Feburary 18, 2019

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VOLUME 113 ISSUE 60

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019 Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida

Not officially associated with the University of Florida

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS VOTING GUIDE Election Dates 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday Here are the candidates running for SG’s executive branch: Student Body President Michael Murphy, Impact Party Zachariah Chou, Inspire Party Student Body Vice President Sarah Abraham, Impact Party Gouthami Gadamsetty, Inspire Party Student Body Treasurer Mackintosh Joachim, Inspire Party Santiago Gutierrez, Impact Party See pages 8 and 9 for our candidate profiles.

Senate: Students will vote for 41 contested Senate seats determined by either college or year.

These seats include the Agriculture and Life Sciences, Architecture, Business, Dentistry, Engineering, Fine Arts, Graduate, Health and Human Performance, Public Health and Health Professions, Journalism and Communications, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Sophomore.

Students need a UFID in order to vote. Here’s where you can cast a ballot: Beaty Commons TV-Recreation Room Broward Hall, Recreation Room Health Science Center, Biomedical Information Teaching Space C1-121 Heavener Hall, Room 202 Levin College of Law, Bruton-Geer Hall Student Commons Marston Computer Lab, Second Floor Murphree Hall, Conference Room Norman Hall, Education Library Reitz Union, Lower Level, SG Print Lab Southwest Recreation Center, Social Lounge Springs Area Office, Room C202

Samuel Thomas / Alligator Staff

Steamy Deliciousness Sakshi Gopal Das, a 42-year-old Hare Krishna, prepares masala dosa, an Indian dish served with chutney, Saturday during the Gainesville VegFest at Depot Park. Das works at the Alachua chapter of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. VegFest had over 100 tents and tables set up around the park, and the majority of the food vendors offered vegan and vegetarian dishes to customers.

Students and organizations react to candidates’ controversial posts One of the candidates will meet with the Pride Student Union president

By Kelly Hayes Alligator Staff Writer

Richard Murphy wanted to make students aware of the Impact Party executive candidates’ controversial Facebook posts.

So he made a meme.

The meme, posted on the Swampy UF memes for top ten public teens Facebook group, is a picture of Kermit the Frog wearing a UF hat while sipping tea.

The meme, which was created after an Alligator story revealed

Impact Party’s UF Student Body executive candidates had racially insensitive and homophobic posts, received more than 350 likes.

Mostsof the posts that were found were on Student Body Presidential Candidate Michael Murphy’s Facebook account.

The meme read “Wants us to ignore homophobic posts and focus on what he did in college.

Allowed and liked the blatantly racist post on profile from 2016 during his time in college.”

“A lot of times things are

brushed over and they’re not addressed in the moment,” the 21-year-old UF entomology and nematology senior said. “It’s really time that we look at what’s going on.”

Richard Murphy said if the candidate claims UF should look at what he’s done in college rather than in middle school, than it’s important to discuss his 2016 posts.

He said the posts raise the question as to why parties do not vet their candidates before selecting them.

As a Hispanic student on campus, Richard Muphy said he felt disappointed by reading the posts from the candidates.

“It makes you question whether or not you know the party has good morals or what’s going on because they’re the ones who put these candidates up.”

One of the racially insensitive posts was written by another person on his timeline and Michael Murphy liked it. It read: “Truth is… I don’t really know you but you are white so i know i can trust

you ;D,” in 2011.

Also in 2011, Murphy made a post reading, “Repost this if you are a beautiful strong black woman who don’t need no man.”

In 2016, while Murphy was at UF, a picture was shared by another person on his timeline of a black individual wearing a bikini with the caption “happy birfday I got you a stripper,” which Murphy liked.

The Alligator contacted Student Body President Ian Green, who has identified as black. He declined to comment.

Multiple organizations and

SEE REACTIONS, PAGE 4

2 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Today’s Weather

VOLUME 113 ISSUE 60

ISSN 0889-2423

Not officially associated with the University of Florida Published by Campus Communications Inc., of Gainesville, Florida

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Local Events / News in Brief UPCOMING EVENTS TUESDAY Student Government Elections When: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Wednesday Where: Beaty Commons TVRecreation Room, Broward Hall Recreation Room, Health Science Center BITS C1-121, Heavener Hall Room 202, Levin College of Law BGH Student Commons, Marston Computer Lab Second Floor, Murphree Hall Conference Room, Norman Hall Education Library, Reitz Union Lower Level SG Printing Lab, Southwest Recreation Center Social Lounge, Springs Area Office Room C202 What: UF students can vote in the SG election. Candidates for the Student Body president, vice president and treasurer and 50 senators by college and grade level are on the ballot.

REAL Talk: Becoming Allies When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday Where: Ustler Hall What: REAL Talk celebrates and raises awareness about the multiple identities people may have. This workshop is designed to help people think about their own identities and become more aware of different perspectives and experiences of others.

WEDNESDAY Wine Class - Spain, Italy and Australia When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday Where: Downtown Wine and Cheese, at 113 N. Main St. What: This is the first wine class of the year. The class is taught by wine expert Hollie Pique and features wines from Spain, Italy and Australia. Classes are $25 per person and it includes cheeses for wine pairing, an informational packet, discounts on the featured bottles of wine and a coupon for a free Thursday night wine tasting.

Potential attendees can call the business to reserve a spot or buy tickets online at downtownwineandcheese.com.

FRIDAY Gay Movie Night When: 7:30 p.m. Friday Where: The Pride Community Center, at 3131 NW 13th St. What: The movie “Beautiful

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Something” will be shown. Brian crashes and burns with each guy he meets, but does not understand why. Jim is not afraid to break hearts except when it comes to his older lover, a renowned sculptor. Drew is more focused on his latest masterpiece than Jim. Bob looks for hustlers in his white limo and searches for the thrill of lost love. They look for connections in the City of Brotherly Love, but often settle for the quick and dirty. Then, they cross paths with each other.

Gay Movie Night is on the last Friday of each month.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Alachua County District Library Tasty History When: 3-4 p.m. Tuesday Where: Cone Park Branch, at 2801 E. University Ave. What: Children ages 5-11 can celebrate Black History Month and the invention of the potato chip.

African American Read-In When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday Where: Alachua Branch, at 14913 NW 140th St. What: Attendees, including community leaders, will read passages, poems and stories by black authors.

OTHER An Ode to Black Women When: 7 p.m. Wednesday Where: Ustler Hall What: The Women’s Student Association is hosting a night to celebrate culture, feminism and the history of black women.

There will be a live performance, free food and a discussion on the impact of black women in society.

Life and Legacy of A. Quinn Jones When: From Feb. 1 to Feb. 28 Where: Cone Park Library, at 2801 E. University Ave. What: A touring exhibit featuring artifacts and panels from the original exhibit on display at the A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center.

Missing Pieces “Reimagining the Middle Passage: Black Resistance in Literature, Television and Song” When: 3-5 p.m. Sunday Where: The A. Quinn Jones

Editor Engagement Managing Editor

Have an event planned?

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alligator.org/calendar Museum & Cultural Center What: The museum will hold a lecture with author Tara T. Green, a University of North Carolina at Greensboro African American and African diaspora studies professor.

Digital Managing Editor Opinions Editor Metro Editor University Editor Features Editor Sports Editor Assistant Sports Editor Online Sports Editor Editorial Board Multimedia Editor the Avenue Editor Copy Desk Chiefs

MORE Santa Fe adjunct professors will speak about their union campaign When: 6 p.m. Feb. 26 Where: Emmanuel Mennonite Church, located at 1236 NW 18th Ave. What: Santa Fe College adjunct professors will speak about their unionization campaign at Santa Fe at the Alachua County Labor Coalition monthly general meeting. Professors will talk about their almost two-year push for living wages, better working conditions and a union. Refreshments will be provided.

Theater Trivia Fundraiser When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday Where: The Hippodrome State Theatre, located at 25 SE Second Place in downtown Gainesville What: A theater-themed trivia night for Y-Not Theatre’s second annual fundraiser from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 23. The local nonprofit supports playwrights and actors across north central Florida.

Tickets are $25 before Feb. 8; after that, tickets will be $35.

Sababa, a Mediterranean restaurant, will serve a buffet.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019 ALLIGATOR 3

UF Hispanic-Latinx, Black Former ACSO deputy accused of communities leave mark kidnapping woman for six hours He was given a $155,000 bond on new campus homes

By Katherine Wallace-Fernandez Alligator Staff Writer

A former Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputy was accused of kidnapping and choking a woman early Friday morning.

After an evening out on Valentine’s Day at White Buffalo, at 111 S. Main St., Joseph Clayton Sperring, 29, of Gainesville, and the womanreturned to his apartment at about 2 a.m., according to a Gainesville Police sworn comSperring plaint affidavit.

Sperring accused her of cheating on him.

He forced her outside the apartment while she tried getting dressed, the report said. She began walking away when Sperring chased after her and said, “You’re not f------ leaving.” He then carried her back inside.

Sperring pushed her against a wall and choked her, the report said. He took her phone and car keys and told her she couldn’t leave.

He forced her to lie in bed with him and when she tried to leave he blocked the door, threw her onto the bed and choked her, police said.

He also asked her to have sex with him and when she said no he said he would rape her, the report said. He unzipped her jeans but

stopped when she told him he was making things worse.

She told police the incident lasted about six hours, the report said.

He let her leave when she gave him her mother’s address and phone number, the report said. He told her he would give her mother’s contact information to people who would kill her and her family if she told police.

The woman had bloody scratches inside her mouth on her upper lip, a bruise on her left hand, scratches on her left wrist and abrasions on her elbows, knees and right inner bicep, the report said.

Police arrested Sperring on a warrant Saturday, according to court records.

He resigned from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office in 2017 before he could be fired after he was accused of aggravated assault earlier that year, said ACSO spokesperson Brett Rhodenizer. He was hired in 2014.

Sperring was charged with domestic battery by strangulation, simple battery, false imprisonment and delaying communication to law enforcement, according to the report.

Sperring could not be reached for comment.

He bonded out of the Alachua County Jail on a $155,000 bail Saturday. @katwf98 kwallace-fernandez@alligator.org

Courtesy to The Alligator

Two students signing the beam at the topping out ceremony on Friday.

TOPPING OUT CEREMONY WAS HELD FRIDAY

By Mikayla Carroll Alligator Staff Writer

Valerie Castaneda carefully wrote her signature in Sharpie on the final beam of the La Casita structure.

The Multicultural and Diversity Affairs department hosted a topping out ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday in honor of the final beam structure being finished at the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures, known as La Casita, and the Institute of Black Culture.

Students could come and go as they pleased to sign the beams throughout the day on Thursday and Friday, either with their names, class years or the date, Castaneda said.

Students were able to watch as the last beams of the structures were placed on each of the institutes.

“In the future, I could bring my children here and show them my college experience,” the 20-year-old UF communication sciences and disorders sophomore said. “I’ll be able to find that beam up there that I signed when it was first built.”

More than 50 members of the UF Latinx community and black community were in attendance for the ceremony, along with staff from the Multicultural and Diversity Affairs department, said Angelica Abrego,

a cabinet member of the Hispanic Student Association. The construction company, Foresight Construction Group, was also present for the ceremony.

The 7-foot-long steel beams were painted in the respective colors of both institutions, said Lauren Armstrong, digital communications manager of Foresight Construction Group.

For the Institute of Black Culture, one beam was painted black, red and green. For La Casita, the beam was painted teal, red and white.

“We understand the importance of these facilities to the students and we really wanted to have their involvement and input,” Armstrong said.

Construction for the houses began last Fall and is due to be completed in August, Abrego said. She is looking forward to having a place to come together with members of the Hispanic Student Association.

“We can get away from everything and be with people from our community who understand us and know what we’ve been going through here,” the 19-year-old UF biology sophomore said. “This is our way of having our own space within the campus.”

Alligator contributor Edysmar DiazCruz contributed to this report. @mikaylacarro11 mcarroll@alligator.org

Caroline Keefe / Alligator Staff

Repurposing in Style Sean McGee, owner of IrishGlass, wraps up a repurposed bottle for a customer Sunday afternoon at the Gainesville Flea Market. The event took place at the Palomino Pool Hall in downtown Gainesville. When asked why community markets meant so much to vendors, Laura Martin, the owner of the vintage boutique Everyday in Retrograde said, “It’s about connecting people. It’s about creating a community.”

