1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Hundreds of UF students and community members gather in Turlington Plaza for a candlelight vigil to show support for Israel after after Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas launched a large-scale invasion on Monday, Oct. 10, 2023.

NEWS | CAMPUS BREAKING NEWS

Five injured after panic breaks out at UF vigil for Israel

By Claire Grunewald and Molly Seghi | Oct. 10, 2023

Hundreds of UF students and community members gathered in Turlington Plaza for a candlelight vigil to support Israel after Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas launched a large-scale invasion, but the vigil ended in chaos, confusion and five people injured after a commotion turned into a stampede.

NEWS

Young people and the fight for abortion access in Florida

Oct. 9, 2023

UF Planned Parenthood Generation Action, College Democrats, Young Democratic Socialists of America, and other student organizations are getting involved with the statewide initiative to get abortion on the ballot for the 2024 election cycle.

The comic display at Mega Gaming & Comics in Gainesville Fla., on Saturday 5, 2020.

THE AVENUE

Sequential Artists Workshop celebrates 24-Hour Comics Day

By Bonny Matejowsky | Oct. 9, 2023

While crowds of people flocked to UF’s campus to celebrate Homecoming, a smaller few congregated on the other side of town to celebrate a niche and artistic holiday: 24-Hour Comics Day.

Community members, Santa Fe College faculty and students listen to SF President Paul Broadie II deliver the opening address of the East Gainesville Initiative Community Forum at the SF Charles L. Blount Center Oct. 5.

NEWS | SFC

Santa Fe College aims to eliminate local equity gaps in education with a variety of initiatives

By Bailey Diem | Oct. 9, 2023

Dozens of community members and Santa Fe College students and faculty were present at the SF Charles L. Blount Center in downtown Gainesville Thursday night, sharing plans and progress made toward closing equity gaps in education.

The Florida volleyball team during pre-match introductions Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Outside hitter Kira Hutson out for remainder of 2023 Florida volleyball season

By Krisha Sanghavi | Oct. 9, 2023

UF freshman outside hitter Kira Hutson will be out for the rest of the volleyball season due to a shoulder injury.

UF lecturer Iman Zawahry sets up a shot on set of ‘Americanish’ by looking through the viewfinder.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

UF lecturer’s directorial debut premiered in California, Arizona theaters

By Bonny Matejowsky | Oct. 9, 2023

When UF College of Journalism and Communications lecturer Iman Zawahry attended the Phoenix Film Festival in 2022, she received an offer difficult for any filmmaker to refuse: the chance for her indie film to hit the big screen across America.

Participants of SASS Go’s program partner up to demonstrate proper self defense techniques.

THE AVENUE

‘Girls night out’: Self defense class empowers Gainesville women

By Valentina Sarmiento | Oct. 9, 2023

Editor’s note: This article discusses topics of sexual assault.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Arab American or an American Arab?

By Noor Sukkar | Oct. 9, 2023

I was born to immigrant parents in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Continents away from my roots, my parents placed me in a local Islamic school to teach me the fundamentals of my religion and language. It wasn’t until the third grade that they realized my learning would benefit from a secular education. That’s where a rift in my identity began to open.

Freshman cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson defends a pass in the Gators’ 38-14 win against the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators football finds success with freshmen midseason

By Jackson Reyes | Oct. 9, 2023

Fresh faces flew all around the field during the Gators’ Homecoming victory against the Vanderbilt Commodores and have been integral to UF’s success in head coach Billy Napier’s second season.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Learning to like college: When you’re not so in love with it

By Mia Orris | Oct. 9, 2023

College life — the long-awaited chapter in our lives supposed to be filled with newfound freedom, unforgettable memories and endless opportunities. It's the moment we've all been waiting for since childhood, right? What happens when dreams don't quite match reality?

Freshman forward Megan Hinnenkamp takes on a defender in the Gators’ 8-0 win against the Stetson Hatters on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Florida freshmen connections help foster new culture

By Austin Stirling | Oct. 9, 2023

The Gators have shown a lot of progress during the 2023 season thanks to the strong bond of this year’s team. The connection shared among players off the field has paid dividends for the team’s performance on it.

METRO

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office limits free jail phone call plan

By Zoey Thomas | Oct. 9, 2023

When Emily Westerholm visited the Alachua County Jail Oct. 1, she said the air felt like Christmas Eve. Inmates were excitedly awaiting the implementation of the county’s ordinance — allowing free and unlimited jail phone calls meant to go into effect that day. The excitement, however, didn't last long.

A young alligator drifts near the shore of Lake Alice on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2023.

ENVIRONMENT | ENTERPRISE

UF hosts first round of Lake Alice watershed management workshops

By Kylie Williams | Oct. 9, 2023

Watershed management workshops are the first step in an initiative to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan with Lake Alice in mind. Sixty percent of all stormwater on UF’s campus drains into the lake, which has suffered a long history of mismanagement and poor infrastructure.

Terrell Bradley sits at a police advisory council meeting Wednesday, July 27, 2022.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man mauled by K-9 sentenced to prison, future of K-9 unit unclear

By Valentina Sandoval | Oct. 9, 2023

The recent sentencing of a Gainesville man who lost an eye in a mauling by a Gainesville Police Department K-9 has sparked concern among the community about whether justice was served.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Theta Chi face alleged hazing penalties

By Ella Thompson | Oct. 9, 2023

Two on-campus fraternities are being investigated by the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution following Fall 2023 rush hazing allegations.

METRO

New state-appointed GRU board sets precedent in U.S. history

By Kat Tran | Oct. 9, 2023

In a crowded Gainesville City Hall on Sept. 4, a historical precedent was set as the new governor-appointed Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority board met for the first time. At the meeting, board members established meeting times and location and sought a direction for the future of Gainesville's utilities.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF celebrates 100th homecoming

By Bailey Diem and Garrett Shanley | Oct. 8, 2023

Students, staff, alumni and locals prepared for a day-long celebration in honor of UF’s 100th annual homecoming. The festivities included a festival tabled with student organizations and activities, the annual Gator Gallop run and the ever-popular homecoming parade.

Junior defender Madison Young kicks the ball in the Gators' 1-0 loss to the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Gators soccer settles for draw against Georgia

By Hailey Hurst | Oct. 8, 2023

The Florida Gators (5-4-3, 1-3-2 SEC) drew against Georgia Bulldogs (6-3-3, 2-2-2 SEC) 1-0 Sunday afternoon at the Turner Soccer Complex. This match was the second scoreless draw between the two teams since they first met in 1995.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Students, local companies share game day routines and traditions

By Megan Howard | Oct. 8, 2023

All throughout campus and University Avenue, crowds line the streets decked out in orange and blue during Gator home games. Saturday games in the swamp bring thousands of fans to Gainesville. Before electrifying the stadium with 90,000 people, students, alumni and fans tailgate to bring energy to their team.

Florida outside hitter AC Fitzpatrick sets up to hit the ball in the Gators' 3-0 loss to the Auburn Tigers on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators volleyball bounces back with a sweep against rival Alabama

By Krisha Sanghavi | Oct. 8, 2023

The No. 9 Florida Gators (12-3, 4-2 SEC) defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide (10-6, 0-5 SEC) Sunday afternoon in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.

El Caimán