Metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

METRO

Christmas tree sales already booming in Gainesville

By Martin Vassolo | Nov. 27, 2016

Fresh from Thanksgiving Break, Gainesville was in a merry mood Sunday.

METRO

Muslim student denied rifle purchase, alleges discrimination

Nov. 27, 2016

After being denied from purchasing a gun earlier this month, a Muslim Santa Fe College student believes his religion motivated the Gainesville Bass Pro Shops to turn him away.

METRO

Living-history festival to be held Saturday

By Catherine Dickson | Nov. 21, 2016

On Saturday, Gainesville residents can come together to spend a day in the 1870s.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Post-election, Trump supporter punched Hispanic man, police say

By Caitlin Ostroff | Nov. 21, 2016

Two days after the general election, a man from High Springs, Florida, punched a Hispanic gas station employee in the back of the head, claiming the attack was “for Donald Trump,” Gainesville Police said.

METRO

Wisconsin-based Culver’s restaurant to open in December

By Lee Ann Ruffier | Nov. 21, 2016

Next month, Gainesville’s Butler Plaza North will welcome a new restaurant.

Pictured: A McDonald's restaurant in St. Petersburg, FL.

METRO

New McDonald’s to open near campus before the end of Fall

By Brianna Ellis | Nov. 21, 2016

Soon enough, UF students won’t have to travel far from campus to grab a Big Mac and some french fries.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

ACSO: Newberry woman threatens to run over friend

By Caitlin Ostroff | Nov. 20, 2016

A Newberry, Florida, woman was arrested Friday after threatening to run over her friend, who was concerned about her following the presidential election, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said.

METRO

New Gainesville music venue, recording studio to open in spring

By Romy Ellenbogen | Nov. 20, 2016

A new music venue focused on live recordings is set to open this spring.

METRO

Gainesville locals march to honor lives of transgender community

By Paige Fry | Nov. 20, 2016

Nick Antonelli, 29, silently marched across UF’s campus Friday to show support for lives lost in the transgender community.

METRO | POLITICS

Trump supporter tackled as about 1,000 march in election protest

By Katelyn Newberg | Nov. 20, 2016

During an otherwise peaceful march against President-elect Donald Trump, which drew more than 1,000 people Saturday, a small fight broke out between a Trump supporter and an apparent protester.

A painting of Donald Trump crossed out sits on the corner of University Avenue and Main Street during a protest of the results of the presidential election. The protest was one of six happening simultaneously on Thursday in Gainesville.

METRO | POLITICS

Locals hold multiple anti-Trump protests

By Katelyn Newberg and Paige Fry | Nov. 17, 2016

Jeremiah Tattersall pointed to Gainesville’s anti-discrimination plaque inside City Hall on Thursday.

The University Athletic Association works with Grace Marketplace and Catholic Charities to find the homeless and families in need. On Monday, UF athletes filled 1,200 Winn-Dixie bags with Thanksgiving food — enough to feed 600 local families.

METRO

Giving thanks and giving back: Locals come together for Thanksgiving

By Molly Donovan | Nov. 17, 2016

While many students, professors and residents go home to a turkey dinner next week, others won’t be as lucky.

Five people, including four teenagers, were seriously injured Thursday morning in a flaming crash, Florida Highway Patrol said. None of them were wearing seatbelts when the driver, a 16-year-old Gainesville resident, crashed into a tree in the Robinson Heights neighborhood.

METRO

FHP: Four local teens seriously injured in flaming crash

By Caitlin Ostroff | Nov. 17, 2016

Five people were seriously injured in a flaming crash Thursday morning after a 16-year-old crashed his car into a tree in the Robinson Heights neighborhood, Florida Highway Patrol said.

Jimmy Ritten, a 42-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, poses with his service dog, Cody, after the pit bull’s graduation from Phoenix Animal Rescue’s veteran service dog program. Inspired by Ritten’s difficulty finding a service dog elsewhere, the Gainesville-based animal shelter will shut down on Dec. 31 and start the Pets and Patriots Foundation to focus on finding service dogs for veterans.

METRO

Gainesville animal shelter to close to serve veterans

By Sara Marino | Nov. 17, 2016

When Jimmy Ritten met his service dog Cody six months ago, his memory of war seemed to fade away.

METRO

Bodytech tattoo shop celebrates 18 years of ink

By Paige Fry | Nov. 16, 2016

When putting ink to skin or running a business, Wayne Lessard has historically gone against the grain.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

GPD: Former Cantina employee stole $5,000 from safe – then disabled its cameras

By Caitlin Ostroff | Nov. 15, 2016

A former employee of 101 Cantina was arrested Monday after reportedly stealing more than $5,000 from the Midtown venue, Gainesville Police said.

Sharon Huston holds a sign with her grandson James’ picture on the corner of Northwest 43rd Street and Northwest 23rd Avenue. Huston said she is worried the pipeline’s proximity to Dunnellon schools could affect her grandson and the community.

METRO

Gainesville residents march against Dakota Access, Sabal Trail pipelines

By Molly Vossler | Nov. 15, 2016

Standing at all four corners of a Gainesville intersection Tuesday, about 150 protesters elicited honks and hollers of approval and disdain as they opposed the Dakota Access and Sabal Trail pipelines.

METRO

UF announces details for development near campus

By Romy Ellenbogen | Nov. 15, 2016

From her Newberry home, UF mathematics junior Analiese Wagner has watched Gainesville grow for the past 20 years.

METRO

BurgerQuE temporarily closes

By Emma Green | Nov. 15, 2016

Local burger joint BurgerQuE is taking a break to rebuild its staff.

METRO

Karma Cream to move near Reggae Shack

By Robyn Wilbar | Nov. 15, 2016

Karma Cream will get a new home next semester.