Issuu

www.alligator.org

We Inform. You Decide.

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021

VOLUME 115 ISSUE 34

Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida

Not officially associated with the University of Florida

Waldo Road poses threat to Gainesville’s homeless pedestrians A TOTAL OF 38 PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS WERE HIT IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS

By Juliana Ferrie Alligator Staff Writer

Sam Schaffer // Alligator Staff

Josh Ketterer, 29, attempts a skate trick called a “50/50” at the Gentleman’s Club, a DIY skate park in Gainesville, Florida on Sunday, May 30, 2021. The skate park was built by skaters on private property and the city has ordered it to be torn down by June 20. Read this story on page 8.

High speeds on Waldo Road in Gainesville turn crossing four lanes into a treacherous journey. Twenty-one pedestrians and 17 bicyclists were hit on the state road from January 2016 to March 2021, according to data from the Gainesville Police Department. Three additional pedestrians were hit in the parking lot of the Circle K at 20 NE Waldo Road during the same time frame. Eight pedestrians and bicyclists died in the crashes. Seven more suffered incapacitating injuries — injuries that kept them from doing normal activities. The road poses a specific threat to Gainesville’s homeless population. Executive Director Jon DeCarmine leads GRACE Marketplace, a homeless resource center near the intersection of Waldo and 39th Avenue offering shelter, meals, job training and other services. “Homeless people spend most of the time that they’re actually homeless as pedestrians,” DeCarmine said. “Anytime you see an issue with pedestrian safety or dangerous traffic, that’s going to affect people who are on their feet or on bicycles more than it is other folks.” Ten pedestrian and bicyclist victims listed GRACE Marketplace as their address in GPD Florida Traffic Crash Reports.

Fran Birch, a 70-year-old GRACE resident, said she just wants the road to be safe. Around a year ago, a friend of Birch’s was hit and killed on Waldo while crossing the street, she said. “We don’t need anybody else being hit by a car,” Birch said. Rose McDonald-Loston, known as “Granny” by the Gainesville community, was one of the road’s victims. In 2020, she was killed in a hit-and-run on Waldo Road at 64 years old. GRACE residents witness dangerous driving on Waldo Road every day. Russell Lee, a 57-year-old GRACE resident, said people run red lights, change lanes carelessly and don’t stop for ambulances. He said the Gainesville City Commission’s ban on standing in narrow medians, which went into effect Feb. 8, keeps him and others safe. A similar countywide ordinance passed March 9. Waldo is not the only road threatening pedestrians. This year, University Avenue drew attention after cars hit and killed two UF students — Margaret “Maggie” Paxton and Sophia Lambert — within about a month of each other on the road. In January 2020, UF student Denise Griffiths was hit at a crosswalk on East University Avenue near Cone Park Branch Library. She later died from her injuries. Following pressure from parents and students, the city made the road safer by installing four temporary

SEE WALDO, PAGE 5

West University Avenue changes prioritize pedestrian safety

Changes made by FDOT included a speed limit decrease, license plate readers, increased police patrols and crosswalk enhancements By Isabella Douglas & Phong Huynh Alligator Staff Writers

After several pedestrian deaths in the last year, West University Avenue traffic is slowing down with new safety measures. Nearly a year after three deadly accidents took place on West University Avenue, the city of Gainesville is working with UF and the Florida Department of Transportation to address traffic safety near campus. Efforts include decreased speed limits, license plate readers, LED message boards, increased police patrols, signal retiming and crosswalk enhancements.

SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT Not a bad week

Juniordescription Story Sam Rifficefinish tookwith home comma, the individual pg# singles national title Friday after his Gators won the team championshiop May 22. Read this story on pg. 11

On May 24, FDOT decreased the street’s speed limit from 30 to 25 mph and installed speed tables earlier this month. The deaths of two UF students only a month apart sparked calls for reform from various advocacy groups. The Landscape Master Plan included constructing a pedestrian walkway at Newell’s Gateway, Linda Dixon, UF’s director of planning, said. The walkway will be used by pedestrians coming to and from campus and will be located at the intersection of Newell Drive and West University Avenue. According to a UF update, construction will begin in August. Some students view the progress on West University Avenue as a step in the right direc-

tion for pedestrian safety. “Little things like that are gonna go a long way in terms of safety measures for West University and making it more safe for pedestrians to walk by,” Kelly Young, a 23-year-old Santa Fe political science student, said. Young anticipates more progress for future traffic developments, and he thinks people should resort to more sustainable options of transportation, expanding RTS routes and making the city more bike-friendly. Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe hosted “Bike with the Mayor” on May 1, where Poe and about 20 community members biked 3.15 miles through the city to discuss infrastructure changes and pedestrian safety.

Santa Fe College to ditch masks

New COVID-19 policies follow UF in making face coverings optional, pg. 4

Payments for former prisoners

Mayor Poe is working on a guaranteed income system for formerly incarcerated people, pg. 4

Ewen Thomson, a 71-year-old Gainesville Citizens for Active Transportation board of directors member and participant of the bike event, said he believes sustained advocacy from the community will bring positive change in the future. “If people can get in there with a unified message and just get the word out there, things happen,” he said. At the end of the ride, the mayor emphasized the need for collaboration between organizations and the community to effect change. “It’s not enough to say Gainesville or Alachua County; they [FDOT] are the ones that are going to have to do it,” Poe said. “The statelevel needs to hear. It’s not just a few groups but a movement.” In connection with GCAT and Florida Not One More, a student advocacy group, UF presi-

SEE TRAFFIC, PAGE 5

2 ALLIGATOR TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021

Today’s Weather

VOLUME 115 ISSUE 34

ISSN 0889-2423

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

NEWSROOM:

Editor-In-Chief

Engagement Managing Editor Digital Managing Editor Senior News Director Metro Editor University Editor Investigations Editor Sports Editor Assistant Sports Editor Editorial Board

352-376-4458 • Fax: 352-376-4467 Kaelyn Cassidy, kcassidy@alligator.org Steven Walker, swalker@alligator.org Julia Coin, jcoin@alligator.org Thomas Weber, tweber@alligator.org Abigail Hasebroock, ahasebroock@alligator.org

Carolina Ilvento, cilvento@alligator.org Lianna Hubbard, lhubbard@alligator.org Michael Hull, mhull@alligator.org Ryan Haley, rhaley@alligator.org Kaelyn Cassidy, Steven Walker, Julia Coin, Natalie Cabral

Photo Editor

Julia Cooper, jcooper@alligator.org

Graphic Design Editor

Ashley Hicks, ahicks@alligator.org

Opinions Editor the Avenue Editor Copy Desk Chief

DISPLAY ADVERTISING

Advertising Office Manager Intern Coordinator Sales Representatives

Natalie Cabral, ncabral@alligator.org Kristin Bausch, kbausch@alligator.org Renee Hancock, rhancock@alligator.org

352-376-4482 • Fax: 352-376-4556 Cheryl del Rosario, cdelrosario@alligator.org Ellen Light, elight@alligator.org Lauren Hasson, Sophia Handley, Selin Kilinc

HYBRID COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION MEETING June 21, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

On-Site - John R. “Jack” Durrance Auditorium, Alachua County Administration Building 12 SE 1st Street, Gainesville, Florida Audio/Video - Cox Channel 12, Facebook and the Alachua County Video on Demand Website

SparkIt Creative Advertising Creative Director Outreach Director Lead Strategist Interns

[link below]

https://alachuacounty.us/Pages/AlachuaCounty.aspx Audio-only - call 301.715.8592, and when prompted use code 670 965 3024 Live Broadcast Public Comment Call-In - Call 1.800.876.7516

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Classified Advertising Manager

352-376-4446 • Fax: 352-376-4556 Delia Kradolfer, dkradolfer@alligator.org Cheryl del Rosario, cdelrosario@alligator.org Ellen Light, elight@alligator.org

ADMINISTRATION

352-376-4446 • Fax: 352-376-4556 Shaun O'Connor, soconnor@alligator.org Lenora McGowan, lmcgowan@alligator.org C.E. Barber, cebarber@alligator.org

Comptroller Bookkeeper Administrative Assistant

Projects in the proposed Transportation Improvement Program are also consistent with the Gainesville Metropolitan Area Year 2045 LongRange Transportation Plan. This plan identifies transportation system modifications expected to be needed to serve projected volumes and Projectsof in the through proposed Transportation Program are contained also consistent with the Gainesville Metropolitan patterns traffic the Year 2045. A finalImprovement decision regarding all projects in the Transportation Improvement Program will be forwarded to the Long-Range Florida Department of Transportation by This the adoption of this Transportation Improvement document. Area Year 2045 Transportation Plan. plan identifies transportation systemProgram modifications expected

General Manager Administrative Assistant President Emeritus

to be needed to serve projected volumes and patterns of traffic through the Year 2045. A final decision regarding all

Public notice of public involvement activities and time established for public review and comments on the Transportation Improvement projects contained in the Transportation Improvement Program will be forwarded to the Florida Department of TransProgram will satisfy the Program of Projects.

portation by the adoption of this Transportation Improvement Program document.

