metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

Protestors hold signs outside of the Florida State Prison in Starke in opposition to the execution of. Victor Tony Jones. Jones was executed on Sept. 30, 2025

Metro

Florida is executing people in record numbers. Here’s what to know.

By Alexa Ryan | Oct. 13

Florida has put a record number of people to death this year, more than any other state in the country.

Metro

Alachua County ends interlibrary loans after federal funding cuts

By Grace Larson | Oct. 12

After 50 years of operation, Florida’s Interlibrary Loan Service has shut down — and, with it, ends a long-lasting network between the state's libraries.

Gainesville families participate in the Fall Festivities at the first annual Great Pumpkin Bash at Bo Diddley Plaza in Fla. on Oct. 11, 2025.

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First-ever Great Pumpkin Bash brings Gainesville families downtown to celebrate fall

By Juliana DeFilippo | Oct. 12

The Pumpkin Bash attracted about 200 visitors of all ages. Families walked around the plaza, pushing strollers and walking dogs. Vendors sold food, drinks and clothes, while tablers offered information about their organizations.

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UF student arrested on felony battery charges after tailgate incident at fraternity house

By Alexa Ryan | Oct. 10

Thursday night, a 20-year-old UF student was arrested on charges of a felony battery after allegedly throwing a broken metal basketball rim over a privacy fence.

Alachua County Public School Board members convene during a school board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.

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State commissioner visits, scolds Alachua County School Board

By Logan McBride | Oct. 8

The Alachua County School Board shared updates on teacher salary negotiations and heard remarks from a state education commissioner during Tuesday’s meeting.

The Ice Cream Vault, located at 14841 Main St. in Alachua, welcomes teens to its second-floor event space on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Metro

Alachua had few teen hangout spots. An ice cream shop found a sweet solution.

By Jeffrey Serber | Oct. 8

The ice cream shop, located at 14841 Main St. in Alachua, welcomes teens to its second-floor event space on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Metro

Man arrested after attacking bouncers at downtown Arcade Bar

By Alexa Ryan | Oct. 8

Early Sunday morning, 21-year-old Miguel Marin was arrested on two charges of battery after allegedly attacking two employees of The Arcade Bar on Main Street in downtown Gainesville.

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UF student charged with sexual battery

By Alexa Ryan | Oct. 6

A 19-year-old UF student was arrested Sunday night on charges of sexual battery that allegedly happened a week and a half earlier on Sept. 24, according to his arrest report.

The Malcom Randall VA Medical Center sign in Gainesville on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025.

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Gainesville community braces for financial fallout from federal government shutdown

By Noah Lantor | Oct. 6

While UF researchers and VA workers worry what could happen if the shutdown persists, TSA and NASA employees have already begun working without pay.

The Alachua County Library System offers workshops for families to learn English through storybooks and crafts.

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Alachua County library builds community, language skills with English for Families program

By Ava DiCecca | Oct. 3

The English for Families program allows immigrants and their children to practice their language skills, connect with one another and build their home libraries in a safe place.

A new Florida law establishes mandatory minimum sentences for repeat sex offenders.

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State establishes mandatory minimum sentences for repeated sex crimes

By Alexa Ryan | Oct. 1

Beginning in October, repeat sexual offenders in Florida will serve a minimum of a decade in jail for their crimes.

Kids reenact a battle scene from “Star Wars” during Fandomonium at Headquarters Library on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.

Metro

Alachua Library District superpowers literacy and art with ‘Fandomonium’ event

By Logan McBride | Oct. 1

The six-hour Fandomonium event, held at the largest branch of the Alachua County Library District, featured artists, cosplayers and sword fights. Attendees, many of whom traveled from across the state, had the opportunity to participate in several different activities throughout the library, including read-alouds, art exhibitions and duels.

The weather clears up over Florida State Prison as seen from the protest of the execution of Victor Tony Jones. Jones was executed in Starke on Sept. 30, 2025.

Metro

Florida Man executed for 1990 Miami-Dade murders

By Teia Williams | Oct. 1

Victor Tony Jones is the 13th person executed in Florida this year, which is the most of any U.S. state this year and a record for the state.

A group of customers take a photo with Frozen Frog Shaved Ice’s mascot during Waldo’s Third Annual Homecoming celebration on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Waldo, Fla.

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Third Annual Waldo Homecoming rallies community in spite of rain

By Teia Williams | Sep. 29

Growing up, Julie Stokes remembers crossing Kennard Street to enter a wonderland of live music, food and endless booths and vendors.

Amy Trask, a victim of domestic violence, introduces a pair of bills to protect other Floridians from facing the same.

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Amy Trask to run again for Florida House District 22 after falling short last year

By Teia Williams | Sep. 28

Amy Trask has experience losing — from custody battles to elections. But the 32-year-old hasn’t given up and continues to rebuild.

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.

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."

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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.

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.