1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida senior Carly Briggs serves the ball during the Gators' 4-1 win against the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Gators kick off NCAA Championship Tournament action

By Luke Adragna | May 5, 2023

The Florida Gators women’s tennis team began its 2023 campaign ranked No. 18 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. The team had a notable 2022 season in which they reached the Sweet 16 in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament — a mark they hadn’t achieved since their 2017 National Championship win.

A sign in front of the Alachua County Public Schools district office building is seen Sunday, June 6, 2021.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

First-grader unknowingly brought handgun to Meadowbrook Elementary School

By Aidan Bush | May 5, 2023

Parents were startled Wednesday after Alachua County Public Schools reported a first-grader accidentally brought a loaded gun to his classroom. No criminal charges were filed as the gun landed in the boy’s backpack from a series of events unknown to both the child and his mother, according to a release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

An empty space remains after Pollo Tropical closed in the Reitz Union on UF's campus Friday, April 28, 2023.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

Reitz Union’s Pollo Tropical closes its doors

By Aidan Bush | May 5, 2023

Formerly serving citrus-marinated chicken to lines of students, an empty construction area is all that remains of Pollo Tropical since it closed on April 26. Pollo Tropical was the latest chain restaurant to close its doors in the Reitz Union food court, preceded by Papa John’s and Wendy’s.

Florida attacker Danielle Pavinelli holds up the field during the Gators' 17-8 win over the Michigan Wolverines Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Gators survive Pirates in AAC Tournament Semifinals

By Kate Wiggins | May 4, 2023

The No. 8 Florida Gators (15-3, AAC 5-1 ) beat the East Carolina Pirates (9-9, AAC 2-3) 12-9 in the semifinal round of the AAC Tournament. The Gators trailed the Pirates for a majority of Thursday’s match until the final minutes of the game.

UF president Ben Sasse speaks to doctoral candidates on Thursday, May 4, 2023. This is his first public speech on campus.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Sasse makes on-campus public appearance at doctoral commencement

By Claire Grunewald | May 4, 2023

UF President Ben Sasse recognized UF doctoral candidates for their achievements —- making the ceremony one of his first official public on-campus appearances since appointed.

NEWS | CAMPUS BREAKING NEWS

DeSantis backs $75 million UF Jacksonville graduate campus

By Claire Grunewald | May 3, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis backed UF’s Jacksonville graduate center at a press conference Tuesday. Along with verbal support from the governor, the state increased the proposed funding for the campus by $25 million.

Florida infielder Regan Walsh throws to first base in the Gators 8-7 win against the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday, April 15, 2023.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Wallace’s two home runs not enough against Seminoles

By Brandon Hernandez | May 3, 2023

The No. 16 Florida Gators (34-17, 10-11 SEC) lost to the No. 3 Florida State Seminoles (44-8, 19-2 ACC) 8-7 in UF’s last regular season game at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium Wednesday. Despite only recording six hits in the loss against their in-state rivals, the Gators homered three times to keep the game close.

UF pitcher Jac Caglianone swings hit bat during Florida's 2-1 win against the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday, April 15, 2023.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Caglianone ties UF single-season home run record in Gators’ win over Seminoles

By Ethan Eibe | May 2, 2023

Caglianone’s power gave No. 4 Florida (36-10, 14-7 SEC) the edge in its 7-5 win over the Florida State Seminoles (15-28, 6-18 ACC) to wrap up non-conference play. Florida swept the season series with FSU and has won 22 of its last 26 games against their in-state rival.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder over a stolen lighter

By Aidan Bush | May 1, 2023

A Gainesville man was taken into custody after he allegedly stabbed another man multiple times. Torrance Lee, 38, was charged with one felony count of attempted homicide without premeditation.

Emily Chen, 8, holds up a sign protesting the proposed Interest of Foreign Countries Senate and House Bills at Southwest 13th Street and University Avenue on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Her mother, Liman Wei, said she wants her daughter to speak out against discrimation.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Gainesville residents protest ‘countries of concern’ real estate bills

By Claire Grunewald | Apr. 30, 2023

About 70 Gainesville residents gathered at Southwest 13th Street and University Avenue to protest the proposed Interest of Foreign Countries Senate and House Bills.