The Federal Obligations Reports are included in Appendix B of the Transportation Improvement Program. These Reports show the Public notice of public activities and timeArea established for 1, public review and comments on the Transportaexpenditure of federal fundsinvolvement within the Gainesville Metropolitan from October 2019 through September 30, 2020.

tion Improvement Program will satisfy the Program of Projects.

This map only shows some of the transportation projects scheduled during the next five years. The proposed Transportation Improvement Program includes transportation projects as: bicycle; pedestrian; development and environmental studies; These resurfacing/ The Federal Obligations Reports are such included in Appendix B of project the Transportation Improvement Program. Rerepaving; school safety concern; transportation alternatives; and transit projects, including transportation disadvantaged projects.

352-373-FIND • Fax: 352-376-3015 Ellen Light, elight@alligator.org

BUSINESS

PURPOSE: Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the for Gainesville Urbanized Area has PURPOSE:The The Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization the Gainesville Urbanized scheduled a public meeting to receive input theconcerning proposed Transportation Improvement Program Area has scheduled a public meeting to concerning receive input the proposed Transportation Imfor Fiscal Years 2021-22 to 2025-26. The Transportation Improvement Program is a staged implementation provement Program for Fiscal Years 2021-22 to 2025-26. The Transportation Improvement Program program of transportation projects consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with the Alachua County and is a of staged implementation program City Gainesville comprehensive plans. of transportation projects consistent, to the maximum extent

feasible, with the Alachua County and City of Gainesville comprehensive plans.

239-980-6995 • info@sparkitcreative.org Michael Weinberg, weinbergm@ufl.edu Brian Gurges, brian.gurges@gmail.com Baemnet Abetew Adam Cohen, Ella Choi, Sophia Hanneken, Donya Mansoorian, Sarah Bhatt, Ella Kulak Matthew Ohlhaber, Christina Chau

SYSTEMS

IT System Engineer

Kevin Hart

PRODUCTION Production Manager Assistant Production Manager

Jordan Bourne, jbourne@alligator.org Deion McLeod, dmcleod@alligator.org

ports show the expenditure of federal funds within the Gainesville Metropolitan Area from October 1, 2019 through September 30,the 2020. Due to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized Area will meet both on-site and virtually on June 21, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

This map only shows some of the transportation projects scheduled during the next five years. The proposed Transportation Improvement Program includes transportation projects such as: bicycle; pedestrian; project development and Copies of the meeting agenda and more detailed information concerning the Federal Obligations Report and proposed Transportation Improvement Program can be obtained byrepaving; writing to the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized environmental studies; resurfacing/ school safety concern; transportation alternatives; and transit projects, Area, c/o North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, 2009 NW 67th Place, Gainesville, Florida 32653, at the www.ncfrpc.org/mtpo including transportation disadvantaged projects.

website, or by calling 352.955.2200. Copies of the meeting agenda will also be posted at the above address. All persons are advised that, if they decide to contest any decision made at this public meeting, they will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, they Due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which it is forbased. the Gainesville Area to will meet both on-site andparticipation virtually isonsolicited June without 21, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. to be All interestedUrbanized persons are invited attend and be heard. Public regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religious status, disability, familial status or gender identity. Persons who require special accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act, or persons who require translation services (free of charge), Copies of theMichael meeting agenda and more detailed information the the Federal Report and proposed should contact Escalante at 352.955.2200, extension 114, at leastconcerning 48 hours before public Obligations meeting.

Transportation Improvement Program can be obtained by writing to the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organi-

The Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for theCentral Gainesville Urbanized Area consists of the Gainesville CityNW Commission, the zation for the Gainesville Urbanized Area, c/o North Florida Regional Planning Council, 2009 67th Place, Alachua CountyFlorida Commission andatnonvoting advisors of the University of Florida, Florida Department of Transportation and a rural Gainesville, 32653, the www.ncfrpc.org/mtpo website, or bythe calling 352.955.2200. Copies of the meeting community advisor. The Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized Area is responsible for the agenda will also be posted at the above address. All persons are advised that, if they decide to contest any decision continuing, comprehensive and cooperative urban transportation planning program for the Gainesville Metropolitan Area. This planning made atisthis public meeting, theyfederal will need record the proceedings and, for such purpose, they may need to ensure program required in order to receive and a state fundsoffor transportation projects.

that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which it is to be based. All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religious status, disability, familial status or gender identity. Persons who require special accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act, or persons who require translation services (free of charge), should contact Michael Escalante at 352.955.2200, extension 114, at least 48 hours before the public meeting. The Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized Area consists of the Gainesville City Commission, the Alachua County Commission and nonvoting advisors of the University of Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation and a rural community advisor. The Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized Area is responsible for the continuing, comprehensive and cooperative urban transportation planning program for the Gainesville Metropolitan Area. This planning program is required in order to receive federal and state funds for transportation projects.

Got something going on? Want to see it on this page? Send an email with “What’s Happening” in the subject line to engagement@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.

The Independent Florida Alligator is a student newspaper serving the University of Florida, published by a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) educational organization, Campus Communications Inc., P.O. Box 14257, Gainesville, Florida, 326042257. The Alligator is published Monday mornings, except during holidays and exam periods. During UF summer academic terms The Alligator is published Monday mornings. The Alligator is a member of the Newspaper Association of America, National Newspaper Association, Florida Press Association and Southern University Newspapers.

The Alligator offices are located at 2700 SW 13th St. Classified advertising can be placed at that location from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays. © Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. No portion of The Alligator may be reproduced in any means without the written consent of an officer of Campus Communications Inc.

Subscription Rate:

Full Year (All Semesters) $100

The Alligator strives to be accurate and clear in its news reports and editorials. If you find an error, please call our newsroom at 352-376-4458 or email editor@alligator.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021 ALLIGATOR 3

W E N

Quit tobacco with virtual Group Quit. There’s never been a more important time to quit. Free, expert-led virtual sessions are now available for all Florida residents, regardless of insurance status. Participants are also eligible to receive free nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, patches or lozenges.* For more information on virtual Group Quit sessions, contact:

352-273-5224

*if medically appropriate for those 18 years of age or older

Learn more about all of Tobacco Free Florida’s tools and services at tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.

UF|

Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA

4 ALLIGATOR TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021

Santa Fe College to go maskless

At Santa Fe College, people can now be maskless outside and will soon not have to wear masks indoors By Antonia LaRocca Alligator Staff Writer

Soon, people will be allowed to sit in classrooms on Santa Fe College’s campus without a mask. As of May 21, Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II announced masks are no longer required to be worn outdoors throughout the campus, according to a May 24 press release. While the college still requires masks indoors, the beginning of Summer B semester — June 28 — will mark a transition to optional face coverings for inside spaces

on campus, according to the release. The college will resume full-scale instruction and operations, along with relaxed social distancing requirements in Fall, according to the release. The updates reflect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s May 13 announcement, which recommends fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks or practice social distancing. Student Body President Trevor Mathisen said he is nervous about the college not tracking the vaccination status of students and employees but believes people will make the right decisions and be safe.

“I would just encourage people that aren’t vaccinated and are social distancing and wearing a mask to just respect those that are and try to be understanding and try to at least be safe — if not for themselves then for the people around them,” Mathisen said. People who have not been vaccinated are recommended to still wear a mask, the college’s communications manager Jay Anderson wrote in an email. Santa Fe College does not require its students, faculty or staff to regularly test for COVID-19 or receive COVID-19 vaccines, Anderson wrote. Some students have reported concerns to the college’s Student Senate about unvaccinated people walking around campus maskless, Student Senate President Kane Ahern said. “That does draw a little bit of concern because, as you already know, how can you

tell the difference between someone who’s vaccinated and who’s not fully vaccinated?” he said. However, Ahern said he is not worried and believes students, faculty and staff will be respectful of each other. Santa Fe College’s Student Senate plans to continue meeting over Zoom for the Summer, Ahern said. The college’s mask update did not change any athletics protocols, Santa Fe College’s new director of athletics, Greg McVey, said. Restrictions in the Spring prohibited fans at indoor events and set limited attendance for outside games, Anderson wrote. However, McVey said he expects changes may be made to align with the college’s updating guidelines once sports seasons begin again in Fall. @antoniarlarocca alarocca@alligator.org

Gainesville mayor to set up guaranteed income payments to former prisoners THE PROGRAM COULD GIVE FORMERLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE $600 A MONTH FOR 24 MONTHS

