Lily Hartzema

Copy Editor

Lily Hartzema is a junior journalism major specializing in data journalism. She previously served as the Metro's Spring 2026 General Assignment Reporter. In her past-time, she enjoys reading, exploring new trails and photographing anything that catches her eye.

A sign for Quikrete Cement sits at 4000 NW County Rd 235, in Newberry, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Bayden Armstrong

El Caimán

Residentes de Newberry denuncian ruido constante, polvo provenientes de una planta de cemento cercana

By Juliana DeFilippo , Angelique Rodriguez and Lily Hartzema | May 18

Cuando Jeff White se mudó a Newberry hace 16 años, él y su esposa planeaban quedarse allí por el resto de sus vidas. Solían bromear diciendo que el sonido proveniente de la cercana planta de cemento era la playa produciendo "una suave brisa,” a pesar de vivir a dos horas del océano más cercano.

Bayden Armstrong

Metro

Newberry residents report constant noise, dust from nearby cement plant

By Juliana DeFilippo and Lily Hartzema | May 12

When Jeff White moved to Newberry 16 years ago, he and his wife planned to stay for the rest of their lives. They used to joke that the noise from the nearby cement plant was the beach making ”a little breezy noise,” despite living two hours from the nearest ocean.

Book Nook Cafe, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Juleidi Machuca

News

How 3 small Gainesville businesses are using — or rejecting — AI

By Lily Hartzema | Apr. 13

As the integration of AI becomes more prominent, local businesses are deciding how far they are willing to incorporate it into their systems.

A waste collection bin at Alachua/High Springs Rural Collection Center, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

Caroline Walsh

Metro

Gainesville’s Food Waste Ordinance is 4 years old. Why don’t people know about it?

By Lily Hartzema | Mar. 13

As the ordinance approaches four years since its establishment, some Gainesville residents say they find its enforcement lacking.

An indoor golf simulator is set up inside Future Country Club in Gainesville, Fla., on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Alyvia Logan

Metro

Golf simulator business tees up success for Gainesville brothers

By Lily Hartzema | Mar. 3

What began as a way to practice golf has quickly evolved into a two-location sold-out concept for two Gainesville brothers.

The Standard apartment complex is pictured along West University Avenue and SW 13th St., Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Alyvia Logan

Metro

Gainesville luxury apartment growth still raising concerns as The Standard approaches 10th anniversary

By Lily Hartzema | Mar. 3

The Standard celebrated its 10-year anniversary of the start of its construction, marking a decade of luxury high-rise living in Gainesville.

Gainesville woman sues local businesses for not complying with ADA website guidelines.

Eva Lu

Metro

Some Gainesville businesses still fighting after mass ADA compliance lawsuits

By Lily Hartzema | Feb. 28

A Gainesville woman, Makeda Evans, sued 49 businesses, including 43 in Alachua County, for failing to comply with ADA accessibility requirements for websites over the course of a year and a half, Mainstreet Daily News first reported in December 2025.

Courtesy of the Associated Press

News

UF Police Department responds to unattended bag left at Tigert Hall

By Lily Hartzema | Feb. 20

University Police Department temporarily restricted access to the area out of caution to inspect the bag.

Recycling Services of America center sorts items at 2874 NE 1st Terrace in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, Jan, 9, 2026.

Matthew Quesada

Metro

What can you recycle in Alachua County, and where?

By Lily Hartzema | Jan. 27

UF, in addition to the county, are investing in both community education and smart recycling technologies to help prevent pollution and reduce environmental impact.

The Millhopper Family Dentistry and UF host free dental clinics in February for the Gainesville community.

Daniela Peñafiel

Metro

Millhopper Family Dentistry, UF to host free dental clinics in February

By Lily Hartzema | Jan. 25

Millhopper Family Dentistry will host its free dental clinic, Care to Share, Feb. 28 beginning at 8 a.m. for the first 100 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Free dental services include fillings, extractions and cleanings, according to the Care to Share flyer.