COVID-19 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Metro

Alachua County Commission discusses permitting for WildFlowers Music Park

By Anthony Duarte | Sep. 26

WildFlowers Music Park intends to integrate music, art and environmental conservation.

Opinion

College Friend: I hate my roommate’s girlfriend. Should I tell her?

By Alejandra Agustin | Sep. 26

I understand your situation. I’ve lived through it. When we decide to live with someone, we do not anticipate their partner will also take emotional residence in the home.

News

Mini crossword for Sept. 26, 2025

By Rohit Paranjape | Sep. 26

Play The Alligator's original mini crossword.

Blaise Ingoglia, Florida's chief financial officer, speaks at a press conference in Alachua, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

Metro

State claims Alachua County mounted almost $85 million in wasteful spending

By Maria Avlonitis | Sep. 25

Alachua County wasted almost $85 million in taxpayer money after a state Department of Government Efficiency audit, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said in a press conference Thursday.

Metro

Hawthorne road rage incident reportedly escalates to attempted murder

By Alexa Ryan | Sep. 25

On Wednesday afternoon, a road rage incident turned near-fatal for a Hawthorne driver after a 50-year-old Leesburg resident allegedly stabbed him multiple times on the side of the road.

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

Metro

Florida now allows open carry. Alachua County says it’ll fully comply.

By Grace Larson | Sep. 25

A recent Florida court decision allows gun owners to openly carry their firearms inside businesses and restaurants, effective Thursday.

A Publix customer takes a can of black beans off the shelf in Gainesville, Fla., on Sept. 16th 2025.

Opinion

Carbs are not the enemy. This one might even improve your life.

By Lara Caglayan | Sep. 25

“Protein-maxxing” has taken over the internet... But I’d like to introduce you to a nutrient we should give equal attention — fiber.

News

Mini crossword for Sept. 25, 2025

By Rohit Paranjape | Sep. 25

Play The Alligator's original mini crossword.

Charlie Kirk signs a piece of paper to hand to the audience during his event at the Plaza of the America’s in Gainesville, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.

Opinion

A UF law professor’s reaction to Charlie Kirk-related speech crackdown

Sep. 25

Another question relates more directly to speech on a university campus: What, if any, UF policy or regulation did Harrison actually violate?

Tina Certain, Alachua County School Board member, poses for a portrait at her podium at the Alachua County School District on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Certain, who graduated from Gainesville High School and the University of Florida with an accounting degree, is one of two African American women who serve on the School Board. “If you’ve seen someone who’s done it, it sparks in your mind that you can do it,” Certain said.

Metro

State board summons Alachua School Board member for Charlie Kirk comments

By Logan McBride | Sep. 24

For the second time in two months, an Alachua County School Board member has come under fire from the Florida Department of Education for a Facebook post about the death of a prominent conservative.

Students received backpacks and safety resources at the Stop the Violence Back to School event.

Metro

Florida Board of Education approves Newberry charter conversion

By Logan McBride | Sep. 24

The Florida Department of Education unanimously approved Newberry Elementary School’s conversion to a charter school, Newberry Community School, on Wednesday.

Gainesville cinemas are showing classic movies to young audiences who want a blast from the past.

The Avenue

Gainesville cinephiles celebrate classic films during the ‘Month of Masterpieces’

By Isabel Kraby | Sep. 24

This month, UF students are flocking to theaters to see films released up to 80 years before they were born.

University

Santa Fe prepares to expand skilled trade program

By Leona Masangkay | Sep. 24

The Santa Fe College Board of Trustees voted to expand the college — both literally and figuratively — during its meeting Sept. 23.

Sports

McKiver’s double, Hall’s gold highlight World Championships for Florida track and field

By Paul Hof-Mahoney | Sep. 24

Several current and former Florida athletes found success at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Fine Arts Library employee searches for a book on the shelves on Sept. 15th, 2025.

Opinion

Thirsty while studying? Here’s the perfect drink pairing for each UF library

By Emily Moreno | Sep. 24

Each of the seven UF libraries has a unique flavor, and I’ve figured out the perfect drink and library combo so you can have the most aesthetic college study session.

News

Mini crossword for Sept. 24, 2025

By Rohit Paranjape | Sep. 24

Play The Alligator's original mini crossword.

Florida Gators Head Coach Todd Golden points at one of his players during a basketball game against Auburn University on Feb. 8, 2025, in Auburn, Ala.

Sports

A new-look Florida men’s basketball team hones in on the upcoming season

By Jeffrey Serber | Sep. 23

Florida basketball has a tandem of new guards looking to make an impact and defend the Gators' national title. Head coach Todd Golden made it clear how he plans to incorporate the newly established duo.

Florida Ice Hockey Club celebrates its first National Championship win on Wednesday, March, 13, 2024.

Sports

Florida hockey ekes out win, ties series against FAU

By Daniela Ortiz | Sep. 23

Florida hockey bounced back and defeated Florida Atlantic following a loss earlier in the week. The Gators created double the amount of shot opportunities than the Owls.

Florida redshirt freshman Matthew Kress swings his club during the Southeastern Conference Championships Thursday, April 20, 2023. / Photo by Leslie White

Sports

Florida men's golf finishes runner up at Olympia Fields

By Brooke Bastedo | Sep. 23

Florida men's golf finished runner up in the Fighting Illini Collegiate tournament on Sunday.

News

Mini crossword for Sept. 23, 2025

By Rohit Paranjape | Sep. 23

Play The Alligator's original mini crossword.