1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

The parking lot next to Flavet Field at UF, shown on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, was changed to a green decal only location. This change affects the ability of students with Park and Ride decals to park on campus. (Photo by Kiara Cline)

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

UF cuts designated Park and Ride lots for Fall, frustrating students

By Camila Pereira | Sep. 7, 2021

The two Park and Ride lots that changed this Fall include the Flavet Field parking lot, which was restored to student green decal parking, and the commuter parking lot next to Garage 14, which is permanently closed because it is currently a construction site and will later be the site for the new Central Energy Plant Project, according to UF’s Campus Master Plan.

UF Baby Gator at Newell Drive is seen on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. (Photo by Esha Nair)

NEWS | CAMPUS

Baby Gator toddlers exposed to COVID-19, parents are upset by lack of transparency

By Maya Erwin | Sep. 7, 2021

Over the month of August, dozens of toddlers from Baby Gator — a childcare center for UF affiliates — were sent home for two weeks to quarantine as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak within the school.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

Alachua County Public Schools parents and students lose structured online learning option

By Bryce Brown | Sep. 7, 2021

After a year of Alachua County Public School students having the choice to learn from home, parents now have one less remote option.

METRO

Terrah-rizing the turntables: Remembering Akeem “DJ Terrah” Thompson

By Faith Buckley | Sep. 7, 2021

Despite being fully vaccinated, Thompson, better known as DJ Terrah from 98.9 JAMZ, passed away Aug. 19 from COVID-19 at age 39.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

New school board member sworn in amid concerns about her appointment

By Jiselle Lee | Sep. 7, 2021

Appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Mildred Russell was sworn into the District 2 seat on the Alachua County School Board Aug. 26, replacing former school board member Diyonne McGraw.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

Alachua County Public Schools files lawsuit against Florida Department of Health

By Omar Ateyah | Sep. 7, 2021

The lawsuit challenges a rule aimed to sharply limit schools’ abilities to enforce students wearing masks

A family of Florida fans takes a picture during a pre-game tailgate in front of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Sept. 4.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida Gators kickoff their season with a packed Swamp to cheer them on

By Elena Barrera | Sep. 7, 2021

After a year of social distancing, cancelled tailgates and half-capacity crowds, Gator fans from far and wide packed the Swamp on Saturday for the first game of the season against the FAU Owls.

Ryan Ealy, 20, Feliz Flavors shift lead, hands off two small ice creams to customers on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. The truck is located at 4th Ave Food Park and has flavors that range from matcha to passion fruit.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Feliz Flavors doesn’t plan on cooling down any time soon

By Anushka Dakshit | Sep. 7, 2021

With its natural ingredients and classic Latin flavorings, local ice cream truck Feliz Flavors aims to take over the ice cream industry.

Florida head coach Dan Mullen reacts after FAU scores its first touchdown.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Grantham says Florida won’t bend or break on defense

By Zachary Huber | Sep. 7, 2021

“We’re not going to be a bend but don’t break style. We’re going to challenge people,” defensive coordinator Todd Grantham told media Monday evening about his unit’s attitude.

Florida's Emory Jones on the field during the Gators' season-opening 35-14 victory over Florida Atlantic on Sept. 4.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Mullen talks Jones and Richardson, in-state games

By Ryan Haley | Sep. 6, 2021

Florida football head coach Dan Mullen answered questions about his two quarterbacks, Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson,and the importance of in-state rivalries on Monday.

Malik Davis (20) takes a handoff from Emory Jones during Florida's season-opening 35-14 victory over Florida Atlantic on Sept. 4.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida offense offers mixed bag versus FAU

By Zachary Huber | Sep. 6, 2021

Florida’s offense provided varying results against the Owls. The rushing attack gashed FAU for 400 yards, but the passing game sputtered and never got in sync.

Florida's Marlie Monserez celebrates with her teammates during a game in 2019.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

No. 5 Florida volleyball handles No. 10 Golden Gophers to win home opener

By Joseph Henry | Sep. 5, 2021

“It felt great to have the O’Dome back being the O’Dome,” Florida coach Mary Wise said following the Gators victory over Minnesota.

Alivia Gonzalez, pictured during her sophomore year, scored the game-winning goal Sunday afternoon versus Florida Gulf Coast University.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Sixth time’s the charm, Gators earn season’s first win at FGCU

By Ryan Zehnder | Sep. 5, 2021

Alivia Gonzalez’ goal earned Florida its first win of the season Sunday afternoon over Florida Gulf Coast.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

One dead after game night shooting on West University Avenue

By Isabella Douglas | Sep. 5, 2021

Gainesville Police Department responded to multiple shots fired Sept. 5 at 238 West University Avenue near downtown. After arriving to the scene, GPD began treating the victim who collapsed at Northwest First Ave almost immediately after the shooting, according to a department release.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson scrambles against the FAU Owls. Richardson carried the ball seven times for 160 yards in the 35-14 win Saturday.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Richardson and Davis run rampant over Owls 35-14

By Michael Hull | Sep. 5, 2021

Malik Davis and Anthony Richardson became the first Florida duo to each go over 100 yards rushing since Jordan Scarlett and La’Mical Perine against Vanderbilt in 2018 in Saturday’s 35-14 win over FAU.

Kit Loferski runs with the ball during a 2019 game against Florida Gulf Coast.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Gators continue quest for victory against unranked Florida Gulf Coast

By Jesse Richardson | Sep. 4, 2021

Florida soccer (0-4-1) continues the hunt for a win against Florida Gulf Coast in Ft. Myers, Florida.

The Florida volleyball team huddles in a game against LSU in 2019. No. 5 Florida takes on No. 10 Minnesota Sunday at 2 p.m. in the O'Dome.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida opens home season against No. 10 Minnesota

By Kaitlyn Wadulack | Sep. 4, 2021

The No. 5 Gators are set to host the No. 10 Minnesota Golden Gophers Sunday in its home opener.

Freshman quarterback Emory Jones threw for 125 yards and two touchdowns on 12-of-16 passing in Florida's 63-10 victory over Idaho on Nov. 17, 2018.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Opening night lights: Previewing Florida football’s season debut

By Ryan Haley | Sep. 3, 2021

The Gators take the field for the first time in 2021 on Saturday night as @ryan_dhaley previews what to expect in Florida’s season opener.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville City Commission special election to be held on Nov. 16

By Meghan McGlone | Sep. 3, 2021

The election will take place Nov. 16. Early voting will be open from Nov. 12 to Nov. 14 at the Supervisor of Elections’ office and Millhopper Branch Library from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Florida football players celebrate with fans. The Swamp will see full attendance return in 2021

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gator fans and students await first full capacity home game while COVID-19 surges

By Noah Ram | Sep. 3, 2021

Brandi McElvain Fisher didn’t fret about cheering alongside 90,000 fans at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium three months ago. Now, she has a few doubts.

El Caimán