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VOLUME 113 ISSUE 41

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida

Not officially associated with the University of Florida

FOOTBALL

Florida to face Michigan in Peach Bowl By Jake Dreilinger Sports Writer

Florida’s postseason fate has been revealed, and it will include a familiar foe in a different location. The Gators will face the Michigan Wolverines in the Chick-ﬁl-A Peach Bowl on Dec. 29 at noon in Atlanta. It will be the third time in

four years the two teams have faced off and the fifth time ever. The Gators are coming off a 9-3 season under first-year coach Dan Mullen with wins over ranked opponents LSU and Mississippi State. Their only losses came against Kentucky, Georgia and Missouri, all of whom finished the season in the top 25. A New Year’s Six game is a huge turn-

around for a team that went 4-7 last year and missed out on a bowl appearance. Michigan went 10-2 with wins against Northwestern (who played for the Big Ten title), Wisconsin, Michigan State and Penn State. Its only losses came against Notre Dame, a College Football Playoff team, and Ohio State, the Big Ten champion. The last time these two teams played was

the 2017 season opener in Arlington, Texas. The Wolverines won 33-17 after throwing for 218 yards and a touchdown and running for 215 yards and a touchdown. The last time they faced in a bowl game was the 2016 Citrus Bowl, where Michigan obliterated Florida 41-7. @DreilingerJake jdreilinger@gmail.com

Are you looking for your horse? Highway the Horse a hit on social media A GOFUNDME PAGE RAISED MORE THAN $8,000 TO COVER THE HORSE’S MEDICAL TREATMENT. By Kyle Wood Alligator Staff Writer

Deputies are looking for the owner of a horse, nicknamed Teddy Bear Highway, after it was found injured on Interstate 75 Friday morning. Deputies hypothesize he either fell out of a trailer or wandered into the road and Highway was grazed by a vehicle before he was found between the Micanopy exit and Wacahoota Road, said Alachua County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce spokesperson Lt. Brett Rhodenizer. Deputies are investigating who Highway belongs to and what happened to him, Rhodenizer said. Rhodenizer did not know Highway’s exact injuries. The horse was taken to the Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry. The clinic started a GoFundMe page Friday

to raise $7,500 for surgery to treat his injuries. Within a day, 152 people raised $8,829. Thea Mathen, a 63-year-old resident of Flagler County, said she saw the fundraiser on her Facebook feed and decided to donate to Highway’s cause. Mathen’s $273 donation was the fourth highest contribution to the fundraiser. “I’m a sucker for hurt animals, and it looked like they were getting a lot of responses,” she said. “And I wanted to help them get to the next level.” The sheriff’s ofﬁce announced Highway’s surgery was successful on Facebook Sunday morning. The post said Highway was munching on carrots and taking antibiotics in the meantime. Highway does not have a microchip or tattoo to identify him, but Rural Services Deputies determined that he is not a wild horse, Rhodenizer said. Anyone with information can call the Combined Communications Center at 352-9551818. @KKylewood kwood@alligator.org

Aaron Ritter / Alligator Staff

Training Manager Laura Hardy teaches Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe the ropes Friday on top of the 5001 building at Celebration Pointe during the Alachua Habitat for Humanity’s fundraiser for affordable housing. The mayor was one of 34 people to descend 80 feet in support of Habitat for Humanity.

Alachua County sees a 10 percent uptick in all crime in 2018 THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLECTED THE DATA. By Alyssa Ramos Alligator Staff Writer

Crime in Alachua County has increased by 10 percent in the ﬁrst half of 2018 compared to last year, according to a semiannual report.

UF gets in win column

The Gators’ women’s basketball team kept it close against Texas Tech throughout the game. See who made the difference for Florida in the late stages, pg. 14

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office saw a 7 percent increase in crime overall and 1,352 total arrests, according to data compiled by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The county saw significant increases in larceny, burglary and aggravated assaults, the report said. Meanwhile, crime decreased in the state by 8 percent. Alachua County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brett Rhodenizer said the semiannual report is just a snapshot of the trends.

The agency looks at data in the long term. “It’s just a reporting period, you’ll see spikes and lulls in the data,” Rhodenizer said. “We don’t see anything alarming.” Rhodenizer said the data doesn’t account for repeat offenders. The Alachua Police Department had a 2.6 percent decrease in crime reported. The Gainesville Police Department had a 12.5 percent increase in crime rates, with a total of 3,033 crimes. The agency saw large increases in larceny, burglary and aggravat-

Groggy night out

A man bit a Grog House Bar and Grill bouncer Sunday morning, and a woman broke her hand taking a swing, pg. 5

What’s the construction at Midtown? See the new apartments coming for Fall, pg. 4

ed assault, the report said. Gainesville Police Lt. Steven Bradford said a rise in burglaries happen because of unlocked cars where criminals commonly steal spare change, guns and phones. “Criminals take advantage of easy access,” Bradford said. “People have a false sense of security and think it’s not going to happen to them.”

@LysKRamos aramos@alligator.org

2 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018

Today’s Weather

VOLUME 113 ISSUE 41

ISSN 0889-2423

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

NEWSROOM

NOON

HIGH 77° LOW 57°

Local Events / News in Brief UPCOMING EVENTS TODAY Don’t stress the (HIV) test Planned Parenthood Generation Action at UF is observing World AIDS Day. At 6-8 p.m. in Pugh Hall, people can get tested for HIV/ AIDS (Courtesy of WellFlorida Council, Inc.). In addition to the free test, there will be free food, therapy dogs, a health and wellness organization fair and free prizes. After Kavanaugh: Discussing our Current Cultural Climate The event originally scheduled for earlier this semester will be taking place at 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Reitz Union Room 2320. The UF Women’s Student Association invites students to share their thoughts and feelings regarding Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the cultural climate that has been surrounding women in this country. The discussion will be facilitated by several staff members. Town hall meeting with UF President Kent Fuchs The Black Student Affairs Task Force and Office of Black Affairs invite students to a town hall with UF President Kent Fuchs. One of the rec-

352-376-4458 • Fax: 352-376-4467

ommendations from the 2016 task force report was to have an annual town hall meeting with university leadership. The town hall is scheduled at 7-8:30 p.m. in the Reitz Union Rion Ballroom. The event will be livestreamed and light refreshments will be served. Fuchs will take questions at the event during a Q&A session.

WEDNESDAY Fall Collection Day event Sustainable UF is having its Fall Collection Day from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the northwest corner of the O’Connell Center parking lot. This event makes it easy to drop off unwanted household items, clothing, hazardous waste, old electronics, furniture, appliances and non-perishable food items. Usable items will be donated for use in the community, and damaged goods, hazardous waste and electronic equipment will be recycled or disposed of safely and responsibly by partnering organizations. Food donations will be donated to Field and Fork Pantry, household items will benefit Habitat for Humanity, clothing and unopened toiletries will be donated to UF HealthStreet, and office/school supplies will benefit the Tools for Schools program.

Have an event planned? Add it to the alligator’s online calendar:

Editor Engagement Managing Editor Digital Managing Editor Opinions Editor

alligator.org/calendar Swamp Records’ Fall Fest Swamp Records is holding its Fall Fest from 6 p.m. to midnight at The Wooly, at 20 N. Main St. Venmo “SwampRecords” $12 for presale tickets or pay at the door while supplies last. There is a $3 charge at the door for attendees who are under 21. The event is 16+. The lineup includes flipturn, The Savants of Soul, The Forum and Hugo $anchez. Got something going on? Want to see it in this space? Send an email with “What’s Happening” in the subject line to pfry@alligator.org. To request publication in the next day’s newspaper, please submit entries before 5 p.m. Please model your submissions after the above events and keep them to 150 words or fewer. Improperly formatted “What’s Happening” submissions may not appear in the paper. Press releases will not appear in the paper.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 ALLIGATOR 3

The 37th downtown festival brings paintings, glass, virtual art THERE WERE MORE THAN 200 ARTISTS FEATURED. By Jeana Fraser Alligator Contributing Writer

Thousands of visitors and artists from around the world ﬂocked to downtown Gainesville. Streets were closed Saturday and Sunday for the 37th annual Downtown Festival & Art Show, where more than 200 artists sell their original work. Art ranged from original oil and acrylic paintings, watercolor, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics and photography. Here are three local artists who were part of it:

Tina Corbett Location: High Springs, Florida For a long time, Tina Corbett painted landscapes, but she’s evolving to abstract realism. “I take an actual object and paint it in oil more realistically,” she said. “Then I kind of go crazy

with the background.” Although she’s evolving, Corbett, the owner of Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies, goes back to her humble beginnings by painting things like a river in High Springs. One of her paintings is titled “Me Too” and was inspired by her mother’s Vogue patterns. She originally was going to title it “In Vogue” but changed the name because it was ﬁnished when the movement began. The painting depicts women of different cultures and eras, including Marilyn Monroe.

David Sandidge Location: Clermont, Florida David Sandidge spent 20 years hand-blowing glass at Disney theme parks around the world. After his time working for the mouse, he decided to work for himself. “Do you know why mermaids wear seashells?” Sandidge, showing his glass mermaid piece said. “Because B-shells are too small. I

Jeana Fraser / Alligator Contributor

Tina Corbett, artist and owner of Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies, works her art booth at the 37th annual Downtown Festival & Art Show Sunday. The painting is called “Me Too.” guess I always wanted to see Ariel take her top off.” He said his work also includes horses from Ocala, manatees and anything you would ﬁnd around the Sunshine State. “Looking around my booth, it’s very Florida,” he said.

er 1996.” After his ﬁrst year, he heard discouraging critiques. Today he still uses Painter, the 2018 version, and virtually hand paints his work that can sell up to $1,400, he said.

“Painting a human on the stage, you’re painting someone and making clothes that they are wearing,” Braun said. “Here, I’m just painting whatever I want to make. I’m painting what I like.”

Michael Braun

Jeana Fraser / Alligator Contributor

Michael Braun, an artist at the 37th annual Downtown Festival & Art Show, holds a picture of Jimi Hendrix wearing clothes Braun designed at Woodstock.