4 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Santa Fe College to reassess its campus diversity The survey is anonymous and will close March 19

By Nicole Petersen

Alligator Contributing Writer

Santa Fe College is approaching racial equity by asking its students about it.

The college will be participating in the newly developed National Assessment of Collegiate Campus Climate Survey, which was created in Fall 2018 to assess diversity issues on varying campuses, said Cheryl Calhoun, Santa Fe College Dean of Access and Inclusion.

Santa Fe College is one of the first few higher education institutions to participate in the survey nationwide in order to figure out what equity gaps exist on campus, Calhoun said.

“No matter the result, this gives us some tools to work with as we think about how we can do better in closing the equity gaps that might exist,” Calhoun said.

Meet Santa Fe College’s Fulbright scholar THERE ARE MORE THAN 1,100 OF THESE INSTITUTIONS IN THE U.S.

By Lina Ruiz Alligator contributing writer

The survey opened for students on Feb. 5 and will close on March 19, said Santa Fe College Student Body President Alejandro Puga. The results of the survey will be available in Fall 2019 .

The National Assessment of Collegiate Campus Climate Survey is anonymous and takes students about 15 minutes to complete, Calhoun said. The questions fall into six content areas: appraisals of institutional commitment, impact of external environments, mattering and affirmation, racial learning and literacy, encounters with racial stress and cross-racial engagement.

Students are happy that the survey gives them a chance to anonymously give feedback to administrators, Puga said.

“We’re obviously not perfect,” Puga said. “We’re always looking for new opportunities to serve more students.”

Santa Fe College made a national achievement at a local level.

On Friday, the college announced it is one of 26 associate/baccalaureate U.S. institutions to produce a 2018-2019 Fulbright Scholar, a college or Rodkin university representative that is awarded a grant to conduct research and or teach overseas, Dan Rodkin, the associate vice president of Santa Fe College, said Santa Fe College President Jackson Sasser.

There are more than 1,100 of these institutions in the U.S., including UF, Sasser said.

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is an international, educational exchange program active in over 125 countries throughout the world, Sasser said. The program is funded by

the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs through an annual appropriation given by U.S. Congress.

One of Sasser’s first initiatives as president was to internationalize the college when he arrived at Santa Fe 17 years ago. He said it is the best international program for colleges to utilize because it provides funds while connecting cultures and informing participants of different religions, geographies and ways of living.

“We’d like to share what we know and love,” Sasser said.“There’s so much more to be done, but at least we’ve made the progress that we have.”

Rodkin received word about a year ago that he was chosen as a Fulbright Scholar.

Last April, he attended the Community College Administrators Seminar in Russia for two weeks through the program. He visited about a dozen different colleges in three Russian cities.

“Having the Fulbright experience gave us one more way to add value to our students’ lives and to better provide an international experience in the classroom,” Rodkin said.

‘To bee or not to bee’: Specialty License Plate Proposed THE NEW PLATES WILL FUND BEE HEALTH RESEARCH AT UF

By Danielle Ivanov Alligator Contributing Writer

Traditional license plates may see a sweet change in the near future.

A new “Save the Bees” specialty plate is being proposed by the Florida State Beekeepers Association, a non-profit organization that advocates and raises funds for state beekeepers and researchers like UF’s Honey Bee & Research Extension Lab scientists.

“Beekeeping is still fairly unknown,” said Jennifer Holmes, the association president.

“We’re working really hard to be more in-

volved so that people know who we are and what we’re doing.”

The license plate, which has been in the works for three years, is being proposed as a bill during the state’s next legislative session March 5 and 6, Holmes said.

If it passes, she said, it will go to the Florida Department of Transportation for approval. Then consumers will be able to pre-order plates for their vehicles.

The specialty plate will cost $25 annually as part of the normal tag fee vehicle owners pay every year, she said. The exact figures of cost and distribution are yet to be determined.

The money raised from the plates will go toward bee health research in the state, Holmes said. Bees are most threatened by pests and disease, but funding for studies is

limited.

With over 5,000 registered beekeepers in the state, research will help a large part of state agriculture and potentially expand to aid beekeepers across the nation, she said.

“We want honey bees to be okay,” Holmes said. “That’s the main goal.”

Beekeepers in the U.S. lose about 30 to 40 percent of their colonies every year, said Mary Bammer, the extension coordinator for the UF Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab. The only way beekeepers make up for this loss is by splitting their colonies in half. She said the process of splitting, which requires extra food, labor and equipment, is only feasible because of the current high price of honey.

Bammer said the biggest project the two groups recently worked together on was the

UF student experiences the ‘suite’ life HE’LL TRAVEL TO 11 COUNTRIES IN THREE AND A HALF MONTHS

By Karina Elwood Alligator Staff Writer

Wifi is limited. Phone service is rare. Dining rooms are turned to classrooms, and students sometimes have to be excused for seasickness.

Joshua Greenspan, a 22-year-old UF business administration senior, is spending three and a half months on a ship studying around the world.

Greenspan is the only UF student out of 590 who boarded the M.S. World Odyssey on Jan. 5 to complete their program with Semester at Sea. “To have these experiences and to see other cultures and seeing the problems that the world is facing today, it just makes you think about life and just your new perspective,” Greenspan said.

In the month since Greenspan said he left UF, he’s been to Hawaii, Japan, China and Vietnam.

His next stop is Myanmar. From there he will sail to India, Mauritius, South Africa, Ghana and Morocco.

Students generally take 12 to 15 credits and have class every day the ship is at sea, Greenspan said.

“I would be in class, and the teacher’s, like, falling over because the boats rocking so much,”

Greenspan said.

When the ship docks, students have anywhere from four to six days in each country, he said.

They can explore on their own or go on pre-arranged field program with Semester at Sea. Greenspan said he’s going to do both options.

In India, the country he’s looking forward to the most, he will be going on a three-night field program that will go to Varanasi and the Taj Mahal, but he’ll also have two nights free to explore.

Greenspan decided to study abroad with Semester at Sea is because his older sister did the program when she was a student at UF. Shelley Greenspan, 28 lives in Washington DC, spent Spring of 2012 traveling around the world on a ship just like her brother.

“I really wanted it to be his own experience,” Shelley Greenspan said. “I really do believe the world is your classroom. The fact that he’ll get to explore it means so much to me.”

Shelley and her younger sister, who also graduated from UF in 2015, will fly to Morocco in April to visit Joshua at his final destination of the trip.

“He has such a desire and hunger to learn about the the world, about technology, about society, that like, I think, he is such a great candidate for a program like this,” Shelley Greenspan said. @karina_elwood kelwood@alligator.org

building of a new facility, the Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab, at 1881 Natural Area Drive.

The lab was built in August 2018, cost $2 million of state funding, $1 million of university funding and $1.5 million of funding from state beekeepers themselves, she said.

Because of this effort, UF is able to run three main honey bee programs: teaching, extension and research, she said. Teaching allows students to take beekeeping classes while extension and research help local beekeepers learn to better care for and understand bees.

The license plate funds will help further develop these programs, she said.

“This is a big issue for beekeepers,” Bammer said.

PSU released a statement REACTIONS, from pg. 1 individuals have commented on the insensitive social media posts by the Impact Party executive ticket. The candidates acknowledged the posts and apologized.

The Pride Student Union released a statement addressed to the LGBTQ+ community at UF about the posts, stating that it condemns hate speech directed at any marginalized community.

“While one’s beliefs may change with time, it is important that those who have expressed offensive beliefs must always be held accountable,” the release read Santiago Gutierrez, Impact’s Student Body treasurer candidate, will meet with PSU President Nathan Quinn at about noon today.

The QTPOC Collective, a UF group of queer and transgender students of color, also released a statement on Facebook Friday. It referenced UF’s history of discrimination, condemning campus organizations that are elite in nature and provide power to those who foster these ideas.

“It is undeniable that white students of economically privileged backgrounds are ushered into power through means of Greek life and other elite campus organizations,” the post read.

The organization could not be reached for comment In the statement, the group was critical of “forgiveness of past trangressions against marginalized communities.”

Austin Buholtz, a 19-year-old UF biology sophomore, found out about the posts through friends and the Swampy UF memes for top ten public teens Facebook group. He said while opposing candidates are obviously trying to find dirt on each other, if it’s on social media, it’s fair game.

In the end, he believes this won’t have an effect on voters, and Impact will win the majority of the seats in Student Government any way.

“I think most people are either going to vote for the person they want or not,” he said. “I don’t think that’s going to really change their minds.” @kellyrhayes khayes@alligator.org

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019 ALLIGATOR 5

‘Woman Up’: WSA’s 32nd annual Redevelopment agency Women’s Leadership Conference will discuss projects coming to Gainesville

By Karina Elwood Alligator Staff Writer

Courtesy to The Alligator

(Left to right) Panelists Julia Van de Bogart, Mira Lowe, Sana Nimer, Diana Moreno and Dhara Patel talk with a UF Women’s Student Association member about women empowerment in the workplace, women standing up for themselves and encouraging other women during a discussion Sunday in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom. About 70 people attended the talk.

By Edysmar Diaz-Cruz Alligator Contributing Writer

Simone Boyce doesn’t take no for an answer.

Instead, she uses it to invigorate herself to do better.

On Sunday, Boyce, who is a host for the streaming digital news network NBC News Signal and UF alumna, was a keynote speaker at the 32nd Women’s Leadership Conference, hosted by the Women’s Student Association at UF in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom.

About 70 people attended the two-and-a-half-hour event, which gave audience members the opportunity to ask questions and interact with Boyce and a panel of five women in leadership roles at UF. After experiencing rejection early

in her professional career, Boyce offered words of encouragement to young women looking to be successful.

“Rejection can be an incredible catalyst for self-reflection and change,” she said.

This year’s conference focused on the concept of “Woman Up,” a phrase that encourages women to pursue leadership roles while supporting one another.

The speakers were not paid to attend the event, said 22-year-old coconference director and UF health education senior Pamela McFarlane.

Men usually speak up in a classroom setting, McFarlane said. Women should know that they can develop their own voice.

“It’s not about having women in leadership just for the sake of

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it,” said McFarlane. “Diverse teams drive innovation and creative thinking.”

Elise Felt, an 18-year-old UF geology freshman, was empowered by the event to take a stand for herself.

“I’m a quiet person,” Felt said.

“Everyone around you has more to say and it’s hard to speak up.”

As a black woman, 21-year-old Abigail Cherubin, a UF journalism junior who helped with the event, felt that the conference acknowledged the struggles of women in marginalized communities.

“We all have different identities and with that we can provide creative decisions,” she said. “Having different kinds of women reflected in leadership positions can result in more impactful work.”

After overhauling how it affects change in Gainesville, the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency will meet to talk about what it will do in the community.

At 3 p.m. today, the agency, which builds community areas and creates grants to help businesses, will meet to review development projects it is working on at the City Hall Auditorium, at 200 E. University Ave. The meeting will review the status of current projects, like Heartwood, an affordable housing project, and improvements to South Main Street, said City Commissioner David Arreola.

The agency will also discuss residential paint vouchers program, which helps put money toward painting residential houses.

The project update comes after the city and Alachua County commissions agreed to combine the agency’s four districts into one on Feb 11. Those districts are College Park and University Heights; 5th Avenue and Pleasant Street; Eastside; and Downtown.

Mayor Lauren Poe said he wants to see the districts combined so that the CRA can help bring development to Eastside.

“How do we bring life back to communities that have seen historic neglect and disadvance-

ment by the private sector?” Poe said. “You remove those barriers and suddenly you can see a focus on dollars and investment.”

The decision came after discussions between the city and county. The city voted on the combination on Nov. 1 but needed county approval to restructure because it provides two thirds of the agency’s funding.

The combination of the four districts allows money to be allocated to whichever district needs it. Previously, money raised in one district could only be used in that district.

Due to the previous system, areas that raised the least amount were not able to develop as much, such as Eastside, Ward said. This caused an area with a lot of need to have little funding.

“Our current model keeps one of the four existing districts essentially stagnant,” he said.

Eastside only generates and receives 8 percent of revenue, compared to the College Park and University Heights district which receives 55 percent of revenue, Ward said.

