1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

For nearly a century, fluoride has been added to Gainesville’s water supply. Today, citizens are pouring in to spout off about a potential change in how the city’s public utilities are managed.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

What’s the deal with fluoride?

By Morgan Vanderlaan | Mar. 5

Concerns have arisen over whether fluoridated water could have negative health effects.

Developments in AI technology have led to its implementation in psychiatric and psychological treatment.

ENTERPRISE | HEALTH

Artificial intelligence is making its debut in mental health treatment

By Avery Parker | Mar. 5

Companies are launching talk therapy tools designed to provide tailored support for clients.

Florida infielder Colby Shelton (10) celebrates with infielder Cade Kurland (4) and infielder/outfielder Bobby Boser (6) after a home run as the Florida Gators face the Dayton Flyers on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

No. 7 Gators dismantled by UCF as they drop second straight

By Hugh Green | Mar. 4

Florida allowed 13 runs for the second straight game and dropped a midweek matchup against UCF.

Protesters cross University Avenue holding signs criticizing the Trump administration as a part of the national “March 4th Day of Action" at a demonstration on the Corner of University Ave and Main Street on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Gainesville activists join in nationwide protest “for democracy”

By Sara-James Ranta | Mar. 4

Nearly 500 people gathered Tuesday to take part in a national event by “50-50-1,” a grassroots movement organized by independent volunteers. Called the “March 4th Day of Action,” the event protested President Donald Trump's administration.

A golfer tees off at Ironwood Golf Course on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida men’s golf notches another top 5 finish

By Brooke Bastedo | Mar. 4

This weekend, it wasn’t stars in the eyes of Florida’s men’s golf team. Instead, it was clouds. Traveling from the Sunshine State to an overcast Las Vegas, Nevada, was a sad sign for the Gators.

Bar graph showing donations and donation amounts to charities, broken down by charity.

SPANISH

Enjuiciamiento diferido ofrece segundas oportunidades a los infractores

By Vera Lucia Pappaterra | Mar. 4

Un privilegio ofrecido a infractores primerizos de delitos no violentos, los DPA son un contrato entre un acusado y la Fiscalía del Estado para completar horas de servicio comunitario o donar a organizaciones sin fines de lucro seleccionadas a cambio de que se retiren los cargos.

Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) celebrates towards the dugout in a softball game against Providence in Gainesville, Fla., on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Freshman sensation Taylor Shumaker reflects on cross-country journey

By Jackson Colding | Mar. 4

Taylor Shumaker has started her freshman season in historic fashion, but she won’t forget the people who helped her throughout her journey to college softball.

RACE AND EQUITY | ENTERPRISE

Deferred prosecution programs offer second chances for offenders

By Vera Lucia Pappaterra | Mar. 4

Deferred prosecution agreements allow defendants across Alachua County to complete community service hours or donate to selected nonprofits in exchange for dropped charges.

Illustrated treasure map of Depot Park. This graphic showcases a stylized map featuring Depot Park with winding paths, bodies of water, and green spaces.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Depot Park: A popular gathering spot, but is it safe?

By Olivia Shehadi | Mar. 4

Criminal mischief remains the most common crime in the area.

Members of the University of Florida ROTC gather outside the Southwest Recreation Center at the University of Florida for a candlelight vigil in honor of Nyla Holland who died on Sunday, March 2, 2025, while riding her moped on Hull Road in Gainesville, Fla. Holland was a member of University of Florida's ROTC program.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gainesville community gathers for candlelight vigil honoring UF student Nyla Holland

By Shaine Davison and Michael Angee | Mar. 3

More than 200 people gathered in a field near Southwest Recreation Center Monday evening to honor Nyla Holland, a UF student killed in a traffic collision outside the complex Sunday night.

The Nancys performs at the AM/FM Festival on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

MusicGNV brings back historic AM/FM Festival

By Autumn Johnstone | Mar. 3

Between three music venues — How Bazar, The Bull and Loosey’s — MusicGNV kicked off the AM/FM Festival on Sunday.