Location: Tampa, Florida Michael Braun started making art in Florida in 1966 by making fringe shirts, motorcycle jackets and crushed velvet pants for Jimi Hendrix. Another customer of his was wrestler Randy Savage, for whom he hand-painted “Macho Man” on hats for TV every Monday. “All the things that you’re going to see on the internet that’s nuts and crazy, we made for him,” he said. In 1996, Braun found out that Steven Spielberg was paying people to paint dinosaurs running across a ﬁeld. This is when he started painting on the computer through a program called “Paint-

Jeana Fraser / Alligator Contributor

David Sandidge’s handblown glass is displayed at the at the 37th annual Downtown Festival & Art Show.

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4 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018

Police union granted hearing for unfair labor charges THE HEARING COMES AFTER A SEPTEMBER CITY COMMISSION MEETING ABOUT OFFICER WAGES, SHIFTS. By Alyssa Ramos Alligator Staff Writer

After two years of negotiations and four months of continued grievances, Gainesville will have to answer to its police union. The State Labor Board granted the Gainesville Fraternal Order of Police, the local police union, a hearing for its charges against Gainesville Thursday, according to an email sent by Matt Goeckel, the police union spokesperson.

The union filed unfair labor charges with the Public Employee Relations Commission, a government-appointed board responsible for labor disputes, on Nov. 7, the release said. The charges come after the union claimed the city violated the union’s right to bargain and schedule work hours and their refusal to meet with them, the release said On Sept. 7, the City Commission voted 4-3 to approve a proposal which would allow Chief Tony Jones to set the officers’ work hours anywhere from eight to 12 hours at a time. At the same meeting, the commission denied the union’s proposal of a “step up plan” that would increase officer wages by two percent every year. Instead, the city passed a motion for a one-time payment of $800 in addition to a flat rate wage increase. Goeckel told The Alligator in September

Newly-elected Florida official promises audit of gun program By Associated Press Florida’s newly elected agriculture commissioner is vowing to conduct a “deep dive” into the state’s concealed weapons permit program once she is sworn into office. Nikki Fried, who appeared on south Florida news programs on Sunday, said she has already begun talking about possible changes to the program with employees in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Her push to revamp the program comes amid a likely legislative battle over whether the program should be moved to a different state agency. Earlier this year it was revealed that there were lapses in the program that is currently under the control of outgoing Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. Fried, who is now the only statewide elected Democrat, will take office Jan. 8. Fried, who says she has had a concealed weapons permit for five years, contends that gun rights groups such as the National Rifle Association have too much influence over the operation of the program. This past week it was reported that NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer has suggested placing Republican Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis in charge of concealed weapons permits. Hammer told the Tampa Bay Times that Patronis would “continue to run it properly.” Democrats in the state Senate, meanwhile, have filed a bill to transfer the program to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Florida transferred control of the program in 2002 from the Department of State to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at the urging of Hammer so that it was under an elected official. Fried, who says she supports transferring the program to FDLE, wants to do an audit of the program even though state auditors are currently reviewing it as part of a routine audit of the agriculture department. She also said she wants to require that all permit background checks be done by full-time employees. She said part-time employees are currently assisting in the reviews. “This is not a political issue, this is making sure safety come first,” Fried said on an interview broadcast on WFOR-TV. More than 1.9 million people in Florida have permits to carry concealed weapons.

that the commission’s decision was a slap in the face. “We’re not being vindictive other than trying to protect our member’s rights,” Goeckel said. The union members refused to vote on the contract that came out of the meeting. The city interpreted the refusal to vote as a rejection of the contract, according to a memo from Scott Heffner, the city’s employee and relations manager. Heffner sent the memo to officers Thursday. Until a new agreement is reached, GPD officers employed as of October 2016 forfeit a $1,300 allowance for laundry expenses, an $800 one-time payment and the flat rate wage increase for officers, the memo said. GPD declined to comment about the unfair labor charges, wrote spokesperson Cpt. Jorge

Campos in an email. Goeckel said the dispute has been killing morale. “If the city continues to do things like this, people are going to look for jobs elsewhere,” he said. The union criticized the city and the agency in a letter Nov. 18 for its handling of an event where a man was shot after a rap concert. Four of the agency’s police ofﬁcers resigned from its SWAT team in November. “They support us, at best, as a necessary evil,” Goeckel said. “They have lost sight of the fact that their core services are the people they need to take care of.” @LysKRamos aramos@alligator.org

Three new apartments are opening behind Midtown in Fall By McKenna Beery Alligator Staff Writer

College Park at Midtown 207 NW 17th St. When it opens: first week of July 2019 Prices: 1x1 starts at $970 per month 2x2 starts at $985 per room 4x4 starts at $794 per room Available units: 12 different floor plans; five different 1x1s two different 2x2s four different 4x4s Pet-friendly: No Parking: $150 a month for a car, and $65 a month for standard scooter parking Amenities: washer and dryers, high speed cable and internet included in rent each month. There will be no separate amenities, such as a pool or study area. Furnished or unfurnished: The rooms come fully furnished, including the bedroom and living room. Leasing deals: None at the moment Information according to Brett Ducker, fulltime leasing specialist. The Quad Luxury Apartments in Midtown 219 NW 19th St. When it opens: move-in date of August 15 Prices: Studio apartment starts at $1,050

Jordan Bourne / Alligator Staff

Three new apartments will open behind Midtown in Fall 2019. 1x1 starts at $1,295 2x2 starts at $795 per bedroom 4x4 starts at $750 per bedroom Available units: studios, 1x1s, 2x2s and 4x4s A studio is smaller than a 1x1 and does not have anything between the living room and bedroom All 1x1 and studio apartments are sold out Pet-friendly: No Parking: $75 per month for car assigned parking, and $120 a year for scooter parking Amenities: The rooms come with free high speed internet, 24/7 emergency maintenance, pest control and trash pick

up Furnished or unfurnished: unfurnished, but will have a washer and dryer and kitchen appliances Leasing deals: The current prices are a pre-construction special, but the rates will eventually increase Information according to Sam Armstrong, leasing agent for Circa Properties. Midtown Apartments 104 NW 17th St. Available units: studio, 1x1, 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 The complex’s management declined to comment until a later date.

New SG election dates to come THE DATES MAY SHIFT TO ACCOMMODATE SPRING BREAK. By Gillian Sweeney Alligator Staff Writer

High on the list of Student Government’s priorities: Spring Break and Spring elections. The UF SG Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill to change the date of the Spring SG election at a meeting on Sunday morning. It moves the election from Feb. 26 and 27 to Feb. 19 and 20, according to the bill. Students will elect Student Body executives and 50

senators from colleges and grades. The change was made because runoffs must take place the week after the initial election, but this would conﬂict with UF’s Spring Break from March 2 to 9, SG Senate Judiciary Chairman Will Sandifer said. The SG constitution, which outlines the rules for the governing body, also mandates that elections take place the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February, Sandifer said. Because the date of the election is written into the rules of the governing body, a bill needs to be brought before the Senate to change it. A similar change has been needed in Spring elections over the past two

years, Sandifer said. “We just have to move it,” Sandifer said. The changes will not affect the length of the SG election cycle, SG Supervisor of Elections Henry Fair, who wrote the bill to change the dates, wrote in an email. “I made the decision that provides the opportunity for the most students to participate in the election and be in line with the SG constitution,” Fair said. @gilliangsweeney gsweeney@alligator.org

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 ALLIGATOR 5

· CRIME ROUNDUP ·

Party foul: Man bites bouncer; Woman accused of stabbing man three times woman breaks own hand at Grog, police said HER BOND IS SET AT $50,000. By Dana Cassidy Alligator Staff Writer

A heated argument got out of hand Friday afternoon after a woman was accused of stabbing a man three times with a knife, Gainesville Police said. Shakela “Tomboy” Williams, 41, of Gainesville, is accused of pulling out a knife on a man before he hit her with a pipe in self-defense at Dignity Campgrounds, at 3035 NE 28th Drive, according to an arrest report. The report does not mention why Williams and the man were arguing. A witness, who works at the campgrounds, told police that he tried to break up the argument, but the two continued to bicker with each other, the report said. Williams began to walk away but continued to argue and then came

back with a knife in her hand. The man threatened to hit her with a pipe if she came at him with a knife, the report said. He then hit her with the pipe, police said. After, Williams stabbed the defendant three times in both arms, the report said. The man was able to stop Williams and took the knife away from her. Another witness told police he saw Williams walk up to the man with a knife and the man hit her ﬁrst with a pipe, the report said. Williams is charged with aggravated battery, the report said. She is being held in the Alachua County Jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond. @danacassidy_ dcassidy@alligator.org

By Alyssa Ramos Alligator Staff Writer

A man left two bite marks on a bouncer at Grog House Bar and Grill Sunday morning, police said. Malachi Dushun Lofland, 21, of Gainesville, and Shante Michelle Kimble, 26, of Gainesville, were accused of fighting bouncers at Grog on West University Avenue, according to Gainesville Police arrest reports. Lofland and Kimble were dancing when a bouncer tried to escort Lofland out of the bar, the report said. Lofland bit the bouncer on his abdomen and later made another bite on his right chest. Kimble hit the same bouncer on the right side of his face and fought with other bouncers, the report said. The bouncer had cuts on his face and two bite marks, the report said. Kimble

told police her hand hurt. Medics confirmed she broke her hand when she hit the bouncer. Lofland refused to get into the officer’s patrol car and began kicking the door and windows, the report said. Officers used a Taser on him three times. Kimble was charged with simple battery, the report said. She was released from the Alachua County Jail on her own recognisance Monday afternoon. Lofland was charged with simple battery and resisting an officer without violence, the report said. He was released from the Alachua County Jail on a bond valued at $5,000. Lofland and Kimble could not be immediately reached for comment. @LysKRamos aramos@alligator.org

GPD looking for three men suspected of ripping chain oﬀ of neck By Alyssa Ramos Alligator Staff Writer

Three men robbed the chains off a person’s neck Saturday, according to UF Public Safety. Gainesville Police are looking for three men suspected of ripping the shirt and chain off a person near the UF Delta Upsilon fraternity house, at 1814 W University Ave., according a UF Public Safety

Alert sent to students that morning. One man was of medium build and wore a blue jacket and blue jeans, the alert said. Another was of a small build and wore a red shirt. The third man had a heavy build, wore a grey shirt and had long hair in a bun. Mitchell Rice, a 20-year-old UF business administration sophomore and Delta Upsilon member, said he was at the house when he received the alert on his

phone. Police officers did not come to the house and his fraternity brothers did not notice anything out of the ordinary, Rice said. After leaving a little past 2 a.m., Rice said he saw two police officer cars parked on the road behind the house, but he didn’t see anything unusual. Rice said he received a flood of messages from his friends, but he and his

brothers were just as confused as everyone else. “There was no robbery, nobody was hurt, “ Rice said. Anyone with information about the three men can call Gainesville Police at 352-955-1818.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 www.alligator.org/opinions

