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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

VOLUME 115 ISSUE 21

Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida

Not officially associated with the University of Florida

Gainesville remembers Parkland shooting victims ABOUT 80 STUDENTS ATTENDED THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY VIGIL IN PERSON By Valeriya Antonshchuk and Alexander Lugo Alligator Staff Writers

Chasity Maynard // Alligator Staff

Two people light each other’s candles during an event on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 to honor those killed during a school shooting in Parkland, Florida three years ago.

Preventing tragedy: New safety measures on University Avenue UF WILL COLLABORATE WITH FDOT, THE CITY, AND UPD TO ENACT TRAFFIC SAFETY MEASURES

By Sofia Echeverry Alligator Staff Writer

A month after Kailey Kiss’ Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority sister, Maggie Paxton, died in a hit-and-run on West University Avenue, she witnessed the crash that killed UF first-year Sophia Lambert on the same stretch of road. Now, she wants to make sure it never happens again. Kiss created Florida Not One More, a student-run organization that advocates for traffic safety on and around UF’s campus and gives students a platform to voice traffic-related concerns, two weeks after witnessing the crash. Florida Not One More teamed up with Gainesville Citizens for Active Transportation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making transportation safe and accessible for all people, to ask UF to take decisive action and lay out several demands. Both organizations are advocating to reduce the speed limit on University Avenue and Southwest 13th Street from 30 mph to 20 mph and add more pedestrian crosswalks on University Avenue. The Florida Department of Transportation plans

SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT Stick it

What description Story happens when finish a gymnast with comma, nails apg# landing? In Florida’s case, gymnasts earn more than a higher rating, as athletes who stick their landings get to celebrate in style, pg. 12

to lower the speed limit on University Avenue to 25 mph by this summer after installing temporary speed tables — speed bumps with flat tops — between Gale Lemerand Drive and Northwest 19th Street, and between Northwest 14th Street and Northwest 19th Street. The main campus roads have a posted speed limit of 20 mph. UF and FDOT will also collaborate on the creation of two crosswalks at the intersections of University Avenue with Northwest 16th Street and Northwest 19th Street set to begin this Fall, according to a UF email sent Feb. 3. These crossings are meant to lower speeds on University Avenue by increasing the number of times cars have to stop at intersections, FDOT Communications Specialist Troy Roberts wrote in an email. Florida Not One More and GCAT also want UPD to have a more active presence on University Avenue and enforce traffic laws through the GatorSTEP program until more permanent changes can be made. Florida Not One More has documented the lack of police presence on University Avenue. Kiss said she and her organization want to work with UF to solve this problem and won’t stop until something gets done. She said its goal is to stop traffic dangers from causing more tragedies. “In the words of Tom Petty, we’re not backing down,” she said. “And we will fight ’till the end to make

SEE TRAFFIC, PAGE 5

Anisha Saripalli’s face glowed in the light of 17 candles representing her former Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students and staff members. She read their names out loud in a solemn voice. “Alyssa Alhadeff. Scott Beigel. Martin Duque Anguiano,” she began. For many people from Parkland, Florida, Valentine’s Day is no longer defined by chocolate hearts and roses. Instead, it marks the anniversary of a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 people. “Nicholas Dworet. Aaron Feis. Jaime Guttenberg,” Saripalli continued. About 80 students gathered in Plaza of the Americas on the evening of Feb. 14 to observe the third anniversary of the shooting. March for Our Lives Gainesville, a local branch of the national organization formed immediately following the tragedy to advocate for gun reform, honors this anniversary each year with a vigil at Plaza of the Americas. Due to COVID-19, the MSD Anniversary Vigil took place in a hybrid format this year, giving people the option to attend inperson or through Zoom. About an additional 30 participants joined virtually. Nearly all in-person participants lit candles as event organizers reminded participants to maintain social distancing. Somber students sought comfort in each other, embracing during the emotional speeches that followed. Chris Hixon. Luke Hoyer. Cara Loughran. More than 20 people stood in the crowd when UF President Kent Fuchs talked about Carmen Schentrup, a 16-year-old MSD senior who was admitted to the UF Honors program just days before she was killed in the shooting. Carmen had dreams of becoming a medical scientist and developing cures for diseases like ALS. Carmen was excited to become a Gator but didn’t live long

Eastside High School

Eastside High School founded an alumni association, pg. 4

enough to claim her place in the UF community, Fuchs said. “I grieve for Carmen, I grieve for her classmates and for all of you here who indeed will have a lifelong connection to this unspeakable tragedy,” he said. Gina Montalto. Joaquin ‘Guac’ Oliver. Alaina Petty. Alyson Moriarty, co-president of March for Our Lives Gainesville, spoke about the importance of the annual vigil. “It gives people a space to reunite and find that community they had back in high school,” the 22-year-old UF behavioral and cognitive neuroscience senior said. “I think that’s a huge part of the vigils is providing that community.” Students in March for Our Lives Gainesville feel a responsibility to keep the event going after they graduate to provide a platform, Moriarty said. “We’re doing this whether they’re here or not because we’re not gonna forget,” she said. Saripalli, current copresident of March for Our Lives Gainesville, is set to replace Moriarty next year as president. Bringing the community together for this anniversary was especially important during the loneliness many community members felt during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said. “This is kind of like a bittersweet reunion among the MSD kids and people from South Florida,” a 19-year-old UF biomedical engineering junior, said. After her speech, Saripalli lit 17 candles to honor the victims of the shooting and then held a 19 second moment of silence to honor the two students who died of suicide in the year following the shooting. She read the victims’ names aloud as she lit the candles. Meadow Pollack. Helena Ramsay. Maia Hebron, vice president of March for Our Lives Gainesville, was a senior at MSD when the shooting happened and said she felt nervous knowing Sunday was its third anniversary. “I came to UF with a few of my close friends from home. It was definitely a comforting feeling to know I was coming with people who understood what I’ve been through because we went through it together,” said Hebron, a 21-year-old UF communication

SEE VIGIL, PAGE 5

Gainesville won’t “Free the Nipple”

The proposal to de-gender toplessness died in a City Commission vote, pg. 3

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2 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Today’s Weatherwere $14 Valentine’s Day adoptions at Alachua County Animal Services MORE THAN 20 CATS AND DOGS WERE ADOPTED DURING THE WEEKLONG EVENT

By Amy Dunn Alligator Contributing Writer

When Nathaly Barrantes and Tyson Torchia arrived at the Alachua County Animal Services building Friday to play with a 5-month-old kitten they saw online, it was love at first sight. The couple was pleasantly surprised to pay less than $15 in adoption fees when they took him home later that day. “We saw him and were like, ‘He’s so cute. We have to get him,’” said Barrantes, a 19-year-old Santa Fe College biology freshman. The shelter, located at 3400 NE 53rd Ave., held its Valentine’s Day adoption event from Feb. 9 to Feb. 13, said Nikki Healy, administrative coordinator at Animal Services. Though adoption fees are normally $20 for cats and $40 for dogs, all fees were $14 for

both animals during the weeklong event. The shelter reduced the fees to encourage more people to adopt, she said. So far, there have been 46 adoptions in February and about 20 during the weeklong event, Healy said. The shelter has seen about an even number of adoptions for dogs and cats. “Hopefully, this weekend will be like a big bang,” Healy said. On Jan. 12, the shelter had about 70 dogs and 40 to 50 cats up for adoption, Healy said. Alachua County Animal Services is an openadmissions shelter, which means it accepts any dog or cat that needs a home. Barrantes said for the past few months, she and her boyfriend were looking to get a cat and finally decided to go to the shelter after seeing the kitten on the shelter’s website. The couple was unaware of the Valentine’s Day promotion. “As soon as he saw us, he was purring, and he instantly started playing with us,” Torchia, a 20-year-old Gainesville resident,

VOLUME 115 ISSUE 21

ISSN 0889-2423

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

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said. The kitten, a barnyard tabby, was named Finch by the shelter, but the couple renamed him Silas. They plan for him to live as an indoor cat at their Gainesville apartment along with their Shih Tzu, Leo. The shelter holds events and promotions as often as it can, Healy said. This past winter, it held a Grinch-themed event with free adoptions. However, the shelter discourages giving animals as gifts and hope all future owners will come in and interact with their animals before choosing to adopt, she said.