“Communities across the nation face the problem of reinvigoration and re-establishing neighborhoods, long abandoned by private investment,” Ward said. @karina_elwood kelwood@alligator.org

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019 www.alligator.org/opinions

Editorial

A human meme or a past of bad posts

Editor’s Note: The Alligator’s editorial board met with representatives from the Impact and Inspire parties on Friday night and Sunday afternoon. We discussed their party platforms and each candidate’s goals if they were to be elected. Our endorsement resulted from these meetings.

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his UF Student Government election cycle has been riddled with controversy from both parties. SG elections are on Tuesday and Wednesday, and students will vote for the Student Body president, Student Body vice president, Student Body treasurer and Senate candidates.

We, the editorial board, met with each party’s executive candidates.

Both Impact and Inspire’s platforms include addressing mental health, expanding resources for Asian American students and giving more to resources for sexual assault survivors.

However, neither party seemed to have an answer about how much their platform endeavors would cost the Student Body. This is a major concern for us at The Alligator, considering these line items would come directly from students’ pockets.

The editorial board has decided to, once again, endorse Inspire’s candidates, but we cannot enthusiastically support them. It’s a lesser of two evils, if you will.

Not to mention, our choice for Student Body president is between a human meme and a man with a dodgy Facebook past.

Inspire had the most concrete ideas concerning what it wanted to achieve if it were to be elected. For example, Inspire was able to convey to us a clearer plan in terms of budgeting the nearly $21 million given to SG and how they would help to reduce the stigma around sexual assault.

We say we reluctantly support Inspire because we have serious concerns about how this ticket will be able to handle SG’s highest positions given their little experience. Zachariah Chou, 21, the Inspire Student Body presidential candidate, has the most experience from the entire ticket having served on Senate. He meets with the administration, SG officials and students regularly. He also addresses students through memes in the Facebook group called “Swampy UF memes for top ten public teens.”

However, Gouthami Gadamsetty, 20, Inspire’s Student Body vice presidential candidate, has never been elected in SG although she’s had several failed Senate runs.

Mackintosh Joachim, the Inspire Paige Fry EDITOR

Christina Morales MANAGING EDITOR

Student Body treasurer candidate, 19, is also a senator, but there are concerns regarding his age and overall qualifications. He said he would apply his experience from handling the UF chapter of NAACP’s $1,000 budget to spearheading a budget that’s about 20,000 times as much.

Despite the steep learning curve, we believe Inspire’s ability to address what needs to be changed in SG and its overall strong platform make it the better choice over Impact.

When comparing the two parties, we cannot ignore the glaringly homophobic and racially insensitive Facebook posts of Impact’s executive ticket, especially Michael Murphy, 21, its Student Body presidential candidate.

Half of The Alligator’s current editorial board identifies with the LGBTQ+ community, and we take these posts seriously. We believe these comments will hinder Impact’s working relationship with UF’s queer community. We appreciate that Murphy made an apology statement to the Student Body through The Alligator via text message to a reporter and in-person to the editorial board.

However, in our meeting with Murphy, he said party members have reached out to Pride Student Union.

Only Santiago Gutierrez, 20, Impact’s Student Body treasurer candidate, has set up a meeting with PSU. If Murphy is so inclined to say that these homophobic posts no longer represent his values, why wouldn’t he personally meet with PSU? In addition, Impact’s inability to tell us how much one of their biggest party platforms would cost, their dockless scooter initiative, leads us to believe the idea is underdeveloped.

When referencing what the mental health kiosks would entail, Impact stated they would be similar to other universities’ kiosks. However, Impact cited the wrong school when referencing the kiosks, stating Florida State University uses them; instead, it is Framingham State University that has implemented them, a different FSU. We have our reservations in handing out our endorsement, however, we believe Inspire is the Student Body’s best option. We hope that if Inspire is elected they work to surpass our expectations.

Amanda Rosa MANAGING EDITOR

Michaela Mulligan OPINIONS EDITOR

Column

Gender is a social construct, and here’s why

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color. Cards that read “Welcome, baby clearly remember being little and sitboy!” are blue, while the “It’s a girl!” cards ting in my booster seat, staring out are, without fail, pink. Too bad the baby the car window contemplating which can’t read and will never see the overtly Happy Meal toy I wanted. It was the gendered, overpriced baby card. Oh wait, hardest decision a little kid my age maybe that’s a good thing. And don’t even would have had to face, and I was in get me started on gender reveal parties. agony. On one hand, I could have gotToo late. I just started. Inviting people ten a Polly Pocket (don’t get me wrong, Hannah over to celebrate the arbitrariness of your Polly Pockets are fun), but my other child’s gender boggles my mind. The cakes Whitaker choice was a Hot Wheels racer. My gut opinions@alligator.org are often decorated with trucks, guns, led me toward the Hot Wheels. “We’ll bows and jewelry. All of which are hypergo with the Hot Wheels,” my dad told the person gendered objects that evoke obvious feminine or masworking the drive-through. “Okay, so a boy toy,” culine feelings. But why? Why shouldn’t a boy like she replied. “Sure, my daughter would like the Hot hair bows and guns? Or why can’t a girl love wearing jewelry while driving her monster truck around Wheels,” my dad said.

Who came up with the concept of “girl toys” and town? These are silly examples, but it raises a seri“boy toys”? I would like to have a word with whom- ous question: Why are certain objects and colors so ever it was. It does not make sense to label one type heavily gendered? The parents who threw their baby of toy as more or less masculine or feminine than an- boy a blue, sports-themed gender reveal party may other type. For example, think of cars. Most toy cars, someday learn that he prefers the color purple and like the Hot Wheels racer I chose to accompany my dislikes all sports. Hopefully they are just as ecstatic Happy Meal some 15 or more years ago, are marketed to learn about who he is now as they were when they toward young boys. However, most people, regard- speculated about who he would be before he was less of gender, drive cars. Adults don’t say that only born. Gender reveal parties should be replaced with men can have cars, so why should girls be made to something else. Please invite me to your “My baby is healthy and loved, regardless of his or her gender” feel as though toy cars are not for them?

The same goes for boys playing with dolls. Every- party. I will be there in a heartbeat.

One of my favorite shirts, which I wear regularone knows a female, whether it’s his or her mom, sister, friend or partner, so why shouldn’t boys be able ly, reads in big block letters across the front, “Raise to play with American Girls or Barbies? It could be boys and girls the same way.” People often ask me, that learning how to care for a pretend human can puzzled, what this means. It’s quite simple: Let’s let promote empathy, understanding and gentleness, of our kids decide what toys they want to play with, what their favorite color is and what their passions which we need more amongst real humans.

Another example of gendering an arbitrary object are without telling them what they are expected to be or concept is the use of specific colors for different interested in. Let’s let kids be kids first and allow them genders. When you go to the drugstore to pick out to decide their own interests. a card for your friend who just had a baby, you will Hannah Whitaker is a UF English sophomore. Her notice one glaring difference between the cards: the column appears on Mondays.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Alligator.

The Alligator encourages comments from readers. Letters to the editor should not exceed 150 words (about one letter-sized page). They must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s name, classification and phone number. Names will be withheld if the writer shows just cause. We reserve the right to edit for length, grammar, style and libel. Send letters to opinions@alligator.org, bring them to 2700 SW 13th St., or send them to P.O. Box 14257, Gainesville, FL 32604-2257.

Columns of about 450 words about original topics and editorial cartoons are also welcome. Questions? Call 352-376-4458.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019 ALLIGATOR 7

Forget Marston and West, the Reitz Union is the best study space on campus

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understand this will come as a shock to many, but the evidence is overwhelmingly clear. Of all of the study spaces on campus where Gators can plant themselves to work on homework the Reitz Union is the most legitimate.

I will first dismantle the notion that the other libraries or study spaces, whatever one may care to call them, are worthy of your time compared to the ultimate experience of studying in the Reitz, the preeminent study space.

Let’s start with Marston Science Library.

The average naive STEM freshman believes Marston is the ideal study space, which would allow them to blast through hours of studying chemistry on the average Tuesday evening. It’s a shame the only unique perk is the noise level decreases as the height above ground increases because that is also a notable feature of the Reitz Union. Have you ever been to the Reitz third floor? It is dead silent. Marston is a place where students go to feel better about their inability to study. Oh, you have a calculus exam worth 30 percent of your grade tomorrow, and you don’t know the difference between

tracts kids with MacBooks, eager an integral and a derivative? No to appear as if they are “getting bro, that’s cool, just go ahead and that bread.” Library West is the waste another three hours with perfect location for that engineeryour “study group” talking about ing sophomore who doesn’t feel how cool that last episode of “The like going to Midtown on Friday Joe Rogan Experience” podcast night but who doesn’t want to adwas. I’m sure the calculus will it. The solution? They can go work itself out.

Kyle Cunningham mit to Library West with some homeNext, we have Library West: opinions@alligator.org work (which they probably won’t the rival of Marston, and the work on much) and post to their habitat of students posturing as intellectuals. Library West has the benefit of a Snapchat about how “the grind never stops.”

I have discussed how both of the often beautiful lawn and a breathtaking silhouette.

Staring at Library West from the foot of the celebrated libraries are little more than fronts Plaza of the Americas is an experience every for procrastination and dangerous rationalizastudent attending this university should have. tion of poor behavior. I have not yet explained When you look at the library, you feel connect- how the Reitz is the answer to all of the pitfalls ed with all of the knowledge that has been and of the libraries on campus. Library West and will be developed here on campus. It’s won- Marston are sneakily convincing their patrons derful. However, the sight of Library West is a that the environment they provide is one of curse. The inside is a desolate scattering of the learning, when in reality they’re just outlets hopes of desperate students. The main appeal to socialize. The Reitz doesn’t hide behind the of Library West is that it also offers the quieter- name of a library because it is so much more with-height system. There’s also a certain “feel- than this pretense. The Reitz is a social space ing” associated with the library. This feeling at- that is outfitted with the fruits of capitalism in

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the form of the food court and a bowling alley. It is an educational space too, showcasing the triumphs of student leadership with the Department of Student Activities and Involvement, meeting rooms and career development with the Career Connections Center.

Still, the Reitz provides more value as a library than anywhere else. You can buy books at the bookstore, while at Marston and Library West, you have to return all the books you borrow, which you probably won’t even look at anyway. There is also the claim that Reitz isn’t a real library because there is no actual library. When you hear this, don’t respond with words. Instead, walk with whoever claimed it is not straight to the bookstore on the ground floor and perform a well-practiced evil laugh.

How many books have you gotten in the Reitz Union compared to the amount you have checked out of the library? The answer will show you that the Reitz truly is the most legitimate library on campus.

Kyle Cunningham is a UF English freshman. His column appears on Mondays.

A look at the lies from my freshman year, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, from the perspective of my senior self but recovery efforts are still ongoing still remember every detail go according to plan. It was a from the day I moved into turbulent four years, but it gave my freshman dorm. me exactly what I needed.

On Aug. 15, 2015. As I I made close groups of friends, got out of my mom’s overbut I also lost some friends when packed Jeep, the Gainesville air I realized they weren’t good for was thick and humid, as usual. me. I tried the party scene and I timidly observed the other stu- Abigail Miller found out I much prefer being in dents I would later get to know opinions@alligator.org bed by 11 p.m. I dropped out of later on. My dad grabbed the my sorority after I came to the minifridge from the back of my mom’s heartbreaking realization that I hated just car and lifted it up with ease before he about everything Greek life actually stood sprinted up the stairs with it. He still likes for. I dated a few boys I swore were “the to brag about how one,” only to get he was in better bored and change "So, here I am: three months away from shape than all of my mind weeks graduation and my life is nothing like the other parents. later. I changed what I thought it would be."

As I took in the my major a few scene, it all felt times and drove surreal.

College my parents insane seemed just the way I imagined it. when I called them every few weeks with The next few weeks continued to meet a new career path I was “sure about this all of my preconceived notions of what my time.” A lot of things changed and a lot of UF college experience would look like. I things didn’t go the way I wanted them to. went through sorority rush, found my But, each step I took off of my ideal path “home,” went to my first big party and got helped me grow. my first hangover breakfast at Bagels and So, here I am: three months away from Noodles. I decided on a favorite library graduation and my life is nothing like I (I’m a Marston girl, through and through) thought it would be. Everything I believed and I made a big group of friends I did ev- as a freshman about where I would be erything with. I remember thinking to my- right now was totally off base. But there is self, this is what it would be like for the nothing wrong with that. next four years — exactly like I planned.