Editorial

The nation mourns a president’s vision

kinder and gentler nation. This was the aspiration George H.W. Bush had in mind for the United States throughout his presidency. Since he left office, the U.S. has tried, and failed in some respects, to pursue his lofty goal. But we trust that to try, and to keep trying, is enough to honor the wish he could not see completed. Bush died on Friday at 94 years old after a series of hospitalizations. He followed his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, who died in April at 92. He will be buried on the grounds of his presidential library at Texas A&M University after he lays in state at the Capitol Rotunda until Wednesday morning. Americans will have a chance to pay their respects to the 41st president, his leadership during the 1990s, his legacy and his vision. His most prominent roles were of national fame, but his first acts of service were of dire national importance. He began training as a naval aviator after the U.S. was thrust into war when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Bush completed 58 missions in total, earning his honorable place in history with the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Gold Stars — medals awarded for valor and heroism. He asked us to find the kinder and gentler solution to warfare he witnessed firsthand. Going into the presidency, Bush inherited a world still chilled by the Cold War. But as the Soviet Union crumbled like the Berlin wall before it, he chose not to gloat or rush to Germany to prance on the ashes. He negotiated the Soviet withdrawal from Germany and a seat for the newly unified country at the table of NATO. Bush may not have ended the Cold War all on his own, but he certainly piloted the U.S. smoothly through a titanic shift in international power. Notably, Bush did not make ham-handed threats at dangerous adversaries or be a scandalmonger in the press. He conducted foreign policy with restraint and wisdom, even if his handling of the massacre at Tiananmen Square in China was too restrained and not wise in that regard. His accomplishments are too numerous to list, but he would later orchestrate the coalition that pushed Saddam Hussein out of Iraq and nurture a post-presidency dedicated to humanitarian causes. But for all his accomplishment, Bush’s legacy is not without tarnish. The AIDS epidemic marred his presidency and nearly every position of public office he held. During his presidency, Magic Johnson, a member of Bush’s National Commission on AIDS, quit out of distaste for Bush’s inaction. Johnson wrote in a letter that Bush had “dropped the ball,” adding that he could not “in good conscience continue to serve on a commission whose important work is so utterly ignored by your Administration.” Bush’s legacy cannot, and will not, ever escape all that he could have done for the AIDS crisis or those innocent lives lost in the middle eastern conflicts he dedicated American firepower to. Prior to being engulfed in politics, Bush was a generally modest man. His classmates in school nicknamed him “Have-Half” Bush because of his tendency to share what he had. We will remember him for his presidency and his personhood, but we still struggle to answer the question he posed in his 1992 State of the Union address. As Bush once said: “America has always led by example. So, who among us will set the example? Which of our citizens will lead us in this next American century?” We ought to ask ourselves that same question as we conduct our politics, vote for our leaders and move our country into the digital age — being caustic and divisive will only become easier and more instantaneous. We must be increasingly careful to honor Bush’s admonition. America can still shine as a beacon of honor and integrity, but it will take a leader who forges our kinder, gentler nation by deeds, not empty words. Meryl Kornfield EDITOR

Romy Ellenbogen MANAGING EDITOR

Paige Fry MANAGING EDITOR

Stephan Chamberlin OPINIONS EDITOR

Guest Column

Immigrants add a vital spice to our national life

hey say a picture paints a thousand like. Our country is, and already has been great words. In my time growing up in this because of the people who make it up. country, I have been taught about a few What the president doesn’t understand is powerful photographs that stand out that not everyone trying to cross the border is in history. In the Great Depression, the trying to “steal American jobs.” For Meza, a photo was the “Migrant Mother,” during the single mother of nine children, moving to the Vietnam War, it was the “Napalm Girl,” and in U.S. means providing a better life for her kids. the 1980s, it was the “Afghan Girl.” Namu Sampath The majority of the people trying to cross the opinions@alligator.org Most recently — last week — it was the imborder are just trying to be able to support their age of a woman on the San Ysidro border in San families. Diego, California, who was trying to pull her two daughWhen I was in high school, I volunteered at an organiters away from tear gas. This woman has been identified zation called The AjA Project, whose mission is to empowas Maria Lila Meza Castro, a Honduran migrant to the U.S. er underrepresented women and children using photograwho is seeking asylum. phy as a medium. One of their programs, which started If you don’t know what happened a few days ago at in 2016 and is extremely important during this political the border in San Diego, California, I’ll break it down for climate is called Border Click. It’s a multimedia project you. The port of entry on the Mexican border was closed that documents the “complexities and everyday aesthetic for hours Sunday, after a group of migrants from Tijuana, encounters of the transborder experience,” taken by youth Mexico, entered the area. participants who cross the US/Mexico border daily. This rush of people caused U.S. Border Patrol to release The work that organizations like The AjA Project and tear gas into the area, which led the migrants to flee. How- others do is vital for the progression of this country. Womever, this event caused stronger tensions to rise among mi- en and children like Maria and her family shouldn’t have grants trying to move through Mexico to get to the United to fear for their lives if they are seeking a better life. States. The power of photography is incredible. Certain photoAs the migrants wait for the immigration process to be- graphs become impactful because we look at them from a gin — or finish, for some — President Donald Trump has privileged perspective, and many of us are empathetic to sealed all points of entry to the United States from Mexico the struggles of other people. and pushed to keep the migrants in Mexico. Immigrants are a vital part of this country. We literThis topic hits home for me — literally. I was born and ally need them to survive. In the wise words of comedian raised in San Diego, and I am a brown child of immigrants. Hasan Minhaj, “If these people are willing to risk their While my parents didn’t flee from their home country to lives to travel 3,000 miles and apply for asylum at our come here, I, unlike the unfortunate leader of this country, borders, we owe it to them to at least look over their aphave a heart and still empathize with the families who are plication, because at some point someone was willing to trying to make safe passage into the United States. look over ours.” Seeing the photograph of Meza made me frustrated A version of this column originally appeared in The about the president’s view of what the U.S. should look Daily Free Press.

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, DECEMBER 3, 2018 ALLIGATOR 7

Column

Enjoy slow growth, practice ﬁnding quiet

documenting everything I feel and do. ll my life there’s been a buzzThey help me channel that buzzing, but ing. Sometimes it’s a whisper at more than anything I appreciate how night. Other times it’s a roar in they let me look back at my own growth. the morning that makes my chest Here’s an excerpt from Jan. 4, 2017, feel heavy, as if someone had when I had just begun at The Alligator as their foot on me. a staff writer: The buzzing isn’t bad, necessarily. It’s “I went to the staff meeting yesterday pushed me to achieve. I don’t think I’d Romy for The Alligator and felt really uncomhave ever come to The Alligator without Ellenbogen fortable. At one point when I was just sitit. But that push to achieve comes from opinions@alligator.org ting I felt so sad, like I might cry. Because the fear of not ever doing enough, of doin that moment, I wasn’t sure if this proing something wrong, of never being correct and never being allowed to appreciate the work fession was right for me. Maybe I’ve been deluding I’ve already done. Feel bad about yourself, it says. myself. But I’m still giving it a shot. I’m nervous, though.” Why did you do that, it says. So you know, I did cry that day. I snuck out to the If you did something right, it was luck. If you did bathroom and wept. something wrong, it was all your fault. One thing I mentioned early on in those entries For years I wished I could quiet it. And then one day this Fall, sitting in my comfortable chair in the was that at least the people were nice. And I owe so back office of The Alligator, I realized I had. I felt much of my professional growth, but also my personal growth, to the brilliant editors and writers I’ve quiet. I felt at home. I owe The Alligator everything when it comes to worked alongside. Thanks for believing in me. You being a journalist. But I also owe it so much for mak- all inspire me from near (my fellow editors who I ing me someone who believes in myself, even on the spend too much time sitting across from) and afar. In a year and a half, I went from feeling so deeply hard days. When I came to UF I was a sweaty, insecure uncomfortable in The Alligator’s office I had to cry freshman bursting with nervous energy. That energy in the even more uncomfortable bathroom to finally bubbled over and left me sobbing on the phone to finding my quiet. It’s because I learned to trust myself. Besides the Counseling and Wellness Center the week before classes even began. I never felt at home on campus, learning how to stay up past 10 p.m., it’s the most and I never felt at home in my body. There was al- important lesson The Alligator unintentionally taught me. ways a buzz. Change is incremental. You won’t notice it at Now, nearly four full years later, I do still hear it. I have bad days. I have bad weeks. But I feel more first. But when you do, it may not be something moconfident in myself and comfortable with who I am. mentous. It may just be stillness. And that’s enough. When you’ve been a nomad in your own skin for so long, stillness is godly. Romy Ellenbogen is a UF journalism senior and For the past four years, I’ve kept paper journals The Alligator's digital managing editor.