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Photo wall of 12 of the 70 adoptable dogs at the Alachua County Animal Services.

CORRECTIONS: • UF Health and the Alachua County Health Department administered vaccines at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Feb. 5 and Brenda McCue received a text message about her appointment on Feb. 4. That Alligator reported otherwise in the Feb. 8 print issue

Amy Dunn // Alligator Contributing Writer

Tyson Torchia and Nathaly Barrantes hold their new kitten, Silas, at Alachua County Animal Services.

• A photo caption in the Feb. 8 issue incorrectly identified Gwendolyn P. Hunt in the photo.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 ALLIGATOR 3

Gainesville won’t ‘free the nipple’ following proposal to de-gender toplessness THE CITY COMMISSION WILL BEGIN DRAFTING LANGUAGE CHANGES TO DEGENDER CITY CODES

By Michelle Holder Alligator Staff Writer

In a nail-biting vote, the Gainesville City Commission rejected a proposal that would allow female toplessness in public. The commission voted 3-3 against the proposal at a Feb. 11 meeting, halting the “Free the Nipple’’ movement in Gainesville but passing a plan to begin drafting language changes to degender city codes. Mayor Lauren Poe and Commissioners Adrian Hayes-Santos and Reina Saco voted in favor of both proposals. Commissioners Gigi Simmons, Gail Johnson and Harvey Ward voted against the topless proposal for varying reasons including wanting to prioritize other issues in the community such as racial justice and safety concerns about public nudity. Commissioner David Arreola, who would have broken the tie, was absent from the meeting. Johnson said she voted for making the city’s codes, laws and ordinances gender-neutral by replacing words like “him” and “her” with gender-neutral pronouns like “they” and “them,” but she didn’t agree with allowing those with breasts to be topless in public for fear of sexual assault. Johnson wrote in a Facebook post she was livid and insulted, and the policy “reeks of patriarchy and privilege.” As a woman and mother of an 11-year-old daughter, the discussion about female anatomy felt dehumanizing and disrespectful, she

wrote. During the meeting, Johnson said she felt offended as a Black woman. “I can say with complete confidence that after all these conversations that I’ve had this week, I’m positive that public nudity is not in the top 20 challenges that women are facing and something that deserves our attention right now,” Johnson said. The initial proposal, introduced by Hayes-Santos Jan. 28, included an initiative to replace gendered pronouns like “fireman” and “policewoman,” with neutral ones, such as “firefighter” and “police officer,” in city policy and legislation. The proposal was intended to stop discrimination on the basis of gender in written laws and codes. It also included a proposal to allow all toplessness in the city. Following a heated public comment session, the commission unanimously decided to break up the proposal for the city Equity and Inclusion Committee and city attorney’s office to begin analyzing pronoun changes but not those relating to public nudity laws, as the commission will review them later. In the U.S., only three states have explicit laws against showing female breasts in public, including Utah, Tennessee and Indiana. Fourteen states have ambiguous laws on female public nudity, such as Florida, which has normalized nudist beaches in certain areas but retains policies outlawing female toplessness in others. Gainesville’s current public nudity standard only applies to those with female anatomy, where it is illegal to expose their breasts. Commissioner Saco, who voted to allow toplessness, said it’s impor-

tant everyone in the community not only feels valued and included but also protected. “It’s just more open, more empathetic and reflects the society we live in,” Saco said. “We try to be as open and inclusive of everyone who could live here.” Gainesville art curator and event director Rüts Duplantis said they think the city laws should reflect the whole spectrum of people who exist. “It helps harbor the parameters of safe space within our city,” Duplantis, who is gender-fluid, said. “I think that is a safety that applies to me. It’s so easy to change words on paper and for it to mean that much more to the people that it pertains to.” They said this proposal would help the city view everyone as equal in the eyes of the law. “When you’re able to feel more true and solidified in your identity, you’re more solidified in who you are overall,” they said. “That flows into progress and productivity and community and communication and every aspect of your life I feel.” Hannah Hill, a 24-year-old owner of Flow Space yoga studio in Gainesville, said she first introduced the idea of gender-fluid terms to the Gainesville city commission about a year ago. Hill said society is no longer a two-gendered system, and individuals who identify as transgender, nonbinary or another gender find themselves no longer fitting into the laws and codes. An estimated 0.6% of adults, or about 1.4 million, identify as transgender in the U.S., according to a 2016 study at the UCLA Williams Institute of Law. In the state of Florida, 0.66% of the population identifies as transgender. It is important to note

Aubrey Bocalan // Alligator Staff

the study relied on self-reported data, so it may not reflect everyone who identifies as transgender. “They find themselves being questioned of, what is this law mean to me? Where do I fit in the gray area of this?” Hill said. The root of the issues is the sexualization of the female body, Hill said. Breastfeeding mothers, who often must hide in bathrooms or private places to feed their children, will be affected by the legalization of toplessness. It is legal in Florida to breastfeed in public, but outright topless nudity is not legal in municipalities, according to the Gainesville policy program’s preliminary research and analysis. “Why is it that the male nipple can be seen in public and the female nipple cannot?” she said. “We’re talking about women who are doing the job of what a woman is naturally supposed to do, and somehow in our culture, we have sexualized it so horribly.” Trysh Travis, a 56-year-old UF associate professor at the Center for Gender, Sexualities and Women’s

Studies, said she believes the proposal is a gesture toward inclusivity. But while she said she’d love to be able to go topless in the summer, it’s not at the top of her priorities. “I would prefer that my elected officials focus on other more consequential aspects of gender inequality,” she said. “For example, the income inequality, that I mentioned before, ongoing problems of violence against women and girls, lack of access to affordable housing, lack of access to good education.” Travis said the taboo of naked breasts is the result of the general policing of women and people with breasts’ sexuality. She mentioned Berkley, California’s annual naked parade, which emphasizes the expression of bodily pleasure. “Are they for babies to get nutrition? Or, are they for men to get visual pleasure?” she asked. “We have a strange double understanding of what women’s breasts are in this country.”

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4 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Faculty union elevates concerned voices over UF COVID-19 protocols FACULTY LISTED FIVE DEMANDS OF THE UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION

By Alexander Lugo Alligator Staff Writer

UF professor Stephen Mulkey said he wouldn’t be surprised if he lost his job for criticizing the university administration’s COVID-19 response. But, that didn’t stop Mulkey and other faculty from sharing their complaints about UF’s in-person class requirement at a faculty union, United Faculty of Florida-UF, news conference Feb. 3. The perception of safety has been lost at UF, Mulkey said. “Because of the mandates handed down, the UF workplace has become dangerous,” he said. “Many of my colleagues agree.” UFF held the meeting to lay out five demands aimed at university administration. The requests center around in-person teaching and how it endangers faculty at a time when COVID-19 cases are still high, a more contagious variant of the disease is in town and students still flock to bars and clubs on the weekends. The demands included immediately vaccinating all faculty members who teach in-person courses, expansion of accommodations for faculty who request ADA accommodations, more flexibility for staff to organize courses, prioritizing the use of the GatorSAFE app for safety of staff and students. The union also wants to see UF uphold its promise of shared governance with faculty, which is in the school’s constitution. After UF invited about 40% of undergraduates back on campus for Spring semester, faculty feel they should have been given a bigger say in whether their courses are online or face-to-face. The GatorSAFE app caused controversy earlier in the semester because of a feature that allowed students to report professors for not teaching in-person. UFF demanded the app be used for safety concerns only. UFF has been vocal about its opposition to the university’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has demanded UF reverse its reopening plans several times in addition to requesting the university accept ADA accommodations. The union filed a chapter griev-

