges

By Julianna Bendeck | July 9

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 40-year-old Newberry man on child pornography charges Wednesday after a monthslong investigation into an online tip.

Florida right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson (12) tosses the ball during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Sports

Scouting the draft: Which Gators are likely to go in the 2026 MLB Draft?

By Colton Veres | July 9

The draft will take place from July 11-12, with Rounds 1-4 being held Saturday and Rounds 5-20 taking place Sunday. The Gators have multiple current players and high school commits who could be selected throughout the 20 rounds. Among the group, junior starting pitcher Liam Peterson has the strongest draft pedigree. Ranked No. 20 in MLB.com’s Top 250 players, the junior has consistently been projected as a first-round selection.

Charlie Ray Jackson, Democratic candidate for Alachua County Commission District 2, presents his campaign plans during the County Commission Forum on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Metro

Democratic candidates share campaigns for Alachua County Commission District 2 seat

By Olivia Lofaso | July 8

Voters gathered with candidates for the Alachua County Commission District 2 seat for the Democratic Party’s open forum at the Freedom Community Center Tuesday night.

Metro

‘Please don’t shoot me’: Gainesville felon charged in May armed robbery at Circle K

By Julianna Bendeck | July 7

A 20-year-old Gainesville man was arrested Monday in connection with an armed robbery at a Circle K in May, according to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.

Florida head coach Kevin O'Sullivan walk to the mound during a pitching change during an NCAA baseball game against Florida A&M University, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Florida hires Todd Butler as assistant baseball coach

By Colton Veres | July 6

The Florida Gators have added one of college baseball's most experienced and accomplished recruiters to Kevin O'Sullivan's coaching staff, hiring Todd Butler as an assistant coach after three seasons at Oklahoma.

Florida forward Alex Condon (21) drives during the first half of an SEC Men's Basketball Tournament semifinal game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

Sports

Alex Condon makes debut with Australia’s senior team

By Jeffrey Serber | July 6

Making his debut with Australia’s senior national team, Florida’s Alex Condon aided the Boomers to wins against Guam on Friday and the Philippines on Monday to end the first round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

A recent court decision suggests that law enforcement can no longer prosecute violators of Florida's "Open Carry Ban."

Metro

18- to 20-year-olds can now openly carry a firearm in Florida

By Teia Williams | July 6

Adults under 21 can now legally carry a firearm after a June 17 Florida court ruling.

Alachua County residents send aid to the people of Venezuela following deadly earthquakes in the region.

El Caimán

‘We are devastated': UF community, relief organizations support Venezuela after earthquake

By Kathia Montenegro | July 6

When twin earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.5 and 7.2 struck Venezuela June 27, Daniela Lambert spent all night anxiously waiting for news of her family’s survival.

Florida left-handed pitcher Eli Blair (34) throws a pitch during an NCAA baseball game against Jacksonville University, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Florida addresses key needs in transfer portal; left-handed pitching remains a question

By Colton Veres | July 6

Florida has put together a good — but not great — portal class so far with nine commitments for the 2027 season. While the Gators addressed several roster needs, one concern remains: left-handed pitching.