Metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

METRO

Newberry woman wins inauguration seats

By MORGAN COLLINS | Jan. 14, 2009

Cynthia Russell, 50, of Newberry, recently won a ticket to President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration through an essay contest sponsored by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Russell, who has lived in the area since 1978, worked with Obama's grassroots campaign. She owns three businesses, Emerald Ventures, a construction company, Studio One Home Staging, an interior design company, and Magnolia Manor, a property management company. She enjoys riding Harley Davidson motorcycles and cooking gourmet food with her boyfriend, Chris. Here are her thoughts on the win:

METRO

Mayor Hanrahan delivers State of the City address

By HUNTER SIZEMORE | Jan. 14, 2009

Economic and environmental sustainability were themes of the 5th annual State of the City address given by Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan Tuesday morning.

METRO

Lax bars may lose underage students

By MORGAN COLLINS | Jan. 13, 2009

A proposed ordinance banning people under 21 years old from bars and restaurants that habitually violate underage drinking laws might pass at the Gainesville City Commission meeting on Thursday.

METRO

Gainesville man charged with aggravated assault

By KATIE EMMETS | Jan. 13, 2009

A 19-year-old man was arrested after being accused of threatening to shoot someone in the head during a drug deal Monday.

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Volunteer accused of stealing from Salvation Army

By KATIE EMMETS | Jan. 13, 2009

A Gainesville woman was arrested Monday after being accused of stealing from the Salvation Army thrift store where she was performing community service hours.

METRO

Fans pledge to volunteer if Tebow stays another year

By JENA ADDISON | Jan. 13, 2009

Thanks to Tim Tebow's announcement Sunday that he will be returning to UF next year, local organizations may see a boost in volunteers.

METRO

Traffic light cameras help maintain order after BCS win

By THOMAS STEWART | Jan. 13, 2009

What does a couch set on fire by rowdy Gators fans after a national championship look like through an infrared camera lens?

METRO

Local inmates clean up county, save taxpayers money

By KATIE EMMETS | Jan. 12, 2009

Jail inmates in Alachua County saved local taxpayers more than $4,000 in December.

METRO

Prospective parents attend adoption orientation

By FAITH REAVES | Jan. 12, 2009

When Bobby and Sarah Finn discussed the all-important topic of having children, they decided they wanted to adopt.

METRO

UF leads in Florida specialty plate sales

By MATTHEW BEATON | Jan. 12, 2009

UF has another title to add to its heap.

METRO

Gator gear sales low compared to past title win

By MORGAN COLLINS | Jan. 12, 2009

The recent BCS National Championship boosted demand for Gator fan-ware, but some stores said business isn't as good as it was after past title wins.

METRO

Mayor to deliver State of the City address

By MORGAN COLLINS | Jan. 12, 2009

Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan will make her annual State of the City address Wednesday at 8 a.m. in front of the Hippodrome State Theatre.

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Program uses song, art in brain therapy

By CHELSEA KEENAN | Jan. 8, 2009

Doris saw the picture of the palm tree and knew. She liked the mixture of greens, yellows and oranges.

METRO

Florida education system improves education quality

By MATTHEW BEATON | Jan. 8, 2009

The Florida education system tied with Vermont for 10th place in overall education quality, according to Education Week's Quality Counts 2009 report.

METRO

Local veteran leads protest for peace in Gaza Strip

By KATIE EMMETS | Jan. 8, 2009

Jews and Palestinians came together Thursday afternoon to protest the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

METRO

Middle school students arrested for assault on classmate

By KATIE EMMETS | Jan. 8, 2009

Three middle school students were arrested this week in connection with the sexual battery of one of their classmates.

METRO

RTS plans reroutes to avoid title game congestion

By MORGAN COLLINS | Jan. 7, 2009

Buses that cross West University Avenue will be rerouted for Thursday's BCS National Championship Game.

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Residents prepare to celebrate title game victory

By HUNTER SIZEMORE | Jan. 7, 2009

The wait is over.

METRO

Group protests activist's detainment

By KATIE EMMETS | Jan. 7, 2009

After 87 days in jail without a trial, friends and supporters of a local political activist are getting restless.

METRO

GPD makes safety plans for post–game parties

By KATIE EMMETS | Jan. 7, 2009

After the BCS named the Gators SEC champs, the Gainesville Police Department began preparations to keep people safe for the post-game parties.