By Alexander Lugo Alligator Staff Writer

Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe is working to implement a program that would give guaranteed income to formerly incarcerated people in Gainesville following their release. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey gave Mayors for Guaranteed Income (MGI), a coalition of mayors looking to implement guaranteed income programs, $15 million. MGI distributed the money to cities across the U.S. and set aside half a million dollars for Gainesville’s program. The program is expected to start in October and will continue raising private funds on a national and local level until it reaches its goal of over $1.6 million. The programs funded by MGI

can choose which demographics to target with the cash. Poe said his goal is to give 115 former prisoners $600 a month for two years. The program is looking to specifically target former inmates because of the obstacles they typically face following release, Poe said. A 2018 Prison Policy Initiative study found former prisoners are 10 times more likely to end up homeless than the general population. Poe partnered with Community Spring, an organization based in Gainesville that hires people impacted by poverty to identify and help eradicate issues that contribute to impoverishment. Kevin Scott, a former inmate andan employee at Community Spring, said he was given a bathing suit when he left jail five years ago even though it was winter — it’s all they had that would fit him. “I was starting from less than zero because, not only was I homeless, jobless, traumatized tremendously from my experience, but I also had

negative money,” he said. “I had a mountain of debt.” Scott explained he was still responsible for court fees, probation fees and child support upon his release. Failure to pay those debts would result in a return to prison, he said. “The sense that every sentence is a life sentence is super real for a lot of people,” Scott said. Scott also said the trauma of being in jail takes a physical toll on people. He said guards berated him, and other prisoners are sometimes physically abused by guards. While Scott thinks people coming out of that experience need to feel accepted, the opposite happens instead. He said money with no strings attached helps former prisoners feel empowered, acknowledged and valued. “We’re not just going to tolerate your return to society, but we’re going to embrace you,” Scott said. The program is still in the planning stages, so it’s unclear

whether the City of Gainesville or a nonprofit will administer the program, Poe said. Other cities like Richmond, Virginia, and Mount Vernon, New York, are looking at models partly funded by public money, so a public fund is not off the table, he said. “There are no plans for this to be included in this coming fiscal year’s budget,” Poe said. “I can’t speak for future years after that because that’s up to a different commission and a different vote.” Unconditional payments to citizens have been in the spotlight as COVID-19 stimulus checks saw popular support. More than half of Americans supported the previous round of stimulus checks, and over a quarter thought they should have been larger, according to a Monmouth University poll. Mayors across the nation are working together to find ways to provide people with direct cash. New America, a research group that promotes solutions to social issues,

hosted a meeting May 25 to discuss direct cash payments. Poe joined New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. All four mayors discussed how guaranteed income can help bring balance to a system filled with wealth inequality. During the meeting, a privately funded income experiment initiated by Michael Tubbs, the former 2019 mayor of Stockton, California, was discussed. It gave 125 randomly selected participants $500 a month for two years in an effort to increase their chances of landing a job. The findings showed the number of recipients with full-time jobs increased by 12% after a year of receiving benefits. “It’s not a handout; it’s really a hand up,” Cantrell said at the meeting. @alexlugo67 alugo@alligator.org

Alachua County Public School teacher a finalist for national culinary education award Chef Pamela Bedford is one of four finalists for the Chef Educator of the Year Award By Maya Erwin Alligator Staff Writer

Pamela Bedford sat alone in her office when she saw the email. She yelled to her students in the next room — they had to see it. Bedford, the director of the Institute of Culinary Arts at Eastside High School, was nominated as one of four finalists for the American Culinary Federation’s national Chef Educator of the Year Award — an annual recognition of a culinary educator who has led by example to enhance the cooking skills of their students and guide them to success. Finalists compete at the ACF national convention in Orlando, Florida, from Aug. 2 to Aug. 5. The final decision will be announced Aug. 5, Bedford said. “It’s very exciting to be a finalist for this type of award,” Bedford said. “There are a lot of really amazing culinary educators all over this country, so I feel very lucky.”

Bedford began her career in the restaurant industry when she was 17 and remained there for 10 years until she started teaching. She has worked at Eastside High School for the past 14 years. She said she wanted to teach young people how to cook to make up for the lack of guidance during the start of her culinary career. Her initial connection to cooking came from her grandfather who would throw elaborate parties at his home, despite not being a chef, she said. “It was just always so much fun to get into the kitchen with him and see the joy that it brought to him and to other people,” she said. “I come from a large Italian family, so everything we do is surrounded by food.” Bedford’s passion for cooking has transferred into the classroom where she motivates her students to produce a wide variety of foods from Mexican and Italian

cuisine to pastries and bread. “They come into this large commercial kitchen that we have here, and they’re sometimes a little afraid and intimidated and not sure if they are going to do alright in it,” she said. “I like to show them that it’s not that hard. There is a little work that is involved in it, but it’s not anything that they can’t achieve.” Maria Kremer, who graduated from Eastside High School last year, took culinary classes with Bedford for three years. “Chef Bedford has climbed the ladder just as anybody else, and I am really excited and proud of her to have gotten the recognition that she deserves,” she said. With Bedford’s guidance, Kremer said she won several culinary awards, such as the Embers Wood Grill’s “Build a Dessert” competition, where students invented their own dessert creations. “She is like your best friend but also your mentor at the same time,” she said. “She was a good role model.” Jeremy Mall, another culinary instructor at Eastside High School, credits Bedford’s enthusiasm for inciting his desire to teach. “She puts in all of her heart, blood, sweat

Photo courtesy to The Alligator

Photo of Chef Pamela Bedford, the director of the Institute of Culinary Arts at Eastside High School.

and tears into it to get these kids to be the best cooks that they can possibly be,” Mall said. “She is an incredible cook, she’s a great teacher and everybody loves her.” @mayaerwin3 merwin@alligator.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021 ALLIGATOR 5

High speeds, too many pedestrians WALDO, from pg. 1 speed tables. “I’m glad that there are major changes underway for University Avenue after tragedy there recently, but we’ve had five of those tragedies across the street from the homeless shelter and have still not seen any action,” DeCarmine said. Gainesville City Commissioner Harvey Ward thinks the road’s design causes some of its dangerous conditions. As a highway with four wide lanes and broad medians, the road encourages drivers to go as fast as traffic will let them despite the 45 mph speed limit, Ward said. “It only takes one minute, one second, one moment of inattention and someone’s life and your life are changed forever,” Ward said. Waldo Road is a state road under the control of the Florida Department of Transportation. The agency has a different mission than Gainesville’s City Commission, Ward said. To

the state, what makes a good road is whether it moves cars, trucks and cargo effectively, he said. “It’s not that they don’t care about people, and it’s not that we don’t care about moving things,” Ward said. “It’s just we’re responsible for people right here in front of us. We’re responsible for our neighbors, and they’re responsible for moving things.” Poor lighting on the road also creates safety issues, Ward said. Of the 37 pedestrian and cyclist crash reports obtained for Waldo Road, 21 crashes occurred at night. However, the Florida Department of Transportation completed a $601,000 lighting improvement project on Waldo from September 2020 to February, FDOT spokesperson Troy Roberts said. New light poles and restored sidewalks were installed on Northeast Waldo Road between University Avenue and Northeast 39th Avenue, according to FDOT’s website. Each year, the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organiza-

Complete streets TRAFFIC, from pg. 1 dent Kent Fuchs wrote in an email the university will work toward making the environment in and around campus as safe as possible. Student Body President Cooper Brown wrote he believes Nightlife Navigators, a Student Government agency, is the best resource for addressing campus safety. Nightlife Navigators partners with businesses and the University Police Department to inform students of safe nighttime transportation options such as the Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol, also known as SNAP. The current Nightlife Navigators director, Andrew Goodwin, acknowledged the dangerous traffic of West University Avenue and said his goal is to keep students safe. Starting in his newly acquired position, Goodwin said he believes meeting with officials and promoting student awareness is the best way to address traffic safety from foundational levels. He plans to work with educational infographics on social media platforms to encourage safe habits in and around campus. Future action plans are still being discussed, he said.

tion for the Gainesville Urbanized Area requests FDOT funding for road projects. They rank these by importance in a “List of Priority Projects.” Since 1997, MTPO has asked for funding for projects such as pedestrian refuge islands, which are medians with a crosswalk through them, and improved crossings for bicyclists and pedestrians. “These are currently unfunded priorities; a decision to not fund them has not been made,” Roberts wrote. “FDOT funds projects based on the priorities of the MTPO.” DeCarmine wants more pedestrian safety improvements. Since GRACE opened in May 2014, at least five people have been hit by cars on Northeast 39th Avenue while crossing the road to a bus stop, DeCarmine said. GRACE officials have requested a flashing crosswalk or a closer bus stop from the city and county since 2015, but this hasn’t gone anywhere, he said. One bus stop, located a quarter mile away from the GRACE campus, is frequently used by its residents. Its distance is a challenge for those walking through the heat, rain or