To the freshmen out there, please let go While I relished in the glamour of fresh- of your expectations. There are more imly minted college life, older friends of mine portant things to accomplish during your assured me that it would only get better. I time at UF. Don’t hold on to toxic friends watched my friends in their senior years or boring relationships just because you gallivant around campus with their tight- want to graduate next to your freshman knit group of friends without a care in the year besties. Don’t stick with a major that world. From the outside, it looked easy. makes you miserable. Don’t be scared to Oddly enough, they left out the struggles change your mind about something you they’d faced over the past four years and thought you loved. And most importantthat sometimes, college sucks. So, as a na- ly, don’t believe the lies you told yourself ive freshman, I believed them when they about what your college experience would said senior year would be fun. look like. These next four years will give Unfortunately, I didn’t just believe this you exactly what you need, even if you lie, I believed the lies I told myself as a don’t know what that is yet. freshman, too. I had a vision for the next four years. I believed that I’d never fall off Abigail Miller is a UF political science course. I couldn’t have been more wrong. and journalism senior. Her column appears As I’m sure you expected, things didn’t on Mondays.

While media coverage of Puerto ere’s a topic you probably Rico’s recovery eventually died haven’t seen in the news in down, the island’s struggles were a little while: Puerto Rico. As far from over. According to CNN, many of you know, this U.S. by late January 2018, 450,000 peoterritory was hit by the devple (out of a population of 3.4 milastating category 5 Hurricane Maria in lion) were still without power, the September 2017. Despite over a year shutdown of IV bag manufacturing passing since Maria made landfall, Zappulla in Puerto Rico led to a long-term the island of Puerto Rico is still deal- Jason opinions@alligator.org shortage across the United States, ing with the effects of the storm and and some experts suggested that the drastically the muddled response to the crisis.

When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, the increased incidence of the bacterial disease lepdamage was on an enormous scale. Nearly the tospirosis after Maria constituted an epidemic. entire island was without power with 95 per- However, it wasn’t until April 2018 that we got cent of the island’s cell sites being knocked out. a full account of Hurricane Maria’s impact, with While some neighborhoods were almost com- a George Washington University study calculatpletely destroyed, rebuilding and providing aid ing the death toll at 2,975. The number of faafter Maria was always going to be a challenge. talities alone warrant questions and concerns The island’s mountainous terrain makes trans- about the recovery effort. Just last month, The portation and power line maintenance difficult. Washington Post reported that Trump illegally Government agencies like its state-owned pow- tried to redirect disaster relief funds away from er company have long faced financial difficul- Puerto Rico, raising even more concerns about ties leading to poor service. The Puerto Rican the Trump administration’s handling of the government faced bankruptcy mere months be- whole affair.

Last Thursday, Brock Long, the FEMA Direcfore Maria hit, and as President Donald Trump himself pointed out, Puerto Rico “is an island tor who oversaw Hurricane Maria relief efforts, surrounded by water, big water, ocean water,” resigned. While Long’s departure was due to making it harder to get supplies to Puerto Rico. a federal investigation finding improper use of That said, things started poorly. The Trump government vehicles rather than his handling administration was accused of not providing of Hurricane Maria, this still means new leadenough aid for Puerto Rico. After Maria hit, ership at FEMA. Hopefully this new leadership Puerto Rico’s governor, Ricardo Rosselló, and can learn from the mistakes of Maria and enSan Juan’s mayor, Carmen Yulín Cruz, pub- sure that no state or territory suffers as much as licly asked for more federal assistance. Trump Puerto Rico did ever again. However, that does instead doubled down, criticizing Puerto Rico not negate the need for accountability when it for its financial difficulties and suggesting me- comes to Hurricane Maria, and Congressional dia coverage of the recovery was biased against Democrats (who took control of the House after him. This culminated in a personal spat be- the 2018 midterms) pledged to investigate the tween Trump and Cruz both on Twitter and in Trump administration’s handling of the Hurrithe real world as they traded barbs and accused cane Maria recovery.

Given the many unusual aspects of the reeach other of mishandling the crisis.

Regardless of which side you took, the focus covery and the sheer amount of death and deon this petty drama took attention away from struction involved, investigating Maria should the recovery itself and the legitimate issues be a top priority for Democrats, and I hope they surrounding it, causing both sides to appear follow up on it as soon as possible. Maybe an distracted from the hard work of recovery. In investigation will show that the Trump adminaddition, just in case he hadn’t already raised istration truly was negligent in providing too doubts about his handling of the crisis, Trump little aid to Puerto Rico. Or maybe it will vincaused a stir when he threw paper towels to dicate Trump and show that his administration a crowd of survivors during his visit to Puer- did the best it could while local officials misto Rico. While I don’t think it’s fair to judge managed recovery efforts. Either way, Puerto Trump’s handling of the crisis based on “Paper Rico is waiting for answers.

Towel-Gate” alone, just like the Cruz feud, it generated poor optics and distracted from the Jason Zappulla is a UF history junior. His substance of Puerto Rico’s recovery. column appears on Mondays.

8 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019

STUDENT BODY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

Zachariah Chou

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ll you need to know about Zachariah Chou is his Relish order: a salmon patty with garlic mayo and crispy onions on both buns with extra sauce on the side.

“You know I’m a man of the people when I call it garlic mayo instead of garlic aioli,” Chou said.

Relish, a hamburger restaurant on University Avenue, is home base for the 21-year-old after long days spent on campus, even when it’s not campaign season.

Where in the world is Zachariah Chou? He said his friends would say “everywhere.”

One Wednesday, he pinballed from a Career Connections Center event at Infinity Hall to a Graduate Student Council meeting to Pugh Hall to a Caribbean Students Association meeting to open mic night at Wing Zone to an Inspire Party meeting.

If Chou wins, he would be the first Asian American Student Body president at UF. “Sometimes in life, you have to work twice as hard but will get half as far, but that doesn’t win elections,” Chou said. “If you want to win you have to work four times as hard just to win.”

Chou has been involved with Student Government since seventh grade. He served as the first senator for Infinity Hall for one year and the senator for Murphree Hall for two years.

He says he fought for Infinity Hall street

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Michael Murphy lights, increased access to menstrual products and on-campus mental health resources.

The UF junior still has to complete his homework for his journalism and political science courses when finished on the Senate floor, though.

Chou’s mentor Kevin Baron of the Bob Graham Center said Chou should slow down.

“He has never taken my advice, but he has shown a resiliency and fortitude that deeply speaks to the quality of person he is,” Baron said.

The salmon burger is more than fuel for Chou’s schedule. It’s reminiscent of home.

Chou’s Taiwanese immigrant parents, Richard and Grace, bought fish in bulk regularly to feed Chou and his older sister, Gabrielle.

“They fed me, and I brought home awards,” Chou said.

Richard described Zach as a model son who never talked back or had a rebellious streak. Often, Richard can only talk to his son at 2 a.m. when Zach has a spare moment.

Richard applied to UF for graduate school when he immigrated but did not get in.

“He’s proved me wrong so many times,” Richard said.

Much like his time, Chou likes to give away his stuffed animals. He’s won many of them from claw machines.

So it’s off to another meeting, but first he must finish the salmon burger.

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ichael Murphy felt the bed shake below him at 2 a.m.

The then-15-year-old wondered if an earthquake struck his home in Fairfax, Virginia.

He flicked on the light and looked down to see his older brother Danny having a seizure on the floor. He catapulted off his bunk bed and screamed for his parents as his brother’s eyes rolled back into his head.

Six years later, Michael received a call during a UF Student Senate committee meeting.

Danny had another seizure.

Michael Murphy considers his Student Government roles as vessels to take care of people like Danny whose epilepsy isn’t immediately recognizable.

“It’s being there for students when they need it,” said the 21-year-old UF political science junior.

Murphy is a three-term senator who has served as the Senate Pro Tempore and Senate President.

Former Student Body Vice President Brendon “BJ” Jonassaint met Murphy during a 2016 Preview presentation. Jonassaint watched Murphy grow through his SG roles.

Murphy reached out to Jonassaint in Fall 2017 to attend the welcome assemblies hosted

by UF cultural associations. Jonassaint said he remembers Murphy’s many questions during each event.

“On paper he’s extremely qualified, but his genuine attitude and integrity is something that cannot be overlooked,” said the 24-year-old UF health administration graduate student.

Michael is the third Murphy brother to attend UF. His eldest brother Blake was an Impact Party campaign manager.

Murphy isn’t interested in leaving a campus legacy plastered with his name. Anything accomplished will have been a team effort.

“Ultimately, Student Government is the amplifier to the bulk of the students’ voices,” Murphy said.

The team mentality can be connected to Murphy’s dedication to his family.

If you ask what his favorite movie is, he’ll answer with “The Emperor’s New Groove.”

He watches it with his sister, Molly, whenever he’s home.

Most played song? It’s “Funkytown” by Lipps Inc. because it doesn’t have explicit lyrics, and everyone seems to like it.

“I like to think that I am someone who is inclusive and tries to be including to other people and makes them feel comfortable,” Murphy said.

Briana Bazail met Murphy through a mutual friend in Fall 2018. She said Murphy can be in a suit in the Reitz Union one moment and then spilling coffee on himself at Dunkin’ the next moment.

“He’s the friend that constantly checks in on you when you’re having a rough week,” said the 21-year-old UF mass communication graduate student.

STUDENT BODY VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

outhami Gadamsetshe was born. ty hated her name.

Gadamsetty said she was No one could proud of how she was raised, pronounce it, and a though her parents were relagym coach in sixth tively strict. She said they’ve grade recommended she just worked hard to make a life for go by “Gigi.” themselves.

“Gigi” followed her until She began taking tradishe came to UF. She decided tional Indian dance classes in to reclaim a name she had the Bharatanatyam style when heard only at home. she was 3 years old.

“People said, ‘Your name Gouthami Gadamsetty While most of her family is really pretty. Why don’t you was thousands of miles away, go by that more often?’” said Gadamsetty would dance with Gadamsetty, a 20-year-old UF her cousin, Sahana Kamisetty. industrial and systems engineering junior.

“Dance is all about cooperation with other Thus, Gouthami Gadamsetty was reborn. people,” said Kamisetty, a 21-year-old UniverGadamsetty is the president of the UF Engi- sity of Miami neuroscience senior. neering Leadership Circle and an ambassador Kamisetty said Gadamsetty’s dance backof the Involvement Team, a consultation ser- ground influenced her leadership style to vice to connect students with extracurricular learn to share the stage with everyone. activities. She has also performed in two UF Vibhor Nayar’s favorite memory of GadIndian dance teams. amsetty was UF’s Holi in Spring 2017. As diJoining Student Government was natu- rector, Nayar watched Gadamsetty volunteer ral for Gadamsetty, even though Indian ste- with the event, throw colored powder with reotypes confined her to classroom achieve- her friends and then thank all the directors. ments.

“She’s not the type of person who runs “It gives me pride to break expectations,” through the motions,” said the 24-year-old UF Gadamsetty said. mechanical engineering senior.

Gadamsetty said she’s spent her life balGadamsetty used to hate her name, but she ancing cultures. Her parents, Vani and Chan- looks forward to when it’s called as the first dra, emigrated from India to Canada, where Indian American Student Body vice president.

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he clock strikes astounded to see not only 11:11. Sarah Abrapeople from the organization ham makes a wish. but from across campus in the She doesn’t set an audience. alarm, but catches “She calls almost everyone both the morning and night her best friend, and truly they occurrence whenever posare her best friends,” said the sible.

23-year-old UF electrical engi“I think my body just kinneering senior. da knows,” said the 21-yearAbraham wants her legaold UF information systems cy to be a permanent dance Sarah Abraham and operations management space for the Indian Student junior.

Association’s six dance teams Even her home in West Palm Beach starts and any other troupe. She said there aren’t with 1111. many spaces on campus that can hold such But Abraham doesn’t base her achieve- large groups. Teams like GatoRaas practice ments on wishes. She is the president of the on top of UF parking garages until sunrise.

Indian Student Association, and a two-term “One of my biggest jobs is to make people senator for the business school. aware of our community,” Abraham said.

