Metro

Books-for-Prisoners project bridges volunteers and prisoners

By Alanna Robbert | July 11

Independent nonprofits across Florida push for access to reading materials, which foster education, entertainment and personal growth during prison time.

The Language Party gathers outside Boxcar Beer & Wine Garden at Depot Park on July 3, 2025.

The Language Exchange Party Bonanza: A party to practice languages and make friends

By Candy Fontana-Verde | July 9

Alachua County Commission responds to Paynes Prairie proposal, sets transition date for Sports Event Center

By Logan McBride | July 8

A proposed change could allow residential development across from the environmental landmark. Community members and officials are reviewing its potential impact.

Environmental scientists weigh in on proposed development near Paynes Prairie

By Logan McBride | July 8

A protester carries a sign as the crowd chants at Depot Park on Friday, July 4, 2025.

‘Patriots who pay attention’: Protesters gather at Depot Park on the Fourth of July

By Delia Rose Sauer | July 4

Gainesville man charged with kidnapping coworker

By Logan McBride | July 3

More Metro

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville sex offender charged with possessing child pornography

By Bailey Diem | July 3

A Gainesville man and registered sex offender was arrested Wednesday on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material.

A sign at the lookout on the Bolen Bluff trail at Payne’s Prairie warns guests about preserve hours on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Proposed housing development near Paynes Prairie puts park’s future in question

By Logan McBride | July 2

When Ross heard of a new housing development proposed off U.S. Highway 441 – adjacent to Paynes Prairie – the 75-year-old was concerned about the potential environmental impacts of the project.

The Millhopper Library helps the community improve literacy rates by staying open seven days a week to the public, pictured Sunday, June 29, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Illiteracy’s hidden toll on Alachua County families

By Logan McBride | July 1

Nearly one in five adults in Alachua County can’t read well enough to navigate daily life – part of a rising tide of illiteracy that has quietly surged across the country in recent years.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Alachua County Commission delays East Gainesville housing project, explores new animal shelter location

By Logan McBride | June 25

Alachua County Commissioners voted to delay decisions on an East Gainesville housing project and a new animal resources facility at a meeting Tuesday.

The city of Gainesville celebrated Juneteenth this past Sunday with a Father and Son cookout. Many community members showed up and helped each other out, showing vast support for these businesses.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

‘Tha Cookout’ honors Black fatherhood with food, community and connection

By Candy Fontana-Verde | June 23

Throughout Cynthia Chesnut Park, laughter and conversation echoed through the trees as Gainesville residents gathered for “Tha Cookout” Sunday afternoon. The event marked not only a tribute to Juneteenth but an opportunity to honor Black fatherhood and strengthen community ties.

Crowds browse the vendors alley during Freedom Fest at Bo Didley Plaza on Saturday, June 21st.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Freedom Fest celebrates Emancipation Day, Juneteenth

By Alanna Robbert | June 22

As attendees were ushered into Bo Diddley Plaza Saturday afternoon, they were met with live music, food and family-oriented fun to continue Gainesville’s month-long Juneteenth celebration.

Dr. Robert Ainsworth, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Florida, answers a question about Trump’s budget bill at a “Just the Facts” town hall at Upper Room Ministries on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County residents raise their concerns about budget bill

By Alanna Robbert | June 27

Over 75 people gathered Thursday night in a church-turned-town hall to discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a budget bill passed by the U.S. House May 22.

Crowds gather at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center to celebrate Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Cotton Club hosts sold-out Juneteenth breakfast and Black Music Month celebration

By Alanna Robbert | June 19

The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center welcomed a full house Thursday morning for its Juneteenth Breakfast and Black Music Month Celebration.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man arrested on felony child pornography charges

By Logan McBride | June 19

An 84-year-old Gainesville man was arrested Wednesday on multiple felony charges of child pornography, according to a Gainesville Police Department report.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville and Alachua County Commissions discuss future Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, RTS routes

By Logan McBride | June 18

The Gainesville City Commission and Alachua County Board of County Commissioners discussed the future of the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire and transit options for GRACE Marketplace at a joint meeting Tuesday.

Protesters begin marching along Depot Ave during the Ice Out protest on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Hundreds gather at ‘From LA to Gainesville: ICE OUT!’ protest

By Maria Avlonitis | June 18

Over 200 people gathered to defend immigrants’ rights at Depot Park Tuesday evening. The Gainesville Party for Socialism and Liberation organized the emergency protest in response to the L.A. protests against immigration raids.

The city of Gainesville is beginning to institute EBT cards and SNAP tokens at its local farmers markets, making food more accessible.

METRO | BUSINESS

Access to fresh food threatened by federal grant cuts

By Allison Bonnemaison | June 17

Program cuts for Florida food assistance programs leave patrons with fewer options for fresh produce, impacting several farmers markets in Alachua County.

Protestors march with a paper-machete puppet of President Trump down Southwest Sixth Street during the "No Kings Day" protest on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

From the battlefield to the sidewalk: Veterans take a stand on ‘No Kings Day’

By Sara-James Ranta | June 16

Kirk Moss stood in the pouring rain carrying a 12-foot-tall papier-mâché caricature of President Donald Trump. The structure’s orange skin, puckered lips, navy suit and red tie – a classic Trump fashion choice – blew in the breeze.

Anwitha Sriraha (far right) chants with her friends Savannah Kesser (center) and Thanmal Yakkanti (far left) on Southwest Sixth Street during the "No Kings Day" protest on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Gainesville and High Springs residents join in nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ protests

By Sara-James Ranta and Logan McBride | June 14

On a hot and humid Saturday, two protests 40 minutes apart in Gainesville and High Springs were part of a nationwide series of over 2,000 “No Kings Day” demonstrations opposing President Donald Trump and his administration.