Gainesville can be a music titan, if it stays weird

ainesville is considered a progresground oasis for a blossoming music scene. sive music hub. I’m not sure what In fact, one could argue that Gainesville is factors play into making a city the hippest city south of Atlanta. Sorry, Mimore “hipster” than others, seeing amians. as it’s a pretty subjective descripHear Again Records, my favorite record tor, but I’m not complaining. Maybe that's shop, was included in The 1975’s list of loaccounting for how many successful musications to host a listening party for its new cians have hailed from Gainesville. In that album “A Brief Inquiry Into Online RelaHannah case, we have Tom Petty, Stephen Stills, tionships.” Hear Again was one of only 34 Whitaker Benmont Tench and Don Felder, to name a opinions@alligator.org locations that were chosen to host listening few. So I can see how we’d top the list. Or parties. To be selected by a band as globmaybe they take into consideration the current state ally popular as The 1975 is a huge honor and should of music and art within Gainesville. be taken seriously. Not only was Gainesville selected Gainesville is home to a booming up-and-coming by the 1975 as a host city, it was listed among cities music scene, with bands such as The Forum, The such as Atlanta, Austin, Nashville, Los Angeles, PortHails, flipturn, The Savants of Soul and Arrows in Ac- land and Seattle. To be ranked among cities like those tion. A local student-run record label has signed at is astounding. least three of these groups, putting on shows and proReturning to the topic of record labels, Fueled By moting these young and talented artists. Swamp Re- Ramen, which is home to major punk bands, includcords draws attention to our city, encouraging bands, ing, but not even remotely limited to, Twenty One such as flipturn from Fernandina Beach, to relocate to Pilots, Paramore, Panic! at the Disco and Grandson, the heart of Florida. hailed from a certain small, southern town. Unlike Swamp Records is hosting Fall Fest this Wednes- most major record labels with roots in Nashville, Los day at The Wooly. Presale tickets are only $12, and Angeles or New York, Fueled By Ramen originated there will be four performances, so you’re certainly in Gainesville. If you’re me, and you’ve traveled the getting your money’s worth. It’s important to at- southeast to see Twenty One Pilots, this information tend local concerts such as these, since bands such is grounds for major excitement. as Mudcrutch, which later became Tom Petty and I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you supthe Heartbreakers, would never have existed without port local artists and record labels you end up with support from its hometown. music acts along the lines of Petty and Twenty One Petty and his friends would play gigs for scant com- Pilots. Start showing support by attending events, like pensation at college bars, most of which no longer Swamp Records’ Fall Fest. This past weekend, both exist. However, local venues such as the High Dive, flipturn and Born Ruffians played shows, so hopefully Depot Park, Heartwood Soundstage, and The Wooly you got to attend at least one of those. By fostering have come to fill this void. High Dive has recently a community of music and art, Gainesville will conhosted nationally recognized bands including Hippo tinue to flourish. Keep Gainesville weird. Campus, Magic City Hippies, SALES and Generationals. With band names such as these, it’s impossible Hannah Whitaker is a UF English sophomore. Her to overlook Gainesville, which is ultimately an under- column appears on Mondays.

Three weeks too long: In between breaks

streaks alive, parents he Student and family want to Body of UF hog them and they reis currently ally just want to sleep in the midst since that isn’t an opof one of the tion in Gainesville. most dangerous and The net effect, depressing seasons of all. No, not foot- Kyle Cunningham though, is a warm opinions@alligator.org feeling of community ball season— it’s fiand belonging. Usunals season. Walking ally, this begins to around campus after returning from Thanksgiving manifest on Saturday or Sunday, break is like walking through the and then they are thrown back overworld of a Fallout game, with into the frying pan of stress that is most of the population of the Gator finals season at UF. For most students, winter Nation either dead or dead inside. Like busy ants scurrying around break exists as that person they for the sake of their survival, stu- have a crush on, sitting right there dents rush from classes to libraries, across the table. They know that cramming for late-semester tests they could get to them by throwgiven by evil professors (seeming- ing in the towel and running into ly in the hopes of lowering their their arms, abandoning all other scores on student evaluations) or cares and responsibilities. Howstressing over the looming threat ever, they also know deep down of finals on the not-distant-enough that it won’t help in the long term. horizon. As if the threat of GPA They could simply give up and fail homicide was insufficient in put- their finals, I mean we all at least ting a damper on students’ moods, think of doing so from time to a nice additional barrage of cold time. However, the only way any fronts decide it is time to mosey of us would actually act on it is if on down to Gainesville and make we went to Florida State Universius cold-blooded Gators regret ev- ty, but we aren’t statewide embarery single comment we have made rassments, so instead we buckle about loathing the heat. Seasonal down and try to study. With both depression on top of unbearable breaks occupying mental space stress? It is truly the most wonder- like an ex and future lover though, it is hard to completely focus on ful time of the year! A large part of the reason why the task at hand, as much as we exam season is so difficult to bear know it is what needs to be done. These three interbreak weeks is that it falls in the three week period when students are least are the most difficult ones to deal engaged. For this, I blame the pil- with all semester. An immense grims and Pope Gregory XIII for amount of pride and possibly your

“Seasonal depression on top of unbearable stress? It is truly the most wonderful time of the year!”

- Kyle Cunningham

the timing of Thanksgiving and the New Year. Having Thanksgiving break a mere three weeks before winter break leaves students hopelessly disinterested and absent-minded during this crucial last leg of the semester, and while it would probably not have been a conspiracy between the Mayﬂower passengers and a 16th century Catholic clergyman, it may as well have been because the effect of these two coveted pauses in school are detrimental to countless students. Thanksgiving break is fun and lighthearted, and many students believe they will use it to “get a head start on studying for ﬁnals.” These poor souls are almost exclusively naïve, junior-by-credit freshmen who have yet to experience how much of a hot commodity they become upon returning home after spending a semester on UF President Kent Fuchs’ top 10 public university campus. Old friends miss them, new friends keep their pathetic Snapchat

future are at stake with approaching exams, the weather might seem like a good idea from the vantage point of a Florida summer but the cold feels even better in reality, and the memory of cozy Thanksgiving break combined with the temptation of relaxing winter break deal a constant and devastating blow to the morale and motivation of students. However, we are not deﬁned by how we behave without obstacles, rather we are who we become when our path is lined with obstructions. We are a top ten public university, not only because of the charm and dazzling good looks of Fuchs, but also because we perform well under pressure. So this ﬁnals season, keep that in mind, go forward, and at least try to pass your exams. Kyle Cunningham is a UF history freshman. His columns normally appear on Fridays.

8 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018

Marchers protest church conference, allege conversion therapy

About 60 protesters attended.

Marlowe Starling / Alligator Staff

Gainesville Free2BU protesters carry hand-made signs Friday evening as they march toward the Ignite Life Center where the protestors say the center uses conversion therapy on the LGBTQ+ community.

By Marlowe Starling Alligator Staff Writer

Gainesville’s religious community found itself at odds Friday night. The Rev. Larry Green, of Westminster Presbyterian Church, bowed his head in prayer as he knelt in front of Ignite Life Center, a non-denominational church at 404 NW 14th Ave. He prayed next to a dozen fellow protesters with signs that read, “Being gay is not a lifestyle.” Meanwhile, Ignite Life members mingled inside as they waited for the “Unbound” conference to begin. The two-day conference, which ended Saturday, was held to educate church members on how to minister the LGBTQ+ community, said Nicole Gomez, an associate pastor and church spokesperson. While conference attendees listened to testimonials of Ignite Life members who said they no longer identified with the LGBTQ+ community because of a relationship they formed with the Lord, protestors outside the venue called it conversion therapy. “We believe that a personal relationship with Jesus is really what causes anybody to be awakened or transformed,” Gomez said. However, about 60 protesters who marched during the Free2BU March on Gainesville said otherwise. They accused the church of conversion ther-

apy, which is the practice of counseling with the goal of changing someone’s sexual orientation. The group walked down the street toward Ignite Life Center and circled the building twice, chanting “I am gay and that’s okay, hate will never keep us safe.” Green said the conference promotes a false acceptance of LGBTQ+ people into the church to ultimately convert them to heterosexuality. “It’s still conversion therapy, it’s still deliverance,” Green said. “It’s the false hope, and that’s the damaging part of it.” As a marriage and family therapist, Green said he witnesses clients experience rejection, depression, anxiety, addiction and suicidal thoughts as a result of conversion therapy. Gainesville became the first city in North Florida to ban conversion therapy for minors in April. Merchandise inside Ignite Life Center included a book called “Changed: #OnceGay Stories,” featuring people who left behind their LGBTQ+ identities. Their testimonials refer to their homosexual lives as sinful, claiming they found salvation in Jesus Christ. The event also featured formerly LGBTQ+ speakers who shared stories of their own transformations, Gomez said. About 250 people attended the conference. Gomez denies that Ignite Life Center uses any form of conversion therapy on members of the

LGBTQ+ community. “I understand some of the concerns are surrounding conversion therapy, but that’s something we don’t practice, don’t believe in and we actually shun ourselves,” she said. “We don’t agree with people having to change to accept God’s love.” Jose Vega, 36, said he came to the protest to speak on his experience of surviving conversion therapy. In 1999, Vega moved to Gainesville to attend UF. He said he confided in a pastor about his sexuality who paired him with an unlicensed practitioner. After five and a half years of verbal conversion therapy, Vega fell in love with a woman he later married, he said. They had two kids together. “I believed it,” Vega said. “I was a teenager, vulnerable, and you don’t really understand what the truth is, so I wholeheartedly believed in what they said.” Years later, Vega said he began to question his sexuality, which led him down a path of depression, self-hatred and suicidal thoughts. His children were his motivation to seek help. He said he found a licensed practitioner who helped him realize there was nothing to fix in the first place. “God made me perfect. God made me beautiful,” Vega said. “I am good enough.” @StarlingMarlowe mstarling@alligator.org

‘Free Fallin’’: Mayor, commissioners descend five stories THE EVENT RAISED AT LEAST $15,000 FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING. By Aaron Ritter Alligator Staff Writer

City Commissioner Helen Warren spent more than six hours at an affordable housing meeting Thursday night. The next afternoon, she dangled off the side of a building for the same cause. Alachua Habitat for Humanity hosted its inaugural Over the Edge fundraiser Friday where participants rappelled off of the 5001 building at Celebration Pointe. When Warren’s feet touched the ground after the five-story descent, she said thought of a tune that would have captured the moment. “They should have played Tom Petty’s ‘Free Fallin’,’” Warren said. Community members, including UF students and local politicians, took the plunge to raise money and awareness for affordable housing in Gainesville.