A memorial in honor of Professor Bernard O'Donnell, who died unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, lays in Library West at the University of Florida.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Bernard ‘Bernie’ O’Donnell Jr., beloved UF law professor, dies at 55

By Sofia Meyers | Mar. 3

UF law professor Bernard “Bernie” O’Donnell Jr., whose quiet-yet-playful demeanor is what made his office hours an outlet for success and community passed away in Gainesville Feb. 23. He was 55.

Santa Fe Teaching Zoo’s otters enjoy their farewell party before being relocated to Memphis zoo on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

NEWS | SFC

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo bids farewell to otter family

By Shaine Davison | Mar. 3

After years of delighted visitors, the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo’s family of seven Asian small-clawed otters is headed to a new home. On Wednesday, they’ll embark on a 700-mile journey to the Memphis Zoo.

The Alachua Children's Theatre performs "The Little Mermaid, Jr." on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

The Alachua Children’s Theatre makes a splash with its production of “The Little Mermaid, Jr.”

By Annie Wang | Mar. 2

The Alachua Children’s Theatre performed “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” at Santa Fe High School on Feb. 22 and 23 and March 1 and 2. The performance on March 1 saw a crowd of roughly 140.

Florida Gators catcher Brody Donay (29) flips his bat after hitting the first home run of the season in a baseball game against the Air Force Academy in Gainesville, Fla., on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Florida surrenders season-high 13 runs, drops series finale against Miami

By Jack Meyer | Mar. 2

The Florida Gators baseball team was hit with its first loss of the 2025 season after surrendering a season-high 13 runs to the Miami Hurricanes on Sunday afternoon.

Fans and viewers cast their personal votes as Oscar night begins on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Avenue Roundtable: Who will be ‘Wicked’ good enough to take home the Oscars?

By Avenue Staff | Mar. 2

This year’s awards season has been nothing short of attention-grabbing. Whether it’s controversy or stunning outfits, Hollywood’s greats have made headlines left and right. However, before the season comes to a close, there’s one award show left that’s certain to draw in viewers: the 97th Academy Awards.

Florida Gators pitcher Olivia Miller (13) throws a pitch in a softball game against Providence in Gainesville, Fla., on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

No. 3 Florida Dismantles FAMU 9-1, notches sixth consecutive run rule.

By Liana Handler | Mar. 2

The neon yellow softball bounced three times on the iron-red metal roof beyond the left field wall before rolling down. A small group of children waited below with outstretched arms for a souvenir.

UF Women's Tennis player Talia Neilson-Gatenby returns the ball toward her opponent during the Florida Invitational on Jan. 11, 2025. (Credit: Kade Sowers)

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Rachel Gailis’ absence proves costly as Florida women’s tennis falls to No. 2 Georgia

By Jeffrey Serber | Mar. 2

Rachel Gailis’ absence resulted in Florida forfeiting two matches and changing its entire singles lineup, as the Gators were swept 4-0 on the road by No. 2 Georgia.

Head women's basketball coach Kelly Rae Finley watches her team from the side of the court Feb. 27.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida scores season-low 46 points as No. 1 Texas takes SEC co-champion title

By Amanda Roman | Mar. 2

For most teams, facing a top-ranked opponent in their final game of the regular season would be as daunting of a task as they come – especially if their last ranked win came in 2022. However, UF head coach Kelly Rae Finley and her Gator squad viewed this challenge as a “cool opportunity.”

Florida freshman Adhithya Ganesan (left) rips a backhand with sophomore Tanapatt Nirundorn (right) in the Gators’ 7-0 win against The Citadel on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Florida men’s tennis falls to No. 4 Texas, moves to 7-1 at home

By Curan Ahern | Mar. 2

With a vibrant blue sky and a cool breeze blanketing Gainesville, the Florida Gators (8-5) looked to extend their winning streak and to grab a fourth-straight conference win over a higher-ranked opponent. Looking to continue its own recent dominance and remain undefeated in conference play, Texas (12-2) arrived ready for the challenge on Sunday morning.

El Caimán