A recent court decision suggests that law enforcement can no longer prosecute violators of Florida's "Open Carry Ban."

Metro

18- to 20-year-olds can now openly carry a firearm in Florida

By Teia Williams | July 6

Adults under 21 can now legally carry a firearm after a June 17 Florida court ruling.

Customers look over the menu of DJ's Cast Iron Burgers Wednesday, July 8, 2026 in Gainesville, Fla.

News

DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers soft opens first brick-and-mortar location

By Brandy Sumner | 4:09pm

Jancie Vinson speaks at a school rezoning town hall meeting hosted by the Visionaries and NAACP Alachua County branch in Gainesville, Fla., Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.

Metro

Get to know soon-to-be ACPS board member Jancie Vinson

By Grace Larson | 2:42pm

Alachua County residents may recognize Jancie Vinson from the crowd at school board meetings or as someone ...

Metro

UF clinical assistant professor arrested on child pornography charges

By Julianna Bendeck | 2:33pm

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 40-year-old Newberry man on child pornography charges ...

Florida right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson (12) tosses the ball during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Sports

Scouting the draft: Which Gators are likely to go in the 2026 MLB Draft?

By Colton Veres | 11:08am

The draft will take place from July 11-12, with Rounds 1-4 being held Saturday and Rounds 5-20 taking ...

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Monday, 7/6/2026

New issues of The Independent Florida Alligator are available every week.

Florida Board of Governors appoints UF’s 14th president

By Swasthi Maharaj | July 1

The Florida Board of Governors voted Wednesday at a special meeting to confirm Stuart Bell as UF’s next president, ending several months of uncertainty for the university.

UF Police Department celebrates K-9s’ birthday ‘paw-ty’

By Olivia Lofaso | June 30

Board of Governors to vote on five-year UF presidency contract for Stuart Bell Wednesday

By Swasthi Maharaj | June 30

A look into the contract of UF incoming interim president Stuart Bell

By Swasthi Maharaj | June 30

Working full-time, paying full tuition: Students weigh pros and cons of internship graduation requirements

By Hailey Kon | June 30

Local leaders reflect on their political journeys amid America’s 250th anniversary

By Olivia Lofaso | July 4

As the nation celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, local leaders and community advocates reflect not only on the nation’s past, but also on the future of policymaking and advocacy in their communities.

What District 21 Democratic candidates are saying about GRU, housing, schools

By Julianna Bendeck | July 3

The Florida Department of Education released school grades. How did ACPS do?

By Grace Larson | July 2

Families flock to celebrate patriotism, tribute and a sculpture reveal at Gainesville Health and Fitness

By Sam Rislin | July 1

Amid Alligator Alcatraz closure, residents ask if an ICE center agrees ‘everything is better in Bradford’

By Chloe Santiago | June 29

Sports

Florida forward Alex Condon (21) drives during the first half of an SEC Men's Basketball Tournament semifinal game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

Alex Condon makes debut with Australia’s senior team

By Jeffrey Serber | July 6

Making his debut with Australia’s senior national team, Florida’s Alex Condon aided the Boomers to wins against Guam on Friday and the Philippines on Monday to end the first round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Florida addresses key needs in transfer portal; left-handed pitching remains a question

By Colton Veres | July 6

Elli McKissock returns to Florida, signs with the Orlando Valkyries

By Nicole Scura | July 6

Higher season ticket prices leave UF students weighing options

By Lily Perkins | July 2

Alijah Martin signs two-year deal with Toronto Raptors

By Jeffrey Serber | July 1

Multimedia & Podcasts

More Multimedia

The Chainsmokers headlined SwampFest at Flavet Field April 14, with DJ opener Riordan. The iconic duo mixed in new material with hits like “Paris” and “Don’t Let Me Down,” also remixing classics like “Teenage Dirtbag” and “Seven Nation Army.”

SLIDESHOW

DJ duo Chainsmokers performs at SwampFest

Apr. 15

About 2,000 people gathered at Gainesville’s Cora Roberson Park on Saturday to protest the Trump administration. The protest was part of No Kings demonstrations planned across the country — the third since the series began June 14, 2025, and the first of this year.

SLIDESHOW

GALLERY: Thousands attend the first No Kings protest of the year

Mar. 29

A crowd of around 40 people gathered by a bench to watch 20 members of UF’s Lettuce Club compete in a lettuce eating competition Feb. 19. Many watched with their own pieces of lettuce in hand, and some even gripped personal bottles of dressing to complement the leafy greens.

SLIDESHOW

UF’s Lettuce Club holds its first eating competition

Mar. 10

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The Avenue

Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. soft-launched its coffee shop Morning Brew last month.

Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. offers a second kind of brew

By Christopher Rodriguez | July 5

This is the aroma of Morning Brew, the brewery’s new coffee venture that soft-launched earlier last month. Its grand opening is set to take place Aug. 8 as the brewery celebrates its ninth anniversary. The soft launch provides a window for the brewery to fine-tune the cafe, train the staff and smooth out any wrinkles in their systems.

‘Growing, relationships and time’: Anna Poacelli starts solo career with ‘Farmhouse’

By Brandy Sumner | July 5

Meet Dawg, Gainesville’s cock of the town

By Mackenzie Haas | July 5

Since 1990, Gainesville’s University Club has celebrated Pride year-round

By Sarah Valdes | June 30

This summer, travelers are choosing staycations

By Sam Rislin | June 30

Opinions

Three early risers enjoy a peaceful morning at Payne’s Prairie on the Bolen Bluff trail on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

OPINION: From Glacier to Gainesville, national and state parks show the importance of nature conservation

By Ella Finkelstein | July 3

It’s a bright, sunny day. What do you do? You could take the ever-popular float down one of the numerous springs near Gainesville; it can be a refreshing and relaxing experience. Or you could visit the crowd-pleasing Paynes Prairie, brimming with wildlife like bison, horses and alligators.