ance against UF’s Spring 2021 face-to-face teaching regulations and UF’s rejection of ADA accommodations requests. UF spokesperson Hessy Fernandez wrote in an email there is no evidence of COVID-19 transmission in classrooms, so far, due to the implementation of UF Health’s advice and CDC guidelines. UF Health is distributing vaccines based on the governor’s executive order, which prioritizes seniors 65 and older for vaccination, Fernandez wrote. Fernandez did not directly respond to questions asking whether UF will be meeting any of UFF’s demands and that UF plans to continue the semester with the current guidelines in place. Mulkey, a lecturer at UF’s School of Natural Resources and Environment, talked about the distrust present among faculty during the meeting. After sending UF an ADA accommodation request and proof that he is a current stage 4 cancer patient, Mulkey waited to hear back. He said the university did not respond to him until the week of the deadline to receive an accommodation, and he was told there wouldn’t be a plan in place for weeks to accommodate his ADA request. “Since this was the week of the final deadline to hear about the accommodations, I was extremely alarmed,” Mulkey said. He eventually got the accommodation a week after the deadline passed, but only after persistently pursuing UF, Mulkey said. Some professors weren’t lucky enough to get the same accommodations Mulkey received, but many fear losing their jobs if they speak up, he said. UF denied 144 requests from professors to teach online in the Spring. Mulkey is not currently tenured and said UF could choose to not renew his teaching contract for speaking out against university policies. UFF-UF president Paul Ortiz said fears of speaking out among faculty are common not just at UF but in all of higher education. The lack of faculty representation in decision-making was also a big issue on the mind of Danielle Hawk, a Gainesville activist who runs a Facebook group protesting UF’s in-person classes. “UF should be giving them a seat at the table and allowing them to have a say in what’s happening,” Hawk said. “Not just a symbolic seat at the table, but actually con-

sidering the consequences to the community.” Staff at UF has been forced to write open letters, start petitions and engage in protests instead of having an open conversation with the decision-makers at UF, Hawk said. That same Facebook group put a cardboard tombstone display on the corner of University Avenue and SW 13th Street last week to protest UF’s reopening policies. “UF is making decisions that deeply affect our community, and they are not our elected officials,” Hawk said. “We need to hold them accountable.” UF’s rushed reopening plans not only put faculty and students in danger, but also the community at large, Gainesville City Commissioner Reina Saco said during the meeting. UF has a responsibility to Gainesville to meet the demands, she said. “The demands made today are reasonable and thought out for all, not just for UF,” Saco said at the conference. “It makes UF a good neighbor, and I hope UF listens to those demands.” Students are more directly affected by the university’s policies, and some students

spoke out at the news conference. Jacob Giner, a 19-year-old UF anthropology sophomore, said during the meeting that hundreds of people party just outside his apartment in Midtown every night, and these same people may be attending classes in person at UF. The fact that students aren’t notified if a classmate tests positive unless they come into close contact with them is troubling and distracts from the learning environment, Giner said during the meeting. “The HyFlex model has been nothing but detrimental to my education,” he said at the meeting. The conference ended with a speech from Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association. She applauded the courage the faculty showed at the news conference and denounced UF’s decision making. “It doesn’t have to be this way,” Pringle said during the meeting. “Our most vulnerable educators must be given accommodations.” @alexlugo67 alugo@alligator.org

Julia Cooper // Alligator Staff

A collection of tombstone shaped signs and a banner calling for the end of in-person classes at the University of Florida was set-up on the corner of 13th Street and University Avenue on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021.

Eastside High School Alumni Association to mentor current students MEMBERS HOPE TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

By Alan Halaly Alligator Staff Writer

Tarcha Rentz believes in creating long lasting change. That’s why she helped found a new alumni association at her alma mater to engage with her community year-round and uplift Black voices. The 48-year-old East Gainesville native is the president of the Eastside High School Alumni Association, which filed to become a nonprofit but is still pending state approval. The organization was formed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the school’s opening. Rentz said the goal of the alumni association is to mentor current students while also funding school programs and scholarships. She said the group is one of the few high school alumni associations in the Alachua County Public School system. “We see this as an opportunity for students to connect with students that look like themselves and have similar experiences,” she said. “We come from different cultural and economic backgrounds. But we’re all Eastside.” About 74% of Eastside’s student body are minorities, and

58% of its students are economically disadvantaged, according to the U.S. News and World Report. Rentz said the COVID-19 pandemic makes it easier to engage with residents who no longer live in the city. She hopes to show current students the success of Eastside alumni, and how success can take many forms. Cathy Norman, an alumna of Eastside’s class of 1983 who works at the school as an attendance clerk, was the first to propose the idea in May on an alumni Facebook page. The post only garnered a few likes, but Norman said it helped the idea gain momentum. She said she loves being a part of “Ram Nation,” a reference to the school’s mascot. “I wanted them to know that we care about our fellow Rams and that we’re there for them,” Norman, 55, said. Alishia McDonald, a 47-year-old Gainesville lawyer and secretary of the alumni association, said the effort will give students much-needed guidance, especially to those who hope to become first-generation college students. As former student body president of the class of 1991, McDonald said she wanted to help give back to the school. “It would have been extremely beneficial to me as a student at that time to develop mentor relationships with individuals interested in my profession,” McDonald said. “Sometimes it can be something as simple as filling out FAFSA, or asking: ‘How do I get funding to go to school?’”

Eastside, which is widely known for its International Baccalaureate program, was desegregated in 1969. But some inequities persist today, such as having more economically disadvantaged students than schools Buchholz High School in West Gainesville. Dana Self Powers, a 60-year old Gainesville resident and alumni association treasurer, graduated from Eastside in 1978. Powers didn’t go to college, so she said she wants to help students realize that attending a university isn’t the only way to have a successful career. While the school emphasizes magnet and college preparatory programs like International Baccalaureate, many successful alumni have technical careers, such as the owners of Brittany’s Fine Jewelry and Quality Plumbing of Gainesville, she said. “Sometimes I think those students who go to Eastside that aren’t in IB are forgotten,” Powers said. “We have a ton of alumni out there who were successful before IB.” Ultimately, the alumni association hopes to help students with fewer resources reach their full potential, regardless of their current circumstances. “There are plenty of children that deserve to be recognized,” Powers said. “We needed to step up and be a model.” @AlanHalaly ahalaly@alligator.org

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 ALLIGATOR 5

Chasity Maynard // Alligator Staff Chasity Maynard // Alligator Staff

A candle illuminates the face of an onlooker on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 during a vigil in remembrance of those killed at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting three years ago.

Chasity Maynard // Alligator Staff

A group of women hold candles together Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 on Plaza of the Americas before a vigil in recognition of the three year anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

Two women embrace and listen to speakers during a vigil held Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 on Plaza of the Americas in honor of the three year anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

“A space to reunite” VIGIL, from pg. 5

sciences junior. On the day of the shooting, Hebron just finished her astronomy class and was headed to the restroom when she heard the fire alarm go off. She continues to think about the traumatic events that followed every day. “It’s really hard to remember what everyone has been through,” Hebron said. “Even though it’s been three years, it doesn’t change the amount of people that have been impacted.” Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup and Peter Wang. Jiselle Lee contributed to this story.

Chasity Maynard // Alligator Staff

A woman checks in before a vigil held Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 on Plaza of the Americas. Organizers said attendees were required to check in as a COVID-19 safety precaution.

“We’re not backing down” TRAFFIC, from pg. 5

sure that they follow through with their plans and take immediate action to make University Avenue safe.” University Avenue

Among the long-term solutions proposed by UF is a Complete Streets study and safety audit of University Avenue and Southwest 13th Street conducted by UF, university spokesperson Cynthia Roldan wrote in an email. Complete Streets studies have been conducted around the US to improve the accessibility of roadways. To become a Complete Street, a roadway must be accessible to all travelers and commuters, regardless of age, ability or mode of transportation, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The university’s other three short-term projects involve new infrastructure: lighted

Chasity Maynard // Alligator Staff

Candles flicker along the front of Library West on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. They accompanied 17 luminaries honoring the people killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School three years ago.

message boards that monitor speed, “stop for pedestrians at crosswalk” signs on University Avenue and Gale Lemerand Drive and repainted crosswalks on University Avenue, according to UF’s email Feb. 3. UF Transportation Institute Director and civil engineering professor Lily Elefteriadou said seemingly lighter traffic due to COVID-19 may cause drivers to increase their speed. This, combined with pedestrian and bicycle traffic, may have led to the recent increase in crashes, she said. However, Elefteriadou said UF’s efforts are good first steps in making the university campus and surrounding community safer. These additions will help alert drivers to the presence of cyclists and pedestrians. Long-term changes will also help decrease crashes on and around campus, she said. “Anything that we can do to reinforce that message for drivers will absolutely have a positive effect,” she said.

