Metro

Gainesville man arrested for uploading, distributing child pornography

By Olivia Shehadi | Mar. 27

A Gainesville man was arrested Wednesday and faces three counts of distribution of child pornography and 49 counts of child pornography possession.

Match Madness: Adoption fees waived at Alachua County Animal Services

By Elise Ballart | Mar. 28

Florida’s fetal personhood bill raises concerns over criminalizing pregnancy

By Amanda Roman | 7:01pm

Mail workers protest the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the United States Postal Service in Gainesville, Fla. on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

Gainesville USPS workers, supporters rally against DOGE’s plans to slash postal service

By Pristine Thai | Mar. 23

Construction on the sidewalk outside of Pofahl Studios.

‘This is our home’: Dance studio owners, city clash over sidewalk placement

By Olivia Shehadi | Mar. 19

Data shows a downward trend in officers per 1,000 civilians in the GPD over the past 50 years.

Gainesville Police Department understaffing puts strain on residents’ faith

By Kaysheri Haffner | Mar. 14

More Metro

Signs announcing the store's closure and discounts are displayed at the entrance of the JOANN Fabric and Craft store on Archer Road on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

‘I feel like I'm mourning a death’: Joann is closing its doors after over 80 years

By Annie Wang | Mar. 13

Joann Fabrics is shutting down after more than 80 years in business. The Gainesville location has served customers for over 11 years.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man arrested after hammer attack at bookstore

By Olivia Shehadi | Mar. 8

A Gainesville man was arrested Friday and charged with attempted murder after reportedly attacking a man with a hammer inside the bookstore 2nd & Charles.

Kay Abbitt’s resignation leaves questions about District 5’s present and future.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

How Kay Abbitt’s resignation reshaped the Alachua County School Board

By Sara-James Ranta | Mar. 6

As the Alachua County School Board navigates Kay Abbitt's vacancy, the 75-plus day delay in appointing a new board member reflects a broader trend in Florida.

For nearly a century, fluoride has been added to Gainesville’s water supply. Today, citizens are pouring in to spout off about a potential change in how the city’s public utilities are managed.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

What’s the deal with fluoride?

By Morgan Vanderlaan | Mar. 5

Concerns have arisen over whether fluoridated water could have negative health effects.

Protesters cross University Avenue holding signs criticizing the Trump administration as a part of the national “March 4th Day of Action" at a demonstration on the Corner of University Ave and Main Street on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Gainesville activists join in nationwide protest “for democracy”

By Sara-James Ranta | Mar. 4

Nearly 500 people gathered Tuesday to take part in a national event by “50-50-1,” a grassroots movement organized by independent volunteers. Called the “March 4th Day of Action,” the event protested President Donald Trump's administration.

Illustrated treasure map of Depot Park. This graphic showcases a stylized map featuring Depot Park with winding paths, bodies of water, and green spaces.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Depot Park: A popular gathering spot, but is it safe?

By Olivia Shehadi | Mar. 4

Criminal mischief remains the most common crime in the area.

The Alachua Children's Theatre performs "The Little Mermaid, Jr." on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

The Alachua Children’s Theatre makes a splash with its production of “The Little Mermaid, Jr.”

By Annie Wang | Mar. 2

The Alachua Children’s Theatre performed “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” at Santa Fe High School on Feb. 22 and 23 and March 1 and 2. The performance on March 1 saw a crowd of roughly 140.

Local law enforcement arrested a woman who fired shots in the Butler Plaza Walmart parking lot Saturday after an hours-long standoff.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Woman arrested after armed standoff with SWAT unit, local police at Walmart

By Bailey Diem and Garrett Shanley | Mar. 1

Local law enforcement arrested a woman who fired shots in the Butler Plaza Walmart parking lot Saturday after an hours-long standoff with police, according to Gainesville Police Department.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

UF student arrested for possession of child pornography

By Bailey Diem | Feb. 28

Gainesville Police Department officers arrested Andrew Sito, 22, after a months-long investigation.

Bird species identification collage. This graphic features various bird species, including the Sandhill Crane , Swallow-Tailed Kite , and Forster's Tern , along with a pair of binoculars, symbolizing birdwatching. The birds are labeled and arranged on a dotted background.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Binoculars, brotherhood and biodiversity: Alachua County’s birding community

By Bailey Diem | Feb. 28

Alachua County's diversity of birds and welcoming community of birdwatchers make the county a unique birding environment.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

UF psychiatrist arrested for child pornography, images of bestiality

By Kaysheri Haffner | Feb. 27

A UF Health psychiatrist was arrested Wednesday on 10 counts of possessing child pornography and three counts of animal cruelty for possessing sexual images of dogs and horses.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

UF student arrested for sexual grooming, child pornography

By Kaysheri Haffner | Feb. 26

A UF student was arrested on Tuesday and charged with possessing child pornography and sexually grooming two children.

Teachers and community raise the alarm as ACPS opens school doors for ICE- policy shift sparks privacy and safety concerns.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

Alachua County School Board releases ICE memo, sparking community concern

By Sara-James Ranta | Feb. 24

Alachua County Public Schools issued a memo Feb. 10 outlining strict protocols for U.S. ICE officers, granting them “broad authority” to interview and remove students in schools without a warrant.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville man arrested for sharing child pornography on social media

By Kaysheri Haffner | Feb. 21

A Gainesville man was arrested on Thursday for sharing child pornography and charged with two felonies.