Metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Police: Trucker killed 3 prostitutes across South

By The Associated Press | Sep. 19, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Long-haul trucker John Boyer's gray beard and round face give him a grandfatherly appearance, but when he opens his mouth, he seethes with anger toward women. This hatred had murderous results, authorities said, as he picked up prostitutes around the Southeast, killed them and dumped their bodies near interstate highways. He's accused of at least three slayings and is suspected in a fourth.

Sharon Nataline, 60, holds a sign on the corner of Archer Road and 34th Street to protest for the safe treatment of the bison at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

METRO

Gainesville residents protest to save Paynes Prairie bison

By Meredith Rutland | Sep. 18, 2011

When Dottie Taylor saw cars packing the streets on gameday, she thought of another kind of herd.

METRO

UK lifts ban on blood donations from homosexuals

By Erin Jester | Sep. 18, 2011

The United Kingdom's Department of Health announced Sept. 8 it will end the lifetime ban on blood donation by men who have sex with other men.

METRO

Vinyl-trading show spins through local restaurant

By Adrianna Paidas | Sep. 18, 2011

Nearly 400 students and Gainesville residents congregated downtown Sunday afternoon to buy, sell and trade vinyl records underneath tents and amid fellow music-loving, beer-drinking folk.

James Ingle, a City Commission candidate for the at-large 1 seat, speaks to student activists at a protest on campus Friday.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Candidate reaches out to students

By Meredith Rutland | Sep. 18, 2011

Standing before a crowd of about 30 student activists Friday, James Ingle encouraged his younger counterparts to keep up the fight.

METRO

Law enforcement plans to boost DUI patrol this gameday weekend

By Morgan Watkins | Sep. 15, 2011

Fans driving home after the UF football game against the University of Tennessee had best not drink a few beers before they get behind the wheel: Law enforcement agencies will have extra officers on the roads watching for drunken drivers.

A young boy rides the carousel at the Alachua County Fair in 2006. The fair, which was canceled in 2010 for the first time in 40 years due to financial problems, has paid its debts and will open its gates once more in October.

METRO

County fair returns after missed year

By Emily Morrow | Sep. 15, 2011

After a year's hiatus, the fair is back in town.

U.S. Postal Service representative Carolyn Kirce spoke to about 70 Evinston residents Thursday evening about the potential closure of Wood and Swink Old Store's post office. Residents expressed their concerns about closing the historic landmark.

METRO

Postal Service representative hears concerns about possible closing

By Erin Jester | Sep. 15, 2011

A representative from the U.S. Postal Service came to Evinston on Thursday evening to hear residents' concerns about the potential closing of Wood and Swink Old Store's post office.

METRO

Butterfly farm aims to educate, entertain with new festival

By Samantha Shavell | Sep. 15, 2011

Before the butterflies in north central Florida take wing, one local butterfly farm is inviting the public to celebrate the colorful creatures.

METRO

Game weekend visitors face higher hotel rates, booking minimums

By Morgan Watkins | Sep. 15, 2011

Gators fans flooding into Gainesville for home football games this season will face strict reservation rules at some hotels - including a two-night booking minimum.

METRO | POLITICS

Supervisor of Elections gets new address

By Adrianna Paidas | Sep. 15, 2011

Due to the recent closing of the post office in downtown Gainesville, the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office has changed its mailing address.

UF business graduate Dave Newell DJs his Thursday night hip-hop radio show, "Enjoy the Silence," in Grow Radio's studio, located downtown.

METRO

New jazz radio show shares ‘American treasure’ with listeners

By Dana Burke | Sep. 15, 2011

In a room slightly larger than an office supply closet, Robbie Stevens broadcasts radio waves of wailing saxophones, blaring trumpets and pounding drums over the Internet.

METRO | POLITICS

Party platforms address transportation, safety issues

By Clare Lennon | Sep. 15, 2011

Library hours and transportation are hot topics in the upcoming fall Student Government elections.

METRO

Protesters will rally to keep Paynes Prairie bison alive

By Meredith Rutland | Sep. 14, 2011

Activists plan to protest this weekend urging state park officials to promise that adult male bison at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park will be kept alive and well.

METRO