Roads intersecting University Avenue

The state department increased the amount of times motorists will have to stop on University Avenue between Northwest 15th Street and Northwest 22nd Street by adjusting signal timing, according to FDOT’s Feb. 11 press release. FDOT installed new signs with reflectors for better visibility at locations around campus, according to the Feb. 4 press release from the department. This includes “Use Crosswalk” signs for pedestrians at the intersections of University Avenue with 34th Street, Northwest 20th Terrace and 13th Street. For motorists, the intersections of University Avenue with 34th Street and Gale Lemerand Drive have new “Turning Vehicles Stop for Pedestrians” signs. Traffic turning from Northwest 14th Street onto University Avenue will now see a “One Way” sign cautioning right turns only, according to the release. The state department also straightened a previously crooked crosswalk at the intersection of Southwest 13th Street and University Avenue.

@Vantonshchuk vantonshchuk@alligator.org @AlexLugo67 alugo@alligator.org

FDOT and the city are also researching technology to improve pedestrian experiences at many locations along University Avenue, according to the release. This includes passive pedestrian detection. Sensors located at curbsides or crosswalks will bypass pedestrians’ need to push a button to cross the road by detecting them once they reach a curbside or pedestrian crossing area, Roberts wrote in an email. The passive pedestrian detection will be installed at the intersections of Gale Lemerand Drive, Northwest 17th Street and 13th Street. Illuminated crosswalk buttons will be installed at all three intersections and Northwest 18th Street for greater visibility with audible pedestrian signals to indicate a crossing, according to the release. Traffic safety on and around UF’s campus is seeing improvements as local, university and state officials join forces. @sofecheverry secheverry@alligator.org

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 www.alligator.org/the_avenue

CULTURE

‘Gainesville Live!’ Concert Series celebrates Black History Month GAINESVILLE’S LONGESTRUNNING CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS A THREE-SHOW VIRTUAL SEQUENCE FEATURING REGIONAL BLACK ARTISTS

By Heather Bushman Avenue Staff Writer

Gainesville’s longest-running concert series may not congregate on Bo Diddley Community Plaza this year, but that won’t stop it from showcasing local Black artists. To celebrate Black History Month, the “Gainesville Live!” concert series will present three online shows highlighting Black artists from the region. The artists will stream their sets from Facebook and perform original material and selections from Black composers. The “Gainesville Live!” series usually takes place on Bo Diddley Plaza from May to October, presenting 26 shows total every Friday featuring local and regional musi-

cians. When the 2020 season was canceled due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the artists slated to perform shifted to livestreaming their sets remotely. David Ballard, the events coordinator for the city of Gainesville, said the format turned out to be a great success, so the city decided to employ it to celebrate Black History Month. “Gainesville Live!” will consist of three different performances from artists spanning across the genre spectrum. The first show, which took place Feb. 12, featured renowned Tallahassee trumpet player Longineu Parsons and pianist Joanna Sobkowska, known together as Duo Paloma, performing a selection of classical and jazz pieces from Black composers. The second show is Feb. 19 featuring Faith & Majesty, a local sister duo specializing in original indie-folk compositions, and the final show Feb. 26 will feature Decyo McDuffie, a jazz vocalist and UF student. “We wanted a really good sampling of different styles and differ-

ent genres,” Ballard said. The artists were booked with the focus of highlighting local talent, Ballard said. With artists like Faith & Majesty performing original selections and Decyo McDuffie introducing jazz standards to a younger generation, Ballard said the acts represent promising upand-comers in the local scene. “That’s new Black voices right there,” he said. McDuffie, a 21-year-old UF entomology senior, will close the series, livestreaming his performance with a two-piece backing band. His set will consist of songs from classic jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. “It’ll be a tribute to my favorite Black jazz artists that have inspired me not only as a vocalist, but just as a Black male in America,” he said. After growing up singing in church choirs and listening to classic R&B artists such as Al Green and Diana Ross, McDuffie said he fell in love with older music. His passion for jazz, however, didn’t

arrive until high school when he discovered musical theater. He said those selections were heavily influenced by jazz standards, which led him to research more into the genre and its history. Jazz, McDuffie said, is Black art form at its core and important to showcase during Black History Month. He said the genre not only highlights the talent of the performers but also the struggle and turmoil the Black community faced at the time of jazz’s inception. “Jazz is a way for Black musicians to express their culture and express the sounds of what was going on in that time,” he said. “I think I would be remiss to be a jazz musician and not push that same agenda.” In bringing jazz to the concert series, McDuffie said he hopes to spotlight the lengthy history of Black jazz musicians in America and highlight their contributions to music and Black history. “We’ve had wonderful Black musicians and artists that have pushed along this music that we

SPOTIFY

Scan to listen to pre-2000s jams by Black artists.

still listen to today and revere today,” he said. The series will be streamed via Facebook on both the Free Fridays page and the artists’ pages. Keeping with Free Fridays tradition, viewers can stream “Gainesville Live!” at no cost. @hgrizzl hbushman@alligator.org

MUSIC

Faith & Majesty release first single under Swamp Records THE SISTER-MUSICIAN DUO RELEASED QUARANTINE ANTHEM “PREMISE” FEB. 13 By Veronica Nocera Avenue Staff Writer

Faith and Majesty Smith know the power of music bringing people together. Both sisters were interested in music

Courtesy of Majesty Smith

Sister-musician duo Faith & Majesty Smith moved to Gainesville in 2019 and recently signed to local music label Swamp Records.

growing up, Majesty said, with Majesty writing “cheesy” songs to perform for her family and Faith appreciating the art. Despite this shared interest, it wasn’t until 2016, when they started songwriting together, that Majesty said the two truly “became friends.” After discovering this shared music taste, Faith and Majesty began performing covers and original songs at open mics in South Florida. In January 2019, they performed at a Sofar Sounds event in Gainesville. Majesty said they were encouraged by the friendly, warm energy radiated by the audience and support of musicians they met on the trip to permanently move to Gainesville that summer. The duo signed to student-run record label Swamp Records in November. Faith & Majesty’s first single of the year, “Premise,” came out Feb. 12, their first release since joining the label. “Premise” was written over the course of the past year, Majesty said, so the sister duo has come to refer to it as their “quarantine song” — a compilation of the doubts, fears and nostalgia experienced throughout 2020. These pandemic-era thoughts and realizations are expressed in the song through symbolism and heavier lyrics that came surprisingly naturally to the sisters, Majesty said. “Last year was full of so much introspection, self-reflection — having to look yourself in the mirror,” she said. “Being socially dis-

Keep up with the Avenue on Twitter. Tweet us @TheFloridaAve.

tanced and having a lot of alone time led to getting to know ourselves better.” Themes of past, present and future are also central to the song’s message. In 2020, Majesty said she spent a lot of time either fixating on the past or focusing on hopes and dreams for the future. For 2021, she said her goal is to stay mindful of living in the present moment. “It’s so important to be able to accept where you’re at, even if it’s not the best place, even if it’s not ideal,” Majesty said. “You’re still here.” Songwriting and performing are not fulltime jobs for Faith and Majesty, who both work as nurses — Faith as a hospice nurse at Haven Hospice and Majesty in the cardiology office at UF Health. Especially during the pandemic, working full time in such a multifaceted career influences their art, Majesty said. Majesty also said she and Faith use songwriting as a way to recuperate at the end of the day, finally releasing all the ideas and lyrics that build up while on the clock. “Ideally, I’d love to be a full-time artist, but in the meantime, I appreciate having a job where I get to help other people,” Majesty said. “It makes those moments where I do get to write and sing a lot sweeter.” On Tuesday, Faith & Majesty announced their signing to Swamp Records. The sister duo is excited to finally be gaining a team of

peers and supporters — something they’ve long been waiting for, Majesty said. Reagan de la Cruz, a 19-year-old event management freshman, is on the Faith & Majesty team at Swamp Records. Since joining the organization, she has been involved in marketing campaigns for the sister duo. “They have a very unique sound, and their lyrics really help tell their story,” de la Cruz said. De la Cruz also said she wants to see Faith & Majesty’s social media presence grow following their signing with Swamp Records. The sisters gained more than 70,000 views on a video they posted to social video app TikTok. Majesty said, at one point last year, music began to feel daunting in the face of COVID-19 and work responsibilities. However, she said she used this writer’s block as a wellneeded break and is grateful to be releasing more music and doing more shows this year. “I guess that’s what we’d want to say,” Majesty said. “Thank you, Gainesville. Thank you, friends. Thank you, Swamp.” “Premise” is now available on all music streaming platforms. @vernocera vnocera@alligator.org

