1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

Students protest against UF for initially denying three professors the ability to testify in a case against the state on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 on the corner of West University Avenue and Northwest 13th Street.

NEWS | CAMPUS UF ADMINISTRATION

Free UF Coalition hosts teach-in event on academic freedom

By Elena Barrera | Apr. 2, 2022

Eight professors spoke out in November about their rights being barred by the university, raising questions about the institution’s independence from the state government. Since then, students and faculty have been working to spark change around the campus. The United Faculty of Florida, UF Young Democratic Socialists of America, UF College Democrats and the United Campus Workers organized the coalition and the outdoor event.

Florida's Brandon Sproat pitches against Jacksonville on March 13, 2021. Sproat pitched 8.1 innings Tuesday in Florida's 2-1 win over South Carolina.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Gators’ offense collapses, drop game two, series to Georgia

By Carson Cashion | Apr. 1, 2022

In a decisive game two, Georgia topped the Gators 6-1. Florida, who has now lost four straight SEC games, will look to avoid the sweep tomorrow.

Florida center fielder Jud Fabian makes a slide for second base against Florida A&M. His home run against Georgia ended up falling short, as the Bulldogs would walk off the game in the bottom of the ninth.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Jud Fabian’s epic heroics ruled meaningless by bullpen disaster

By Ethan Budowsky | Apr. 1, 2022

It would end with No. 14 Florida (18-8, 3-4) in a major hole, down a game in the series following a 7-6 loss to the rival No. 23 Bulldogs (20-6, 4-3) Thursday.

Freshman Sloane Blakely and the No. 2 Gators gymnastics squad advanced to the Auburn Regional Final Thursday night.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Thomas is brilliant as Gators Gymnastics advances to Auburn Regional Final

By Madeline Lawson | Apr. 1, 2022

Trinity Tomas’ two 10s garnered her a season high all-around score, 39.875.

The Florida Gators fell in game one of their Super Regional against Virginia Tech.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida hits the road for a three-game series against Auburn

By Brenda Bogle | Mar. 31, 2022

After failing to snatch the series victory against Tennessee, Florida hopes to capture redemption against Auburn. The Tigers will look to bounce back from a nail-biting series loss to Kentucky.

Cornerback Kaiir Elam participated in the Florida Gators Pro Day Monday. The NFL Draft kicks off April 28.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators have scouts taking notes a month before NFL Draft

By Joseph Henry | Mar. 31, 2022

The Gators hosted Pro Day Monday, giving their athletes with NFL ambitions the chance to show out in front of team scouts

Senior right-handed pitcher Elizabeth Hightower picked up her ninth win over the No. 22 UCF Knights Wednesday night.

SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Florida explodes for a monstrous second inning, crushes UCF 10-3

By Caleb Wiegandt | Mar. 31, 2022

No. 7 Florida Gators softball trampled No. 22 UCF Wednesday night after a monstrous offensive performance in the second inning.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

“Night Before Gainesville” shines spotlight on talented Florida artists

By Dazion Prosser | Mar. 30, 2022

“Night Before Gainesville” screened more than 120 music videos and short films from Florida-based artists and filmmakers at the Hippodrome Theater.

Nicole Villanueva, UF alumna, gets her COVID-19 booster shot at the vaccine drive by OCOH on Monday, March 21.

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

A gentle encouragement: Art provides new incentive for COVID-19 vaccinations, discussions

By Fernando Figueroa and Lucille Lannigan | Mar. 30, 2022

Flyers with COVID-19 statistics are being swapped out for artistic displays. A UF-funded arts and vaccine confidence project on campus aims to spread accurate information about COVID-19 and vaccines as part of a larger campaign.

Birdie Box's Maui Wowie Sando with grilled pineapple and Sweet and Spicy sauce added. (Courtesy to The Alligator)

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Gourmet chicken sandwiches galore at Birdie Box’s grand opening

By Eileen Calub | Mar. 30, 2022

Birdie Box, a gourmet chicken sandwich food truck at 2216 SW 13th St, will have its grand opening as a cashless drive-up and curbside pick-up restaurant on April 1.

Junior defender Becky Browndorf advances the ball upfield. The No. 9 Gators defeated No. 22 Jacksonville Wednesday night .