Individuals had to donate $1,000 to rappel off of the building, and other participants were sponsors and VIPs, said Jocelyn Peskin, the development director for Alachua Habitat for Humanity. Thirty-four people rappelled during the fundraiser, and at least $15,000 was raised for the Habitat’s affordable housing initiative. Mayor Lauren Poe was given a blue and black harness and a blue helmet. After he suited up, he went to the roof of the building where rope technicians attached him to a rig. Then he leaned off the building and slowly slid down the rope. Poe smiled and held on tight as he descended. He said he was excited about the exposure for the fundraiser. “You want to bring awareness to folks that aren’t intimately aware of the organization,” Poe said. The need for affordable housing in Alachua County is increasing dramatically, and many families are struggling to get by, Peskin said. One-third of families are cost-bur-

dened or severely cost-burdened. Affordable housing alleviates a large portion of that financial burden, she said. “When you have to spend a huge amount of your income on housing, that doesn’t leave you enough money for other necessities,” Peskin said. The organization’s affordable ownership initiative builds cost-effective housing throughout Alachua County. The organization has built eight homes this year, Peskin said. Yael Diamond, a 21-year-old UF ROTC member and political science junior, was invited by Habitat for Humanity to volunteer for the event, Diamond said. Diamond and her peers helped catch participants as they rappelled toward the ground. Doing her part to help raise awareness for affordable housing was a great way to spend her Friday, she said. “We are always glad to help the community,” Diamond said. @AaronRitter18 aritter@alligator.org

Aaron Ritter / Alligator Staff

Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe descends the side of the 5001 building at Celebration Pointe Friday during the Alachua Habitat for Humanity’s Over the Edge fundraiser. The fundraiser raised at least $15,000 for the organization. “You just lean back and enjoy the ride,” Poe said.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 ALLIGATOR 9

‘Zen out of ten’: Students plant seeds, give thanks to plants A UF ORGANIZATION OFFERED LEAFY GREENS, BEANS AND SQUASH SEEDS. By Danielle Ivanov Alligator Contributing Writer

Leanne Sheffer stood eagerly in a semicircle of about 25 students around a white table holding jars, tin cans and cut up egg cartons. Sheffer, an 18-year-old UF sustainability studies freshman, held a Mason jar in her hands as she waited for the table to be set up. She was waiting for the first Plantsgiving, an event hosted by UF EcoReps, Friday afternoon on Plaza of the Americas. Students planted vegetable seeds into reusable containers. The group aims to educate students about sustainable living, said Marlee Wasserman, a group director. She said the group wants students to appreciate the environment and feel thankful for plants. “It’s really important to see the value of growing something yourself,” Wasserman said. Students planted leafy greens, beans and squash with provided soil and packs of seeds, Wasserman said. Most students brought their own glass jars, while others used the tin cans or cut up egg cartons provided to house their seeds. Planters jostled the table as they painted flowers, bold stripes and fading ombre colors onto their jars. The bag of soil was used up within the first hour. The about 20 students who came later could still decorate their jars, but not plant their vegetable seeds. About 50 students attended the event throughout the day.

Sheffer chose to plant beans and bell peppers in her Mason jar to turn into vegan chili in her dorm room. Her tropical spinach, sweet basil and Sun gold tomato plants grow outside her dorm window so they get enough sunlight, she said. Sheffer said it’s important for students to host events about giving. “Mix in plants and a love for the environment and you’ve got a beautiful thing,” Sheffer said. Liam Guerin, a 20-year-old UF public health junior, clutched his biodegradable plant pot as he packed spinach seeds into the soil inside. He said he hopes to grow his spinach so he can eat it in his apartment, but he hasn’t always been so lucky with plants. “I had some plants at my old apartment, but unfortunately, I have a pretty brown thumb,” Guerin said. Geurin said the event was a great way to relax before the stress of his final exams. He rated his experience a “zen out of 10.” Freshman trio Maddie Mendoza, Julieth Sargent and Sherry Zhang stood slightly apart from the event’s main crowd admiring each other’s handiwork. They all planted sunflower seeds to decorate their shared dorm room. Mendoza, an 18-year-old UF psychology freshman, said she and her roommates previously tried their luck with Air Plants. Even though those died in her dorm, the event left Mendoza feeling inspired to try again. “It might lead to you growing more plants and growing your own food, like a kick-start,” she said.

Danielle Ivanov / Alligator Contributor

Leanne Sheffer decorates her recycled glass jar at Plantsgiving Friday afternoon before planting beans and bell peppers.

UF students find connection, healing at empowerment workshop By Valerie Lyons Alligator Contributing writer

Resistance. Empowerment. Surviving. Thriving. These are the four pillars of healing for black women presented by Della Mosley at Ustler Hall Saturday afternoon during the first open event hosted by The Wellness, Equity, Love, Liberation, and Sexuality Collective (WELLS), a healing and research collective for those of ethnic minority, and queer, transgender and gender-expansive people. A dozen female students sat in the middle of the building’s atrium as Mosley, an assistant psychology professor and founder of WELLS, introduced Beyond Insecure, a workshop aimed at cultivating academic encouragement among black women and femmes, or feminine identifying people, at UF.

Mosley said she wanted to create a space for students to become aware of some barriers to academic wellness ahead of finals that they may not be aware of. “I want them to understand that they’re not alone with it and to come up with some strategies, get some empowerment and feel inspired as they go into finals season,” she said. The workshop was an intervention in the face of attacks on the self-efficacy of black women and femmes in higher education, which is the ability to internally motivate, Mosley said. Attendees listened to Mosley speak about the different barriers in academia before sharing their experiences with racism, discrimination and tokenism. Alissa Adam, a 21-year-old UF AfricanAmerican studies senior who uses they/ them pronouns, said they often feel they

need to take extra steps to prove who they are to black professors as well as white professors. Black students at UF have to justify themselves and lay out the reasons why they might be able to do things, they said. “They have worked three times as hard to get to where they are, and then they expect that from you,” Adam said. “So I haven’t found any comfort in most of my black professors here.” Adam and other attendees were told about the REST model — which stands for resistance, empowerment, surviving and thriving — as a way to cope with their barriers through a holistic approach that centers black women. The event’s co-host Frances Adomako said the REST model addresses one of the major barriers facing black women and femmes — oppression. “I think sometimes when we are so oppressed in the spaces we’re in, it makes it

difficult for us to imagine the future,” said Adomako, a Howard University doctoral student. “When you can’t do that, then you’re just stuck and lose all sense of hope. During the presentation, Mosley and Adomako encouraged attendees to write raps that “talked back” to barriers they have faced throughout their educational journeys and create personal timelines mapping out the experiences or moments which shaped their growth. Mosley concluded the workshop by handing out flashcards to the group and asking them to write down what their dreams were and why they deserved them. After each attendee read their cards aloud, Mosley asked that they all respond with a phrase originally said by AfricanAmerican science fiction writer Octavia Butler: “So be it. See to it.”

Community members take to the streets for World AIDS Day THE GROUP HANDED OUT CONDOMS TO RESIDENTS. By Hannah Beatty Alligator Staff Writer

Two people became infected with HIV during the amount of time that Teresa Mercado livestreamed on Facebook. Mercado, 51, an Alachua County resident, was one of four people marching down the streets of Duval Heights for World AIDS Day. As cars whizzed past her,

Mercado proclaimed to those watching her livestream that nobody is immune to the disease. Every 9.5 minutes someone in the U.S. becomes infected with HIV, according to the National Hispanic Council on Aging. “Today’s walk may not have many numbers, but we know we still have a voice,” Mercado said during the livestream. Starting at Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1945 NE Eighth Ave., activists walked two blocks Saturday

morning. The march was sponsored by the nonprofit Black AIDS Services and Education. Mercado said the rain kept people from coming to the event. As the group walked, the president of the nonprofit, Joe Reads, handed out free condoms to people on the streets. Mercado, the outreach coordinator of the nonprofit, said she began her involvement with the HIV/AIDS community in the 1980s when her uncle Felix died due to complications from the

disease. She said she tries to engage the community through various events to reach everyone. Mercado said she has even trained barbers and beauticians on how to talk to their clients about AIDS and sexual health. “Everybody has their role in getting the message out about this issue,” Mercado said. Alexandria Walker, who is Mrs. Marion County Plus America 2019, was one of the participants who marched.

Walker, a 23-year-old College of Central Florida criminal justice senior, said she came to the march because she knows many people who are unaware of their sexual health status. In high school, Walker said HIV was known colloquially as “die slow.” “Knowing is power,” Walker said. “When one person is infected, it affects the entire community.” @hannahbeatty_ hbeatty@alligator.org

10 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018

Second annual two-day women’s conference coming in March TICKETS ARE $250 FOR FACULTY AND $100 FOR STUDENTS. By Jeana Fraser Alligator Contributing Writer

On International Women’s Day, UF will host a conference to inspire future women leaders. The UF Distance and Continuing Education Department will host its second annual Inspiring Women Leaders Conference on March 7-8 at the UF Hilton Conference Center, said Laurel Brown, the assistant director

of professional development at the department. The two-day conference will feature three keynote speakers for attendees to gain professional development and engage with women leaders from across the country, Brown said. There will also be facilitators and breakout session speakers that will talk about the underlying theme: what it means to lead like a woman, Brown said. They’ll talk about leading with strengths which affect leverage, diversity and inclusion. “The key to all of this is to show women of all ages of their career that leadership is

something that we all kind of have within us and something that we all can do,” Brown said. It costs about $50,000 to put on the conference. To attend, the conference costs $300 for the general public, $250 for university faculty members and $100 for students, Brown said. Although the conference’s target audience is women, men are invited to attend as well, she said. “We had a handful of men attend last year,” Brown said. “We have a male keynote speaker and a handful of male facilitators.”

This year, one of the breakout session speakers is Antonio Farias, UF’s chief diversity ofﬁcer. Farias will speak with Naz Erenguc, an associate of admissions for the UF Warrington MBA program. They both wanted to make it a gender equitable experience, he said. “Part of my role is to take not all of the oxygen in the room,” he said. Farias said he hopes attendees will gain knowledge that will lead them to take action. “For me, the goal is to put enough golden nuggets out there that people can say ‘OK, that resonates with me,’” Farias said.

Looking for a holiday gift? UF organization is selling poinsettias PRICES FOR POINSETTIAS RANGE FROM $15-$30.