Returning vets

Tommy Mace and Jack Leftwich didn’t expect to take the mound when they toured Florida’s new ballpark last year. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were afforded an opportunity to return and open the new park, pg. 11

Scan to listen to the Avenue podcast on Spotify

El Caimán

LUNES, 15 DE FEBRERO DE 2021 www.alligator.org/elcaiman

Sazón para tu corazón Escrito por Kristine Villaroel y Isabella Barnet Escritoras de Caimán

En la esquina de la cuarta avenida y la segunda calle del suroeste del centro de la ciudad se encuentran unas escaleras que suben a una casita amarilla. Steven Lara, el dueño de Cafe Sabroso en el centro de Gainesville, creó este pequeño café a finales del año pasado en octubre de 2020. Lara abrió su negocio en medio de la pandemia del COVID-19 pero ha llamado la atención de muchos jóvenes latinoamericanos a pesar de las circunstancias en que se abrió el lugar. “Definitivamente fue difícil abrir durante el coronavirus, pero la gente está respetando el concepto de lo que es el café de estilo latino”, dijo Lara. “Nosotros traemos un ambiente familiar y representamos la manera tradicional de hacer café latino en vez de sentir que estás en un lugar comercializado”. Al entrar al negocio, el sentido de casa te envuelve instantáneamente. El olor a café te invita a quedarte sentado para que disfrutes la comida en uno de los tantos sofás debajo de la iluminación sombría que Lara eligió específicamente para Cafe Sabroso. Su negocio es uno de muchos negocios latinos que están escondidos en el corazón de

Gainesville. Cafe Sabroso agregó waffles a su menú para complementar sus diversos estilos de café que incluye el café cubano y el café puertorriqueño por solo 5 dólares. “Ser criado en una familia latina, siempre me sentía en paz cuando mi mamá hacía café en mi casa y por eso quería crear algo con decoración para nuestros clientes para que no se sientan apurados”. Más allá de Cafe Sabroso hay restaurantes como Latin Food Blessing, Tinker, y La Cocina de Abuela que también ofrecen un ambiente personal para personas que buscan algo más familiar en Gainesville. Latin Food Blessing ofrece comida saludable genuinamente Peruana. Originaria de la cultura Quechua, Sarita Tito Cutimanco comenzó Latin Food Blessing en enero de 2021 luego de ver la falta de conocimiento sobre su cultura natal dentro de la comunidad de Gainesville. El restaurante familiar tuvo sus orígenes en los mercados de agricultores. Al igual que Lara, Cutimanco también fundó este restaurante en plena pandemia del COVID-19. “No es fácil todavía, estamos con este temor de cómo nos irá. Es un desafío”, dijo Cutimanco. Dentro de las metas principales de Cutimanco ha sido proveer comida que refleja

Mantente al día con El Caimán en Twitter. Envíanos un twet @alligatorElCaiman.

Free Insulin

uno de los valores principales de su cultura: la comida es medicina. Hecha al momento con ingredientes de la mejor calidad, la comida de Latin Food Blessing es rica en vitaminas y minerales. “Aquí hacemos la chicha morada, que es natural y que tiene hierro, y le ponemos un poquito de limón para que tenga vitamina C”, dijo Cutimanco. “También hacemos una sopa que se llama sopa de mote que lleva maíz y carne. Es una sopa que comían nuestros abuelos, nuestros ancestros los Incas”. La comida que se ofrece en Latin Food Blessing es el resultado de múltiples generaciones cultivando y preservando la cultura de su comunidad andina indigena. “Yo soy de un pueblo con una cultura en la que solo hablamos quechua. Tengo a mi madre y mi abuela que me han enseñado que nuestra comida es nuestra medicina, y que con eso puedes curar cualquier enfermedad. Es la mejor medicina”, agregó Cutimanco. Aparte de la comida única de la cultura quechua, Latin Food Blessing también ofrece platos mexicanos, guatemaltecos y centroamericanos. “Lo que más me pone contenta a mi es que la gente se vaya satisfecha con la comida que coma, que es sobre todo una comida saludable, una comida que hace que la gente se sienta bien y que alimenta bien”, comentó Cutimanco. Tinker, un restaurante bien establecido venezolano en Gainesville, es otra gran op-

ción para disfrutar comida hispana. Desde sus comienzos como un camión de comida en Archer Road desde mayo de 2019, Tinker ha crecido en popularidad y demanda, por lo que recientemente abrió un establecimiento físico donde sus clientes pueden disfrutar de la misma comida en un espacio agradable. La Cocina de Abuela es otro clásico de la comida latina en Gainesville. Fundada por Sara Puyana, quien también es copropietaria de Flaco's Cuban Bakery, La Cocina de Abuela ofrece hogareños sabores colombianos. Puyana es una figura activa en la comunidad latina en Gainesville, representando la cocina de dos países latinoamericanos para el público culinario de la ciudad. Para aquellos que prefieren quedarse en casa e intentar replicar los sabores latinos por sí mismos, el mercado La Aurora tiene todos los ingredientes que puedan necesitar. El mercado ubicado en 3721 West University Avenue ofrece un amplio rango de productos perfectos para cocinar distintos platos de origen latino. El mercado ha estado trayendo productos desde Miami por 16 años con la meta de hacer que los latinos en Gainesville se sientan en casa, según su sitio web. Que disfrutes con un poco de sazón para tu corazón en estos restaurantes que están abiertos al público y podrás gozar de la comida mas sabrosa en cualquier momento.

Síganos para actualizaciones

Grace pharmacy administering $600,000 worth of free insulin, pg. 8

Para obtener actualizaciones so El Caimán, síganos en línea en www.alligator.org/elcaiman

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8 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Judge Stephan Mickle Honored in Memorial Service THE TRAILBLAZING UF ALUMNUS DIED OF CANCER JANUARY 26 By Ben Crosbie Alligator Contributing Writer

To many, Stephan P. Mickle may be remembered as a pioneer, an inspiration and a giant among UF alumni. But to his neighbor and friend Deacon James Turk, Mickle was the man with whom he spent Christmas Eve eating raccoon, as was their tradition for years. “We walked down Southeast 12th Avenue at night eating ‘coon and drinking straight, straight…” Turk paused and smirked, “Iced tea.” Although Mickle’s illustrious life and career were full of accomplishments, awards and honors, what mattered most during his memorial service Feb. 13 was what he meant to those closest to him. Clad in face coverings and dark, formal clothing, about 60 friends, family and former colleagues of Mickle gathered at the Curtis M.

