Metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

Bo Diddley Community Plaza could receive a makeover as soon as this fall, and renovations to the East University Avenue side of the plaza could bring more performers and programs.

METRO

Game of Thrones drinks debut at 2nd Street Speakeasy

By Alyssa Aguero | Apr. 9, 2014

Drinks are coming.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville City Commission runoff election ends in slim win for Warren

By Beatrice Dupuy | Apr. 8, 2014

By only 127 votes, Helen Warren beat Annie Orlando for a spot on the City Commission in Tuesday night’s runoff election.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

iPad theft on University Avenue prompts UF Alert, helicopter search

By Jenna Lyons | Apr. 8, 2014

Gainesville Police is looking for a man suspected of stealing another man’s iPad on West University Avenue on Tuesday afternoon.

METRO

New nature learning center opens in Austin Cary Forest

By Christian Cooper | Apr. 8, 2014

The new Austin Cary Learning Center, dedicated Saturday, will provide space for weddings, club meetings and nature-related activities.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence sponsors alcohol awareness month to teach people about safe consumption.

METRO

Hundreds of colleges observe National Alcohol Screening Day, but not UF

By Amy Lunak | Apr. 8, 2014

More than 600 colleges across the U.S. are participating in National Alcohol Screening Day this Thursday as part of National Alcohol Awareness Month, but UF is not among them.

METRO

Chicken wing competition raises money for abused children

By Sabrina Wilkerson | Apr. 8, 2014

On Tuesday night, teams of super heroes, police officers and football players gobbled as many wings as their stomachs could handle in fewer than five minutes.

METRO

Waka Flocka, Wolfgang Gartner to perform at Gator Stompin' concert downtown

By Hanna Marcus | Apr. 7, 2014

After three decades of pub crawling, Gator Stompin’ organizers are mixing it up by hosting an EDM-type concert in the Bo Diddley Community Plaza with headliners Waka Flocka and Wolfgang Gartner.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Runoff election for City Commission seat today

By Kelcee Griffis | Apr. 7, 2014

Today, residents will cast their votes to choose between the two top-rated candidates for a City Commission seat.

METRO

Pet rescue offering free microchips to all Alachua County owners

By Katherine Brown | Apr. 7, 2014

A local organization is working to put identification microchips in cats and dogs for free by hosting clinics around Alachua County at existing facilities.

Commissioner Susan Bottcher, second from the left, and residents cut the ribbon at a “first pump” ceremony Monday morning. The event was held because the Alachua County Emerging Leaders, with the help of the City of Gainesville, installed new bike pumps downtown.

METRO

Bicycle pumps installed in downtown Gainesville

By Bradley Norman | Apr. 7, 2014

Cyclists can now pump it up in downtown Gainesville.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Advantage Towing owner arrested for 2013 scooter theft

By Jenna Lyons | Apr. 6, 2014

Gainesville Police arrested the owner of a local towing company Friday afternoon after he helped cover up a scooter theft committed a year ago at Canopy Apartments.

A recent study has examined that ketamine, also known as Special K, can possibly help in the treatment of depression. It has also been shown to have more immediate effects on those with more serious types of depression.

METRO

Street drug ketamine could be used to treat depression

By Melissa Mihm | Apr. 6, 2014

A well-known street drug is now being considered for the potential treatment for depression.

Gainesville Fashion Week model Tamima Mehrotra sits through hair and makeup before an early-season editorial photo shoot last month. Hair: Nicole Collazo. Makeup: Niko Pifferetti

METRO

Gainesville Fashion Week sees growth, social media high

By Teodora Yordanova | Apr. 6, 2014

Now in its seventh season, Gainesville Fashion Week has grown each year in participation and social media presence.

Maddie Sortino, a 21-year-old UF food science senior, celebrates after a jump during the UF Falling Gators’ 16th Annual Skydiving Club Collegiate Boogie. The event took place Friday through Sunday at Kay Larkin Field at the Palatka Municipal Airport.

METRO

UF skydivers jump, fall to ground with inflatable gator

By Marisa Ross | Apr. 6, 2014

Anyone who looked up at the sky above Kay Larkin Field in Palatka, Fla., on Saturday would have seen about eight UF students riding their school’s mascot.