1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Generations of Barbie fans wear pink for Gainesville early screening

By Valentina Sarmiento | July 24, 2023

The Barbie Blowout Party took place at the Regal Celebration Pointe 10 & RPX theater July 19. The Gainesville theater was one of the select theaters to host a celebration for the early screening. Staff set up the display weeks prior for guests to take photos commemorating Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.”

The UFORA apartment complex is seen at 1404 W University Ave. in Gainesville on Thursday, June 20, 2023.

METRO

UFORA apartment delays leave students scattered in August

By Gabriel Velasquez Neira | July 24, 2023

UFORA residents are unsure when they can move in as the school year creeps up.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

Celebrating Disability Pride Month: UF’s disability, accessibility resources

By Jinelle Vazquez | July 24, 2023

With more than 6,800 students registered at the UF Disability Resource Center, accessibility is a priority among the university community — though some students feel UF has plenty to improve.

Senator Geraldine Thompson, addresses the State Board of Education about Florida's State Academic Standards and teaching African American studies to public schools students in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The State Board of Education was meeting in Orlando to adopt a number of rules required by new state laws. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel via AP)

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

Florida Board of Education releases new standards for Black history curriculum

By Nicole Beltran | July 24, 2023

The Florida Board of Education issued a new set of standards for African American history instruction in Florida public schools, evoking controversy about how students should be learning about American history.

Gainesville-based Drag Queen Kelly T. Kelly leads a number in the second act of Kinky Boots at the Gainesville Community Playhouse on Friday, July 21, 2023.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

“Kinky Boots” Receives Standing Ovation Opening Night

By Leia Ulrich | July 24, 2023

The sold-out crowd of more than 200 people laughed, cried and cheered during the opening night of “Kinky Boots” on Friday. The eclectic production will be running until Aug. 13 at the Gainesville Community Playhouse.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

New car center, arts center to come to Gainesville

By Emma Parker | July 24, 2023

Gainesville City Commission approved the construction of a Tesla car center and a dance cultural center by unanimous decision.

Sam Harris, former navy pilot and UF alumni, works on a model B-17 flying fortress at his home in Ormond Beach on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.

METRO

Seventy-nine years since Florida Gator plane crash

By Ella Thompson | July 24, 2023

Flying “The Florida Gator” — a blue plane with bright orange trim, and a large alligator mouth with orange lips — Durst approached the French coast at 24,000 feet as the third plane in the formation with nothing but speed and a camera.

The Priest Theatre is seen at 15 NW 1st St. in High Springs on Sunday, July 23, 2023.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Community members support rebuilding local movie theater

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 24, 2023

The High Springs community lined up for public comment at the City Commission meeting July 13. The item on the docket is the latest local love story: the bond between High Springs and the Priest Theatre. The theater closed down during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained closed ever since, losing its structural integrity with each passing day. But its community refuses to let it die.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

‘Abuse of power’: debates spark over Change Party budget amendment

By Vivienne Serret | July 24, 2023

After the Big Five budget had its first of two readings at the July 18 UF Student Government Senate meeting, an amendment reallocating funds from SG agencies passed despite a majority of Senate disapproval. It will undergo its second reading July 25.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF student creates independent RTS app

By Garrett Shanley | July 21, 2023

Jonathan Wukitsch, a 19-year-old UF computer science sophomore, used the city’s GNV RideRTS app every day for a year to get to campus. He decided Gainesville commuters needed an upgrade after he experienced regular glitches.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Student body president clears the record on nominee investigation

By Vivienne Serret | July 19, 2023

The July 18 Senate meeting brought forth concerns about the recent Southeastern Exchange Conference, which took place at the University of Mississippi from July 13 to July 16.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Gainesville, UF soccer community reacts to Lionel Messi’s move to U.S.

By Brandon Hernandez | July 17, 2023

Lionel Messi was introduced in Miami July 16 as he prepares to join Major League Soccer club Inter Miami this season.

The front entrance of the James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Training Center Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

University police respond to Heavener Football Training Center burglary

By Jackson Castellano | July 17, 2023

Four unidentified individuals burglarized the Heavener Football Training Center early morning July 8. University of Florida police released a statement July 13.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

UF resident assistant arrested for alleged sexual assault on campus

By Amanda Friedman | July 17, 2023

A UF resident assistant was arrested by UPD and charged with sexual battery of a victim between 12 and 18 years old July 8.

Community members express their thoughts on the proposed East Gainesville sports complex at the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

METRO

'You don't know our story': Community expresses frustrations, hopes for Eastside sports complex

By Amanda Friedman | July 17, 2023

Tired of settling for crumbs, Gainesville residents shared their dreams for the developing Eastside sports complex with city staff during the project’s first public engagement effort last week.

It came from outer space and settled on a small stage in Gainesville. The feature crept up in the form of a summer-themed production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The show, presented by Glory Days & Frankie and The Pretenders, will be held at the High Dive, located at 210 SW 2nd Ave, until Aug. 2. The stage, adorned with pool noodles and dildos, hosts the stilettos-wearing cast while the original 1975 picture plays behind them. The troupe puts on its Rocky “Super Wet Supersoaker Summer Extravaganza” throughout July and early August each year.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

The cast of Gainesville’s Rocky Horror Picture Show leaves summer audiences ‘shivering with anticipation’

By Valentina Sarmiento | July 17, 2023

The feature crept up in the form of a summer-themed production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The show, presented by Glory Days & Frankie and The Pretenders, will be held at the High Dive, located at 210 SW 2nd Ave, until Aug. 2. The stage, adorned with pool noodles and dildos, hosts the stilettos-wearing cast while the original 1975 picture plays behind them. The troupe puts on its Rocky “Super Wet Supersoaker Summer Extravaganza” throughout July and early August each year.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville’s beauty industry: Nailing customer service

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 17, 2023

There’s a familiar comfort that comes from sitting across the same trusty nail technician for a bi-weekly touch up. Their trusted hands and creative eyes have been there for every birthday, anniversary or other special occasion. These nail technicians, or nail techs, have unique skills and creativity as well as a dedication to their clients that have fostered lifelong relationships.

Michael Fair, 31, explains the engine of his Buick Skylark at the Gainesville Raceway on Saturday, July 15, 2023.

METRO

Roll race hits Gainesville Raceway track for the first time

By Emma Parker | July 17, 2023

As a black BMW M Series and a neon blue Rolls-Royce Cullinan were driven up to the starting line, quiet fell on the race's audience. Engines revving broke the silence in a burnout to get better grip on the track.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

Game day parking app launched mid-July

By Nicole Beltran | July 17, 2023

The app offers local residents and businesses the opportunity to monetize their available parking spaces on game days.

The interior of Liberty Street Pub is seen at 1718 W University Ave.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

New Midtown pub to replace Grog House Bar & Grill

By Leia Ulrich | July 17, 2023

When Grog House Bar & Grill officially closed its doors in May, students wondered if this was the beginning of the end for Midtown. They didn’t yet know something new was coming. In its place, Liberty Street Pub will be opening Aug. 11 at 1718 W University Ave.

El Caimán