Phillips Center at noon for the private service. Mickle, the first Black student to earn an undergraduate degree Mickle from UF, died of cancer Jan. 26 at 76 years old. Pushing past oppressive racism and discrimination, he was nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1998 to become a District Court Judge in the Northern District of Florida, the first African-American to hold the position. Mickle was also a founding member and the first president of the UF Association of Black Alumni (ABA). Inside the auditorium, attendees sat scattered in a social distanced seating arrangement, while onstage two portraits of Mickle flanked a large screen with an image of him smiling in dignified judge’s robes. An ornate bouquet of orange and white flowers sat in front of a lone lectern. Speakers at the service included

UF president Kent Fuchs, Levin College of Law Dean Laura Rosenbury and family members such as Mickle’s brother, Darryl Mickle, and nephew, Cotie Jones. Though the speakers received explicit instructions from the priest to keep their speeches between two and three minutes, it soon became clear that none would be able to compress all they wanted to say about Mickle into that amount of time. Laura Rosenbury, the dean of the UF Levin College of Law, described his leadership and emphasized he will continue to be an inspiration after his death. “Judge Mickle broke down barriers not for his own benefit, but for the benefit of people he would never meet,” she said. “Thousands of African-American students have realized their dreams at the University of Florida because of Judge Mickle’s strength.” Some speakers highlighted the admirable qualities of Mickle’s personality, such as Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, who served

alongside Mickle. Walker mentioned Mickle’s brilliance but noted this alone wasn’t what made him a great judge. “Every party, every lawyer who ever appeared before Judge Mickle, every judge who served with him, will tell you that Judge Mickle had a wise and understanding heart,” he said. Following the speeches, a projector played a slideshow behind the stage as the soulful sounds of Anita Baker’s “Giving You the Best That I Got” filled an otherwise silent auditorium. Images of Mickle during his childhood, college years, his wedding, awards ceremonies and family pictures flashed across the screen. The Rev. R.B. Holmes gave an impassioned speech afterward about the importance of family and leading an honorable life — two things Mickle never lost sight of. “Judge Mickle was an outstanding husband; he loved Evelyn. Judge Mickle was a faithful father; he loved his children. Judge Mickle was a loving son, who made his parents extremely proud of his accom-

plishments,” Holmes praised. The ceremony concluded with a procession of Mickle’s family members walking slowly through the aisles and out of the building accompanied by the iconic voice of Aretha Franklin. Some exchanged quick words with people they walked past. Once outside, they watched a 21-gun salute from the parking lot, where seven uniformed officers pierced the quiet, overcast afternoon with three shots each into the air. A rendition of “Taps,” the solemn bugle call characteristic of military funerals and ceremonies, followed the gunshots from the bell of a trumpet. Moments before, Holmes ended his speech by imagining Mickle’s soul entering heaven. “My spirit can hear the ageless saying: ‘All rise!’ Here comes the judge, to meet the righteous judge!” Holmes thundered. “Home at last! Ever, ever, ever, ever to rejoice living an honorable life!” @benHcrosbie bcrosbie@ufl.edu

Grace Pharmacy is giving away $600,000 worth of insulin to the public THE FREE INSULIN WILL LAST UNTIL SUPPLIES RUN OUT

By Lucille Lannigan Alligator Staff Writer

Walter Littles eagerly waited first in line at Grace Pharmacy in Gainesville to receive a free six-month supply of the insulin he depends on. The pharmacy, located at the GRACE Marketplace homeless shelter, started filling free prescriptions about three years ago and giving away $600,000 worth of insulin to the public Jan. 29. The free insulin will last until supplies run out, pharmacy manager Tim Rogers said. Littles, 64, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1997. For a while, he used his wife’s insurance, which lowered the cost. But since he left her coverage, he’s struggled to afford insulin. Before Grace, Littles received his insulin supply from Walmart for $25 a vial but said it got expensive when he needed both Humulin-N – a slower acting and longerlasting insulin – and Humulin-R – which is used to lower the blood sugar of people who need more than 200 units of insulin per day. Littles, who lives on a fixed income as a retiree, said he spent about $100 a month on insulin. “So, I jumped at the opportunity when I found out that they were giving away insulin,” he said. The insulin was donated to the pharmacy in preparation for a hurricane at the end of 2019, Rogers said. The pharmacy didn’t use much of it at the time and wanted to give away the leftover medication. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use sugar and prevents dangerously high levels of blood sugar. People with diabetes are unable to produce enough insulin and many are dependent on prescription insulin

to maintain their blood sugar. Insulin prices in the United States continue to rise and patients struggle to afford the expensive drug, which can average up to $5,000 a year in the U.S., Tampa Bay Times reported in 2020. The insulin at Grace is distributed as 10 ml vials of Humulin-N and Humulin-R, Rogers said. Those with either a prescription or proof of need can come to Grace Pharmacy located in GRACE Marketplace at 3055 NE 28th Drive. Rogers said the pharmacy usually requires a prescription to pick up medication, but because Humulin-N and Humulin-R do not require a prescription to dispense, the pharmacy is allowing people to pick up without one. However, people can’t just walk in and pick up the insulin – they must know whether they’re using Humulin-N or Humulin-R, Rogers said. Rogers said he has donated prescription drugs to those in need for the last 20 years. Traveling to Haiti, Chile, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, he works with other pharmacists and doctors to give away medications. He said he and a partner saw the need for a clinic that filled prescriptions for free in Alachua County, which inspired them to open the Grace Pharmacy three years ago. “We don’t even have a cash register here,” Rogers said. “It’s an absolutely free pharmacy.” Normally, the pharmacy doesn’t carry insulin due to the cost and short shelf life, he said, but some of the pharmacy’s current supply expires at the end of July, and the rest in December. Mary Brinkley, a pharmacist at Grace, said this is one of the largest donations the pharmacy has received. The first day the insulin was available, almost 50 people formed a line outside as she pulled up to work, which is unusual, Brinkley said. She

handed out about 250 vials of insulin that day. The general attitude of everyone in line was extremely grateful, she said. Older patients with lapsed insurance or patients with extreme uncontrolled diabetes who were likely paying $200 a month for medication stood in the line Friday.

“There was definitely a larger need than I had anticipated,” she said. Brinkley said she hopes to see more people take advantage of this opportunity to get free insulin. @LucilleLannigan llannigan@alligator.org

Julia Cooper // Alligator Staff

Photo of GRACE Marketplace sign at 3055 NE 28th Ave. in Gainesville, FL.

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For Sale

Timed Online Auction Bidding closes: Mon, Feb 22, 2021 at 10AM Sale will consist of: vehicles (work trucks, box truck), dump trailer, office equipment, warehouse equipment, small appliances, construction equipment, networking equipment and more. Registration, catalog, photos and terms available at www.moeckerauctions.com. Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors Cases: Freedom Steel Building Corporation Case No. 2020-CA-014407-XXXXMB Providian Construction Group, Inc. Case No. CACE-20-021633 Cinium Holdings, LLC. Case No. 2020-014355CA-01 (24) Pick-up/removal: Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, FL. Preview: 02/18 by appointment. Call for details (954) 252-2887 (800) 840-BIDS AB-1098 AU-3219, Eric Rubin 2-15-1-10

• Antique 3-cushion sofa, newly reupholstered, decorative solid wood. • Canon printer PIXMA TX 3122, operates. • White French blue wool rug. Best offer 352-665-3367 2-15-21-1-10

Autos

● We Buy Junk & Used Cars ● ●Trucks, Vans - Titled only ● KT 352-281-9980 sunnyman352@gmail.com 4-19-15-12

★★Cash Today★★

For your unwanted auto running or not. Call anytime 7 days a week 352-642-5000 4-19-15-12

Wanted

BEDS - Brand Name, Brand NEW Pillowtop Mattress & Box Set: Twins $89, Fulls $100, Queens $120, Kings $200. Can Deliver 352377-9846. Gainesville Discount Furniture. 4-19-15-6

For Sale

Timed Online Auction Allan Spear Construction, LLC.

02/08/2021 02/09/21 02/15/21

Bidding closes: Thurs, Feb 25, 2021 at 10AM Sale will consist of: Construction equipment, Mack trucks, ski steers, mast climbing work platforms,scissor lift, power tools, concrete mixers, gas fuel tanks, crane hoist, block saws, concrete pour buckets, shipping containers, fork lift and related items. Registration, catalog, photos and terms available at www.moeckerauctions.com. Pick-up/removal: Gainesville, FL. Preview: 02/17 by appointment. Call for details (954) 252-2887 (800) 840-BIDS AB-1098 AU-3219, Eric Rubin 2-15-1-10

Split Oak Firewood Great for bonfires & fireplaces $75 for 1/4 of a cord stacked and delivered. Or you pick up in Ocala $60 for 1/4 of a cord. Call Mike 352-572-1261. 3-1-21-5-10

●UF Surplus On-Line Auctions●

are underway…bikes, computers, furniture, vehicles & more. All individuals interested in bidding go to: SURPLUS.UFL.EDU 392-0370 4-19-21-15-10 By Stella Michael A. Macdonald By Zawistowski ©2021 Tribune ©2021 Tribune Content Content Agency, Agency, LLC LLC

02/09/21 02/15/21

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

4-19-15-10

Wanted

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

800-227-2345 if interested.

