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Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Opinion

Florida Alligator
Opinion

City commissioner stands by underage drinking ordinance

Tuesday’s editorial asks the question about underage drinkers caught in bars: “Why doesn’t the city implement a huge fine and prohibit them from going into a bar again?” The answer is simple: in Florida, only the state legislature can make laws such as these, not local government. Local government can only do two things: regulate the hours, and regulate whether the bars can admit 18-20 year olds or if they have to be 21 and up. Only the state can take away a liquor license through an administrative proceeding or make harsher punishments for violating state laws.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Ice, ice, baby

We never thought we would see the day when the drink of choice on 1:55 a.m. beer runs would be one of the many flavors of Smirnoff Ice, but the malted beverage has been flying off the shelf due to it being the main ingredient in a new viral drinking game.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Conservative arguments made in Griffin’s column not true

Bryan Griffin’s article “Individual action key to conservation” seems to strongly evoke his Republican role model, Bobby Jindal, the governor of Louisiana, and his limp response to President Obama’s State of the Union address. In his piece, he manages to convey such base ideas as “Liberals bad” and “Regulation bad.” OK, so you can’t blame him for paraphrasing the GOP manifesto. But beyond the standard partisan hackery, Mr. Griffin offers several gems that are simply too precious to ignore.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Roadtrips can be fun, enlightening

We have all seen it on our Facebook news feeds – friends and family posting pictures of their worldly travels. For many students, classes and obligations have dwindled, and those lucky enough to find funding have taken the opportunity to explore exotic destinations.


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Alligator overlooks mental health fee

I wanted to comment on the new fees and on the Alligator’s commentary on them.  First, let’s look at the mental health program fee the Alligator failed to comment on: “But until evaluations of UF’s mental health care finish, the money is given to SG.” What?!  The Alligator accepts this?!  “We want to use this money for mental health later, but for now, let’s go ahead and collect the money and throw it at SG. It’ll be fun!”


Florida Alligator
Opinion

Fee increases strain students

I have one question to the administration, Student Government and anyone in favor of the 25 percent hike in fees: Are you crazy? I mean are you that out of touch with reality that you would endorse such an irresponsible hike in one sitting? These tough economic times call for every American, Floridian and UF student to cut back, tighten their belts and use common sense when it comes tuition increases. I know this is a new concept for many in the upper echelon of the university, but it’s called fiscal responsibility. We should be cutting back and limiting non-educational services, not expanding them at the costly expense of Joe and Jane Student. People could argue that progress comes at a cost. I push back by saying that there is nothing wrong with delayed, systematic progress. University officials need to stop, think and then spend instead of this reckless attitude that seems to get worse with every passing school year.



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