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METRO | POLITICS

Darts & Laurels 5/22/2014

May 21, 2014

We know Spring Fever — a general increase in energy and sexual appetite — is definitely a thing, but it seemed this week that sudden-loud-and-horrible-opinions-from-old-white-guys fever is a thing, too. From “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak coming out over Twitter as a global-warming truther (and inexplicably calling global warming “alarmists” unpatriotic and racist?) to a Florida representative claiming that the Common Core is part of the “gay agenda,” we’re left scratching our heads. So this one goes out to all irrelevant game show hosts and bigots with microphones: our keep-calm-but-maybe-don’t-carry-on? edition of Darts & Laurels

OPINION | COLUMNS

Leave the guns, take the burrito: Chipotle asks gun owners to not come in

May 21, 2014

In recent years, an eruption of mass shootings at schools, malls, movie theaters and other places of business have plagued our great country. These senseless attacks instilled a certain level of fear among the American people, who have every reason to be on heightened alert when in public places. That’s why it is so disturbing that a pro-gun group at Chipotle Mexican Grill locations in Texas decided that the best side dish for a delicious burrito is an AR-15 assault rifle.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Recipe: Proposal Cookies

By Kristan Wiggins | May 21, 2014

Warning: Adapted from a recipe called “I want to marry you,” these babies could put a ring on your finger, or if you have control issues, 5 pounds on your thighs.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Fresh Picked 5/22/14

May 21, 2014

Each Thursday, the Avenue will dish out the best in entertainment. From the silver screen to hidden Internet gems, check out this week’s top picks.

THE AVENUE | SEX

Hookup apps a big risk for a little fun, so follow tips for safety

By Lawrence Chan | May 21, 2014

From Tinder to Thrill to Grouper and Grindr, dating apps are some of the most popular social developments to hit mobile devices in recent memory.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Meet the Matwicks: Musings and meditations about food

By Kelsi | May 21, 2014

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at who will bring you the column Matwick Musings and Munchings this Summer.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Florida-focused music fest to stop in Gainesville on Saturday

By Niko Pifferetti | May 21, 2014

If traveling to Tampa is not in your itinerary for the Memorial Day weekend, you’re in luck: You can still bust out your flower crown for the Follow the Sun music festival, coming to Gainesville on May 24.

Local Restaurants: Cash or Credit Infographic

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Local eateries often cash-only, limiting card-toting customers

By Julia Lopez | May 21, 2014

Slow Gainesville summers are ideal for sampling the best-loved local restaurants. But before you set out to swipe some plastic at Satchel’s or Vine Bread & Pasta, make sure the restaurant accepts electronic tender.

The  Sunset Music Festival’s previous success also influenced the decision to make this year’s festival two days long.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Memorial Day to boost attendance for Sunset Music Festival

By Cody Smith | May 21, 2014

Central Florida’s music scene continues to grow as yet another festival graces Tampa. Sunset Music Festival, the aptly titled event scheduled to take place May 24 and 25, will bring some of the biggest names in electronic dance music to the North Lot of the Raymond James Stadium.

Will Muschamp speaks on Tuesday at Emerson Alumni Hall as a part of his 2014 Gator Gathering tour.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Muschamp talks about team, personal life at Gator Gathering

By RICHARD JOHNSON | May 20, 2014

Orange clad tables, a silent auction and a packed room of Gators fans greeted coach Will Muschamp on one of the final stops on his offseason speaking tour at the 2014 Gator Gathering at Emerson Alumni Hall — closer to home than any of the other spots around the state.

METRO

RTS free to ride on Wednesday to bring awareness of new bill

By Riana Melendez | May 19, 2014

Riders who usually pay the $3 fee for an All Day bus pass will receive one for no cost on Wednesday.

METRO

Local conservancy helps find almost-extinct bat

By Hannah Fell | May 19, 2014

A Gainesville-based animal research group working in the Solomon Islands near Papua New Guinea recently encountered something no one had seen in years — the New Georgian Monkey-Faced Fruit Bat.

METRO

Sales tax holiday prepares Floridians for hurricane season

By Kyle Follansbee | May 19, 2014

Starting May 31, Gainesville will see nine days of no sales tax intended to help residents stock up on supplies for the hurricane season.

METRO

Depot Avenue, Main Street construction closes roads

By Alex Harris | May 19, 2014

In two years, Depot Avenue will have roundabouts, landscaping and decorative lighting. But for now, it’s closed to traffic for construction.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

States start 911 texts for emergencies, not in Florida yet

By Hannah Fell | May 19, 2014

In several states, texting 911 for help is the newest way to summon police, but Florida is not among them.

Delanie Gourley pitches from the circle in Florida’s 2-0 victory against Ole Miss on March 9 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. The freshman pitcher tossed the program’s first postseason no-hitter Friday in UF’s 8-0 win against Florida A&M during the NCAA Tournament.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Three-person pitching rotation boosts UF to Super Regional

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | May 19, 2014

After UF defeated UCF 7-0 in the final game of the Gainesville Regional on Sunday to advance to its seventh NCAA Super Regional in program history, coach Tim Walton took a moment to remember former Gators pitcher Stacey Nelson.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF presidential search criteria picked, to be confirmed Friday

By Alex Harris | May 19, 2014

UF’s presidential search committee unanimously confirmed changes to the presidential search criteria at a meeting Monday, mostly strengthening the focus on UF’s preeminence campaign.

Senior Olivia Janowicz swings at the ball during her second-round singles match against FSU freshman Eduarda Dos Santos on Oct. 11, 2013, at the Bedford Cup at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Bruins halt Gators’ postseason run with a sweep

By IAN COHEN | May 19, 2014

After defeating No. 1-seed Georgia in the NCAA quarterfinals on Saturday, the Gators couldn’t pull off another upset in the semifinals.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

GPD arrests 3 for drug possession and probation violation

By Kyle Follansbee | May 19, 2014

Gainesville Police arrested two men and a woman for having .4 grams of cocaine, a crack pipe, weed and giving a false ID after a traffic stop on Sunday, officials said.

Josh Tobias throws to first base against Georgia Tech on June 3, 2012, at McKethan Stadium.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Florida earns first-round bye

By RICHARD JOHNSON | May 19, 2014

Florida’s quest for a seventh Southeastern Conference tournament championship begins this week as the top-seeded Gators descend upon Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.

El Caimán