“No matter how big it may seem there’s always something that we can do and just raising that awareness down the line can even create big changes,” Goodwin said. Brown is also working alongside the UF Board of Trustees and FDOT to amplify the voices of students when they have ideas or concerns about traffic safety on West University Avenue, he wrote in an email. Jack McKinney, a founding member of Florida Not One More, was a close friend to Maggie Paxton, who died on West University Avenue on Dec. 9. McKinney is a firm believer in the organization’s goals of protected bike lanes, raised sidewalks and lowering the speed limit. He said a strong social media presence is one way to promote change in the community. As the SG secretary of campus safety, he works to further the organization’s traffic safety message. “If you have a lot of people that are behind you and agree with your sentiments, it can raise a lot of eyebrows and help you influence lawmakers to do the right thing,” McKinney said. McKinney attends bi-weekly meetings with FDOT, UF faculty and student government to discuss ways to improve traffic conditions. He emphasized that FDOT wanted to do more community outreach while he would like to see more changes on the actual road. “I understand that it’s very hard to actually

cold with severe disabilities, DeCarmine said. GRACE resident Lawrence Doherty, 56, said the problem around GRACE is high-speed traffic and too many pedestrians. Doherty said he believes more enforcement of speed limits and jaywalking would be helpful. Without this kind of regulation, more casualties on Waldo can be expected, he said. “If people would pay more at-

get laws passed and change a street and find funding and everything,” McKinney said. “But I think when you have so many incidents of people getting hurt, especially this year, and you see the collateral damage it causes, it should be a priority.” In June, FDOT plans to collaborate with the city of Gainesville to upgrade pedestrian signals. These upgrades include installing illuminated pushbuttons, audible signals and devices that automatically detect pedestrians on the crosswalk, according to an FDOT press release. The efforts are a part of a broader goal to turn West University Avenue into a complete street, which aims to consider all types of road users and their safety in its design. Charles Lane, UF’s senior vice president and chief operating officer, worked with FDOT and the city of Gainesville to create a traffic safety plan and update the public on information about West University Avenue. “When you envision a street, it should be able to accommodate really all forms of transportation,” Lane said. “Pedestrians, vehicles, bicyclists, even scooters.” FDOT has been working with businesses in Gainesville and posting flyers to promote safety and awareness, Troy Roberts, FDOT Northeast Florida district two communications specialist, said. The department’s educational outreach

tention to the traffic signals and the drivers would pay more attention to the pedestrians, we wouldn’t have this situation,” Doherty said. Additional reporting by Jake Reyes, Joelle Wittig and Lianna Hubbard @juliana_f616 jferrie@alligator.org

Alex Brown // Alligator Staff

program hands out pledge cards, inciting people to obey road laws and has made efforts to engage students and Gainesville residents in discussions about crosswalk use. “When you’re driving through an area where there is high pedestrian traffic that extra second or extra half-second can be the difference between life and death,” Roberts said. The cost of redesigning the road and its construction time are still being determined. “The biggest issue is always funding,” Chris Furlow, the president of GCAT, said. “Coming up with ideas to make roads safer aren’t super difficult or super expensive to do, but actually going out and reconstructing the roadways themselves is super expensive.” Furlow commends the efforts of advocacy groups to initiate change from the state level. “The fact that [FDOT] been making these changes on University [Avenue] so rapidly is a step in the right direction,” he said. “Having those groups advocating … has made a big impact on FDOT actually making changes in a matter of months rather than a matter of decades.” @Ad_Scribendum @phongphont idouglas@alligator.org phuynh@alligator.org

6 ALLIGATOR TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021

Gainesville skateboarders oppose destruction of local skate spot THE CITY ORDERED THE DEMOLITION OF A POPULAR DIY SKATE PARK

By Sam Schaffer Alligator Staff Writer

More than 1,300 people have signed a petition to save a DIY skate spot in Gainesville that the city ordered to be demolished by June 20. The “Gentleman’s Club” is a DIY skate park — a type of skate park where skaters build ramps, rails and other obstacles with their own materials, typically without the permission of landowners. The park resides at 2212 SW 13th St., next to La Tienda, a popular Mexican restaurant in Gainesville. Trader’s South, the inspiration for its name, used to house live music, topless dancers and performances by people like Tom Petty until 2006. Now, the property takes on a different look — the strippers have been replaced with skaters, and it now rains kickflips instead of dollar bills inside the empty walls that once housed vibrant nightlife.

The city inspected the property on May 18 and sent notice to the owner that the ramps and walls need to be torn down by June 20. The property is currently in violation of section 13-301.3 of the City of Gainesville Code of Ordinances, according to the notice of violation. The cited ordinance states vacant structures need to be maintained in clean, safe, secure and sanitary conditions so they aren’t detrimental to public health. Failure to take corrective action by removing the ramps and walls and securing the area with a fence by June 20 could result in up to $5,000 per day in fines for the owner, according to the notice. Carlos Perez, who helped build the Gentlemen’s Club, said he quit his job at an architecture firm to build skate parks professionally. “It’s literally changed my life,” Perez said. Ben Bradford, a 29-year-old traveling skate park builder who helped organize and build much of the park, said the spot has become important to the skate community in Gainesville.

Walter Harwood // Alligator Staff

Annie Scull, 22, a Daytona Beach resident, skateboards between sunshine and shade at a leafy makeshift skate park adjacent to La Tienda Mexican Restaurant on Sunday, May 30, 2021.

“The Gentlemen’s Club is a place for us to go and not bother anyone and just peacefully skate and hang out,” Bradford said. “We build what we want to skate.” Bradford said the skate park is open to anyone and serves as a place of expression. David Wells, the creator of the 99 Print Shop, a clothing brand that found success in the Gainesville skate community, said the spot is well known. “Before even moving to Gainesville, I always heard about it,” Wells said. The 21-year-old Santa Fe graduate said DIY spots are important because they provide a different atmosphere than a commercial skate park. “The heavy, hardcore locals are there,” he said. “Even if there’s not much at a DIY, it means a lot to the community.” Wells said he’s made many new friends and memories through the Gentleman’s Club, and he knows many people who take trips to Gainesville just to visit the spot. “From this abandoned strip club, it’s turned into such a epicenter of community in Gainesville,” he said. While the Gentleman’s Club has been a skate spot for over six years, most of the work on it started in August. Bradford said he began organizing local skaters around Gainesville to create a place with steeper ramps that gave a smoother flow for skating, especially compared to those found at Possum Creek State Park, a popular concrete skate park in Gainesville. “It would be almost easier for me to say who didn’t help than who did help,” Bradford said. “Most of the core skateboarders in Gainesville have either contributed labor or financially.” Since starting work on the project, Bradford said about $5,000 of concrete and reinforced steel has been shaped into ramps against the

Sam Schaffer // Alligator Staff

Concrete ramps rest in a shroud of graffiti at the Gentleman’s Club, a DIY skate park in Gainesville, Florida. The Gentleman’s club has become a place for artists and skaters to express themselves away from the public eye, but the city has ordered it to be demolished by June 20. walls of the former bar. Skaters flock to the Gentleman’s Club because it provides skating opportunities that aren’t available within a two-hour drive of Gainesville, Bradford said. He said the nearest good skate parks are in Jacksonville. He said he’s had limited interaction with the property owner, and no issues have arisen from the few times he’s seen the property manager. “He’s been there when we’ve literally been unloading like $1,500 worth of concrete bags,” Bradford said. “He’s like ‘all right, you guys are all right,’ and just took off.” The surrounding neighborhoods and businesses have not expressed issues with the presence of the skate park, he said. The spot is inside three concrete walls with around 50 feet of woods separating it from the nearest road. It is not visible from the road due to the heavy wooding. The closest building to the spot is La Tienda, where Sofia Patino, a cashier, said the restaurant has no issue with the skaters. The 23-year-old said the only

Electric scooters are coming to UF UF AND THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE ARE PUSHING FOR MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