If she wins, she would be the first Indian People are drawn to Abraham’s rapid fire American UF Student Body vice president. humor. She got her start in comedy when her Sarah’s parents taught her to prioritize ser- older sister Naomi placed coached her to say vice to others. Sarah sees her role in Student knock-knock jokes when she was little.

Government as being a voice to students.

Shachi Pandya, one of Abraham’s best Kishan Patel, former 2016 Student Body friends, has known her since freshman year treasurer, sees Sarah’s power as a leader in and now serves alongside her in the Indian her ability to connect with people. He was the Student Association as vice president. first to talk to Sarah about SG. “I know her in all these ways, and she’s In the Indian Student Association, Patel the exact way in every context,” the 21-yearsaid Abraham unified cliques to work to- old UF statistics junior said. gether. At a recent showcase for GatoRaas, Win or lose, Sarah Abraham will still be an Indian UF student dance team, Patel was ready with a smile and a pun.

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STUDENT BODY TREASURER CANDIDATES

campus so far,” ackintosh Joachim said Amissant, a screamed 19-year-old UF when he nursing sophowas acmore. cepted into UF. Amissant said His dad kicked she has seen down his bedroom Joachim run to the door with a baseaid of someone ball bat in hand. having an asthma “My father attack and explain thought I was bethe financial aid ing robbed,” the process to a stu19-year-old UF fident even when he nance and womhas work, classes en’s studies sophoand organizations more said. to look after.

Joachim applied Mackintosh Joachim Venecia Street to UF against his said she someparents’ wishes. times has to bring They wanted him Joachim Chick-fil-A to stay close to West Palm Beach and at- when he works at the Graham Area desk tend Florida Atlantic University. because he forgets to eat.

Joachim’s first semester, Summer B “He’ll be on campus from 8 to 11 at 2017, is his favorite memory. He said his night,” said Street, a 19-year-old UF health Graham Hall floor had an open door poli- education and behavior sophomore. cy in which everyone left their doors open Joachim has plenty to do, but he reso people could come in and chat. serves Sundays for cooking. He wants Graham Hall also housed Joachim’s to preserve the tradition he had with his worst UF experience: the arrival of white mom, who died from cancer in November. nationalist Richard Spencer in Fall 2017.

“I want to feel closer to her still,” “That day everyone locked their Joachim said. doors,” Joachim said.

He remembers cooking with his mom Joachim, the son of Haitian immi- after church and getting up at 2 a.m. to grants, saw how black and brown folks prepare Thanksgiving for the whole famwere treated and became involved in Stu- ily. Jerk chicken, seafood and a pork dish dent Government as a senator for the Gra- called griot were in constant rotation. ham Area.

When he announced he was running Joachim said he wants to create a bet- for Student Body treasurer, the first perter UF for his kids one day. son he wanted to talk to was her.

“I would like to make UF a place where Last year, he wanted to quit SG, but his every student can feel welcome and safe,” mom texted him, “When you start someJoachim said. thing, you never quit it.”

During his freshman year campaign, He reads those texts often. He believes Joachim met one of his best friends, she would be proud.

Franceline Amissant.

“He’s the kindest person I’ve met on

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“At the end of f “Lloraras” by Oscar D’León the day, he’s dois playing, you ing everything that can bet Sanhe’s doing for his tiago Gutierrez family,” Villanueva is somewhere dancsaid. ing.

Gutierrez’s parAt a party, at ents emigrated Felipe’s Mexican from Colombia beTaqueria or at La fore he was born.

Casita, GutierHe wears a yellow, rez’s charisma is blue and red cord expressed through bracelet on his left merengue, bachata, arm every day to cumbia and salsa. remind him of his Music has been heritage. an ingredient in Per tradition, Gutierrez’s life Santiago Gutierrez the bracelet will since high school not leave Gutierwhen he played rez’s arm until it percussion in the falls off. The braceconcert and marching bands. He conduct- let also inspires him to infuse more tradied part of the halftime show as one of the tions into the UF experience. drum majors his senior year.

“I think with all this talk of becoming a The chaos of music has taught the big top five school, we’re losing a little bit 20-year-old UF international studies and of our identity as Gators,” Gutierrez said. economics junior to find balance in his “Traditions are very important in affirmleadership. ing that love for the school.”

“No matter how stressful, no matter Isabella Oliver, the vice president of how chaotic, you have to stay calm,” Guti- operations for the UF Hispanic Student errez said.

Association said Gutierrez has helped her Gutierrez has struck a balance in his professionally and personally. roles as the treasurer of the Hispanic StuLast semester, Gutierrez accompanied dent Association, and later, as the chief Oliver to the Southwest Recreation Cenof staff. The Hispanic Student Association ter where they completed workouts Olimanages a budget of $120,000. ver created from Instagram. On the mats, Brenda Villanueva, UF Hispanic Stu- Gutierrez challenged and motivated Oliver dent Association president, knew Gutier- with positivity. rez was going places when she first met “I associated that time with him with him in a philosophy class his freshman a time of self care,” the 21-year-old UF year. She said he was instrumental in ar- political science and international studies ranging for Pitbull’s recent performance junior said. on campus and revising the Hispanic StuOn and off the dance floor, Santiago dent Association bylaws.

Gutierrez wants to move himself and UF But the work Gutierrez completes isn’t forward. self-serving, the 20-year-old UF marketing “Calm down. Don’t freak out. Just feel and economics senior said. the rhythm,” Gutierrez said.

Take the winning shot Advertise with the Alligator Reach 50,000+ sports fans by featuring your ad on the NCAA Tournament Bracket! This special bracket will be a pull out section that Gator fans can use for the whole three weeks of March Madness to track their favorite teams.

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10 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Gainesville park will move away from high-voltage lines CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR

By Taylor Girtman Alligator Staff Writer

High-voltage transmission lines loom over children playing on rusted metal swings and a merry-go-round at a park in northeast Gainesville.

Northeast 31st Avenue Park, at 1700 NE 31st Ave., will be replaced with a new park on a 3-acre plot of land next door later this year at 1710 NE 31st Ave. The new park will be renamed Unity Park.

The current park was built in the 1960s, and the power lines were constructed in the 1970s, said Betsy Waite, the director of Wild Spaces and Public Places. She said while the power lines are not dangerous to children playing in the park, the situation is not ideal.

Wild Spaces and Public Places will unveil project plans for the replacement park at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Upper Room Ministries, at

Map by Jordan Bourne

Northeast 31st Avenue Park, at 1700 NE 31st Ave., will be relocated away from high-voltage lines and be renamed to Unity Park. It will have a new playground and activity spaces for the community. The area on the right is Northeast 31st Avenue Park and the area on the left will be Unity Park.

3575 NE 15th St. The organization is part of the city parks department and funded by the half cent sales

tax approved by voters in November 2016.

“We want to make sure we heard them at the open house, focus groups and online

survey and that we have all those elements on paper,” Waite said. The cost of the project will be decided after the meeting.

Waite said the plot was picked because it had more space.

The project is about halfway through design and is set to have two basketball courts, a pavilion, a community garden, a new playground and an exercise loop, Waite said.

Park construction is expected to begin later this year, and the original park will be demolished once complete, Waite said. The new plot is owned by Gainesville Regional Utilities.

The project also received $10,000 from the Gainesville Woman’s Club in June, Waite said.

For the last two years, the non-profit club focused on Unity Park, said Bonita Kremer, the club’s treasurer.

“Things come to our attention, and then we go out to help,” Kremer said. @taylorgirtman tgirtman@alligator.org

Man accused of Santa Fe College student accused of drunk driving robbing school, attempted pizzeria HE CAUSED ABOUT $500 IN DAMAGES

By Katherine Wallace-Fernandez

His bond is $170,000

By Tien Le Alligator Staff Writer

After allegedly failing to rob a pizzeria, a man went to a school about three minutes away and is accused of succeeding at robbing it Friday.

At about 11:30 p.m. Thursday, Robert James Medlock, 26, of Fort White, Florida, was Medlock seen on a surveillance camera trying to break into a freezer outside of Pepperoni’s Pizzeria, at 19975 NW 244th St., according to a High Springs Police arrest report.

He wasn’t able to because it was locked, the report said.

About an hour later, he was walking around the parking lot of First Christian Academy, at 24530 NW 199th Lane, when he saw an open window and used it to get inside the school, the report said.

He knocked things over and dumped trash inside the building, the report said. He stole an unspecified amount of food, digital projectors and flat-screen televisions worth several thousands of dollars.

The academy had to pay for damaged items to be replaced, restored and cleaned, the report said.

A witness recognized Medlock the next morning near Pepperoni’s Pizzeria and called police, the report said.

He confessed to police that he stole the items and hid them in a wooded area nearby, the report said.

Medlock was charged with burglary, loitering and prowling, trespassing on school grounds and attempted burglary, the report said.

Medlock remains in the Alachua County Jail Sunday in lieu of a $170,000 bond. @tientle11 tle@alligator.org

Alligator Staff Writer

A college student asked an officer to “stop being a cop” for $25,000 after being accused of drunkenly driving into a light pole.

Daniel Michael Crowe, a 19-year-old Santa Fe College health sciences sophomore, crashed into a light pole near 2200 SW 38th Terrace at about 1:22 a.m., according to a Gainesville Police arrest report.

Crowe caused about $500 in damages,

the report said. After the crash, two witnesses saw him drive into the Ridge at Gainesville apartment complex.

When police talked to him, they said his eyes were glassy and Crowe watery, the report said.

They couldn’t understand him because his speech was mumbled and slurred.

Crowe also couldn’t maintain his balance and kept swaying, the report said.

His breath smelled like alcohol and he had dried mucus in his nose and around his mouth.

He refused to give a breath sample, the

report said.

While he was being taken to the police department, Crowe told the officer he was a millionaire and asked if they could “stop being a cop” and set him free for $25,000, the report said. The officer refused.

Crowe was charged with a DUI and damaging property and resisting an officer without violence and bribery, the report said.

He declined to comment.

Crowe was released from the Alachua County Jail on his own recognizance on Friday. @katwf98 kwallace-fernandez@alligator.org

Caroline Keefe / Alligator Staff

Birthday Bash Tophat (left) and Jewel (right), members of The Enforcers Motorcycle Club, prepare to ride off Saturday afternoon during the Harley-Davidson 26th Birthday Bash at the Gainesville Harley-Davidson and Buell dealership on 4125 NW 97th Blvd. Tophat and Jewel refused to give their real names because it would break their organization’s creed. Bikers came from all over the country for the celebration. “We all talk with each other like we’ve known each other for 20 years.

We’re bonded by the motorcycles,” said Jerry Fletcher, a Gainesville resident who has attended the event for 18 years.

BUY IT. SELL IT. FIND IT. 373-FIND

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019 www.alligator.org/classifieds

For Rent

1

furnished

SS & VA ARE WELCOME!

$460/BedRoom ● No Deposit! ● Furnished Cable ● Internet ● Utilities www.campuswalk.co 352-337-9098 4-24-43-1

Remember to tell them...

2

For Rent

unfurnished

Now you can easily submit your classified ad

for print and/or web editions

right thru our website!

Just go to

www.alligator.org/classifieds Visa and Mastercard accepted.

6

Furnishings

Got a new couch?. Sell your old one in the Alligator Classifieds. Call 373-FIND (3463) to place your ad today.

BEDS - Brand Name, Brand NEW Pillowtop Mattress & Box Set: Twins $89, Fulls $100, Queens $120, Kings $200. Can Deliver 352377-9846. Gainesville Discount Furniture.

12-6-109-6

For Rent

unfurnished

Empty Space? Find your next tenants in the Alligator Classifieds. Call 373-FIND to place your ad today!

1BR APT $445/mo

Small pet ok. 352-372-1201 or 352-213-3901 4-24-19-43-2

★★ ELLIE’S HOUSES ★★

Quality single family homes. Walk or bike to UF. www.ellieshouses.com 352-215-4991 or 352-215-4990 12-5-19-109-2 House for Rent - 2392 SW 2nd Ave Directly across from Law School 4BR/2BA DW, W/D hookups, cent A/C heat Only $1.695/month No application fee, most pets ok 352-371-3636 or rentals@efnproperties.com 2-27-19-75-2

One Bedroom spacious apartment with Balcony- 2nd Floor.

Walk to Oaks mall and RestaurantsCall 404-323-9338 2-18-19-3-2

WANTED TO RENT:

Apt, Cottage, Efficiency, Cabin in relatively quiet & safe area.