Here are the types of poinsettias to be sold:

By Jeana Fraser Alligator Contributing Writer

It takes four months to grow poinsettias, but they take two days to sell out. The UF Environmental Horticulture Club is holding its 22nd annual poinsettia sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. The sale will be at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences horticultural greenhouses at 2550 Hull Road. More than 5,000 plants with 150 types of poinsettias will be sold. The most popular are the red poinsettias. Every year, attendees rush to the greenhouses to get their hands on the plants in colors that range from gold to green, said Andrew Loufman, a 21-year-old UF marketing senior. “It’s stuff you really can’t buy anywhere else,” Loufman, the treasurer of the UF Environmental Horticulture Club, said. “That’s why I think our sale is kind of more unique.” Loufman said people should come to the sale early to get the ﬁrst pick of the plants on Thursday morning. The plants are grown by students in the club and are also donated by national and international growers, he said. With the money generated from the sale, club members have been able to go on trips

PRICES RANGE FROM $15 TO $30

Red Golden glow Polly’s pink Red glitter Courtesy to The Alligator

Christian Collazo, former vice president of the UF Environmental Horticulture Club, hands out plants in the club’s annual poinsettia sale last year. In its 22nd year, more than 5,000 plants with 150 types of poinsettias will be sold. to learn more about horticulture around the world, Loufman said. Members have traveled to the Netherlands, Ecuador and plan on going to Spain next year. Recently, club members have raised about $50,000 to $80,000 from the sale alone. Members want to hit these numbers again this year,

said Alexandria Garcia, the president club. The sale is popular because people purchase the plants before the holidays. “It’s the best time of year for their Garcia, a 21-year-old UF plant science said.

of the like to

Snowcap Peppermint rufﬂes Winter rose White and pink Princettia

color,” senior,

Catholic church members pray for end to the death penalty About 20 people attended. Locations that participated in Cities for Life: Gainesville Jacksonville Tallahassee Pensacola Daytona Beach Tampa Clearwater

By Taylor Roth Alligator Contributing Writer

St. Patrick Catholic Church members gathered to pray and ring a bell in support of ending the death penalty in Florida. Surrounding the stage inside the church were more than 270 tealight candles that represented all the people in Florida sitting on death row, and at about 7:30 p.m., Michael Elias, the leader of the ceremony, rang a bell along with 17 other Catholic churches across Florida. “The Bible says ‘Thou shalt not kill,’” he said. “For the state to sentence one to death is one of the greatest sins.” About 20 Gainesville residents gathered with Elias at St. Patrick Catholic Church, at 500 NE 16th Ave., Friday night to unite in

protesting against the death sentence and to hold a discussion on abolishing the punishment. The church participated in the event on Cities for Life Day, an internationally observed day wherein Catholic churches across the world advocate for the abolishment of the death penalty. Getting rid of the death penalty is important to Sonya Rudenstine, an Alachua County criminal defense attorney, because she has defended numerous people that were sentenced to death. African Americans and poor people are put at a disadvantage when it comes to receiving fair trials, Rudenstine said. This is because they are not provided with the best attorneys to argue their cases. The death penalty is especially painful

for Herb Donaldson, a Gainesville resident who spoke about losing his uncle from the sentence. “My uncle was more of a brother to me than anything,” Donaldson said. “The memories of him might be old, but he will never be.” Like others who have lost a loved one to the death penalty, Donaldson said the pain of his uncle’s death stays with him always. Although the pain felt by family and friends of those sentenced to death often goes unnoticed, Donaldson said he will stop at nothing to share the grief he feels. He said he hopes others who have not experienced losing a family member to the sentence will listen to those who have. “We are here and have never been invisible,” he said. “You were just told not to look.” The ceremony ended with church members lighting the candles and saying a closing prayer for inmates on death row.

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For Rent furnished

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1BR APT $445/mo

Small pet ok. 352-372-1201 or 352-213-3901 12-5-18-42-2

★★ ELLIE’S HOUSES ★★

Quality single family homes. Walk or bike to UF. www.ellieshouses.com 352-215-4991 or 352-215-4990 12-5-18-111-2 House for Rent - 2392 SW 2nd Ave Directly across from Law School 4BR/2BA DW, W/D hookups, cent A/C heat Only $1,500/month No application fee, most pets ok 352-371-3636 or rentals@efnproperties.com 12-5-18-53-2 HOUSES FOR RENT Starting August 1st, 2019 Walk or bike to campus. See: gainesvillequalityrentalhouses.com Call or text 352-339-2342 1-7-18-7-2 ● SINGLE HOUSE WITH POOL, 2816 W Univ. Ave. 4BR/3BA, $1500/mo Close to UF. ● AND HOUSE 3627 SW 15th St, near IHOP, 3BR/2BA, $900/mo. Avail now. Call or text 352-327-2931 or nghe@msn.com 123-5-2

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Centrally located on bus route. This is a nice investment opportunity for parents looking for student housing. New Home, no maintenance, no yard work, pool included with HOA,3 bed/2 bath, luxury master bath. Low utility bills. Must see! Call Lou ThurmondBroker/Owner: 352-213-2413 1-7-19-3-5

6 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. 2nd Ave Centre. 1/1 in 2/2. Spring/Summer 2019. Nice unit, lrg BR, full XL bed, walk in closet, private bath. Washer/Dryer. Lrg kitchen. Pool, weight room, close to campus. Utilities included. $575/month. Call 813-240-2373. 1-18-18-15-3

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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. 12-6-111-6

Computers

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Electronics

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

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

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6 Furnishings 7 Computers 8 Electronics 9 Bicycles 10 For Sale

●UF Surplus On-Line Auctions●

are underway…bikes, computers, furniture, vehicles & more. All individuals interested in bidding go to: SURPLUS.UFL.EDU 392-0370 12-5-18-42-10

Goats for Sale & Lease Horse Boarding - 7 miles to UF Charlie - 352-278-1925

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

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Motorcycles/ Mopeds

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.

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)

For Info on ALL Condos for Sale, Visit www.UFCONDOS.COM or Matt Price, University Realty, 352-281-3551 12-5-42-5

For Sale

Wanted

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.

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.

Autos

SUN CITY AUTO SALES $0 DOWN! NO CREDIT CHECKS! IN HOUSE FINANCING! 352-338-1999 12-5-42-12

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

SUNRISE AUTO SALES & RENTALS NO CREDIT CARD REQUIRED! MUST BE 21 CARS STARTING AT $39 DAILY! 352-375-9090 12-5-42-12

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● We Buy Junk & Used Cars ● ●Trucks, Vans - Titled only ● KT 352-281-9980 sunnyman352@gmail.com 12-5-42-12

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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, DECEMBER 3, 2018

Help Wanted

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No Experience Necessary Part-Time / Full-Time Manager Cafe Risque - Micanopy, FL 352-466-3803 24 / 7 Nude Entertainment Dancer Auditions Ongoing 2-8-20-14 On the Spot Dry Cleaner is hiring front counter staff w/ customer service skills at our 4 air-conditioned stores. M-F 2:30-7:00 Sat 9-4. $11/Hr. If interestd, call 352-514-7573. 1-18-19-9-14 Lloyd Clarke Sports Hiring PT and FT associates. Must have consistent availability including either Sat or Sun. each week. Only energetic, positive, team minded people please. Apply in person only to 1504 NW 13 St. 1 mile N of UF on 13th St. 1-9-19-5-14

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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.

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 12-5-18-42-14

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 1-7-18-10-14

HELP WANTED - PART TIME Students Only Yard Work/Odd Jobs & Errands Starts at $13.00 per hour. Contact: fairoaks1879@aol.com 3-14

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

Need CPR Training?

(352) 727-4733 www.GatorCPR.com CNA Prep Classes from GatorCNA.com 7-5-18-111-16

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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. 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 12-5-1842-15

Riverside Recovery of Tampa Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center 4004 N. Riverside Drive, Tampa, FL 33603 (352)204-0286 RRTAMPA.COM 12-5-18-37-16

Eyes Up. Phone Off. DON’T TEXT & DRIVE.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 ALLIGATOR 13

16 Health Services Get your Medical Marijuana Card Today! Stop taking Pain Pills. Medical Marijuana treats over 250 medical conditions. It has been used worldwide for hundreds of years to treat pain and anxiety. Get your marijuana license fast & easy, walk-ins welcome. Walk ins welcome anytime from 9-5, MondayFriday.2727 NW 6th St, Gainesville, FL 32609. Call 352-306-0220 Lic# OS8874 12-5-7-16

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

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20 Events/Notices

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Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

IN 7 DAYS. GO TO WEBSITE NOWhttps://1644089.site123.me/

36 34 Naval Use a hoosegow certain 37 Sicily, to two-handed Sicilians signal 38 Scratch or dent 35 Shipping 19th-century 39 women’s rights department advocate Amelia gizmo 36 Like “La Dolce Vita” 40 tearjerkers 41 Made irate actress 43 39 Fighter Flow in with smalla cape waves 44 Exam that 40 involves More inclined reading to pry letters

45 41 Rochester “M*A*S*H” actor brewery or its __ David Ogden river 43 Screwballs 48 Jury member 44 Curved Kind of point 51 macaroni 47 shape Prepared (oneself) for it 52 A trey beats action genre 54 Cartoon 57 __” 48 “Auld “CatchLang ya later” 59 Trek”team, rank: 51 “Star A.L. West Abbr. in crawl lines 61 H.S. equivalency 53 exam Some Windows systems 62 Prank

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

Sat & Sun 12-5-111-21

OPERATION CATNIP

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

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Lost & Found

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Rides

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REACH MORE THAN 50,000 READERS EACH PUBLICATION DAY

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

J UMB L E by David L. Hoyt 1

Pets

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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.

PUT IT IN THE ALLIGATOR!

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

● LOCAL ● TARGETED ● EFFECTIVE ● ECONOMICAL Reach over 50,000 readers each publication day.

12-3-18

4 12/03/18 12/01/18

12/03/18 12/01/18

ACROSS CLUE 1. ____ iron 5. Bride’s partner 6. Limber 7. Type of hound DOWN CLUE

1. 2. 3. 4.

ANSWER ALFEFW OROMG GLEAI GLEBAE ANSWER

Shake back and forth LEIGGW AOTEFGO Film ____ Mouse-like animal MNMGLIE ELECFE Plunder, steal CLUE: This poet retired from teaching in 1854 to focus on his writing.

