Metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Alachua County Commissioners discuss licensing requirements for pet breeders

By Priya Dames | Aug. 20, 2019

September 22, 2018- Pitbulls attacked and kill Bella the emotional support dog while on a walk with her owner Linda Swinburn. The police report noted that this was the fourth time in 14 months pitbull owner Nathaniel Thomas Pettiford’s dogs escaped his house and attacked other dogs and people.

Lauren Poe speaks to a crowd of reporters and about 100 supporters March 20, 2019 at the Public and General restaurant after elections. Poe beat three opponents to win his second term as mayor of Gainesville.

METRO | POLITICS

Gainesville Mayor faces backlash over antifa tweet from Basketball Cop, residents

By Kalli Johnson | Aug. 20, 2019

Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe is garnering criticism online for his tweet defending antifa, a movement of anti-fascist groups in the U.S.

Several protestors stand holding signs Saturday afternoon during the Recess Rally. Many of the activists wore targets on their backs blaming the NRA and lawmakers for recent gun deaths in the United States.

METRO

Local rally calls for an end to gun violence

By Lina Ruiz | Aug. 18, 2019

A moment of silence lasted 100 seconds on Saturday -- one for every person who dies from gun violence every day in the U.S.

A community service volunteer picks up litter along SW 20th Avenue Aug. 19.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

City commissioners: Publix stifles plastic ban

By Melissa Hernandez | Aug. 18, 2019

Gainesville’s plastic ban ended before it ever started.

Jacob Floyd smiles at his new 2-month-old kitten Saturday morning at the Summer Lovin’ Adopt-A-Thon.

METRO

Animal Services #ClearTheShelters, find pets new homes

By Melissa Hernandez | Aug. 18, 2019

Kya, a 2-year-old mutt waited more than 2 months at Alachua County Animal Services (ACAS), along with many other dogs and cats, to find her forever home.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Positions available in new community reinvestment advisory board

By Kalli Johnson | Aug. 18, 2019

Applications are now open for the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA) Advisory Board.

METRO | POLITICS

Your vote is your voice in Alachua County

By Henry Fair | Aug. 18, 2019

Welcome, or welcome back, to Alachua County, Gators! Whether this fall marks the beginning of your college career or the beginning of the end of your college journey, you have the chance to make your voice heard in our community.

METRO | POLITICS

Peter Fonda: The passing of an outspoken celebrity

By Jason Zappulla | Aug. 18, 2019

On August 16, 2019, actor Peter Fonda died. A member of a prominent acting family, Fonda is probably best known as a countercultural icon who starred in films like Easy Rider, which is about two motorcyclists traveling through the Southern U.S. However, as my only experience with Fonda is his role in Thomas and the Magic Railroad (likely not Peter Fonda’s proudest moment), I cannot give a proper obituary of the man, nor will I try to. Instead, I would like to focus on his political statements, which brought him a good deal of notoriety in his later years.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Woman tried to kill herself and two sons by crashing car, said it’s ‘God’s will,’ police say

By Dana Cassidy | Aug. 17, 2019

Gainesville Police arrested a 48-year-old woman accused of trying to kill herself and two young sons by crashing into a truck carrying 330 gallons of gasoline Friday night.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Man accidentally shoots self at Celebration Pointe

By Jessica Curbelo | Aug. 11, 2019

The gun was in his pocket

METRO

Gainesville physicians warn residents of hepatitis A

By Ashley Lazarski | Aug. 7, 2019

Recent years have seen a “significant increase” in cases

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gun buyback scheduled in Gainesville to promote safety in schools

By Rosmery Izaguirre | Aug. 7, 2019

Limited Xboxes and cash will be offered in exchange for guns

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Georgia man charged with brandishing gun during road rage

By Rachael Schirmer | Aug. 7, 2019

The incident took place on I-75 just outside of Gainesville

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Local man charged with stealing phone

By Rachael Schirmer | Aug. 7, 2019

Police say he pushed a woman to the ground during the incident

At a recent Gainesville protest, City Commissioner Harvey Ward asked the crowd to support the city joining the lawsuit.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville not joining lawsuit against sanctuary policy ban

By Rosmery Izaguirre | Aug. 5, 2019

The city of Gainesville decided at a city commission meeting on Thursday that it will not be joining the lawsuit against the Florida law that bans sanctuary practices.