Sara-James Ranta

Digital Managing Editor

Sara-James Ranta is a UF journalism senior, minoring in sociology of social justice and policy, and The Alligator's Spring 2026 digital managing editor. She previously worked as The Alligator's metro editor, K-12 education reporter and university reporter. In her free time, SJ is watching a new show, listening to EDM or discussing Star Wars.

Metro

A story of uncomfortable chairs and humbling truths

By Sara-James Ranta | Apr. 20

The chairs are never comfortable. But that's not the point of the chairs.

Florida Board of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas wrote the Alachua County School Board allegedly violated the civil liberties of a parent.

Dylan Speicher

Metro

From Hulk Hogan to the hot seat: Alachua board chair faces state backlash

By Sara-James Ranta | Aug. 4

The commissioner’s rebuke about the death of celebrity wrestler Hulk Hogan caps off a volatile week for the Alachua County School Board – one that began with a Facebook post and ended in political condemnation, threats against Rockwell’s family and a board meeting that broke into chaos.

Alachua County school board members discuss the Newberry charter contract on Monday, June 9, 2025

Jordan Klucharich

Metro

Alachua County School Board responds to Hulk Hogan Facebook comment controversy

By Sara-James Ranta | Aug. 1

The Alachua County School Board addressed controversy over a comment on Hulk Hogan’s death and approved the tentative budget and millage rate at a budget hearing Thursday night.

Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward (center) delivers the State of the City address at the Cade Museum while accompanied by the rest of the City Commission members onstage Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023.

Alex Winn

Metro

New Florida CFO targets Gainesville in sweeping audit

By Sara-James Ranta | July 22

In less than one day on the job, newly appointed Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia stated he will audit the City of Gainesville after sending a seven-page letter to Mayor Harvey Ward.

Counter protesters for the Stop Camp Blanding Protest raise a flag and sign while protesters chant and an organizer encourages other not to engage with them in Starke, Fla., on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Sydney Johnson

Metro

After Florida opens ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ activists worry Camp Blanding is next

By Sara-James Ranta | July 21

Over 250 people gathered in the beating sun July 19 to protest what could become Florida’s next immigration detention center. Protesters gathered across a nearly mile-long stretch across the road from Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in a heat index near 105 degrees.

Protestors march with a paper-machete puppet of President Trump down Southwest Sixth Street during the "No Kings Day" protest on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Libby Clifton

Metro

From the battlefield to the sidewalk: Veterans take a stand on ‘No Kings Day’

By Sara-James Ranta | June 16

Kirk Moss stood in the pouring rain carrying a 12-foot-tall papier-mâché caricature of President Donald Trump. The structure’s orange skin, puckered lips, navy suit and red tie – a classic Trump fashion choice – blew in the breeze.

Anwitha Sriraha (far right) chants with her friends Savannah Kesser (center) and Thanmal Yakkanti (far left) on Southwest Sixth Street during the "No Kings Day" protest on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Libby Clifton

Metro

Gainesville and High Springs residents join in nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ protests

By Sara-James Ranta and Logan McBride | June 14

On a hot and humid Saturday, two protests 40 minutes apart in Gainesville and High Springs were part of a nationwide series of over 2,000 “No Kings Day” demonstrations opposing President Donald Trump and his administration.

Jordan Klucharich

Metro

Florida Attorney General warns Alachua County School Board about co-ed cabins at Camp Crystal Lake

By Sara-James Ranta | June 13

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a warning to the Alachua County School Board Friday following a “credible complaint” alleging two “biological boys” were housed in a second-grade girls’ cabin at Camp Crystal Lake.

Jordan Klucharich

Metro

Alachua County School Board approves Newberry Community Charter contract

By Sara-James Ranta | June 9

The Alachua County School Board unanimously approved the Newberry Community Charter contract Monday morning. The five-year charter contract will give Newberry Community School Inc. the authority to operate the school starting July 1, 2026.

Alachua County Public Schools board member Sarah Rockwell watches a speaker as the clock hits one second on their allotted time during a board meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

Noah Lantor

Metro

Alachua County School Board discusses local literacy gaps, postpones vote on Newberry charter contract

By Sara-James Ranta | June 4

The Alachua County School Board heard reports from a local literacy needs assessment and voted to table the Newberry Charter contract at a meeting Tuesday night.