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS LACROSSE

Florida continues winning ways, defeats Mercer 19-5

By Topher Adams | Mar. 30, 2022

Elite goaltending and dominant offense lead the Gators to their fifth-straight win, defeating the Mercer Bears 19-5 on the road.

Shortstop Josh Rivera delivers a throw to first base. The Gators downed rival Florida State, 6-3 Tuesday night.

SPORTS | BASEBALL

Rivera and Langford’s heroics lead Florida to win over rival Seminoles

By Ethan Budowsky | Mar. 30, 2022

The Gators desperately needed a win Tuesday over instate rival Florida State and Josh Rivera and Wyatt Langford delivered it in style.

Cristie Anderson, 38, a nursing student at Santa Fe College, passes by the Alan J. Robertson Administration building on Friday, June 18, 2021.

NEWS | SFC

Santa Fe College still plans for a precautionary spring graduation ceremony even after lifting all COVID-19 protocols

By Lily Kino | Mar. 30, 2022

Santa Fe College upholds its plans to host a limited-capacity graduation ceremony in April despite lifting all COVID-19 restrictions. Santa Fe lifted COVID-19 precautions related to serving food, onsite class size and event size across all SFC properties Monday. However, graduates will still be socially distanced at their April celebrations.

Members of the Florida Not One More student group attend a press conference held by two attorneys representing the families of Maggie Paxton and Sophia Lambert in wrongful death lawsuits on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. The conference included statements from each attorney and the family of Sophia Lambert, read by Rabbi Jonah Zinn, the executive director of UF Hillel.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

“There is no excuse and no apology worthy”: Driver in the Maggie Paxton hit-and-run unsuccessfully tries to change his plea

By Troy Myers | Mar. 29, 2022

The judge did not accept the change of plea with the proposed minimum sentence by Figueroa’s attorney, Robert Rush. Figueroa, his mother, father and Rush all sat in silence without visible rejection.

Clayton Brown vaults himself over the bar in the high jump during the Pepsi Florida Relays on Friday, April 2, 2021 at Percy Beard Track at James G. Pressly Stadium in Gainesville. The Gators participated in their first outdoor meet of the season last week. / UAA Communications photo by Courtney Culbreath

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TRACK

Gators Track and Field Takes On First Outdoor Meets of 2022

By Ethan Eibe | Mar. 29, 2022

After capturing its first women’s national indoor title in 30 years, Florida track and field now turns the page to start the outdoor season.

Junior Marlee Zein and senior McCartney Kessler against Arkansas on March 14, 2021. The Gators overcame the Mississippi State Bulldogs Sunday afternoon.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Florida defeats Mississippi State in singles competition

By Vanessa Sanchez | Mar. 28, 2022

Florida women's tennis earned its sixth-consecutive victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs Sunday afternoon.

THE AVENUE | NIGHTLIFE

LGBTQ+ nightlife, drag scene flourishes in Gainesville

By Jared Teitel and Amanda Friedman | Mar. 28, 2022

The downtown nightclub, located at 18 E University Ave, became Gainesville’s first gay club after opening its doors more than 30 years ago. It’s widely recognized as the heart of Gainesville’s LGBTQ+ nightlife.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Masks off? Students, professors hesitate to follow UF’s relaxed masking policy

By Alligator Staff report | Mar. 28, 2022

Since Wednesday, UF no longer recommends or expects students to wear masks but welcomes them to mask if they choose to. UF released new masking guidance due to a decline in local and nationwide COVID-19 case numbers.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Remembering and honoring Prateek Sharma, a hit-and-run victim

By Carissa Allen | Mar. 28, 2022

On the eve of Holi this year, Sharma walked along the sidewalk of Southwest 34th Street to the market to pick up gujiya, a popular Holi delicacy. Sharma was fatally hit and killed March 17. He was 21 years old.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Avenue roundtable: And the Grammy goes to…

By Avenue Staff | Mar. 28, 2022

The Avenue staff teamed up to give our breakdown of six Grammys categories — Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Rap Album — giving both our Grammys predicted winner and who we think deserves to win. Musical talent, lyricism, popularity and even drama are all on display in our analyses.

El Caimán