By Eve Thompson Alligator Staff Writer

With limited parking lots and established decal zones, UF students often struggle to bring their vehicles to campus to attend classes. “It’s so hard to find parking for cars on campus; it’s not even worth it to drive to school with a car,” Amanda Feijo, a 21-year-old economics and sustainability major, said. This summer, however, students will have an alternative method of transportation. The city of Gainesville plans to introduce electric scooters, or e-scooters, throughout UF and surrounding areas this month. E-scooter companies Bird, Spin and Veo will be allowed to install small fleets of scooters available for rent. Spin will deploy 200 scooters, which

will cost $1 to unlock and $0.25 per minute to ride. They will be available to rent from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. There will be virtually enforced parking areas and operating restrictions for e-scooters on campus. Feijo said she is excited to see e-scooters around as UF transitions to a more ecofriendly campus. “You want to use things that are going to be better for the environment, but it’s just not easily accessible,” Feijo said. “Electric cars right now are so expensive, but seeing that UF is making it possible and making it easier for the students to make that change, that’s so awesome.” Micromobility — smaller, lightweight vehicles that can operate on the street — are becoming increasingly popular for both eco-friendliness and convenience. Xilei Zhao, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, focuses her research on micromobility. She said the positive environmental impacts of e-scooters are notable. “It’s completely electric. Just one charge of the e-scooters — you really run two to three days,” Zhao said. “So, it’s

very environmentally friendly compared to cars, especially for short trips.” Because they are electrically powered, e-scooters produce zero emissions; the average car emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. The transportation sector produces the most greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., around 29% of total emissions in 2019. Many UF students turn to mopeds and scooters over cars, creating a “scooter culture” in Gainesville. Scooters and mopeds are also marketed as environmentally friendly. While gasoline-powered scooters produce less carbon pollution than cars, they produce more of other pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide. New mopeds can cost anywhere from $600 to $1600. A new scooter can cost upwards of $2,000. There has been some skepticism around how eco-friendly electric scooters really are. A study from North Carolina State University revealed that traveling by e-scooter results in a higher global warming impact than public transportation, an electric bicycle or simply walking. When replacing personal car trips, us-

problem that arises from the skaters who use their parking lot is some littering. Bradford said a handwritten note was found from the owner or property manager two weeks ago. The note said neighbors complained about noise, and the city ordered all ramps to be demolished and removed. “It was a good thing while it lasted and now must stop,” the note reads. “Please respect the change.” City officials declined requests for an interview after multiple phone calls and a media request. The Gentleman’s Club Instagram page is urging people to sign the petition and email city commissioners to stress the spot’s importance. If the spot gets torn down, Bradford would probably leave Gainesville. He said there will be nothing good enough to keep him in town. “It means everything to us,” he said. “The Gentleman’s Club is our heart and soul.” @samschaf_ sschaffer@alligator.org

ing an e-scooter results in a net reduction in environmental impacts. While e-scooters have many advantages, Zhao said curbside management may be difficult. “Some people are not parking e-scooters properly. They readily park e-scooters on pedestrian lanes. A lot of people are complaining about that aspect,” she said. Zhao also said safety may be an issue. She said many people don’t wear helmets when using scooters, and she encouraged UF students to stay safe on their rides. Feijo said electric power is the future, and she hopes many students will replace their cars with e-scooters. “You think that one person doing something is not going to make that much of a difference, but if at least some of UF students decide to make the change and stop driving their cars and start using electric scooters, that’s a wave,” she said. Luke Bybee, an 18-year-old pre-nursing student, owns a Bird scooter, which he says is convenient. “It’s a lot quicker than walking. Two minutes really beats 15 minutes of walking,” he said. “It’s kind of just to save time and energy. @evealanaa ethompson@alligator.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021 www.alligator.org/section/opinions

Column

What does the Israeli-Palestine conflict mean to an Israeli?

“K

ill their moms, rape their daughters,” is what people heard from their windows in London on May 16. “Hitler was right,” was yelled in Florida last week. “Who’s Jewish here? I came to kill you!” someone said at a restaurant in Los Angeles on May 18. “Dirty Jew” is what Jewish people worldwide are “used” to hearing. These are just a few examples of the 267 antisemitic incidents reported in the last 20 days, since the conflict between Gaza and Israel erupted on May 6. Since then, Jews around the world have experienced an increasing wave of antisemitism. On May 6, Hamas started firing rockets at Israel, killing innocent civilians in Israel and Gaza as well. Antisemitism has existed as far back as the destruction of the Holy Temple in 586 BC, when Romans expelled Jews from their homeland in Jerusalem and renamed the land “Palestine.” Since then, there have been countless antisemitic demonstrations and events around the world. We saw it in Europe when multiple pogroms fostered hate against Jews, which ultimately ended in the systematic genocide of more than six million Jews during the Holocaust, persecuting and murdering the whole families of two of my grandparents. We continue seeing antisemitic attacks in different countries, emotionally and physically harming innocent Jews and Zionists who do not do anything but be Jewish. In 1948, Israel declared independence and accepted the United Nations’ plan where

Jews and Arabs would divide the land of modern day Israel and live peacefully as neighbors. However, tensions between Israelis and Arabs arose since then and worsened in 2005 when Israel, as an attempt for peace, gave full control of the Gaza Strip to its Arab neighbors. In 2007, Hamas, a terrorist organization, took over the Gaza strip and started terrorizing Israel, which has continued to this day. As a Jew living in the diaspora, I cannot imagine the suffering of Israelis — Jews, Muslism and Christians — having to run to bomb shelters when Hamas fired rockets across the country. My skin crawls at the thought of them having just 15 seconds to stop what they are doing and run for their safety. Fifteen seconds to grab their children, tell their families they love them and hope that everything will be okay when the rockets hit. Moreover, I cannot imagine the Palestinians’ suffering, how it must be to live under the rule of Hamas, and how it is to live in a place where violence, terrorism and death are educated and transmitted to children. The truth is that both Palestinians and Israelis have suffered and we, regardless of the side we decide to take, should minimize ignorance by putting hatred aside and realizing who is fighting for peace and for the safety of its people. Read the rest online at alligator.org/section/opinions Daniela Ghelman is a junior at the University of Florida studying journalism.

Column

What does the Israeli-Palestine conflict mean to local Palestinians?

n May 18, Palestine observed quiet streets. As business owners shuttered their shops and deserted their markets, citizens across Palestinian cities and villages mobilized in central squares and demonstrated their opposition to the brutal Israeli military occupation. This general strike depicted a semblance of unity and collectivism among a state of persistent grief and tragedy. Raising their flags with pride and garbed in the traditional kaffiyeh, Palestinians protested against recent atrocities from Israel’s ongoing heavy airstrikes on Gaza and the forced displacement of residents in Sheikh Jarrah. Cities across the globe witnessed similar scenes within the past week. On May 19, hundreds gathered in Gainesville on the corner of University Avenue to express their solidarity with Palestinians. As they mourn the lives ruthlessly robbed, the Palestinian diaspora and supporters of the Palestinian cause, like us, take to the streets to raise awareness and demand recognition of their decades-long plight. Reports trace the beginning of this latest crisis to May 7 as several Palestinian Muslims gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque to celebrate the final days of the holy month of Ramadan. Confronted by the advanced weaponry possessed by Israeli Occupation Forces, like rubber bullets and stun grenades, Palestinians retaliated with stones and bottles. Events have since escalated as the Gaza Strip became the latest target of Israeli airstrikes, murdering more than two hundred innocent Palestinians and reducing buildings to rubble. Much of this hostility stemmed from the Israeli court ruling in October to forcibly remove 12 Palestinian families from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah. This Jerusalem neighborhood

is historically home to Palestinian refugees expelled from other parts of the city in 1948. Despite international pleas to halt their efforts, Israel remains steadfast in its monstrous acts, while the media’s dismissal of these war crimes only aid Israel’s efforts. Sheikh Jarrah currently resembles a war zone. Israeli Occupation Forces placed aggressive checkpoints across the neighborhood’s entrance, barring the entry of medical and media personnel and denying the movement of Palestinian residents. The coerced evictions in Sheikh Jarrah reflect a settler-colonialist tactic to claim more land in an attempt to destroy and obliterate Palestinians’ means for wealth and survival. Further, these recent events, including the deliberate attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque and Gaza Strip, are merely the latest manifestations of the Israeli agenda of apartheid and ethnic cleansing. As Palestinians observe the 73rd anniversary of the Nakba — the Arabic word for “catastrophe” referring to the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948 — recent ongoing injustices remind Palestinians that the Nakba never really ended. Israel is a state built on colonialism and the systemic erasure of Palestinian people, culture and history. The events in Sheikh Jarrah, Gaza, and Jerusalem are neither “unprecedented” nor moments of “unrest”; rather, they offer a glimpse into the decades of continual Palestinian oppression sustained by Israel. Read the rest online at alligator.org/section/opinions The Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at UF aims to promote international law, human rights and justice for all people affected by this conflict.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Alligator. The Alligator encourages comments from readers. Letters to the editor should not exceed 600 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.

Operation PetSnip Have you heard about our low-cost spay/neuter clinic?

