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Metro

Man accused of forcing victim to drive getaway car at gunpoint

By Sarah Mandile | May 16, 2020

Mark Lafrenier is being held in Alachua County Jail with bond set at $320,000

UF Health Family Medical Center opened in Bradford County on May 1.

Metro

UF Health takes over family practice in Starke

By Nicole Rodriguez | May 16, 2020

When employees of Family Medical Group at Shands Starke Regional Medical Center were given 60 days to find new jobs, they looked for new buyers instead.

James Kelly drafted a manifesto to send to an Alligator reporter, instructing them to change an article written about him or “I will gladly blame you for the needless deaths of all future VT students.”

Metro

UF student jailed after threatening mass shooting at Virginia Tech

May 12, 2020

James Kelly was previously under a code of conduct investigation at UF.

Metro

Man accused of kidnapping and attempted sexual battery

By Sarah Mandile | May 12, 2020

Steven Grimes is accused of trapping the victim in his car and threatening to harm his family if he left.

The victim said she paid $225 a month to live in the shed. It was a temporary arrangement until she “could get back on her feet.”

Metro

Woman accused of burning down shed with woman and puppy inside

By Sarah Mandile | May 12, 2020

The fire began after an argument between Hamilton and the victim over a missing towel. The 6-month-old puppy died.

Metro

Man arrested for indecent exposure in Tom Petty Park

By Sarah Mandile | May 10, 2020

William Stewart was accused of masturbating in a pavilion.

Yellow fever mosquitoes can spread yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses.

Metro

Yellow fever mosquito found in downtown Gainesville

By Hannah Bobek | May 9, 2020

The mosquito’s origins are not known, but a city official said a larva was found in November.

Denise Garcia and Jeffery Davis wear face masks in downtown Gainesville. The commission voted Tuesday to end the face mask requirement in its emergency order.

Metro

County threatened with lawsuit over face mask order

By Tristan Wood | May 9, 2020

Gainesville Attorney Raemi Eagle-Glenn sent a letter threatening a lawsuit against Alachua County over its face mask ordinance. The order is being considered discriminatory toward people with medical conditions and disabilities.

Face masks have become a heated topic of debate following the recent orders for them to be worn in public spaces.

Metro

Alachua County residents react to face mask emergency order

By Hannah Bobek | May 6, 2020

From necessity to legality, residents shared their opinions about Monday’s order that people wear face masks in public.

Metro

Alachua County Commission introduces new fines for violating COVID-19 orders

By Tristan Wood | May 5, 2020

The violation will result in a $125 fine. The second will result in a fine ranging from $250 to $500.

Metro

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office investigating a homicide

By Sarah Mandile | May 4, 2020

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office found the body of Troy L. Brigman in a tent Friday evening. Brigman was seen exiting a Walmart nine hours prior.

Metro

Baring All

By Peyton Whittington | May 4, 2020

The first time I pulled up to Café Risqué, I was nervous. Not about seeing the dancers or the clients or the club itself, but about the prospect of getting to know this place and telling its story.

Alix Mathia and Bill Knowles, who were supposed to get married in December, eagerly await in line at the drive-thru-turned-“Wedding Window” at the Clerk of the Court’s office Wednesday evening.

Metro

Couples get married in drive-thru

By Chasity Maynard | May 2, 2020

Twenty-seven couples drove through the “Tunnel of Love” to reach the Wedding Window. There, Alachua County Clerk of Court Jess Irbie officiated the ceremonies from behind the glass of the drive-thru window.

Metro

Sarasota County murder suspect arrested following standoff on I-75

By Christian Ortega | May 1, 2020

The suspect is in the Alachua County Jail and will be taken back to Sarasota County. The arrest occurred after five hours of negotiation on 1-75.

Metro

Three new COVID-19 deaths announced in Alachua County

By Alex DeLuca | Apr. 30, 2020

The three latest deaths are all tied to long-term care facilities.

Metro

First COVID-19 death recorded in Alachua County

By Alex De Luca and Alexandra DeLuca | Apr. 21, 2020

Local health officials have confirmed Alachua County’s first death related to COVID-19.

Patrick Schaller announced April 10 that Mother’s Pub on University Avenue would permanently close. This came after Mother’s was cited for serving drinks inside rather than through to-go only, a new measure meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Five days later, Schaller announced that with the help of the city manager, Lee Feldman, the pub would remain open.

Metro

‘A horror show’: Mother’s Pub reopened

By Hannah Phillips | Apr. 19, 2020

Employees say they’ve been taken advantage of and underpaid

Metro

COVID-19 closes nonessential businesses

By Anna Wilder | Apr. 19, 2020

This follows Alachua County’s stay-at-home order

Metro

Gainesville Whole Foods employee tests positive for COVID-19

By Alex DeLuca | Apr. 19, 2020

The team member is employed at the Butler Town Center store

Metro

Saturday COVID-19: Gainesville Publix employees test positive; virus at local nursing homes

By Alex DeLuca and Alexandra DeLuca | Apr. 18, 2020

Today, the first known cases among Publix stores in Alachua County were announced along with local nursing homes positives and statewide online school extensions.