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-Waffle 5A-Groom 6A-Agile 7A-Beagle 1D-Wiggle 2D-Footage 3D-Lemming 4D-Fleece B-Longfellow

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12-5-18-5-20

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis DOWN 3 Check 1 Arguments alternative with 4 teams Many a GI 25 Captivates Old Ritz rival 3 Some woolen 6 sweaters Afternoon hr. Lamb product 47 Bar beer Memorable lion 58 Story spanning generations suit wearer 69 Mao 2001__-tung biopic 7 Like stocks not 10 Burro’s baskets on an 11 sold Former GMexch. cars 8 Sumatran ape 12 Doesn’t act 9 Hip-hop well headgear 14 “Everychild. Stage makeup 10 staple onevoice” org. 11 17 Everglades Programmer’s transport problem 12 cold 21 Nasal McCormick symptom offering 13 Supplied with 24 personnel Gulf of __: Baltic Sea arm 18 Assist with a 26 heist Modern poster 22 bunch 28 Brainy Trees whose 25 Sonia of “Moon fruit yields a Over Parador” moisturizing 26 Che Guevara’s butter first name 30 Campus Catch onbigwig 27 32 It’s Bolted 30 often broken 33 at Bryan’s “Malcolm breakfast in the Gynt Middle” 34 “Peer Suite” composer role

Entertainment

LOSE ONE DRESS SIZE

Release Date: Monday, Saturday,December December3,1,2018 2018

ACROSS 1 “Agreed!” Early Greek lyric 5 Rose poet from a 7 chair Roll by 10 ticket 13 Free Strong desire 14 Sicilian resort city 15 Respectful 15 Houston bow 16 baseballer Friendly greeting 18 Salon Eastern religion 16 coloring 19 Passenger Novak Djokovic’s 17 train’s org. suitcase carrier 19 20 “Otello” Place tosolo gas up 20 Single-celled for free? 22 creature Beer __ 21 setting, 23 “Platoon” Memorable briefly Gregory Peck 23 Texter’s soul role mate 25 Former How work may 24 Yankee be done near manager Joe a deadlinedown an 25 Turned 26 invitation Drain 28 for__ one 27 Victorian, California’s 29 Puerto to VerdesRico, Peninsula 29 the ’70sU.S. radical gp. 31 30 Harlem Singer Stefani Renaissance et al. Zora __ author 31 Hurston Reception for champions 32 Hissing sound 34 Jets Scrooge types 33 or Sharks, 35 in Fruity treat “West Side 36 Story” Jazz guitarist 35 Filled Herb completely 36 37 Guy Terreacting dans more la mer 38 maturely Wetland birds 39 Some corporate 42 Caffeine-rich jets seed is in it 42 Japan 43 1960 Random 43 Actress Ryan House acquisition 46 Prenatal test, for 45 short Wild way to run 46 Web crawler, 47 U. of Marylande.g. 47 athlete Hit the skids 49 vote 49 Affirmative Pressure meas. 50 Cross between 50 Designer Pucci Boston terrier 52 aTraditional Dixie or boxer and a dessert beagle 54 In Comment 53 one’s stomach 55 French Reptile summer named 55 for the 56 Pub pintwarning filler sound it makes 57 America’s has 56 100 Starsseats 58 57 Euros Death replaced Star them in weapons Italy “super” 60 Carriage outings 63 Tied,DOWN as a game 64 Continental 1 divide? Award-winning ESPN writer/ 65 Jazzman Allison reporter Jeremy 66 Cincinnati team Rock & Roll Hall 672 Golfer’s “pitching” of Fame’s first iron 68 Art Deco icon female inductee

2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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

1. Who was the last N.L. player before the Marlins’ Giancarlo Stanton in 2017 (59 home runs) to hit 50 or more home runs in a season? 2. In 2017, Boston’s Chris Sale became the fastest pitcher to reach 1,500 strikeouts in major-league history (1,290 innings). Who had been the fastest? 3. How many times did the Minnesota Vikings make the playoffs in the 10 seasons (1991-2001) being coached by Dennis Green? 4. Who was the last men’s basketball player before North Carolina’s Joel Berry in 2016-17 to score at least 20 points in back-to-back NCAA championship games? 5. How many games did the Washington Capitals win in their inaugural NHL season of 1974-75? 6. The Russian men’s soccer team won how many games in its World Cup history (1994-2014) before its two-victory run in the 2018 World Cup? 7. Who was the first British boxer to win an Olympic gold medal and a professional world title? Answers 1. Prince Fielder belted 50 home runs for the Brewers in 2007. 2. Kerry Wood of the Chicago Cubs reached 1,500 strikeouts in 1,303 innings (1998-2010). 3. Eight of the 10 seasons. 4. UCLA’s Bill Walton, in 1972-73. 5. The Capitals won only eight of 80 games (they also had five ties). 6. Two (one win each in 1994 and 2002). 7. James DeGale won the IBF super middleweight title in 2015. © 2018 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 www.alligator.org/sports

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators beat Texas Tech for first win of season By Dylan Rudolph Sports Writer

Guard Delicia Washington waited for her opportunity like a tiger on the hunt. A pass early in the third quarter that hung in the air just a little too long allowed the 5-foot-10 guard to step right in front and take it to the other end for an easy basket. Texas Tech coach Marlene Stollings stomped her foot and berated the TTU bench as Washington ran, her face redder than the scarlet leather jacket she sported. Key defensive plays and clutch freethrow shooting handed the Florida women’s basketball team its first win of the season Sunday over Texas Tech, 72-67, at the O’Connell Center to end the worst start to a season in program history. “I’m proud of our kids. I’m proud of our effort,” coach Cam Newbauer said after the win. “Not just for today. We fought and clawed to get better every day. When we had to hit shots today, we hit shots. When we had to rebound, we rebounded.” In the first half, it was close. The Gators (1-6) crashed the boards hard against a Texas Tech team (5-2) that ranked third in the nation in rebounds per game (50). UF out-rebounded the Red Raiders 29 to 21 in the first half and held TTU’s 6-foot5 forward, Brittany Brewer, to just seven points in the half.

But Brewer’s defensive presence kept the game close. The big forward planted herself in the paint and stuffed five blocks in the first half, denying anyone looking to drive to the basket. Florida opted for the deep shot instead. Freshman guard Ariel Johnson rained big three-pointers all half. She made three of her first four shots from beyond the arc and finished the game 4-of-9 shooting with a career-high 14 points dished and five assists in the win. “We knew we needed our freshmen to step up,” Newbauer said, “and when they did, it was huge.” Guard Emanuely de Oliveira and forward Kristina Moore, the other two freshmen on the team, combined for 16 points and four rebounds in the game. Scoring by UF’s depth players was a big difference maker as its bench outscored Texas Tech’s 24-1 in the game. The game was closer in the second half. Brewer gave the Gators trouble, this time with her offense. The forward went 11-of22 and finished with 28 points. Florida kept her in check in the paint, but she countered with four three-pointers in the second half. Guard Funda Nakkasoglu, who was held to just four points in the first half, opening her game and help UF come out on top.

SEE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, PAGE 16

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida gears up for West Virginia in Jimmy V Classic By Chris O’Brien Sports Writer

Former guard Chris Chiozza sank a buzzer-beating, three-point floater the last time the Gators played in Madison Square Garden. They hope to capture some of that same magic this time around. Florida (4-3) will take on West Virginia in the Jimmy V Classic in New York City tomorrow night at 9. The Mountaineers (5-2) are coming off a 106-72 drubbing of Youngstown State, but have somewhat disappointed thus far into the season. “Press Virginia” opened up its season with high expectations but fell in its opening matchup with Buffalo 94-99 in OT. The next contest saw WVU blow by overmatched Monmouth then suffer another loss to a lessthan-stellar Western Kentucky team.

But now, the Mountaineers are riding a four-game win streak. West Virginia is led by senior forwards Esa Ahmad and Sagaba Konate. Ahmad is averaging 16.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while Konate sits at 14.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. UF doesn’t truly have a “clear-cut” leader as nearly every player in its (roughly) 12man rotation is capable of leading on any given night. But guard Deaundrae Ballard has been the go-to guy when the offense fails for the Gators. He’s the only member on the team averaging double-digits (10.9) points per game. Point guard Andrew Nembhard is the most visible player on the team, as he easily leads all players with 30.9 minutes per game. Although lauded more for his passing

Paige Hammons and the Gators volleyball team will take on No. 4 seed BYU in the Regional Semifinal of the NCAA Tournament on Friday in Provo, Utah.

SEE MEN'S BASKETBALL, PAGE 16

Alligator File Photo

UF guard Delicia Washington collected 10 rebounds and three assists during Florida's 72-67 win over Texas Tech on Sunday at the O'Connell Center.

Justin Case / Column

My Goodbye to The Alligator: Thanks for taking a chance on me

first beat following the Gators Most of the time, it’s not men’s golf team, thanks bro. goodbye, it’s see ya later. But To Matt Brannon, who this time, it’s actually the mohounded me for an entire sement to say goodbye. mester about my writing while Two years ago, I was walkI covered Gator volleyball, that ing through the Weimer Hall semester was hell. But thanks atrium as a freshman. Justin Ahlum bro, you made me a better writI had no clue how to get @justinn_case1 er, I think. involved in the J-school, but To Dylan and Morgan, y’all I knew I loved sports, and I were dope too. Thanks for letting me covknew I loved talking about them. I saw a note: "The Independent Florida er Gator baseball and helping me through Alligator Open House (follow the signs)." a giant fact error in my women’s basketMy naive little self stumbled down the ball feature (whoops). To my fellow writers at the paper, stairs, into the closet that is the student whether retired from the Alligator or still newspaper’s on-campus office. There, I met Ian Cohen, the guy who in that newsroom, keep up the grind. Evgave me my first chance to shine in the ery single one of you has the ability to be great. Just keep that drive that got you sports industry. Yo Ian, if you’re reading this, thanks into that newsroom and you’ll go places. Also, Kyle, Chris, Bryan and Victor, y’all bro. To Ethan Bauer, who handed me my

College Football Playoffs announced The CFP committee revealed the four teams that will be playing for the national title on Sunday. Alabama came in at No. 1, Clemson followed at No. 2, Notre Dame at No. 3 and Oklahoma at No. 4.

SEE COLUMN, PAGE 16

For updates on UF athletics, follow us on Twitter at @alligatorSports or online at www.alligator.org/sports

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018 ALLIGATOR 15

MEN’S GOLF

Manny Girona embraces one constant through changes By Brendan Farrell Sports Writer

The black widow is native to the Canary Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Africa. The son of “The Black Widow” is as well. That’s the nickname UF golfer Manny Girona says his father earned from his black hair, trimmed into a bowl cut. Manny’s father, a soccer goalie, was also notoriously competitive. It naturally made sense that Manny was too. When it came time for young Manny to pick up a sport, there was hardly any question as to what it’d be. Golf practically runs in his family’s blood. Girona says his grandfather was the founder of what was allegedly the first golf club in the Canary Islands. Manny and his father learned golf together. The elder Girona took his son to the driving range as a toddler, and the learning curve took off from there. Manny hit his first golf balls out on that range. It started as a fun father-son outing. But before long, father and son competed against each other. “When I started beating him, he quit,” Manny laughed. It took time and a move halfway across the world for golf to stick with Girona permanently. Girona’s parents owned a jewelry store in the islands until Manny was five years old. Wishing to pursue other endeavors, the couple sold the store back to the franchise and moved to the United States. However, it wasn’t until Girona was 10 years old that he started to fall in love with the game after attending a couple of summer camps. He remembers winning the first golf tournament he ever played in when he was 11. “Winning my first tournament I ever played, I think, was a big pivotal moment just because it was like, ‘Wow, like, this is fun, winning is fun,’” he said. “The funny thing was that the week after the tournament, I shot 10 shots better than I had the week before and lost. “I remember my dad hugging me and telling me how proud he was,” Manny said. “That was just like, a big, big moment for me because I realized I was pretty good at something, something that I enjoyed doing.”