MondayFeline through Thursday 7:30 AM - 6 PM Packages starting at $50 are necessary. Appointments Canine Packages starting at $80 352.373.5855 4205 NW 6th St. Gainesville, FL 32609 alachuahumane.org/spay-neuter

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021 www.alligator.org/section/the_avenue

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Marion senior services institutes new department dedicated to mental health THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOCUSES ON PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH CARE TO CLIENTS

By Heather Bushman Avenue Staff Writer

A new initiative aims to show that quality mental health care has no age limit. Marion Senior Services (MSS) instituted a new department to promote mental health for Marion County seniors. The Human Services department will focus on enhancing quality of life and crisis management skills by analyzing individual situations and finding areas for improvement. The new approach seeks to improve the services MSS already offers, including in-home support and nutrition services, according to a press release. “We are focusing on a more dignified approach when it comes to mental health,” Jennifer Martinez, executive director of MSS, said. “Looking at the mind, the spirit, the body —caring for the person as a whole.” These issues range from daily tasks like unloading a client’s dishwasher to more complicated endeavors like helping a client relocate. While a purely physical approach to solving these problems may resolve the immediate crises, Martinez said Human Services aims to find the root of these issues and provide longterm solutions. This all-encompassing approach involves organizations across the state that participate in elder care, including first responders, Adult Protective Services and the Department of Children and Families. Martinez said the goal of Human Services is to streamline the aid process through all relevant outlets, creating a more cohesive network of care. Some of the more severe situations seen by MSS occur outside the range of their services, during what Martinez called “after hours.”

One incident involved a couple displaced from their home on a Friday at 5:30 p.m. with no relatives or friends to take them in. Martinez was on the phone with fire rescue for an hour and a half in an attempt to find them a suitable place to stay for the night. Though the issue was resolved, Martinez said the mental taxation on the couple was cause for concern. “I could just imagine how they felt, sitting there not knowing what was going to happen to them or how they felt,” she said. A collection of similar incidents is what inspired the installation of Human Services, Martinez said. In finding and correcting the gaps within each organization, the department seeks to create a more efficient system, easing the mental strain on clients who may experience uncertainty or stress under current practices. Human Services will also implement counseling services for their clients, connecting them with a licensed mental health professional to provide the necessary skills for day-to-day living. Cassandra Jackson, the community care director of MSS, said this provision was included after a deeper analysis of seemingly routine referrals. Jackson said requests for assistance in homemaking, personal care, meals and other daily tasks often turned into much bigger cases that required more substantial support. Self-neglect, the inability to meet basic daily needs due to physical or mental impairments, has become a major issue among the elderly. Between 40% and 50% of cases reported to Adult Protective Services involve some form of it, according to data from the Public Policy Institute of the AARP. Jackson said those who don’t receive the necessary mental aid may be at risk for self-neglect — something that, in the long run, presents serious health hazards. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the growing mental health crisis already afflicting the United States. Loneliness and isolation were common factors in the uptick of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression, according to a study from the Kaiser Family Foundation. In the aging population, where many have been isolated due to the high risk of infection, these feelings are

Shelby Cotta // Alligator Staff

especially prominent. Though the sweeping reforms in programs across the state are necessary for more comprehensive care plans, Jackson said the solution to combating loneliness sometimes lies in something as simple as a phone call. Human Services has already begun offering this telephone reassurance to clients, who Jackson said came to rely on the service for conversation and connection amid the pandemic. Though the calls involved more complicated issues at times, Jackson said they were mostly “harmless” and offered a chance for clients to chat with a listening ear. The institution of the Human Services department is a step toward the overall goal of MSS to promote independent living for seniors for as long as possible. Though some clients are fearful of becoming burdens to those around them, Martinez said the ability to live independently is impossible to achieve without assistance — something everyone should have at their disposal. “Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.” @hgrizzl hbushman@alligator.org

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Hatchetbury partners with Azazus to fundraise for Ronald McDonald House Charities A CHANCE ENCOUNTER BETWEEN A LOCAL MUSICIAN AND A NEW BUSINESS OWNER LED TO AN UNEXPECTED WAY TO SUPPORT FAMILIES WITH CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN

By Brenna Sheets Alligator Staff Writer

A blend of ax-throwing, live music and fundraising for children with severe illnesses will take place at The Hatchetbury this month. Alachua County’s first ax-throwing venue teamed up with local musician Azazus to create a song titled “Best Damn Moment.” Azazus will perform the single live at The Hatchetbury’s fundraising event on June 16. All proceeds will go toward supporting the families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a nonprofit charity organization that helps house the families of critically ill children at Shands Hospital. The music video for “Best Damn Moment,” which was filmed at The Hatchetbury, will be released June 15 in honor of National Children’s Day. Suzanne Gilbert, co-owner of The Hatch-

etbury, met Azazus at its grand opening and asked him to make a song that embodied the empowering atmosphere of her new business. “I said to him, ‘I just want something that captures the vibe of The Hatchetbury, that guarantees smiles,’” Gilbert said. “We play great music, and it’s just great fun.” The fundraising event is $100 per admission ticket, which is equal to the cost of housing one family for one night at the Ronald McDonald House. The money earned from every stream and download of the song will also go toward helping the families. “At the end of the day, our number one priority is to raise as much money as we possibly can for a genuinely great cause for families,” Gilbert said. “There’s nothing more rewarding than making a difference like that.” In a time of persistent worry and tension due to the pandemic, The Hatchetbury introduced Gainesville community members to a new stress-relieving activity. After beginning construction in January 2020, The Hatchetbury adapted to the CDC’s guidelines by redesigning its venue to include 6-foot spacing and sanitization stations for every lane. In addition to the tension caused by the pandemic, a survey by Northwestern National Life reported that approximately 40% of American

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

workers feel their job alone is “very or extremely stressful” and 25% of employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives. Mckensi Houston, a 20-year-old classical studies and general theater senior at UF, has worked as an “ax-pert” at The Hatchetbury since it opened Aug. 29, 2020. She said The Hatchebury’s cathartic environment helped customers during the pandemic. “Being able to go somewhere and have a sense of normalcy for a little bit, it can be really good for the spirit,” Houston said. “I’ve definitely seen a lot of return customers who gravitate towards that and recognize that it’s helping them mentally.” While writing “Best Damn Moment,” Azazus took notice of this and made the song about having a good time at The Hatchetbury, zoning out from all the stress and adversities after a long day. “This is a college city and, for the people that aren’t in college, their regular schedule is to go to work and get off work,” Azazus said. “We’re trying to inspire people to dive into what’s here locally as far as resources and entertainment.” Once Azazus informed Gilbert that they could release “Best Damn Moment” as a single, she decided to use the song as a chance to lend a helping hand to the community. Gilbert met Sherry Houston, the executive

director at North Central Florida’s Ronald McDonald House, through a frequent ax-thrower at The Hatchetbury. “The number one diagnosis of a family who comes to us is their child is waiting for a heart, and those families stay an average of six months, sometimes a year with us,” Houston said. “We knew we still had to make a difference because families needed us more than ever during this pandemic.” Ronald McDonald House is dedicated to providing families with more than just a home away from home. Since January 2021, it has distributed nearly 900 “comfort bags” full of non-perishable snacks and toiletries to their families. The Hatchetbury, Azazus and Ronald McDonald House each make an impact in their own fields, but Houston said the rather unexpected three-way collaboration is a perfect blend of community involvement. “To partner with this brand new organization in town, to have this celebrity create a song to promote the organization and to have them raise money for our families, it makes a completely formed circle,” Houston said. @BrennaMarieShe1 bsheets@alligator.org

“Riding the wave”

Learn how three teammates are bonded for life, literally. Read the rest on pg. 12

Scan to follow the Avenue on Spotify

How to Place a Classified Ad:

Corrections and Cancellations:

Online: w/ major credit card at www.alligator.org/classifieds

In Person: Cash, Check, MC, Discover, AMEX or Visa @The Alligator Office: 2700 SW 13th St. M-F, 8am - 4pm By E-mail: classified@alligator.org Call 352-373-FIND for information. By Fax: (352) 376-4556 Sorry, no cash by mail. By Mail: P.O. Box 14257 G-ville 32604 Credit cards or checks only.

BUY IT. SELL IT. FIND IT. 373-FIND TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021

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.

www.alligator.org/classifieds

See alligator.org for more information

For Rent

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.

