Metro | Alachua County

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.

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

By Bailey Diem | 6:00am

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

Ameer Jackson reads a poem from his book 'From a Moth to a Butterfly' during the Celebration of Black, Love, Art and Poetry event at Santa Fe college on Feb. 16, 2025.

Black love showcased through art

By Morgan Vanderlaan | Feb. 21

Damien Filmore of Terrell's Barbecue cooks ribs on the grill in Gainesville, Fla., on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

Black restaurant owners dish out their stories

By Annie Wang | Feb. 18

A Valentine’s-themed map highlights Gainesville’s most romantic “meet-cute” locations, where couples first met and fell in love at the University of Florida. From the Swamp to the Hippodrome Theatre, each spot holds a special story, proving love is all around campus.

A match made in Gainesville

By Morgan Vanderlaan | Feb. 13

Development plans have begun for eastern Alachua County.

Waldo residents juggle need for growth with maintaining a “small town” feel

By Morgan Vanderlaan | Feb. 7

Gainesville’s iconic local bookstores provide fun places to hang out and great opportunities to find new and interesting reads.

Books, music and trinkets galore: a guide to independent bookstores in Gainesville

By Annie Wang | Feb. 6

More Metro | Alachua County

Amy Trask, a victim of domestic violence, introduces a pair of bills to protect other Floridians from facing the same.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Gainesville woman addresses domestic violence in upcoming Florida bill

By Sara-James Ranta | Feb. 3

Gainesville resident Amy Trask created a pair of bills to protect Floridians from facing the domestic abuse she did. If passed, the bills would expand law enforcement response and victim resources.

(From left to right) Volunteers Daniela Gray, Elijah Zarsadias and Nicole Lunsford teach English words to describe emotion and feelings on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Back in the classroom: The Latina Women’s League provides English classes for the community

By Gabriella Chavez | Jan. 28

Hyxia Grande had always been surrounded by English speakers due to her previous work experiences in human resources, but since moving to Gainesville to study English at UF, she was motivated to fully submerge in the language to have a better chance at labor opportunities.

Superior Towing signage along NW 17th St. on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

‘Sketchy and unprofessional’: Residents raise concerns about Gainesville towing practices

By Daniel Bednar | Jan. 28

Gainesville towing companies occasionally spark outrage from community members, with complaints ranging from aggressive driving to exploitative or downright illegal practices.

Jane, a 3-year-old shelter dog from Puppy Hill Farm, shows off her coat while waiting for potential adopters at the rescue’s weekly PetSmart appearance on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County shelter animals keep warm with foster homes, fashionable sweaters

By Bailey Diem | Jan. 28

Amid below-freezing temperatures and a winter storm, Alachua County animal rescues worked to ensure their furry residents kept warm.

A GRACE Marketplace moving truck is parked at GRACE Marketplace in Gainesville, Fla., on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Gainesville’s cold night shelters face mixed reactions

By Annie Wang | Jan. 27

As the temperature in Gainesville dropped below freezing in January, the City of Gainesville launched its Cold Night Shelter program, facing mixed reactions.

A sign in front of the Alachua County Public Schools district office building is seen Sunday, June 6, 2021.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County School Board hears teacher concerns, extends superintendent contract

By Sara-James Ranta | Jan. 21

The Alachua County School Board heard over 30 employee concerns about an unsettled salary contract at a meeting Tuesday. The Alachua County Education Association, the county’s teacher union representing over 3,000 employees, rejected the tentative salary offer of 1.6% made by ACPS Dec. 19.

Alachua County Public School buses await students at Littlewood Elementary School on Wednesday, Feb. 2.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County Public Schools to close Wednesday due to winter storm

By Sara-James Ranta | Jan. 21

Alachua County Public Schools, district offices and all extracurricular activities will be closed on Wednesday due to the upcoming winter storm, according to a press release.

Alachua County’s 200th birthday celebration gathered residents together for exciting activities on Jan. 11, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County celebrates 200 years with a kickoff celebration

By Annie Wang | Jan. 13

Alachua County kicked off its 200th birthday festivities Jan. 11 with an event titled “Discover 200 – A Bicentennial Celebration.”

Kay Abbitt, far right, pictured with the rest of the Alachua County School Board Nov. 19

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County School Board member Kay Abbitt resigns

By Sara-James Ranta | Dec. 17

Alachua County Public Schools’ District 5 board member Kay Abbitt resigned Tuesday. Abbitt resigned due to a conflict of interest as she also serves as the unpaid interim director of Boulware Springs Charter School.

School buses arrive and wait for students to dismiss at Carolyn Beatrice Parker Elementary School in Gainesville, Florida on August 29, 2024.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County School Board introduces new board policies, adopts legislative platform

By Sara-James Ranta | Dec. 11

The Alachua County School Board introduced new board policies to align with state law at a meeting Tuesday night. The introduced board policies change the way instructional, library or reading materials are challenged within ACPS.

Publix dominates the grocery store market amongst Gainesville residents.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Find yourself shopping at Publix often? That’s by design.

By Natalie Kaufman | Dec. 11

With 14 stores in Gainesville alone, Publix dominates the local grocery store scene.

A University of Florida bike rack fills up outside of Weimer Hall.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

With bicycles a transportation necessity in Gainesville, theft poses threat

By Sofia Meyers | Dec. 9

Theft has posed a threat to individuals who rely on bicycles and e-scooters as a way to travel across Gainesville.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County School Board adjusts roles in response to Florida legislative shifts

By Sara-James Ranta | Dec. 3

The Alachua County School Board unanimously passed a series of amendments to administrative job descriptions and kept four books on shelves.

Winn Dixie store on 300 SW 16th Ave announces its closure.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Gainesville to see major grocery shift as Aldi replaces Winn-Dixie

By Kairi Lowery | Dec. 3

After 25 years, one of Gainesville's Winn-Dixie locations is being converted to an Aldi as part of its plan to acquire 800 new stores by 2028.