Metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

Jimmy Ritten, a 42-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, poses with his service dog, Cody, after the pit bull’s graduation from Phoenix Animal Rescue’s veteran service dog program. Inspired by Ritten’s difficulty finding a service dog elsewhere, the Gainesville-based animal shelter will shut down on Dec. 31 and start the Pets and Patriots Foundation to focus on finding service dogs for veterans.

METRO

Gainesville animal shelter to close to serve veterans

By Sara Marino | Nov. 17, 2016

When Jimmy Ritten met his service dog Cody six months ago, his memory of war seemed to fade away.

METRO

Bodytech tattoo shop celebrates 18 years of ink

By Paige Fry | Nov. 16, 2016

When putting ink to skin or running a business, Wayne Lessard has historically gone against the grain.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

GPD: Former Cantina employee stole $5,000 from safe – then disabled its cameras

By Caitlin Ostroff | Nov. 15, 2016

A former employee of 101 Cantina was arrested Monday after reportedly stealing more than $5,000 from the Midtown venue, Gainesville Police said.

Sharon Huston holds a sign with her grandson James’ picture on the corner of Northwest 43rd Street and Northwest 23rd Avenue. Huston said she is worried the pipeline’s proximity to Dunnellon schools could affect her grandson and the community.

METRO

Gainesville residents march against Dakota Access, Sabal Trail pipelines

By Molly Vossler | Nov. 15, 2016

Standing at all four corners of a Gainesville intersection Tuesday, about 150 protesters elicited honks and hollers of approval and disdain as they opposed the Dakota Access and Sabal Trail pipelines.

METRO

UF announces details for development near campus

By Romy Ellenbogen | Nov. 15, 2016

From her Newberry home, UF mathematics junior Analiese Wagner has watched Gainesville grow for the past 20 years.

METRO

BurgerQuE temporarily closes

By Emma Green | Nov. 15, 2016

Local burger joint BurgerQuE is taking a break to rebuild its staff.

METRO

Karma Cream to move near Reggae Shack

By Robyn Wilbar | Nov. 15, 2016

Karma Cream will get a new home next semester.

Chris Salazar, a 19-year-old UF finance freshman, argues in a tight group on Turlington Plaza during a protest against President-elect Donald Trump on Monday. "He's my president,” Salazar said after arguing. “Democracy decided. I'm going to support him." Read more on page 3.

METRO | POLITICS

On Turlington Plaza, tensions flare as students debate Trump’s win

By Melissa Gomez | Nov. 14, 2016

Almost a week after Donald Trump was chosen as the 45th U.S. president, UF students continued to protest his win on campus.

METRO | POLITICS

Gainesville mayor addresses post-election anxiety

By Caitlin Ostroff | Nov. 14, 2016

During a press conference held Monday, Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe addressed the feeling of anxiety some in the city have felt since Donald Trump was elected president. He also called on residents to report cases of intimidation and threats following incidents in Gainesville and across the country.

METRO

Changeville lineup announced, tickets on sale

By Christy Piña | Nov. 14, 2016

Tickets went on sale Monday for the second-annual Changeville music and entertainment festival.

METRO

Local institutions look to study racial inequity in Alachua County

By Carolyn Batt | Nov. 14, 2016

UF researchers and local institutions have teamed up to launch a study on racial inequity in Alachua County.

METRO

Two killed in Micanopy crash after driver tries to avoid traffic

By Caitlin Ostroff | Nov. 14, 2016

A Crystal River, Florida, man attempting to drive around traffic Monday caused a fatal accident, killing himself and a Williston, Florida, woman, Florida Highway Patrol said.

Gainesville residents and UF students watch the supermoon on the roof of a parking garage above Volta Coffee, Tea and Chocolate on Monday night. About 150 people showed up with dogs, roller blades and cameras to see the moon at its brightest and closest location to the Earth until the next supermoon in 2034.

METRO

Post-election, supermoon brings Gainesville together

By Molly Donovan | Nov. 14, 2016

Five stories above Gainesville, on top of the city-owned parking garage downtown, about 150 people gathered to gaze at a large yellow supermoon Monday night.

METRO

First Magnitude brewery holds environmental awareness fair

By Carly Breitbart | Nov. 13, 2016

Jess Hardy and Katherine Triplett met while working at a primate sanctuary.

A woman holds a homemade cardboard sign while marching with thousands of other people on East Randolph Street in Chicago on Saturday morning. Those in attendance protested President-elect Donald Trump.

METRO | POLITICS

Locals join nationwide protests against Trump

By Caitlin Ostroff | Nov. 13, 2016

As protests rage across the country following Donald Trump’s election, his opponents in Gainesville are organizing acts of resistance this week — and hoping to influence local politicians to fight the president-elect’s future policies.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

GPD seeking information after viral social media reports of rape

By Caitlin Ostroff | Nov. 13, 2016

Gainesville Police is asking residents to call with information after reports circulated on social media of a woman luring others to be sexually assaulted.

Just days removed from the presidential election, hundreds of anti-Donald Trump supporters gathered outside Gainesville's City Hall Thursday evening to speak out against the president-elect.

METRO | POLITICS

‘Only one man’: Hundreds rally outside City Hall against Trump

By Martin Vassolo | Nov. 11, 2016

The crowd grew quickly outside Gainesville’s City Hall on Thursday evening. Just days removed from the presidential election, hundreds of anti-Donald Trump supporters listened on as students, faculty members and community leaders painted an apocalyptic portrait of the billionaire’s impending presidency.

METRO

‘Time to listen': Local veterans reflect war through play

By Martin Vassolo | Nov. 11, 2016

Victor Lopez’s time in Afghanistan still follows him to class.

Jalen Tabor returns an interception for a touchdown during Florida's 40-14 win over Missouri on Oct. 15, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

COMPLETE CONFIDENCE: Tabor creating a class of his own

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 9, 2016

Aazaar Abdul-Rahim doesn’t remember exactly how many interceptions Jalen Tabor had during his freshman year.

Chelsea MacKenzie, a 26-year-old Clinton supporter, looks up at the TV in shock as the election results become more evident at First Magnitude Brewing Company on Tuesday evening. About 250 people attended the watch party, hosted by the Hillary Clinton campaign.

METRO | POLITICS

Divisions clear in the aftermath of Election Day

Nov. 9, 2016

UF professor Sean Trainor walked into his classroom Wednesday morning dressed in black.