Metro | Alachua County - The Independent Florida Alligator

Newnan's Lake seen on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The Lake’s future is uncertain after the impact of incoming housing developments.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Newnans Lake neighbors fear proposed development could muddy its future

By Logan McBride | 6:15am

A proposal to add 149 single-family homes to an 82-acre rezoning is being led by Adams Homes and Garden Street Communities. When the issue reached the Alachua County Commission, the planning commission’s recommendation was overruled when the commission unanimously approved the development near Newnans Lake in late May. Two months later, community members close to the property are still fighting the proposal.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

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.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

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

By Candy Fontana-Verde | July 9

The Language Exchange Party Bonanza hosts a crowd where language learners can practice in a fun, engaging environment.

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

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Environmental scientists weigh in on proposed development near Paynes Prairie

By Logan McBride | July 8

Florida’s only wild bison roam the savanna of Paynes Prairie State Park, but a proposed housing development has environmental scientists concerned for the future of the park’s endangered species.

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

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

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

By Delia Rose Sauer | July 4

Instead of barbecue tongs and chilled drinks, Gainesville residents traded parties for posters to protest the Trump administration Friday morning.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An RTS bus pulls into the Rosa Parks station on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The transit service is bracing for future schedule and route changes.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Latest Gainesville Regional Transit System cuts leave community disappointed

By Logan McBride | June 9

The Gainesville Regional Transit System is losing roughly $2.9 million as a result of UF decreasing its funding. The decisions left community members disappointed and worried about the new changes.

Fresh vegetables on display at La Aurora Latin Supermarket on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

U.S. House-passed ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will financially affect many low-income families around the country

By Jack Vincent | June 4

Alachua families fear the impact of changes to SNAP and Medicaid after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget reconciliation bill.

Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus (center left) and Alachua Mayor Walter Welch (center right) clap after ceremonially unscrewing a firehose to mark the grand opening of Fire Station 21 in Alachua, Fla., on Friday, May 30, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

New fire station is one of multiple being added in Alachua County

By Logan McBride | June 2

Alachua County hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 30 to officially open Fire Station 21 near Santa Fe High School and Interstate 75 in Alachua.

Community gathered at Squirrel Ridge Park for an annual day of rememberance for gun violence victims on Saturday, May 31st.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Gainesville hosts memorial vigil for gun violence survivors

By Candy Fontana-Verde | May 31

Gainesville residents gathered at the Memorial Garden in Squirrel Ridge Park to honor victims of gun violence. The vigil provided a moment of collective reflection, community support and a tribute to survivors and their affected families.

Attendees gather at a public workshop about the Citizens Field Revitalization project on May 29, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

City of Gainesville holds public workshop for Citizens Field revitalization project

By Logan McBride | May 30

Around 70 people attended a public workshop hosted by the City of Gainesville Thursday for the Citizens Field Revitalization project. The project includes proposed renovations to the MLK Multipurpose Center and Citizens Field.

The Gainesville Fire Station 1 on May 29, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Gainesville selects new fire chief

By Logan McBride | May 29

The City of Gainesville selected Joseph “Shawn” Hillhouse as its next fire chief after a nationwide search. He will officially assume the role June 9.