For Rent

unfurnished

2BR $600/mo Call:. 352-647-6632

Los Puzzle Los Angeles Angeles Times Times Daily Daily Crossword Crossword Puzzle Edited Lewis Editedby byRich RichNorris Norris and and Joyce Joyce Nichols Nichols Lewis 44Key in the water Bloodsucker 55Tweets Pasta sauce 6 Goes brandinto 6low-power Eagle or lark mode 7 Steffi in the 7 Cares asofa Tennisfor, Hall garden Fame 88Mature Pink cocktail, familiarly 9 Loud comics 9sound Digital address letters 10 Foxy 10Jogging Sheep sound 11 wear 11Soothing Commoncuppa name 12 for a24-Down tree-lined 13 See street 18 Manitoba tribe 13Italian Corn, wheat, etc. 21 14dumplings Switch type 17 Privileged groups 22 great home 18R&B Cowboys’ 20James Chapter 23 Activist and companion 21tennis *Sociallegend status Arthur hierarchy 24 13-Down, 23With Seafood collisions appetizer,from and behind what each 26 Big-screen answer to a starred clue format literally is? 27 Cannes subject 24Qatari Foals’leader fathers 28 25Batman Wax-coated 30 villain cheese who carries a 27double-headed Links tournament with two-person coin teamsBoyz II __ 33 R&B’s 28Hightail Yuletideit carols 35

36 30 Horror Romanmovie fiddler 32 helper Basil-based sauce 37 name 34 Big “Wise” flierin 36 banking The Congo, 38 +formerly or - particles 39 Slip slowly 41 Word or phrase through the preceded by “#” 42 cracks Put into code 40 45 Whirlpool Goof up 43 47 State-of-the-art Uranus or 44 “Booksmart” Neptune director 48 Key thatWilde may 45 Renter sound sad or 46 Explorer angry

47 Marinade Suckling spot 49 in 48 Philippine Top dogs 50 cooking Run after 54 Windy “Sisters” star 51 City hub Ward 52 Khartoum’s 56 nation Sandwich letters 57 Language Stephen ofof“V for 55 Vendetta” Pakistan 58 Like Put away 56 Hubbard’s 59 cupboard Under the weather 57 Nails, as a test 60 Lens LeBron until 60 location 2010, for short 62 Controversial 61 food Private __ letters

Great house in great location 4br 3ba available immediately or Fall 2021. 1/2 blk north of O'Dome on NW 21st St. Big nice modern home w/ many amenities. 4 unrelated roommates ok as per city code. Call K & M Properties 352-372-1509. 8-1-21-9-2

get VACCINATED today

J UMB L E by David L. Hoyt

ANSWER PREVIOUS PUZZLE: PUZZLE: ANSWER TO PREVIOUS

are underway…bikes, computers, furniture, vehicles & more. All individuals interested in bidding go to: SURPLUS.UFL.EDU 392-0370 8-15-21-13-10

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

8-15-13-10

Autos

● We Buy Junk & Used Cars ● ●Trucks, Vans - Titled only ● KT 352-281-9980 sunnyman352@gmail.com 8-15-13-12

6-1-21

For Sale

●UF Surplus On-Line Auctions●

4 5

05/24/2021 05/25/21

06/01/21

CLUE

1. 5. 6. 7.

In fashion, swank Nonsense Coral ____ Improved CLUE

1. 2. 3. 4.

ACROSS

DOWN

Trinidad and ____ Make bigger Pacific adjective Pointer

ANSWER

ERYDTN LEBGI FESER ETBRET ANSWER

AGTBOO NALEERG PDSETEE UCORRS

CLUE: Clarence ____ is considered the founder of the modern frozen food industry.

05/25/21 06/01/21

● ● ● ● NEED CASH? ● ● ● ● Buying ★ Gold ★Jewelry ★ Coins, ★ Exchangable Currency.★ Call 352-554-4654. Coin Kingdom 3446 W. University Ave. 8-15-13-13

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

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.

DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS. Your donation helps fund the search for missing children. AcceptingTrucks, Motorcycles & RVís too! Fast Free Pickup -Running or Not -24 Hour Response - Maximum Tax Donation Call (888) 515-3443 6-1-4-12

by Fifi Rodriguez 1. MEASUREMENTS: How many 1.inches TELEVISION: What were the names of are in a mile? What doesBunch"? the the2.sixASTRONOMY: children on "The Brady acronym SETI mean to the scientific

2.community? GEOGRAPHY: Which of the Earth's 3. LANGUAGE: What does the Latoceans is “sub-” the smallest? in prefix mean in English?

4. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the

president to serve two noncon3.only GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the secutive terms? lowest rank in the U.S. Air Force? 5. LITERATURE: Which 20th-century movie star penned the autobiogra-

4.phy LANGUAGE: What is the American ver“Me: Stories of My Life”? 6. ofHISTORY: was the first sion the BritishWhat plimsolls? National Monument proclaimed in the States? 5.United LITERATURE: Which one of Shake7. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the island ofplays Luzonislocated? speare's the longest? 8. MOVIES: Which sci-fi movie has

tagline, “RealityWhat is a thing the is a 6.theMEASUREMENTS: time ofperiod past”? decennial? 9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What was the name of the United States’ first

7.nuclear-powered MOVIES: Whichsubmarine? actor played himself in 10. GAMES: What are the four railthe movie "Zombieland"? road properties in Monopoly? Answers 8. ANIMAL KINGDOM: How many eyes 63,360 inches does1. bee have? 2. aSearch for extraterrestrial intelligence

9. ANATOMY: are rasceta? 3. Below or What insufficient 4. Grover Cleveland

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-Trendy 5A-Bilge 6A-Reefs 7A-Better 1D-Tobago 2D-Enlarge 3D-Deepest 4D-Cursor B-Birdseye

ACROSS ACROSS 1 1Object from a Aquatic barker earlier 5much “Notorious” time justice, initially 6 8Wild guesses Frozen rock in a 11 “__ Blinded Me bar? 12With LakeScience”: that drains via the 1983 hit Niagara River 14 Barn-raising sect 13 City onpaper the Nile 15 14-inch 15size Daunting exam *Historic lifetime 1616Triumphed golf or tennis 17 Machine Gun achievement or Pretty 19Kelly *Cushioned Boy Floyd Adidas running 19 JFK posting shoes 2020Slipped up TV censoring 21 Bit of staircase device 22babyproofing Do canine care? 2225Musician’s asset Long-bodied fish Dose amt. 2526Former name 28ofSuper BowlBall org. Denver’s 29Arena Bronze component 29 Pests whose 31name Hangmeans loosely 33“fly” Tigger’s best in a Bantu friend language 35 Clear sky hue 3137“Bottomless” Long-eared brunch drinks equines 3238Melt Need to pay 3339Wildly More excited secure 3440Breathtaking Extreme clutter 41regimen? Oscar-winning 41 Strand atBerry the actress 43airport, “Should that say happenthe ... ”soil 42 Worked Power 4344Very fewsource for Watt 46 Like some 46decorative Sleeping sound glass City hall leaders 4948Underwater 50shocker Guiding principles 53 Driver’s licenses, 51 One e.g.with a code 54name Donnybrook 5258Bordeaux, say “Crazy Rich 53 Loads Asians” director 55 Longoria of Jon M. __ 59“Desperate A or B, but not O 61Housewives” “30 Rock” actor __ aMorgan 56 Get delicate 62dialogue Pleasedstarted 63...Follow and a orders hint to 6417-, Product pitcher 25-, 34and 6549-Across “Mary Magdalene” star Rooney 62 Transgression__ Capital on the 6366Flat contract Tiber 6467Quell Party attendee 6568Bit of ink Portent 66 Spud 67 Soothing balm DOWN 1 “Be there in a __!” DOWN 2 Stat for Clayton Kershaw 1 Missy Elliott 3genre Breathing necessity 2 Big Aussie bird 3 Women’s __

BEDS - Brand Name, Brand NEW Pillowtop Mattress & Box Set: Twins $89, Fulls $100, Queens $120, Kings $200. Can Deliver 352377-9846. Gainesville Discount Furniture. 8-15-13-6

For Rent 2BR 1BA house, screened porch, fenced yard. Walking distance to Butler Plaza, Celebration Point and bus transportation. Available 7/1 Call: 352-494-3277. 6-7-20-2-2

Wanted

Furnishings

say: "I found it in the alligator!"

Quality single family homes. Walk or bike to UF. www.ellieshouses.com 352-215-4991 or 352-215-4990 8-15-21-13-2

Release Date: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Release Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2021

For Info on ALL Condos for Sale, Visit www.UFCONDOS.COM or Matt Price, University Realty, 352-281-3551 8-15-21-13-5

8-15-21-13-2

★★ ELLIE’S HOUSES ★★

solution on page 10

NEW CONDOS-WALK TO UF

SS & VA ARE WELCOME!

