Metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

Performers Bethany Chase, in the parrot suit, Elise Duran, 22, and Clay Cox entertain in the streets of downtown Gainesville during the 2012 Downtown Festival and Art Show. They are members of the Rainbow Tiger Circus.

METRO

33rd annual Downtown Festival & Art Show starts Saturday

By Gemima Rosier | Nov. 4, 2014

The streets of downtown Gainesville will undergo a cultural explosion Saturday and Sunday.

METRO

Students to help elderly feel safe in cars

By Taylor Russell | Nov. 4, 2014

UF’s Department of Occupational Therapy will offer CarFit, a free and national program designed to help drivers fit safely and securely in their vehicles.

METRO

Rick Scott re-elected, Republicans dominate Democrats

By Alligator Staff report | Nov. 4, 2014

Minutes before Rick Scott became the fourth Florida governor to earn a second term, Gainesville’s young Republicans mixed confidence with tequila shots.

METRO

UF grad featured at writers festival

By Damaris Lopez | Nov. 3, 2014

UF students have a chance to meet successful authors and poets at an MFA@FLA event starting Thursday.

David Jonas, a 44-year-old employee of Monterey Boats in Williston, fills up his car Monday at the BP at 334 SW 16th Ave. “I’m always at the gas pump,” said Jonas, referring to the daily commute he makes from Gainesville to Williston.

METRO

Local gas prices drop to $3 per gallon, reflect national trend

By Patrick Pinak | Nov. 3, 2014

Students riding the bus or biking to campus may want to whip out the keys — gas prices have plummeted below $3 per gallon for the first time since December 2010.

METRO

Paynes Prairie 5K gives runners opportunity to race in nature

By Alexandra Fernandez | Nov. 3, 2014

Gainesville residents will soon be able to experience a new side of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

METRO

Fire deptartment gets new truck

By Lauren Bobek | Nov. 3, 2014

The Alachua County Fire Department added an updated rescue truck to its fleet this week.

Russ Dye, 54, sits near his tent outside Grace Marketplace on Monday in four layers of clothes to shelter him from the cold. Dye said about 25 people at the shelter still need blankets and coats to bear the drop in temperatures.

METRO

Grace Marketplace provides respite for Gainesville’s homeless

By Chabeli Herrera | Nov. 3, 2014

Deep in four layers of clothes, Russ Dye sat by an extinguished campfire outside homeless shelter Grace Marketplace on Monday as the temperature tiptoed just above 60 degrees.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Crime: crack in yet another crack; DUI

By Melissa Mihm | Nov. 3, 2014

A Gainesville man was arrested Sunday night after police said a tube of crack fell from his pants.

METRO

Texting 911 available in Alachua County

By Melissa Mihm | Nov. 3, 2014

People in Alachua County can now text 911 dispatch from their cell phones, eliminating the need to speak when reporting an emergency.

METRO

‘Tater Salad’ comedian Ron White to perform on Thursday

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Nov. 3, 2014

The local community will get a chance to see scotch-drinking and cigar-smoking comedian Ron White live Thursday.

METRO

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO VOTE IN MIDTERMS

By Melissa Mihm | Nov. 3, 2014

Lines shouldn’t be long as voters wait to cast their ballots for state governor, local representatives and measures including upping conservation funding and legalizing medical marijuana today.

METRO

Fireball Whisky sales not affected in Gainesville despite recall

By Liz Clancy | Nov. 2, 2014

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky was recalled in Europe last week for containing traces of a chemical found in antifreeze, but the announcement hasn’t frozen local sales.

METRO

UF ultimate clubs help organize Gainesville youth league

By Patrick Pinak | Nov. 2, 2014

Andrew Ragsdale said his 11-year-old son quit baseball to play ultimate.

METRO

Student wears breast costume on campus to get donations

By Alexia Fernandez | Nov. 2, 2014

When Beth Thompson walked through the Plaza of the Americas, she attracted stares.

Hands reach out in support of a crowd surfer Nov. 1, 2014, during Iron Chic’s set on Bo Diddley Community Plaza. The plaza saw thousands of people throughout the weekend.

METRO

Fest weekend rocks Bo Diddley Community Plaza

By Emily Cardinali | Nov. 2, 2014

This morning marked the exodus of Gainesville’s visiting punks.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Foundations invest in UF College of Education

By Reba Liddy | Nov. 2, 2014

UF’s College of Education has received a $1 million grant.

Performers play on stage at the Suwannee Hulaween 2014 music festival on Sunday night. The event was held at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

METRO

Suwannee Hulaween attracts more people than last year

By Megan Reeves | Nov. 2, 2014

“When I say ‘Hula,’ you say ‘Ween,’” sang the man in a rainbow unicorn outfit.

METRO

Nonprofit Balance 180 reopens after summer renovations

By Chloe Stradinger | Nov. 2, 2014

A nonprofit gym that offers gymnastics and sports classes for children with disabilities is back in action after closing for renovations.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Police roundup: attempted suicide; meth; grand theft; break-in

By Melissa Mihm | Nov. 2, 2014

A man from High Springs tried to drown himself in a jail cell toilet after he was arrested Saturday night for fighting at The Fest 13, according to police.