I have a HUD / VASH voucher 386-266-6886 2-22-3-2

SAY:

"I FOUND IT IN THE ALLIGATOR!"

3

Sublease

Don’t get stuck with an extra rent payment.

Advertise your subleases in the Alligator Classifieds and save yourself some cash.

Call 373-FIND.

7

Computers

Selling computers, parts, or repair services or just looking for that new rig? Look in the Alligator Classifieds. Call 373-FIND for more information.

4

Roommates

I’VE HAD IT WITH YOUR LOUD MUSIC! Is your roommate driving you crazy? Find a replacement in the Alligator Classifieds!

5

Real Estate

Sell your house, condo, acreage, mobile home and much more in the ALLIGATOR CLASSIFIEDS! Reach thousands of possible buyers! Mastercard and Visa accepted over the phone, by fax, email or CHECK OUT PLACING YOUR AD THRU OUR ONLINE AT www.alligator.org. or please call 373Find (373-3463)

NEW CONDOS-WALK TO UF For Info on ALL Condos for Sale, Visit www.UFCONDOS.COM or Matt Price, University Realty, 352-281-3551 4-24-19-43-5

ALLIGATOR CLASSIFIED ADS

GET THE JOB DONE! REACH MORE THAN 50,000 READERS EACH PUBLICATION DAY

"I FOUND IT IN THE ALLIGATOR!" 8

Electronics

Place an ad to sell your old stereo, cell phone, and more in the Electronics Section of the Alligator Classifieds. 373-FIND

9

Bicycles

In the market for a new set of wheels or just looking to add a second to that collection?

Want personalized handlebars or a fitted seat? Check in the Alligator Classifieds

10

For Sale

right thru our website!

Just go to

www.alligator.org/classifieds Visa and Mastercard accepted.

12

Autos

By E-mail: classified@alligator.org

By Fax: (352) 376-4556

By Mail: P.O. Box 14257 G-ville 32604 Call 352-373-FIND for information.

Sorry, no cash by mail.

Credit cards or checks only.

6 Furnishings 7 Computers 8 Electronics 9 Bicycles 10 For Sale

Unload your lot. Sell your cars through Alligator Advertising for cheap. 373-FIND or place your ad online at www.alligator.org/ classifieds

The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery Volunteers Needed!

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED to transport cancer patients to treatment.

Flexible schedule.

Training and liability insurance provided.

Please call 352-240-5062 if interested.

Don't forget to tell them:

"I found it in The Alligator!"

SUN CITY AUTO SALES $0 DOWN! NO CREDIT CHECKS! IN HOUSE FINANCING! 352-338-1999 4-24-43-12

Goats for Sale & Lease Horse Boarding - 7 miles to UF

CASH FOR CARS & TRUCKS Running or Not ★ Any Condition

Charlie - 352-278-1925

4-24-43-10

By Phone: (352) 373-FIND Payment by major credit card ONLY. M-F, 8am - 4pm When Will Your Ad Run? Ads placed by 4 pm will appear two publication days later. Ads may run for any length of time and be cancelled at any time. Sorry, but there can be no refunds or credits for cancelled ads.

11 12 13 14 15

Motorcycles, Mopeds Autos Wanted Help Wanted Services

352-259-2020

3-1-19-11-13

KT 352-281-9980 sunnyman352@gmail.com 4-24-43-12

SUNRISE AUTO SALES & RENTALS NO CREDIT CARD REQUIRED! MUST BE 21 CARS STARTING AT $39 DAILY! 352-375-9090 4-24-43-12

are underway…bikes, computers, furniture, vehicles & more. All individuals interested in bidding go to: SURPLUS.UFL.EDU 392-0370 4-24-18-42-10

CASH FOR CARS & TRUCKS Running or Not ★ Any Condition

● We Buy Junk & Used Cars ● ●Trucks, Vans - Titled only ●

●UF Surplus On-Line Auctions●

Online: w/ major creditcard at www.alligator.org/classifieds

1 For Rent: Furnished 2 For Rent: Unfurnished 3 Sublease 4 Roommates 5 Real Estate

Now you can easily submit your classified ad

This newspaper assumes no responsibility for injury or loss arising from contacts made through advertising. We suggest that any reader who responds to advertising use caution and investigate the sincerity of the advertiser before giving out personal information or arranging meetings or investing money.

SAY:

How to Place a Classified Ad: In Person: Cash, Check, MC, Discover, AMEX or Visa The Alligator Office 2700 SW 13th St. M-F, 8am - 4pm

Alligator Classifieds is the way to get your 2 wheels on the road. Show off your bikes, scooters, and repair services. Call 373-FIND to get your classified in.

Wanted

13

for print and/or web editions

"I found it in The Alligator!"

2

Motorcycles/ Mopeds

11

352-259-2020

3-1-19-11-12

St. Francis House is a homeless shelter located in downtown Gainesville.

Our mission is to empower families with children to transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency by providing case management, housing, food, training and educational resources in a secure environment.

If interested in volunteering please contact the volunteer coordinator at 352-378- 9079 ext 317 or sfhcoor@stfrancis.cfcoxmail.com St Francis House depends on monetary support from individual donors and community businesses in order to provide meals to the homeless and the hungry.

To make a donation by mail, please send checks payable to St. Francis House P.O. Box 12491 Gainesville Fl 32604 or our website at

Stfrancishousegnv.org

Corrections and Cancellations: Cancellations: Call 373-FIND M-F, 8am - 4pm. No refunds or credits can be given.

Alligator errors: Check your ad the FIRST day it runs. Call 373-FIND with any corrections before noon. THE ALLIGATOR IS ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIRST DAY THE AD RUNS INCORRECTLY. Corrected ads will be extended one day. No refunds or credits can be given after placing the ad. Corrections called in after the first day will not be further compensated.

Customer error or changes: Changes must be made BEFORE NOON for the next day’s paper. There will be a $2.00 charge for minor changes.

16 17 18 19 20

Health Services Typing Services Personals Connections Event Notices

21 22 23 24 25

Entertainment Tickets Rides Pets Lost & Found

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise ‘’any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make limitation, or discrimination.’’ We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. • All employment opportunities advertised herein are subject to the laws which prohibit discrimination in employment (barring legal exceptions) because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, familial status, age, or any other covered status. • This newspaper assumes no responsibility for injury or loss arising from contacts made through the type of advertising that is know as “personal” or “connections” whether or not they actually appear under those classifications. We suggest that any reader who responds to that type of advertising use caution and investigate the sincerity of the advertiser before giving out personal information. • Although this newspaper uses great care in accepting or rejecting advertising according to its suitability, we cannot verify that all advertising claims or offers are completely valid in every case and, therefore, cannot assume any responsibility for any injury or loss arising from offers and acceptance of offers of goods and/or services through any advertising contained herein.

12 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Help Wanted

14

This newspaper assumes no responsibility for injury or loss arising from contacts made through advertising. We suggest that any reader who responds to advertising use caution and investigate the sincerity of the advertiser before giving out personal information or arranging meetings or investing money.

Now you can easily submit your classified ad

for print and/or web editions

right thru our website!

14

Help Wanted

Students in Accounting, Aviation, Business/ Sales and computer science needed for various positions. Flexible schedules and competitive pay. Join our team! Learn more at www.gleim.com/employment 4-24-19-42-14

Don't forget to tell them:

"I found it in The Alligator!"

Copytalk Business Services GET PAID TO TYPE ($8.50-$13+/hr) Financial transcription positions available.

We'll train you!

Apply at ctscribes.com 4-12-19-31-14

Just go to

www.alligator.org/classifieds Visa and Mastercard accepted.

Daytime Production Staff Wanted Designers and advertising students:

The Alligator needs part time day shift members for the print production department. Must have experience with Adobe Creative Suite for consideration.

Duties include the design and layout of print and online ads in collaboration with student sales staff and by the direction of Alligator Administrative staff.

Must be willing to start now and continue work through the summer semester.

This is a paid position.

Send resume, vitae and/or portfolio to ccozart@alligator.org to schedule an interview.

Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.

Oak Hall School is seeking energetic, creative, and enthusiastic individuals with a love for children to staff its summer camp program. For a complete listing of positions visit www.oakhall.org/about-ohs/employmentopportunities Interview process begins February 23rd.

2-22-19-12-14 Wanted Dog and house sitter needed May 27-June 14 Must be able to spend nites at the house Pay $1,000 McIntosh Fl 16miles from G'ville 352-207-2717 for interview 3-25-19-21-14 Learn today,

how to make an extra $400 per week completing surveys as a student!

Go to www.collegeopportunity.cc 3-14

2-18-19-

ALLIGATOR CLASSIFIED ADS

GET THE JOB DONE! REACH MORE THAN 50,000 READERS EACH PUBLICATION DAY

14

Help Wanted

Busy professional looking for assistant to help with errands, managing household, etc. 3 hours/week guaranteed, $15.00/hour.

Contact me at kathyob1961@gmail.com 2-20-19-3-14

HIRING home/office/apartment cleaners(mf and every other sat). Day and night shifts available. Must own a car. weekly pay $10.00/hr. if interested please call 352-2140868 3-15-19-10-14

Do you WordPress? If so, we have a job for you. You must have strong WP knowledge, be familiar with theme development and basic coding languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript & PHP). www.dmcreativestudios.com/careers 2-22-19-4-14

Hogan's Great Sandwiches now hiring deli help. Fast paced friendly environment.

No experience needed. Reliable transportation a must. Applications available on site at 2327 N W 13th Street. 2-25-5-14

15

Services

Do you have a business that provides a service? Place your ad in the Services Section of the Alligator Classifieds for as little as $3.00 per day. Call us at 373-FIND. SAY:

"I FOUND IT IN THE ALLIGATOR!"

15

Services

Want to be a CNA? Don’t want to wait?

Express Training Services now offers a CNA class which can be completed in one weekend. Perfect for busy college students. www.expresstrainingservices.com/ww 4-2419-43-15

15

Services

MATH TUTOR

More thank 20 years of exp. UF engineer graduate. Please call Hermon 352-225-8980 3-1-19-7-15

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019 ALLIGATOR 13

16 Health Services

16 Health Services

16 Health Services

20 Events/Notices

HIV ANTIBODY TESTING

Now you can easily submit your classified ad

DRUG PROBLEM?

IS YOUR BUSINESS, CLUB OR ORGANIZATION HAVING AN EVENT? DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT? PLACE YOUR AD HERE AND GET IT NOTICED!

Alachua County Health Dept. Call 334-7960 for app’t (optional $20 fee)

for print and/or web editions

WE CAN HELP! 24 HOURS 7 DAYS

CALL NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 1-866- 352-5323 352-376-8008 www.uncoastna.org pr@uncoastna.org

right thru our website!

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Just go to

www.alligator.org/classifieds Visa and Mastercard accepted.

Need CPR Training?

(352) 727-4733 www.GatorCPR.com CNA Prep Classes from GatorCNA.com

7-5-18-111-16

Designated drivers are the greatest

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis DOWN 3 Poison frontman 1 Cut for an agt.

Michaels 2 Bit Thanksgiving 4 of EMT birds expertise 3 “Whose Fearful Line Is 5 4 Flower part host It Anyway?”

5 Brazilian soccer Tyler legend 6 Like gong 6 Msg. for a cop car sounds 7 Space “Their Eyes Were 7 shuttle Watching God” gas novelist Zora __ 8 Contagious Hurston enthusiasm 8 Arc lamp gas 9 Couples golf 9 Animal’s of gullet 10 wanted” 10 “Help Finished sign?

11 (Having) spoiled 11 taker 12 Test Like amoebas 12 letters ref.

