Metro - The Independent Florida Alligator

Kanapaha student crosses a sidewalk at the intersection of Tower Road and the entrance of Kanapaha Middle School Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

Alachua County to evaluate school crosswalk after parent concern

By Lauren Brensel | Jan. 23, 2023

The Alachua County Public Works Department will evaluate the intersection of Tower Road and Southwest 51st Boulevard for two to three weeks, looking at nearby traffic signs and sight distance. Depending on the findings of the evaluation, pavement markings may be redone or more signs or a flashing beacon may be added.

Craig Lowe speaks to his supporters in his campaign office after losing the mayoral race to Ed Braddy. Lowe finished with about 45 percent of the vote.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Craig Lowe, Gainesville’s first openly gay mayor, dies at 65

By Siena Duncan | Jan. 23, 2023

Lowe died in Gainesville Jan. 14 at 65. He was the District 4 city commissioner for seven years, then the first openly gay mayor from 2010 to 2013. He’s survived by his brother Allan Lowe and a legacy of protecting human rights and the environment alike.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

Pandemic learning losses lead to reading struggles

By Emma Behrmann | Jan. 23, 2023

Two years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced students and teachers into remote learning, data shows more students are struggling to read and comprehend grade-level texts in Florida due to instructional gaps.

Outside of the Restless Mommas gift shop in Micanopy, Florida.

METRO

LGBTQ-owned Micanopy business forced out by commissioner, owner alleges

By Jack Lemnus | Jan. 23, 2023

Joy Drawdy and her wife didn’t consider moving until they’d heard secondhand from friends and customers that Micanopy Commissioner Mike Roberts had made derogatory comments about their sexuality and presence in Micanopy.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville City Commission grants interim charter officers permanent roles, fails to repeal commissioner salary increases

By Siena Duncan | Jan. 20, 2023

Surprising several commissioners, the Gainesville City Commission voted Thursday to start negotiations to make three temporary charter officers permanent after over a year of restructuring.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville woman, dog killed in a fatal driving accident

By Aidan Bush | Jan. 19, 2023

A driver in a minivan struck and killed a woman and her dog Thursday evening, according to the Gainesville Police Department.

METRO

North Florida Hospital’s new outpatient pharmacy aims to educate patients

By Aidan Bush | Jan. 19, 2023

HCA Florida North Florida Hospital officially opened its new pharmacy — just within walking distance from its hospital in West Gainesville.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Micanopy resident arrested on suspicion of homicide

By Aidan Bush | Jan. 19, 2023

A Micanopy resident faces a homicide charge after Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies connected him to the bloody scene of a murder in the rural town 14 miles away from Gainesville.

METRO | POLITICS

US Rep. Kat Cammack co-sponsors ‘Born Alive’ abortion bill

By Claire Grunewald | Jan. 17, 2023

Rep. Kat Cammack co-sponsored the ‘Born Alive’ abortion bill, a piece of legislation that has sparked controversy among lawmakers and activists alike.

Museum attendees walk through the A. Quinn Jones Museum's 'African Americans In Gainesville' exhibit Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.

METRO

‘African Americans In Gainesville’ exhibit showcases local Black history

By Aidan Bush | Jan. 17, 2023

The “African Americans In Gainesville” exhibit, which premiered Jan. 10, examines prominent civil figures in Gainesville throughout history and features historical homes from the city’s Pleasant Street and Fifth Avenue areas — historically Black neighborhoods in East Gainesville.

METRO

Hundreds march in Gainesville Martin Luther King Jr. parade

By Aubrey Bocalan | Jan. 17, 2023

The parade has been a Gainesville annual tradition since 1982, but it was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic — being canceled in 2021 and organized on a smaller scale in 2022. This year, the march returned at full force, beginning in front of City Hall on East University Avenue and ending at Citizens Field on Waldo Road.

Visitors study boards detailing the history of Alachua County plantations and enslaved families Friday, Oct. 15, 2022.

METRO

Beyond the headlines: Cotton Club Museum hosts panel on local race relations news coverage

By Jake Lynch | Jan. 15, 2023

On Jan. 14, a four-chair panel was set in front of that stage in preparation for “Beyond the Headlines: Exploring the Gainesville Sun’s Covering of Race Relations.” The four panelists found it fitting that the presentation was only days before Martin Luther King Day.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

Former Buchholz High School nurses face felony for failing to report sexual battery of 15-year-old

By Peyton Harris | Jan. 15, 2023

A Gainesville Police Department investigation into a sexual battery case in April led police to believe the victim disclosed details of a sexual assault incident to school nurses Rossyln Hamilton and Meredith Burns-Brown.

METRO

Williston family hosts ‘Snow Party’ fundraiser in memory of their lost daughter

By Jack Lemnus | Jan. 13, 2023

Hosted at Kirby Family Farm in Williston, Florida, Snow Party has all the facets of the season, including an outdoor ice rink and a snow slide for sledding. Pony rides, a full-sized working train, bounce houses, a Ferris wheel and a carousel will be available – not to mention the more than 50 food and craft vendors.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Phi Delta Theta suspends member following sexual battery charge

By Naomi Volcy | Jan. 13, 2023

A 19-year-old UF sophomore and Phi Delta Theta fraternity brother was arrested by the Gainesville Police Department Wednesday at 10:47 a.m. under charges of sexual battery. His fraternity later suspended him indefinitely.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Woman arrested for fatal November hit-and-run

By Lauren Brensel | Jan. 13, 2023

A woman was arrested Wednesday for a November hit-and-run collision, resulting in the death of a bicyclist on South Main Street.

METRO

Gainesville Fire Rescue responds to construction site medical emergency

By Siena Duncan | Jan. 13, 2023

Gainesville Fire Rescue transported a psychiatric patient from an unfinished building during a medical emergency Thursday afternoon.

METRO | CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

County Commission halts construction of Dogwood Village affordable housing in East Gainesville

By Siena Duncan | Jan. 11, 2023

The commission voted 3-2 Tuesday night to purchase land originally meant for affordable housing, officially stopping construction of the proposed Dogwood Village.

Gainesville police cars respond to a hit-and-run Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Gainesville cyclist killed in alleged hit-and-run

By Aidan Bush | Jan. 10, 2023

An adult man on a bicycle was killed Tuesday in what police believe was a hit-and-run.

Host Sponsor Dr. Marvin Dunn stands with Rosewood descendent Gregory Doctor during the Rosewood Wreath Laying ceremony Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023.

METRO

Hundreds celebrate resiliency through Rosewood wreath laying ceremony

By Siena Duncan and Jack Lemnus | Jan. 9, 2023

A wreath of white roses now sits on what once was the railroad used by Black women and children to flee the violence of the Rosewood massacre 100 years ago. The Sunday wreath laying ceremony commemorated the Black residents who lost their homes and lives to the massacre.