Metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

Noah Shitama, 36-year-old founder of SwallowTail Farm, discusses the importance of supporting local farmers at the First Magnitude Brewing Company Sunday for the Back to the Garden CSA Fair. "We do it for the families that we feed and join us at the market," he said. "The community is the heart of it all," he said.

METRO

Local farmers hold fair to promote agriculture in community

By Hunter Williamson | Oct. 4, 2015

Noah Shitama greeted each person who came up to his stand with a smile.

METRO

March for elephants stomps through University Avenue

By Sara Uman | Oct. 4, 2015

On Sunday, an elephant rode down West University Avenue.

METRO

GRU hires law firm to help reclaim nearly $900,000

By Hunter Williamson | Oct. 1, 2015

After it was revealed last month that Gainesville Regional Utility ratepayers have been overcharged since 2013, city officials took steps forward during a City Commission meeting Thursday to reclaiming the several hundred thousand dollars lost.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Police arrest man after shooting, near children

By Giuseppe Sabella | Oct. 1, 2015

Gainesville Police arrested a local man Wednesday afternoon after he reportedly shot at someone while his girlfriend and three children sat just a few feet away.

METRO

Food truck rally to raise money for Grace Marketplace

By Natalia Arteaga | Sep. 30, 2015

Usually when Ally Blake goes out to dinner with her friends, they can’t decide on what to get.

Tamara Leisey (left), her husband Silvestre Hernandez, their 1-year-old son Ollin Hernandez-Leisey and Rawlings Elementary ESE teacher Christe McGann rally Sept. 29, 2015. Leisey said she and Hernandez went to the organization for medical tests before getting pregnant with Ollin. “I think a lot of people forget about the actual family-planning portion of their services,” she said. “It’s not just women’s healthcare. It’s men’s healthcare as well.”

METRO

At the rally, they wore pink

By Brooke Baitinger | Sep. 29, 2015

On Tuesday, the Rev. Donna Tara Lee wore a pink shirt that clashed with her vibrant blue hair.

METRO

State leaders speak about Florida Medicaid expansion

By Brooke Baitinger | Sep. 29, 2015

State leaders gathered Tuesday evening to speak about Medicaid expansion and its effects on Gainesville residents during a monthly Alachua County Labor Coalition meeting.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

UF student received citation for illegal alligator skin

Sep. 29, 2015

Alachua County Sheriff deputies arrested a UF student last week for missing his court date after he was charged for owning an illegal alligator skin.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Alachua County man charged with cocaine possession, police think he ate some

By Giuseppe Sabella | Sep. 29, 2015

Gainesville Police arrested a local man early Tuesday morning after he reportedly tried to hide cocaine and escape arrest.

Customers wait in line for free coffee at the Dunkin’ Donuts at 1730 W. University Ave. around 4:45 p.m. on Sept. 29, 2015. About 35 were there, forming a line that stretched down the sidewalk outside.

METRO

Gainesville celebrates National Coffee Day

By Michaela Steakley | Sep. 29, 2015

Almost every day, Margaret Haney gets a cup of coffee.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Local man arrested for loitering and prowling, tried to steal bike

By Giuseppe Sabella | Sep. 28, 2015

Gainesville Police arrested a local man Saturday night after he reportedly stole a bicycle when a tire went flat on the one he was using.

METRO

Elephantopia hits Gainesville as residents advocate against cruelty

By Sara Marino | Sep. 28, 2015

For Karina Fundora, elephants are the closest thing to magic.

METRO

Lukewarm debut for iPhone in Gainesville

By Martin Vassolo | Sep. 27, 2015

Brandie Ratliff drove an hour and a half to buy a new iPhone on Friday, with two toddlers in tow.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

52 ejected, 4 arrested at Florida-Tennessee game

By Giuseppe Sabella | Sep. 27, 2015

Authorities arrested two men during Saturday’s football game, including a cashier who reportedly stole from a concession stand and a Tennessee fan who reportedly became too impassioned.

METRO

Domino’s to introduce new pizza theater show in Gainesville

By Brooke Baitinger | Sep. 27, 2015

Gainesville residents will soon be able to catch a behind-the-scenes look at their pizza.

Kourtney Oliver (center), the program coordinator for the Healthiest Weight Florida initiative in Alachua County, runs in the inaugural World Heart Day 5K event at Fred Cone Park on Sept. 26, 2015. Forty-seven people registered to run to raise awareness for heart disease and stroke prevention.

METRO

Inaugural 5K promotes heart health

By Emily Mavrakis | Sep. 27, 2015

Although Wendy Wolf regularly runs three to four times a week, Saturday’s inaugural World Heart Day 5K at Fred Cone Park in Gainesville held a special meaning for her.