13 What Wordsmith’s need 18 Wedding wear 13 22 Hot Inc., in Toronto 15 24 Fuel French salt 25 Like White-sheet 17 film in a wearer, on camera Halloween 22 Composer 26 Singer Rimes Debussy and on soaps 23 Put notice actressstate Hunley 25 Blank 27 Ted Never, in Neuss 27 of “The 29 Birch Good family Place”trees 30 Eponymous Not worth a __ 29 2001 34 Hog’s home pop album 35 “Barnaby Jones” 30 Barnyard sound star Buddy

38 Coconut + or - particle 31 source 39 Early “Just a __!”

32 40 Carry out, as a transatlantic task flier 41 Nuclear “Don’t believe 33 reactor that!” need 42 Golden Ailing Globes 35 44 Hotel genreroom amenity stock 36 Potential 45 It’s a law buyer 46 1962 Opposite of 38 Lawrence pos. portrayer 48 Painting Comic Conway 39 supply

Personals

18

Release Date: Saturday, February18, 16,2019 2019 Monday, February

50 Pleasant Maritime safety 40 rides gp. #1 hit for 42 2007 52 Joy ofKeys “The View” Alicia 53 Put Maine college 43 in one’s two town cents 57 Classic Sports betting 46 muscle numbers cars 58 Andy Browning or Burns 47 Murray, by 59 Pickle birth container 60 Ave. crossers 49 Soprano 62 As well Sumac 63 “The BeattyPuzzle of 50 “Deliverance” Palace” org.

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

HIV ANTIBODY TESTING Alachua County Health Dept. Call 334-7960 for app’t (optional $20 fee)

21

Entertainment

Get the party started! Place your Entertainment classified today to get people up and about. Call 373-FIND.

Sat & Sun 12-5-109-21

www.WaldoFlea.com

19

Connections

Want to make a connection?

Place your ad here to look for someone to share a common interest with or for your true love

J UMB L E

by David L. Hoyt 1

2

Tickets

22

Furry, feathery, scaly...no, not your roommate...pets. Find or advertise your pets or pet products here in the Pets section of the Alligator.

SERVICE DOG - PTSD, AUTISM CERTIFIED 3 months old, AKC yellow lab, male.

Comes with training. $1800. 352-472-6099.

Volunteers needed.

2-18-19-5-24

Because Cats Don't Understand Abstinence

Lots of NEW info at

BUYING OR SELLING TICKETS? Place your ad here and get results!

Visit: alligator.org/classifieds

SAY:

http://ocgainesville.org/

25

Lost & Found

Finders Keepers? If you find something, you can place a FREE FOUND AD in our lost & found section. Be kind to someone who’s lost what you’ve found. Call 373-FIND.

"I FOUND IT IN THE ALLIGATOR!" TM

R

2-18-19

3

4

02/16/19 02/18/19

6

7

02/16/19 02/18/19

Pets

Spaying/Neutering Free-Roaming Cats Borrow a Trap / Make a Clinic Reservation Make a Donation / Volunteer New Expanded Hours

5

By Christopher Kurt Krauss Adams ©2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

24

OPERATION CATNIP

Don't forget to tell them: "I found it in The Alligator!"

Rides

Trying to get to and from somewhere? Want to cut back on that gas bill? Place an ad in the classifieds to find trip arrangements or show off your bus and shuttle service. 373FIND

WALDO FARMERS & FLEA MARKET Vintage & Unique - Like EBay in 3D

ACROSS CLUE 1. Warning word 5. Lawful, genuine 6. ____ Wilde 7. Car ____ DOWN CLUE

1.

2.

3.

4.

Cow, buffalo, etc. ____ mat Extreme ____ image

ANSWER ARBEEW I D AV L CROAS ELERDA ANSWER

NOBEIV E O E M LW C DALCAIR ROMRIR

CLUE: ____ ____ and Peter Frampton were childhood friends.

BONUS

How to play

Complete the crossword puzzle by looking at the clues and unscrambling the answers. When the puzzle is complete, unscramble the circled letters to solve the BONUS.

ANSWERS: 1A-Beware 5A-Valid 6A-Oscar 7A-Dealer 1D-Bovine 2D-Welcome 3D-Radical 4D-Mirror B-David Bowie

ACROSS Class-conscious 1 High-tech gp. accessory that 4 Big mayname pose in privacy underwear issues 9 Not Near-sighted Mr. 7 quite aligned 14 13 __-de-sac No-nonsense 15 Conical marker home 16 penance 14 Do Runs off, in a way 17 16 Extreme-weather Leader of New restriction, Netherland perhaps before it was 19 Dwindled renamed New 20 Krispy York __ doughnuts 18 Caltech, e.g.: 21 Chat room Abbr. chuckle 19 The __ Man: 23 Japanese Major Arcana computer giant card 24 18-wheeler 20 “Nixon in China” 25 Title bear of tenor role ’60s TV 21 Multiple of bat LXVII 28 A flirt may 22 Mobile one maker 23 Flirtatious bat 31 Mount McKinley, 24 1983 now Streisand film “acid” 32 ’60s 26 Spy 33 Like novelist baggy Deighton pants 27 “Clerks” 36 Bewilderclerk 28 Gandhi family 37 Brit’s trash can notable 39 Paris’ river 43 Boxing’s “Iron 30 Exposes Mike”Card 31 “The 44 Yahoo!

Players”rival artist 47 Obtain through 33 Positive intimidation, 34 Contract withas a money flat fee?

49 Attached,inassuites 35 Sweetly, hotel rooms 36 Dizzy genre 51 Classictargets?

French 37 Secret songsenate whose title 41 Old means setting “It’s so good” to natives 42 Japan, 54 44 Unexpected Roof, e.g. thing to hit 45 PC space bar 55 Cornfield sound neighbor 56 Suffix with iso46 Homer, or poly- in baseball lingo 57 Footnote abbr.

47 for one 59 Pieces Sci-fi author 48 Historical role Verne playedholder

by Sally 61 Frank Field in 2012 64 Leaning 51 65 Coral Batteryrelative post 52 Scholl’sas a 66 Dr. Absorbed, products loss 53 67 Promo Fishing line 54 More adroit holders 68 What a rooster DOWN rules 1 Like Wordseven of origin 69 U.S. flag stripes 2 Dirties the dishes

AUTISM. We are planning to enroll children with autism in a learning program designed by MD Call 352 275 8171 2-18-15-16

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Join www.Brands.Buzz and start earning with your social network…consistently, every day! Free to register. Join today!

2-2019-5-20

23

2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

& Hoyt Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Send comments to TCA - 160 N. Stetson, Chicago, Illinois 60601 or DLHoyt@HoytInteractiveMedia.com

1. Which major-league team was the first to win championships in three different divisions?

2. In 1955, a rookie pitcher led each league in strikeouts for the season.

Name either pitcher.

3. Name the last non-SEC team before Troy in 2017 to beat the Tigers in LSU’s Tiger Stadium.

4. In 2018, Philadelphia’s Markelle Fultz became the youngest player (19 years, 317 days) in NBA history to record a triple-double. Who had been the youngest?

5. Who was the first player in NHL history to have at least 50 assists in 10 consecutive seasons?

6. What was the last NASCAR race won by Dale Earnhardt?

7. How many times has tennis great Roger Federer finished a season in the top three of the ATP rankings?

Answers 1. Houston won division titles in the N.L. West, N.L. Central and A.L. West.

2. Cleveland’s Herb Score (245 strikeouts) and Sam Jones of the Chicago Cubs (198).

3. UAB, in 2000.

4. Lonzo Ball (20 years, 15 days) of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017.

5. St. Louis’ Bernie Federko (197879 through 1987-88 seasons).

6. He won the Winston 500 at Talladega in 2000.

7. Fourteen. © 2019 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019 www.alligator.org/sports

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators finding inside game at critical point of season

By Alanis Thames Sports Writer

Aaron Ritter / Alligator Staff

Florida guard Andrew Nembhard scored nine points against Vanderbilt on Wednesday. He scored a career-high 21 points on 9-for-9 shooting against Alabama on Saturday.

BASEBALL

UF secures opening-series sweep behind strong outing from Leftwich

By Evan Lepak Sports Writer

A warm February afternoon in Gainesville featured some chilly bats.

Sophomore Jack Leftwich, UF’s Sunday starter, made light work of LBSU’s lineup, only allowing five hits and one earned run through six innings.

The Dirtbags got to the Orlando native early, however.

Aidan Malm homered out to deep left-center to give Long Beach State a 1-0 lead in the second inning.

Leftwich settled in nicely after that, not allowing another run to help lead UF to a 3-1 victory at McKethan Stadium.

Leftwich showcased a calm demeanor in his first start of 2019 to go along with impressive control. He struck out five batters while not giving up a single walk on the day.

“I felt really good right away today,” Leftwich said. “I was just trying to attack and alligatorSports writer and UF women's tennis and golf beat reporter Victor Prieto won the NBA All Star Pop-a-Shot Competition on Saturday. He dropped 36 points in the finals.

keep everything consistent.”

Relief pitcher Hunter Ruth — returning from Tommy John surgery — made his first appearance as a Gator, replacing Leftwich in the top of the seventh.

He pitched two scoreless innings, retiring six of the seven batters he faced.

UF coach Kevin O’Sullivan was asked about his redshirt freshman’s first appearance after the game.

“It was really good to get Hunter (Ruth) out there,” O’Sullivan said. “I thought his stuff was darting...He’s going to be a huge piece moving forward, for sure.”

At the plate, Florida’s bats mustered just enough juice to support the pitching staff, scoring three runs on six hits.

The Gators primarily got to LBSU freshman starter Alfredo Ruiz in the third and fourth innings.

UF loaded the bases with two outs to give freshman Jud Fabian an opportunity to get

SEE BASEBALL, PAGE 16

Andrew Nembhard made the right choice.

The UF guard had Alabama forward Donta Hall’s hands in his face near the free-throw line, where he was getting ready to shoot the ball.

Instead, Nembhard passed up the shot, drove to the right and lofted the ball up for a successful floater, giving his team a 12-point advantage late in the first half against the Crimson Tide.

Those types of shots allowed Florida to get more balance from its offense in the past couple of games, and that showed in its 71-53 win over Alabama on Saturday.

The Gators’ first six field goals of the game were from inside the threepoint arc, and three of those shots were from Nembhard.

The freshman made all nine of his attempts on Saturday, largely due to his shot selection.

He scored 12 of his 21 points in the paint, and his two made three pointers were uncontested.

Nembhard’s smart shot-taking mirrored the Gators’ offense against the Crimson Tide.

Florida is a team that averages

25.4 three-point attempts per game, but when the three pointers didn’t fall in the first half against Alabama — it went 4 of 12 for the period — Florida started working the ball to the interior. And despite shooting 33 percent from beyond the arc in the first half, the Gators made over half of their shots during that span.

They took fewer three-point shots (7) after the halftime break and shot 54.5 percent in the second half.

Guard KeVaughn Allen was 5 of 9 from the field with 13 points, and all but one of his baskets (a contested three-pointer in the first half) were either layups or mid-range jumpers.

Center Kevarrius Hayes and forward Keyontae Johnson were also efficient in the post. Hayes scored six of his nine points in the paint, and Johnson notched a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double.

The Gators’ ability to both push in transition and attack the rim contributed to them outscoring the Tide 6-0 in fastbreak points and 36-24 in points in the paint.

The first UF transition score was just three minutes into the game.

Nembhard stole the ball from Ala-

SEE MEN'S BASKETBALL, PAGE 16

Nothing But Nettuno / Opinion

What Florida needs to do to make the NCAA Tournament ings. It can thank a schedule Six games remain in the that rarely puts it up against regular season for the Gators’ poor opponents for that. men’s basketball team.

Florida played 11 “QuadSix more opportunities rant 1” games, tied for the to prove its worth to a com11th-most in the nation. mittee of people tasked with For those unfamiliar with choosing which 68 of the the NCAA lexicon, that cormore than 350 Division I colTyler Nettuno responds to games against lege basketball teams deserve Twitter: @TylerNettuno teams ranked in the top 30 of to make the NCAA Tournathe NET when the game is at ment.

The idea that Florida still stands a home, teams in the top 50 when its on a chance of being one of those 68 programs neutral court or teams in the top 75 when eludes most UF fans. But in their 71-53 the game is on the road.

Unfortunately for the Gators, they are takedown of Alabama, a likely tournament team that beat now-No. 5 Kentucky 2-9 in these games. Only the Alabama on Jan. 5, the Gators showed that they win and a victory over Arkansas on Jan. are still very much in the race for a slot in 9 count as high-quality wins, according to the NCAA’s metrics.

March Madness.

Still, UF has given tournament-caliber But what’s it going to take to get there?

