metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

A sign in front of the Alachua County Public Schools district office building is seen Sunday, June 6, 2021.

Metro

Two Alachua County School Board members refuse to attend communication training

By Grace Larson | Feb. 4

It is unclear if the board will continue to pursue a “Way of Work” training session.

A new Florida bill to prevent migrants from having bank accounts and insurance from covering them is being introduced.

Metro

Proposed banking and labor restrictions target migrants in Florida

By Dulce Rodriguez-Escamilla | Feb. 3

The proposed legislation has raised concern among immigrant communities and legal experts throughout Alachua County for its potential impact on employment, banking and housing stability.

The outside of Newberry Elementary School, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.

Metro

Newberry Community School to open in August despite legal disputes

By Grace Larson | Feb. 2

For ACPS, the problem with Newberry Community School stems from the state’s policies toward charter schools.

A demonstrator holds a sign during an ICE protest organized by YDSA, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, along University Avenue in Gainesville, Fla.

Metro

Gainesville residents walk out of school and work for a ‘Stand with Minnesota’ ICE protest

By Angelique Rodriguez | Jan. 31

About 300 people blocked traffic at a crowded intersection near campus Friday

Blaise Ingoglia, Florida's chief financial officer, speaks at a press conference in Alachua, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

Metro

What did the state say about Gainesville and Alachua County in its DOGE audit?

By Maria Arruda and Kaitlyn McCormack | Jan. 30

The report, which criticized diversity initiatives and excess spending, came around five months after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced DOGE would conduct on-site audits of cities and counties accused of wasteful expenditures.

The new animal shelter will be a partnership between Alachua County and UF.

Metro

Despite community outcry, Alachua County chooses UF land for new animal shelter

By Kaitlyn McCormack | Jan. 29

Despite wavering community opinions, the Alachua County Commission voted Tuesday to partner with UF on the location for a new animal shelter in Gainesville.

Alachua Public County Schools take action against rise of H3N2 subclade K, a mutated strand of influenza A.

Metro

Back-to-school means flu cases on the rise in Alachua County

By Caroline Walsh | Jan. 29

Had the flu lately? If so, you’re not alone.

The number 33 bus stops at the Hub Food Court in Gainesville, Fla. Friday, Jan 16, 2026.

Metro

Gainesville RTS cancels contract with disability van service, launches in-house app

By Maria Arruda | Jan. 28

The app is designed to be more convenient for users

Metro

Alachua County Commission partners with UF on new animal shelter

By Kaitlyn McCormack | Jan. 27

Alachua County has been in negotiations with UF since 2024 over a UF-owned swath of land near Archer Road that currently houses the IFAS Swine Unit.

Recycling Services of America center sorts items at 2874 NE 1st Terrace in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, Jan, 9, 2026.

Metro

What can you recycle in Alachua County, and where?

By Lily Hartzema | Jan. 27

UF, in addition to the county, are investing in both community education and smart recycling technologies to help prevent pollution and reduce environmental impact.

The St. Francis House sits on South Main Street, in Gainesville, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 15, 2025.

Metro

Cold nights, open doors: How Gainesville accommodates its community in the winter

By Maria Arruda | Jan. 26

The Cold Night Shelter program is made available by the City of Gainesville and normally runs between Nov. 1 and March 31.

Jason Jaquith leads chants at an ICE protest at the Alachua County Clerk of Court, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.

Metro

Over 100 locals gather at emergency ICE protest in Gainesville

By Kaitlyn McCormack | Jan. 25

The Gainesville chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation organized a protest in front of Bo Diddley Plaza Sunday morning — a demonstration in response to the killing of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota on Saturday.

The Millhopper Family Dentistry and UF host free dental clinics in February for the Gainesville community.

Metro

Millhopper Family Dentistry, UF to host free dental clinics in February

By Lily Hartzema | Jan. 25

Millhopper Family Dentistry will host its free dental clinic, Care to Share, Feb. 28 beginning at 8 a.m. for the first 100 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Free dental services include fillings, extractions and cleanings, according to the Care to Share flyer.

The walkway to the fence that surrounds the field of Glen Springs Elementary School in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.

Metro

Parents upset after Alachua County Public Schools installs new fence near school

By Grace Larson | Jan. 25

With their route to school now blocked, the family has faced some challenges.

Teacher of the year winner Barbra Brock accepts her award at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Fla., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2026.

Metro

High Springs Community School teacher named 2026 Alachua County Teacher of the Year

By Grace Larson | Jan. 22

Brock will go on to represent Alachua County in the statewide Teacher of the Year program, which is normally held in late July.

The lesser nighthawk was spotted in Alachua County for the first time since 1999, bringing crowds to its temporary location in Sweetwater Wetlands Park.

Metro

This rare bird hasn’t been seen in Alachua County since 1999 — until now

By Juliana DeFilippo | Jan. 22

After he caught word of the lesser nighthawk sighting in Alachua County, Tim Hardin went to see it for himself. It took him three days to finally catch a glimpse of the speckled bird, with its small pointed beak and sharp eyes, against the backdrop of Sweetwater Wetlands Park Dec. 19.

Metro