• • •

Girona transferred to Windermere Preparatory School near Orlando midway through his sixth-grade year. Heading into seventh grade, he decided to try out for the golf team. Windermere is a K-12 school, so he had to compete against high schoolers for the team. Girona made varsity his very first year after only playing the sport for a year and a half, which he says tells you more about the state of the team at that point than his own abilities. It wasn’t until the school hired a

new golf coach by the name of Kyle McClone ahead of his junior year that things started to fall into place for Girona. Before McClone arrived at Windermere, the team had gone through multiple coaches during Girona’s stint at the school alone. But with McClone came stability and success for both the team and Girona as an individual. The small private school won districts and regionals to advance to states. With three strong seniors and Girona, it felt like this was the year for Windermere. Unfortunately for Windermere, it came up short at states, finishing in third and losing by nine strokes to Lake Mary Prep. “That was pretty frustrating because… we thought we were pretty screwed because we were losing three big guys,” says Girona. However, Windermere was back at states the very next year, armed with four seniors, including Girona. Windermere came out on top this time, beating runner-up Lake Mary by seven strokes and validating a long high school varsity golf career for Girona. “That was just like the mic drop,” said Girona. “After seven years of trying to win the state title and all of that, it was awesome. I remember that day just like it was yesterday.” Girona’s performance at Windermere didn’t go unnoticed, either. He started to receive offers from various schools to play golf. It was Girona’s personality off the course that attracted UF men’s golf coach J.C. Deacon as much as Girona’s performance on the course. “I liked his personality and his demeanor,” Deacon said. “He had a really good reputation in junior golf with the other kids, and that’s shown true in school, too.” Wishing to stay close to home while still wanting to play golf at the collegiate level, Girona narrowed his choices down to four schools: Auburn, USF, UNF and Florida. He saw Florida as “the complete package” of golf (Girona says that the team was ranked second in the country at the time of his commitment) and academics, a value constantly ingrained into his head by his parents. However, just because Florida was the “complete package” didn’t mean that it was going to be easy. Girona found himself behind a logjam of older, more experienced golfers his first year at UF as well as trying to adjust to college as both a student and on the golf course. It was decided that it was best for him to redshirt. Girona doesn’t consider himself the type to get down on himself or quit. Instead, he continued to work on his game, playing with other teammates and just trying to figure out what he could do to improve his game. “He handled it really well,” Deacon said. “For him to get a year under his belt and see how we do things and watch those guys play

Courtesy of the UAA

Florida golfer Manny Girona finished 19th at the Trinity Forest Invitational, his best performance of the fall season. and see, you know, how good you have to be to play at the University of Florida, he learned a lot.” That also didn’t mean that it would be easy for Girona to have to sit on the proverbial sidelines and watch as his teammates competed with no opportunity for him to be with them. He remembers looking on as the team played at Isleworth Country Club in Windermere, his “home” course that he admits that he’s played “over 74 rounds” at. “That’s when I think it hurt the most,” Girona remembers. “That’s when I realized I was redshirting and… seeing them all play a course that I loved and a course back home.” Girona met with Deacon and associate coach Mark Leon to discuss what he was going to do to improve his game. Deacon asked him during the meeting, “What are you going to do to get two, three shots better? Don’t answer it, just do it.”

• • •

With the season over, Girona headed back home and talked to his swing coach there. They created a plan to accentuate the powerful 5-foot-11, 200-pound freshman’s strengths, specifically his ball striking with irons. “He’s a really good iron player, a really, really, really good iron player,” Deacon said. “He hits it a long ways.” Girona immediately started to see improvements in his game as the summer went on and played in various tournaments. “The summer felt like… an okay day would be a 70, 71,” Girona said. “Last year, during my redshirt year, I was grinding out to try to just break par.”

He mentioned his last tournament in the summer before heading back down to Gainesville this year, a tournament in Georgia. Girona was one under heading into the final day. He felt like he had played much better than his score, just waiting for a bounce to go his way or for a putt to drop. He scored a 66 on the final round, bringing home not only a top-five finish but also momentum heading into his first fall season. “It kinda… set the wheels, set the wheels running for me,” Girona said. “This is my year.” The departures of Alejandro Tosti and Andy Zhang from the previous year’s squad created openings in the roster. Girona ended up qualifying for the team’s first tournament in the fall at The Farm Golf Club for the Carpet Capital Collegiate. If this were a Hollywood blockbuster, there would be dramatic music leading up to a crucial putt on the 18th hole for the win. But this was not a Hollywood blockbuster. He struggled throughout the weekend along with the rest of the team as he finished 11 strokes over par for a 65th-place finish. Deacon walked with Girona for his last 18 holes at the Carpet Capital Collegiate, watching and observing Girona’s play. Girona remembers that he only missed two fairways that day but was killed by his putting en route to a 75. The coach noticed that the tempo and swing on his putting was off. When the team returned to Gainesville, the two used a device called Blast Motion in Girona’s putter to measure the timing of his swing. As expected, the pace of his putting was significantly off, leading

to changes in his swing. The work behind the scenes paid off immediately for Girona after qualifying as an individual for the Trinity Forest Invitational. He saw his best tournament of the fall with scores of 70, 71 and 70 and a 19thplace finish. He found himself back in the Gators’ lineup at their next tournament at the Nike Collegiate and struggled again after a strong first round to fall to a 45th-place finish. He also narrowly missed qualifying for the Tavistock Collegiate to close out the fall season. But the fall season is to help golfers put in the work needed to prepare themselves for the spring season when it counts. The general mood around the entire team is that it has put in the work to be a highcaliber team, but the results just haven’t matched their level of work and effort. And that rings true for Girona, too. Deacon and the rest of the team have lauded his hard work throughout the fall. “He loves the game… he’s always excited to be at the course and to play and to work at it and get better,” Deacon said. “When you got a guy who loves it and really tries hard, they’re just going to get better, especially when he’s here and using all of the resources that we have.” “I’m very proud of the way [he] has kind of vaulted his way up the lineup,” senior Gordon Neale said. “He redshirted last year and now he’s becoming very, very solid part of our team and he’s playing well for us. “The way he’s really progressed, especially over the summer and then the early part of this fall has been huge compared to how he was playing last year and he’s really going to help our team this spring.”

• • •

The men’s golf roster is at a crossroads. Neale is the only senior on the team, and beyond him, the only non-freshman who regularly played in the lineup was sophomore John Axelsen. It also endured a brutal fall season in which the team only had one top-four finish and just four individual top-10 finishes. Girona, along with freshmen Aden Ye and Eugene Hong, represent the next competitive core for the team moving forward. But as Deacon points out, that future might come sooner than later. “We don’t have as much depth this year and we need a huge contribution from all of our guys, really. “Manny’s got the capabilities to be a really good player, and we need him to step up and do it.” For the kid from the Canary Islands who has hustled since he was a seventh grader trying to make the high-school varsity team for a small private school, it is more likely than not that he’ll figure it out. @Bfarrell727 bfarrell@alligator.org

16 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018

Locke shooting 44.1 percent from the three-point arc MEN'S BASKETBALL, from pg 14 - he averages 6.57 assists per game and accounts for 46.5 percent of all UF assists - he currently is 50 percent from three this year as well. Shooting has been an issue for Florida this year, particularly from deep. It currently pulls at a clip of 23.3 threes per game and only hits 36.6 percent. Senior guards KeVaughn Allen and Jalen Hudson bear some brunt of responsibility, as they have shot 25 percent and 24 percent, respectively, from the three-point line this season. Hudson has lost his starting spot this season to freshman guard Noah Locke, who is hitting at a clip of 44.1 percent from deep. Mike White’s offense is predicated on the three-ball, and if it’s not hitting, the team isn’t scoring. WVU has had its problems from deep this year as well. It has three players shooting better than 42 percent, but the team as a whole only averages 35.4 percent. Expect a low-scoring affair, as neither team is shooting lights out. They'll rely on their defensive prowess to carry them to wins. @THEChrisOB cobrien@alligator.org

Chris O'Brien / Alligator Staff

Florida guard Deaundrae Ballard leads the Gators with 10.9 points per game.

Gators face Bethune-Cookman on Wednesday WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, from pg 14 As the Red Raiders keyed on other players, the 5-foot-8 Australian was given more room to shoot, and she took advantage. She ﬁnished the contest with 21 points and some clutch shooting from the charity stripe to put the game away. Nakkasoglu, along with Johnson and sophomore Kiara Smith, made eight of their last 10

free throws to ice the game as the Red Raiders desperately tried to make their way back. “It was awesome,” Nakkasoglu said of the win. “We knew there was going to be adversity, but we were so eager to get that win that we locked in and ﬁnally did it.” The team effort gave Florida its ﬁrst win, but interior defense is still something to be worked on before the Gators’ next game on Wednesday against Bethune-Cookman at the

O’Connell Center. UF didn’t log a single block in the game and allowed too many open opportunities close to the basket. Newbauer expressed his frustration with the defense earlier in the week and will undoubtedly continue to press his team to improve in that area.

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COLUMN, from pg 14 tryna run 5s at Southwest tomorrow? Let me know. And to the friends and family that read my articles from the beginning, thanks for sticking through all of my dependent clauses and cliches. I’m glad to have been a student of the craft for you guys, taking each article one sentence at a time. To anyone else reading this sappy goodbye, thanks for reading. Without you, student newspapers wouldn’t survive. So keep reading, please. They work as hard as any other writer covering these Gators, on top of taking courses in one of the more rigorous journalism schools in the country #top10PublicUniversity. With all of that said (cliche), I have a big capstone project due at 10:40 a.m. today. So adios, my beloved reader. And remember, UCF wasn’t a deserving CFB playoff team (did you see that strength of schedule? LMAO), Florida MIGHT be a football school again and I ﬁnished this two minutes before my deadline set by our amazing sports editor Morgan McMullen. Much love alligatorSports, and thanks again for taking a chance on me. Justin Ahlum was a staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @justinn_case1