Vivian Filer, executive director of the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, speaks at a reception to begin Gainesville's 43rd-annual 5th Avenue Arts Festival Friday, April 28, 2023.

METRO | BUSINESS

Historic Black neighborhood honored in 43rd annual 5th Avenue Arts Festival

By Aidan Bush | Apr. 30, 2023

The Cultural Arts Coalition hosted the second day of its 43rd-annual 5th Avenue Arts Festival Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees browsed vendors selling cultural items, singing performances and a variety of local-made art. The festival is held each year to celebrate Fifth Avenue, the city’s oldest Black neighborhood, according to Gainesville Neighborhoods United.

Florida attacker Maggi Hall runs with the ball in her crosse in the Gators' 17-8 win against the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Gators crush Monarchs in final regular season game

By Kate Wiggins | Apr. 30, 2023

The No. 8 Florida Gators (14-3, 5-1 AAC) beat the Old Dominion Monarchs (4-13, 0-6 AAC) 17-5 at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex in Norfolk, Virginia, Saturday afternoon to close out the regular season.

Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford swings his bat during the Gators' 2-1 win against the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday, April 15, 2023.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

No. 4 Florida sweeps Missouri behind three-homer performance

By Ethan Eibe | Apr. 30, 2023

Neely allowed a run but shut the door in the ninth to lock down his ninth save of the season and No. 4 Florida’s (35-10, 14-7 SEC) 8-7 victory over Missouri (24-19, 5-16 SEC) at Condron Ballpark.

Florida senior Thea Jensen participates in the shot put at the Tom Jones Memorial Friday, April 14, 2023.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TRACK

Gators close regular season, compete at two different meets

By Namari Lock | Apr. 30, 2023

The Gators will compete in the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships May 11-13 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

UF shortstop Skylar Wallace rounds the bases in the Gators' 8-7 win against the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday, April 15, 2023.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

No. 14 Florida runs away with Sunday victory to end Ole Miss series

By Brandon Hernandez | Apr. 30, 2023

Ole Miss sophomore pitcher Catelyn Riley couldn’t stop the singles from coming in the bottom of the third inning.

Florida linebacker Amari Burney catches a ball during Florida's 2023 Pro Day Thursday, March 30, 2023.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Amari Burney joins Raiders as sixth round pick

By Kyle Bumpers | Apr. 29, 2023

Amari Burney became the sixth Gator drafted in the 2023 National Football League Draft Saturday. The Las Vegas Raiders picked Burney with the 203rd overall pick — the 26th pick of the sixth round.

Florida receiver Justin Shorter catches a 51-yard touchdown in the Gators' 45-35 loss to the Louisiana State Tigers Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Justin Shorter becomes second Gator drafted by Bills in 2023 NFL Draft

By Kyle Bumpers | Apr. 29, 2023

The Bills selected Shorter with the 15th pick of the fifth round — the 150th overall pick — of the 2023 National Football League Draft Saturday. He joins former UF offensive guard O’Cyrus Torrence — who was taken in the second round — as the second Gator drafted by the Bills in this year’s draft.

UF pitcher Ryan Slater celebrates near the mound in Florida's 2-1 win over the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday, April 15, 2023.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Florida secures series win over Missouri

By Topher Adams | Apr. 29, 2023

The No. 4 Florida Gators (34-10, 13-7 SEC) defeated the Missouri Tigers (24-18, 5-15 SEC) 11-7 Saturday afternoon at Condron Ballpark. UF has scored 22 runs on 21 hits in the first two games against Mizzou.

Florida shortstop Skylar Wallace swings her bat in the Gators' 8-7 win against the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday, April 15, 2023.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

No. 14 Gators swept by Ole miss in second game of weekend series

By Alyssa Britton-Harr | Apr. 29, 2023

The No. 14 Florida Gators (33-14, 9-11 SEC) lost to the Ole Miss Rebels (28-22, 7-13 SEC) 7-2 Saturday afternoon in Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

Florida linebacker Ventrell Miller dives for a tackle during the Gators’ loss to the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Ventrell Miller stays in Florida, drafted by Jaguars

By Kyle Bumpers | Apr. 29, 2023

The Jacksonville Jaguars picked Miller with the 19th pick of the fourth round — the 121st overall pick — of the 2023 National Football League Draft.

El Caimán