Help Wanted

Part Time Asst needed for Fraternity Management. We handle finances, operations, and properties for Fraternities at UF. Must be able to multi-task and have good attitude. Must know Microsoft and have reliable transportation. Office exp. and/or Greek Life a plus but not req. Office hours are M-F 9-5. Approx 15hrs/ week. Start at $9.50/hr. Email resume to info@fratmanagement.com 3-1-21-3-14 Ahern Rentals is expanding within the Florida Market! In this ever-growing industry, we strive to find qualified candidates to join our Ahern team & continue to the Ahern Family traditions as we aim for success in new & innovative ways. WE ARE HIRING FOR (bold) -Outside Sales Reps -Sales Manager -Field Service Tech -Class A & B CDL Drivers -Service Manager -Rental Counter/Dispatch -Class A & B Mechanics -Parts Supervisor -Wash rack/Yard Personnel -Shops Mechanic -Parts Clerk TOP PAY & BENEFITS OFFERED Please e-mail your resume to: shawnoc@ahern.com Cell: 916-335-9308 2-8-1-14 HIRING home/office/apartment cleaners(m-f and every other sat). Day and night shifts available. Must own a car. weekly pay $10.00/hr. if interested please call 352-214-0868. 4-19-21-15-14

St. Francis House is a homeless shelter located in downtown Gainesville. Our mission is to empower families with children to transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency by providing case management, housing, food, training and educational resources in a secure environment. If interested in volunteering please contact the volunteer coordinator at 352-378- 9079 ext 317 or sfhcoor@stfrancis.cfcoxmail.com St Francis House depends on monetary support from individual donors and community businesses in order to provide meals to the homeless and the hungry. To make a donation by mail, please send checks payable to St. Francis House P.O. Box 12491 Gainesville Fl 32604 or our website at Stfrancishousegnv.org

Freon Wanted: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com 2-8-2-13 ● ● ● ● NEED CASH? ● ● ● ● Buying ★ Gold ★Jewelry ★ Coins, ★ Exchangable Currency.★ Call 352-554-4654. Coin Kingdom 3446 W. University Ave. 4-19-15-13

Looking for driver to drive kids after school to activities and home. Must have clean drivers license record and insurance. Text 352 359-4199 2-15-21-2-14 PHONE REPS NEEDED NOW! Easy Commission Work! Customers Asked To Be Contacted, Paid Daily! Choose Your Hours! Email: Jessica@rent2ownservices.com 3-8-21-4-14 Local Camp Hiring w/Family Envir. Lifeguard and Adventure Staff On-Site Training available Apply Online: campkulaqua.com & Call Kristen (352) 318-5501 3-1-21-5-14 University of Florida Survey Research Center 720 SW 2nd Ave. Suite 156 Mon-Fri 9am-9pm 352-392-2908 ext. 105 $10.00 - $10.50 per hour + performance incentive + Paid Training REMOTE POSITION; COMPUTER AND RELIABLE INTERNET REQUIRED Search ‘Telephone Interviewer’ on Gator Jobs! http://jobs.ufl.edu 4-19-21-15-14 Cafe Risque 24/7 NUDE Entertainment Micanopy, FL 352-466-3803 Performers Audition NOW Cooks / Managers / Waitresses APPLY IN PERSON 7-19-20-14

10 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

Help Wanted

We are seeking current 4-40 & 2-20 licensed insurance producers for a new Property and Casualty Agency opening soon in the Ocala and Gainesville areas. Must have license before hire. Flexible schedule, competitive pay, base wage plus commission and bonuses. If interested please email amandamree@gmail.com with your contact information to set up an interview. 3-8-21-8-14

Services

Want to be a CNA? Don’t want to wait? Express Training Services now offers a CNA class which can be completed in one weekend. Perfect for busy college students. www.expresstrainingservices.com/ww 4-19-21-15-14

16 Health Services

Need CPR Training?

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

4-19-21-15-16

Alcoholics Anonymous 24-hour hotline #352-372-8091 www.aagainesville.org No dues or fees

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

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HIV ANTIBODY TESTING

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Pets Because Cats Don't Understand Abstinence

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Entertainment

OPERATION CATNIP

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

Lots of NEW info at http://ocgainesville.org/

Alachua County Health Dept. Call

334-7960 for app’t (optional $20 fee)

solution below

Lost & Found

¿hablas español?

If you find something, you can place a FREE FOUND AD in our lost & found section.

J UMB L E by David L. Hoyt 1

lee

alligator.org/spanish/ TM

2-15-21

4 5

CLUE 1. Brash 5. Competing 6. Age, develop 7. ____ shower

DOWN

CLUE

1. 2. 3. 4.

ACROSS

Coarse fabric Opposing Solar ____ ____ or later

ANSWER ANEBZR LARVI RENIP OEMTER ANSWER R L B PA U DASVREE PLIESEC ONOSRE

CLUE: As of 2021, four people have received more than one ____ ____.

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. 2021 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

ANSWERS: 1A-Brazen 5A-Rival 6A-Ripen 7A-Meteor 1D-Burlap 2D-Adverse 3D-Eclipse 4D-Sooner B-Nobel Prize

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

—Gustavo Agrait

solution below

CrytpoQuote answer

A rumor will travel fastest to the place where it will cause the greatest harm.

alligator

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

www.alligator.org/classifieds | (352) 373-FIND | classified@alligator.org

Sudoku solution

ScrabbleGrams solution

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 www.alligator.org/sports

BASEBALL

Hells Wells

An ode to Becky Burleigh After a shortened draft, two star arms return for another year on the mound

ew coaches can team. claim a longI came to The Alstanding legacy ligator in 2017, and I at a university. was strictly an AmeriFewer can say can football fan. One of they’ve been there my least favorite sports since the very beginwas soccer, and I had ning. often joked that soccer River Wells Twitter: riverhwells Twenty-seven was “the game where Email: rwells@alligator.org years ago, Becky Burnothing happens.” In leigh signed to coach 2018, though, I was the newly founded UF soccer tasked with covering the UF socprogram. She had previously cer team with no knowledge of coached for five years at Berry the sport. College in Rome, Georgia, where One of my best friends, Sam she posted an 82-23-4 record and Campisano, was a huge soccer won an NAIA National Champi- fan, and he ended up being my onship twice. Burleigh came to a beat partner for soccer at the Allischool with a renowned athletic gator. I tried my best to learn the pedigree and brought its brand sport to cover it to the best of my new program up to par — at just ability, but I ended up finding a 26 years old. new love out of that assignment. It didn’t take her long to reach It didn’t take long for Becky that goal. From the moment she Burleigh and her soccer team to signed as head coach to the day enthrall me. she announced her retirement, It wasn’t her best year — the Burleigh has been a major force team finished 7-10-4 — but I fell in maintaining those winning in love with the game, the speed ways. on the pitch, the electric shots In fact, it only took her four and saves, the team’s personaliyears to win a national champion- ties and the intensity of the fans. ship at Florida after luring sports There were plenty of problegend Abby Wambach from top lems to tackle during the season programs at the time like North I covered the soccer team, but Carolina and UCLA and convinc- Burleigh was always blunt about ing her to join a Gators team that them. She always held herself only existed for three years. accountable and took steps to Burleigh has made the NCAA explain how she planned to fix tournament on 22 separate oc- those things, though: I witnessed casions, won the SEC 14 times it whenever I journeyed to the and emerged victorious in the Donald R. Dizney stadium for SEC Championship 12 times. midweek media. I saw it pay off Burleigh’s current career record in the SEC Tournament at the end of 507-152-43 (a .753 winning of the year. percentage) puts her at No. 2 allBurleigh took that 7-10-4 team time for wins among active Divi- to the tournament semifinals. sion I women’s soccer coaches That team gave me a comand No. 3 among all Division I plete 180 on how I view soccer. It coaches. pushed me to watch the Premier I could talk about Burleigh’s League where I chose to follow accomplishments for ages. I could Everton, a team that I now hold talk about how she’s a five-time very near and dear to my heart. SEC Coach of the Year or how And among the teams I have she’s coached 22 All-Americans covered — and I have covered a and 51 All-SEC soccer players. I lot as a writer for 10 semesters could talk about her devotion to — that soccer team is among my her players and how I still see her favorites. Without her and her wish former players she hasn’t team, I would have never found coached for years a happy birth- such an affinity for The Beautiful day on Twitter. Game. But I’d like to talk about what So here’s to Becky Burleigh. Becky Burleigh helped do for me For being a Gator legend, for — a sophomore at UF who only spotlighting women’s sports at liked a single sport when I was UF and for introducing me to a sent to cover the Gators’ soccer passion I’ll never let go. AlligatorSports is reviving its podcast. Search for The AlligatorSports Podcast on your favorite streaming service starting Wednesday. Episodes will be launched weekly.