Sitting at 14-11 overall with a 6-6 re- teams like Michigan State, Kentucky and cord in the SEC, the situation isn’t great. Tennessee late-game anxiety. These perBut despite the questionable record, UF formances, along with a lack of disasis ranked 40th in the NCAA’s NET rank-

Florida finishes home golf tournament in second place The Gators men's golf team fell to No. 3 Vanderbilt by one stroke on the final hole of the Florida Gators Invitational. UF had four golfers place in the top 30: John Axelsen (-3, tied for fourth), Eugene Hong (E, tied for 12th), Manuel Girona (+2, tied for 18th), and Chris Nido (+5, tied for 30th).

SEE COLUMN, PAGE 16

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019 ALLIGATOR 15

GYMNASTICS

The SEC may not have an answer for Florida after Tuscaloosa victory

By River Wells Sports Writer

Normality.

It’s a principle that Florida gymnastics coach Jenny Rowland has drilled into her team from the very beginning of the year.

Time and time again, UF’s gymnasts have attested that the key to their success is to go into the meet and do exactly what they have done in practice: be normal.

With their win in Tuscaloosa on Friday against No. 9 Alabama, every SEC team knows by now that the Gators’ “normal” is anything but.

UF’s average score across all of its meets so far this year is a 197.670. That score is higher than the best score from seven of the other top-10 teams in the nation, along with every other SEC team.

The Gators are undefeated in conference play thus far and have taken down two of the SEC’s three other top-10 squads in LSU and Alabama. With two more SEC meets to go, it isn’t just a possibility that the Gators go undefeated in their conference for the first time since 2007, it’s extremely likely.

Florida’s next meet is against No. 7 Georgia, and although they’re a top-10 team, they could be outclassed when they step into the O’Connell Center next week.

On top of the home-meet advantage UF will have, Georgia has lost to two teams that the Gators have beaten this year in Auburn and Alabama, the latter in the Bulldogs’ own arena. Georgia fell to Oklahoma by over 2.5 points, a matchup that Florida kept within

.300.

All of this coupled with the fact Georgia has only hit at or above the 197 mark in three of its eight meets gives a fairly steep advantage to the Gators.

After the Bulldogs, Florida takes on No. 21 Arkansas.

Despite being ranked in the top 25, the Razorbacks are a staggering 1-5. They have yet to win a meet in conference play, with their only victory coming against No. 25 Arizona.

Their highest score of the season is 196.175 against the Bulldogs, and that was one of only two times they were able to crack the 196 mark. Should the Gators defeat Georgia in Gainesville, it’s almost a certainty that they’ll complete their sweep of the SEC when they travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas, in two weeks.

If Florida does win out in SEC competition, it will have accomplished a feat not even its three consecutive 2013-15 national championship squads could do. It is certainly no easy task, and UF’s gymnasts speak often of how the conference’s high level of competition forges a better team.

“Luckily, we’re in one of the best conferences, and we get to compete against the best teams,” sophomore Alyssa Baumann said before the meet against Alabama. “Each time we go against an SEC team, it’s a big deal, and you want to come away with that win.” @riverhwells rwells@alligator.org

Alligator File Photo

Florida coach Jenny Rowland hugs gymnast Alyssa Baumann after her beam routine during UF’s 198.15-198.125 win over Oklahoma on Jan. 26, 2018.

SOFTBALL

UF earns third run-rule win of weekend, stays undefeated

By Mark Stine Sports Writer

Aaron Ritter / Alligator Staff

Florida first baseman Jordan Matthews compiled two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored in UF’s 8-0 win over Central Michigan on Sunday.

First baseman Jordan Matthews measured up a 2-2 offering from Central Michigan pitcher Cloe Mallory and made explosive contact. The softball soared through the desert air and landed over the red fence.

The home run tacked two runs onto the board, giving the Florida softball team a critical eight-run lead heading into the fifth inning.

The margin was just enough to run-rule the Chippewas (4-6), as Matthews’ home run punctuated a 76-minute, four-and-ahalf inning UF victory, 8-0.

The win completed an undefeated effort for Florida at the Littlewood Classic in Tempe, Arizona, which improved to 11-0 to start the 2019 campaign. It was the third run-rule victory by the Gators in two days.

The UF offense started with a lead-off blast by designated player Jordan Roberts in the bottom of the second inning and ended on the two-run homer. Matthews and Roberts led the team offensively with two hits, two RBIs and two runs apiece.

Florida also reaped plenty of benefits from the Chippewas’ blunders. Each of Central Michigan’s three errors directly led to a run.

Second baseman Hannah Adams knocked a ground ball to Central Michigan second baseman Rachel Vieira, who

let the ball squirt into the outfield and allowed Roberts to score from second.

Aggressive baserunning by pinch runner Amanda Beane caused two more errors in the fourth. The freshman stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error by the catcher and took home after a throw from center field flew into the Florida dugout.

The Chippewas were no match on offense for the pitching of senior Kelly Barnhill and sophomore Natalie Lugo. Barnhill started and improved to 6-0 on the season, while Lugo came in to close out the game.

Barnhill allowed one walk and one hit in four innings of action. The two-time All American struck out eight batters, two in each inning. She improved her earned-run average to 0.88 and her WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) to 0.56. Barnhill already has 54 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched.

Lugo allowed a single to start the fifth inning to Central Michigan’s Tala Dean, who made it to third on a wild pitch and stolen base. But the UF reliever fanned the next three batters. She has 24 strikeouts in 21.2 innings of work.

The scoreless inning dropped Lugo’s earned-run average under one (0.97), and her WHIP moved to 0.42, the lowest on the Gators’ pitching staff. @mstinejr mstine@alligator.org

16 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida swept in season series against South Carolina

By Dylan Rudolph Sports Writer

Cam Newbauer just looked down in the post-game press conference. The typically optimistic coach was quiet after his team gave up over 90 points for a second-straight game.

The offense clicked, but numerous times South Carolina rushed down the court and had wide-open shots while UF players still celebrated their points.

“Our defense has definitely got to get better,” Newbauer said. “It starts with transition defense. Have to get better in that area.”

No. 11 South Carolina used its fast-paced play to defeat the Florida women’s basketball team 96-77 Sunday at the O’Connell Center. The loss was UF’s seventh in its last eight games and the 10th straight against the Gamecocks.

South Carolina came into the matchup having won six of its last seven games, but Florida (6-19, 2-10 SEC) did not look intimi-

dated. Donning their bright pink jerseys for the annual Play4Kay Pink Game, the Gators used strong drives and excellent passing to go on an 18-2 run in the opening quarter.

Guards Danielle Rainey and Kiara Smith led the way, combining for 13 points and three rebounds.

But once South Carolina settled in, the momentum began to shift.

The Gamecocks (19-6, 11-1 SEC) quickly stole the lead back in the second quarter.

Florida’s transition defense was exposed when South Carolina began to effectively use its up-tempo offense. The consequence was a 16-2 South Carolina run and an eight-point deficit heading into the halftime break.

Guards Bianca Cuevas-Moore and Destanni Henderson commanded the offense, combining for 28 points (14 each) and four rebounds in the half.

South Carolina continued its surge in the second half when forward Alexis Jennings began to impose herself by using her huge, 6-foot-3 frame against Florida’s smaller in-

terior defense. UF forward Zada Williams struggled to guard her in the post for much of the game and received little help defense from her teammates, allowing Jennings to bully her way to a 17-point third quarter and a 22-point game on 8-for-11 shooting.

“She’s a good player,” Williams said after the game. “She was closing hard, posting really deep. I have to give her credit. She really busted her tail to get the ball, and that’s what happened.”

Jennings’ performance broke the game open, and South Carolina extended its lead with seemingly every possession. The Gamecocks shot over 60 percent from the field in the second half, and five players finished with nine or more points.

Florida tried to match South Carolina shot for shot, but the Gamecocks' defense adjusted well after giving up 25 points in the first quarter. The Gamecocks closed out well on the perimeter and contested every attempt.

The Gators had five players with 10 or more points but made just 39 percent of their

shots after the opening quarter, including a dreadful 16 percent from three-point range.

“Us being stagnant when they went to zone (defense) kind of hurt us,” Williams said. “Not really moving on weak sides. Not really finding open people. We have to work on our offense against that zone defense.”

Florida will need to find confidence on both sides of the ball before it travels to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Thursday to play LSU. Newbauer said he hopes that his players don’t get too discouraged after losing to one of the best teams in the SEC. “We talk a lot about passion and purpose,” Newbauer said. “Losing is not fun.

It steals your passion when you get beat up sometimes…I’m just proud that even though we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, they keep clawing and keep sticking together.” @dyrudolph drudolph@alligator.org

McConnell went 3 for 4 off two singles and an RBI double BASEBALL, from pg 14 the team on the board.

Fabian stayed patient at the plate, getting the count to 3-2 before forcing a walk to allow sophomore shortstop Brady McConnell to trot in from third base.

The next at-bat, freshman Roberto Pena — making his first start as a Gator — hit a line drive to LBSU third baseman Tanner Carlson that he couldn’t gather, allowing designated hitter Nelson Maldonado to score from third.

The fourth inning featured doubles from both catcher Santino Miozzi and McConnell.

McConnell’s shot down the left-field line scored Miozzi, giving the Gators a 3-1 lead.

He went 3 for 4 on the day, adding two singles to go along with his RBI double.

“Obviously it’s exciting to me,” McConnell said, referring to his five-hit series this weekend. “I’m just glad we’re winning ball games, that’s what’s most important. If it’s me that’s helping, then cool.”

The Gators sent out closer Nolan Crisp once again to secure his second save in as many tries.

The freshman gave up a leadoff double in the ninth but retired three-straight LBSU batters afterwards to complete the sweep for Florida.

The youth of this team was a worry of O’Sullivan’s going into the season, but they showed an ability to stay composed on Sunday.

“You look out there late in the game, and

Alligator File Photo

Florida coach Kevin O'Sullivan went with redshirt freshman Hunter Ruth, who returned from Tommy John surgery, in relief of Sunday starter Jack Leftwich. you have a freshman at second, a redshirt freshman at short, you have a freshman at first, a high school senior at center, and a high school kid on the mound,” O’Sullivan said. “It wasn’t by design, but in a two-run

game, they kept it together, and that was impressive.” @evanmplepak elepak@alligator.org

COLUMN, from pg 14 trous losses, leave Florida squarely in the hunt for a tournament berth.

Of the Gators’ six remaining SEC matchups, two — road bouts with Kentucky and LSU — are not likely to go their way. They must win the other four.

That includes beating the Tigers, as well as Missouri and Georgia, when they come to Gainesville. It would also require beating Vanderbilt in Nashville, a feat Florida hasn’t accomplished since 2014.

The Gators could be favored in all of those games, as they’ve already beaten Vandy at home and the Bulldogs in Athens, Georgia.

If UF wants to dance come March, they can’t afford to drop these contests.

It’s hard to deny Florida’s improvement in recent wins over Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Alabama, but it may be coming too late in the season. Coach Mike White knows that missing the tournament this year will only turn up the pressure that has mounted over the course of the season.

However, if the Gators can avoid causing further damage to their resume over the final weeks of the season, they should hear their name called on Selection Sunday.

Tyler Nettuno is a sports writer for the Alligator. Follow him on Twitter @TylerNettuno or contact him at tnettuno@alligator.org.

The Gators scored 11 points off turnovers against Alabama MEN'S BASKETBALL, from pg 14 bama guard Dazon Ingram and drove to the basket for an easy layup.

He followed that up midway through the first half with another transition layup.

That time, Allen found Nembhard on the fastbreak after guard Jalen Hudson came up with the ball off an Alabama turnover.

There were several plays like that, where the Gators’ aggression on defense led to points on the offensive end (they scored 11 points off turnovers).

They would’ve normally pulled up from deep in those situations, But in a game where its defense created numerous opportunities for its offense, Florida made the smart plays. And those plays ultimately allowed it to reach

its highest point total since Jan. 30, when it scored 90 in an overtime win over Ole Miss.

Florida’s performance comes at a pivotal point in the year as postseason implications make each game more and more important.

NCAA Tournament projections have the Gators outside the top 68. But most bracketology experts still give Florida a slight

chance to make the tournament.

ESPN Bracketology expert Joe Lunardi has Florida as the top team in his “First Four Out.” But UF’s convincing win over Alabama, a team that is pegged to make the tournament, certainly helped its resume. @alanisthames athames@alligator.org