"Stick chain"

TWO OF FLORIDA’S BEST PITCHERS ARE BACK FOR ONE MORE SEASON By Ryan Haley Sports Writer

Most people didn’t expect Tommy Mace or Jack Leftwich to return to Gainesville for the 2021 season. Leftwich certainly didn’t. The pitcher remembered touring the team’s new ballpark during construction last year, confident he would never step onto the brand new mound. “Me and Tommy (Mace) were walking around here, and we were like ‘Dang, this will be cool to come watch games.’” Leftwich said. When head coach Kevin O’Sullivan called a team meeting at McKethan Stadium to share the news that the COVID-19 pandemic would permanently halt the 2020 season, Leftwich had been at the pool. The team had the day off. When the players heard the news, Leftwich said they shared tears and hugs, especially him and Mace. The two pitchers believed their Florida careers disappeared into the spring air in front of their eyes. “We were sitting in McKethan in the dugout, and we were crying because we thought that was for sure the last time we were gonna play there,” Leftwich said. The two star pitchers had ev-

ery reason to believe their time at Florida ended. Mace and Leftwich, the 69th and 145th ranked prospects, according to MLB. com, seemed destined for the professional ranks. However, the MLB announced May 8 that the draft would be limited to five rounds, leaving only 160 potential selections. A major league contract suddenly appeared to be much less of a foregone conclusion. At first, Leftwich wasn’t concerned because he still thought he could throw in bullpens in front of scouts before the June 10 draft, but those sessions were soon canceled, too. But his draft stock wasn’t at the forefront of his mind. “My biggest concern was just if we’d get that extra year of eligibility (from the NCAA),” Leftwich said. “I was like 50-50 on whether I wanted to leave or come back once they gave us that extra year.” Once the 2020 season ended, Leftwich said he knew his evaluation would be based on his four 2020 starts and 2019 tape. For a touted prospect like Leftwich, his 2019 resume left room for improvement. His sophomore campaign included a complete-game shutout against Missouri, but a WHIP of 1.37, opposing batting average of .273 and an ERA of 5.31. Not undraftable numbers, but all were higher the year before. As the draft drew closer, Leftwich’s heart grew deeper roots

to the Florida program. An additional year gave Leftwich another opportunity — a degree he wouldn’t have gotten had he heard his name called last June. “Once it got closer, I was leaning towards coming back to school anyway,” Leftwich said. “So, it was going to take a good offer for me to leave to go pro.” A good enough offer didn’t come, and now Leftwich is ready to tackle a new stadium and the weight of a unanimous preseason No. 1 ranking. He may not be working his way through the minor leagues, but he is confident he made the right call. “Some people are ready after their junior year,” Leftwich said. “But now, looking back, I wanted to mature, and I felt like we had unfinished business.” “I’m 100% positive I made the right decision.” Mace echoed this sentiment and explained that he has gotten more experience returning to Gainesville rather than being in a major league farm system. “A lot of guys in pro ball are not playing right now, and I’ve already thrown 25 innings in fall,” Mace said. Minor League Baseball canceled its season in 2020, another victim of the pandemic. Spring training in 2021 is delayed for players in Double-A or below until players in the majors and Triple-A have completed their springs. With the first MLB teams not reporting until Feb. 16, Mace and Leftwich will already have weekend starts by the time 2020 draftees begin preparing for their rookie season. “I’m actually very happy with my decision and what I did,” Mace said. With one final season laid out in front of them, Mace and Leftwich are ready to ride off into the sunset, hoping to have a little more hardware in their trophy case come June.

Alligator File Photos

Pitchers Tommy Mace (left) and Jack Leftwich (right) are ready for another season playing baseball for Florida after imagining watching the team as fans.

Trinity Thomas highlighted the No. 1 Gators’ 198.15-198.05 victory over No. 2 LSU, Feb. 12 with a perfect 10.0 on the floor. It’s her fifth collegiate perfect score, pg.12

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

@ryan_dhaley rhaley@alligator.org

12 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

GYMNASTICS

“Stick chain” gives Florida extra edge STUCK LANDINGS CAN OFTEN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD SCORE AND A GREAT ONE By Zachary Huber Sports Writer

The Miami Hurricanes ignited a college football revolution Sept. 2, 2017 against Bethune-Cookman: turnover props. Late in the fourth quarter, Wildcats quarterback Larry Brihm Jr. heaved a pass to the

endzone, but no Bethune-Cookman receiver was there to catch it. Miami defensive back Malek Young intercepted the pass and raced up the field 20 yards. Young sprinted to the Hurricanes’ sideline when the play ended. He huddled around his teammates and was crowned with a golden chain studded with orange and green stones, making up their logo. It was the birth of the famously dubbed “turnover chain.” Its creation sparked a wave across college football. Teams took the idea and made it their own: Tennessee created the turnover trash

Courtesy of Tiffany Franco

Senior Megan Skaggs was the first Florida gymnast to sport the shiny pendant after she posted a career-high 9.95 on the uneven bars.

can, FSU donned the turnover backpack and Akron sported the turnover pencil. Now, these props have transferred from the gridiron to the powder-covered mats. The Gators gymnastics team debuted its own version — a glittery “stick chain”— in a blowout victory over Missouri Jan. 29. Florida gymnasts are given a necklace with an orange-and-blue crested “F” when they achieve a perfect landing during a routine. The new tradition paid off for coach Jenny Rowland, as her team tallied the third-highest score in the nation of 197.850 versus the Tigers. Senior Megan Skaggs was the first Florida gymnast to sport the shiny pendant after posting a career-high 9.95 on the uneven bars. She dismounted from the top bar, flipped twice through the air and landed with no bobble. Her teammates swarmed in celebration. Rowland then walked over from the sideline, placing the necklace on her neck as she screamed with excitement. Rowland has concentrated on ensuring the team sticks its landings. Perfect landings are instrumental in a routine because a tenth can be added or deducted based on a landing’s success. Since Florida holds four of the top 10 scores in the country, it has the luxury to work on little details like landings. Junior Nya Reed and her stepfather created the stick chain. Pulling the bling out after the Arkansas meet on Jan. 22 was the right time, she said, because details held the Gators back. To Reed, it made practice more fun. “Practice gets really competitive,” she said.

“It’s something that we love because it literally transferred over (to the meet against Missouri.)” The “F” is carved out of wood and painted orange and blue, Reed said. As a finishing touch, they covered the block “F” in light blue glitter and jewels. Reed brought the chain first to Rowland and Rowland introduced it to her squad in practice after Florida’s victory over the Razorbacks. They split up in two teams during practices and compete for the most stuck landings for bragging rights — and the necklace. To Rowland, a team can only go so far if only the coaches push them. That’s why she encourages her squad to generate organic ideas, like the stick chain, for motivation. “It has put a little bit of competition between all of us because we want the stick chain,” freshman Gabrielle Gallentine said. “Everyone wants it. It has put a little bit of pressure on us in practice and competition to stick our landings more.” It was fun to watch teammates wear the chain after their bars exercise, junior Savannah Schoenherr said. The stuck landings were contagious against the Tigers, and it pushed them to keep the ball rolling. “That is like the best thing ever,” she said about wearing the chain. “There’s literally nothing like getting that stick.” The stick chain encourages her to land perfectly after every routine, Schoenherr said. All in the hopes of sporting it again. @zacharyahuber zhuber@alligator.org