$460/BedRoom ● No Deposit! ● Furnished Cable ● Internet ● Utilities www.campuswalk.co 352-337-9098 8-15-13-1

Real Estate

furnished

scan to subscribe to the alligator newsletter

2021 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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

Katharine HepburnWhich 20th-century 10.5.U.S. PRESIDENTS: 6. Devils Tower, 1906 president's Secret Service code name was 7. The Philippines 8. “The Matrix” Timberwolf? 9. The USS Nautilus 10. Pennsylvania, Short Line, Read© B&O 2021 King Features Synd., Inc. ing and

10 ALLIGATOR TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021

Help Wanted

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. 8-15-21-13-15 Cafe Risque 24/7 NUDE Entertainment Micanopy, FL 352-466-3803 Performers Audition NOW Cooks / Managers / Waitresses APPLY IN PERSON 7-19-20-14 Five Star Pizza is now hiring for all positions. Full time/part time, day/nightshift. Apply at fivestarpizza.com/employment * Delivery drivers * Pizza makers * Phone personnel * Food prep * Managers 6-7-21-8-14 Sun Country Sports Center is now hiring

Summer Camp Counselors

Fun, friendly work environment with awesome kids facilitating fun sports activities! Gymnastics, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Games, Crafts and much more! Apply today at suncountrysports.com/jobs 6-7-21-4-14

Health Service

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 8-15-21-13-15 ATTENTION SENIORS The average funeral cost is $9000+Don't leave your family to pay your debts. State Approved, Final Expense Life Insurance Plans Are Now Available as Low as $25 a month Hurry and Call Before Enrollment Ends. 800-555-5555 M-F 9am-6pmEST 6-1-2-16

DRUG PROBLEM? WE CAN HELP! 24 HOURS 7 DAYS

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

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

8-15-21-13-16

solution below

Front Desk Reception SIMEDHealth SIMEDHealth is looking for both PT and FT Front Desk Receptionists for our Gainesville locations. Please go to our website to apply: http://simedhealth.com/jobs. 6-7-21-5-14

Spurrier's Gridiron Grille NOW HIRING Until June 13th, we'll be hosting interviews for Spurrier's Gridiron Grille! We need 5-star restaurant talent to join our team. Applications must be submitted online & an interview will be scheduled with those qualified. No walk-ins due to the high volume of applicants. Apply at spurriersdraft.com 6-7-21-5-14

Newberry Animal Hospital has several positions open on their client service team. Do you have great customer service skills, smile, and attitude? Are you enthusiastic, friendly, and a naturally happy team player? Can you have at least 2 full days of availability each week? We can teach you everything else you need to know for the job! Previous reception experience a plus. We are a drug free workplace and do require candidate employment testing. Apply: https://www.newberryanimalhospital.com/careers 6-7-21-2-14

¿hablas español?

lee

you can get

Sat & Sun 8-15-13-21

www.WaldoFlea.com

Pets

OPERATION CATNIP

Spaying/Neutering Free-Roaming Cats Borrow a Trap / Make a Clinic Reservation Make a Donation / Volunteer New Expanded Hours http://ocgainesville.org/

TODAY! scan

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

Lots of NEW info at

VACCINATED to find a vaccine location near you

Entertainment

Lost & Found

d ing? neth fousom

place a FREE "found" ad in the

alligator clas sifie ds!

Call 373-FIND

alligator.org/section/spanish/

or email

classified@alligator classified@ alligator..org MegaMaze solution

Trivia Test answers

7. Bill Murray 6. 10 years

7. Tim Kurkjian.

Sudoku solution

1. Greg, Marcia, Peter, Jan, Bobby and Cindy

8. Five

answers

2. Arctic

Sports Quiz

9. Deep creases at your wrists

ZZOLE Z U P LE Z U P TI NS SO LUTIONS SOLU

3. Airman basic

AllStar Cheer/Tumbling Coach Florida TeamCheer is looking for energetic cheer/tumbling coaches. AllStar experience required. Send your resume to ftcgators@aol.com or call 352-222-9977 7-6-21-5-14

10. George Herbert Walker Bush

U.S.-born referee and later a broadcaster the New went 2. WhatforUtah Jazz York playerRangers, broke the NBA by what nickname? single-season slam dunk record with 306 3. The name for the Albuquerque 7. Name the ESPN baseball analyst who in 2019? Isotopes Minor League Baseball club also wrote the book "I'm Fascinated by Sacwas inspired by a fictional team from 3. Name formerseries? college football coach rifice Flies: Inside the Game We All Love." what TVthe comedy who election 4. won Jim Alabama's Covert andU.S. Edsenate Sprinkle, two in members of the Pro Football Hall of 2020. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc. Fame Class of 2020, spent their entire playing careers with what NFLanswers franbelow chise? 5. What traditional Japanese martial art is literally translated as “the way of the sword”? 6. Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated what mixed martial arts superstar in a 2017 boxing megafight in Las Vegas? 7. What Croatia-born basketball player won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls from 1996-98 and was the 1996 NBA Sixth Man of the Year? Answers 1. 13. He hit eight of them in his 1962 rookie season. 2. The Big Whistle. 3. The Simpsons. 4. The Chicago Bears. 5. Kendo. 6. Conor McGregor. 7. Toni Kukoc.

Help Wanted

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

4. Sneakers

6. What National Baseball Hall of Famer -and his various conspiracy theories -- was profiled in a 1994 "Philadelphia" magazine article by Pat Jordan?

Alcoholics Anonymous

5. "Hamlet"

1. What national team dominated the 1. Tommie Aaron, brother of Hank, hit Fed Cup women's tennis competition from how many home runs in his seven-sea2011-18, winning championships son Major LeaguesixBaseball career? during that 2. span? Bill Chadwick, the NHL’s first

5. Nicknamed "The Ginger Assassin," what teenage bowler successfully cleared a 7-10 split at the 2021 U.S. Open semifinals?

King Features Weekly Service

May 25, 2020

4. In what sport do the Adelaide Strikers, Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) compete?

Part time sales assistant to work Saturdays from 10am-3pm in a local Gainesville retail audio/video store. Individual needs to be personable, organized, dependable and possess good communication skills. Must have a reliable vehicle to get to & from work. $11.00 per hour with some extra hours on occasion. Applicants can email resume to mark@electronicsworld.net 6-1-21-4-14

ScrabbleGrams solution

6. Steve Carlton. 5. Anthony Neuer. 4. Cricket. 3. Tommy Tuberville. 2. Rudy Gobert. 1. Czech Republic.

solution to the right

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021 www.alligator.org/section/sports

TRACK & FIELD

Gators boast 18 total entries to nationals after fourth day of NCAA East Preliminary FLORIDA TRACK AND FIELD SECURED 18 TOTAL ENTRIES TO NATIONALS — 10 FOR THE MEN AND EIGHT FOR THE WOMEN

By Kaitlyn Wadulack Sports Writer

Florida’s track and field program earned 18 total entries to the NCAA Outdoor Championships over four days of competition at the East Preliminary meet in Jacksonville from May 26 to May 29. The men’s team booked 10 entries for the championship in Eugene, Oregon, and the women’s team secured eight through the final stage of qualifying. Thomas Mardal and Connor Bandel punched their tickets to Eugene Wednesday. Mardal unleashed a 71.29 meter (233-10) throw in the men’s hammer throw. The No.1 seed was the only competitor to exceed the 70-meter mark for the second straight meet, with the second-closest launch coming in at 68.89 meters (226-0). Bandel will make the trip to the West Coast as well. The redshirt senior entered the meet as the No. 12 seed and thrust the shot put 19.52 meters (64 ½) away to land the fourth-best qualifying time. Two more Gators locked in spots for the NCAA Outdoor Championships Thursday: Arianne Duarte-Morais and Claire Bryant.

Duarte-Morais catapulted her javelin 51.89 meters (170-3) in the women’s javelin, while Bryant launched herself 6.64 meters (219½) in the women’s long jump. The freshman Bryant hit this mark in the first round of the event to make herself the fourth-best performer in NCAA East Preliminary Round history, according to USTFCCCA. The men’s squad solidified their nationals spots on the third day of the competition with eight more entries, including Clayton Brown and Joseph Fahnbulleh, who doublebooked themselves with two events each. Brown will compete in the men’s high jump and men’s triple jump at nationals. The senior stretched 2.16 meters (7-1) in the men’s high jump to land the 12th qualifying spot and vaulted 15.94 meters (52-3¾) in the men’s triple jump to qualify 11th. Fahnbulleh blasts off in the men’s 100 and 200 meters at nationals. The redshirt freshman crushed his seed marks in both events. The No. 7 seed in the 100 legged out a 10.01 second time, a 0.07 second improvement on his seed time. He coasted to a 19.94 in the 200, cutting 0.11 seconds off his No. 2 seed spot. Tyler Davis joins Fahnbulleh in the men’s 200. The Huntsville, Alabama, native secured a lane in the championship after he sprinted a 20.54 time, a huge decrease from his 20.95 seed time. Ryan Willie aced the men’s 400 with a 45.56 time, the seventh-best

qualifying mark. The freshman sits a fraction under a second behind the top time. Denzel Villaman, who began as the No. 5 seed, charged through the men’s 400 hurdles and crossed the finish line at 50.75, the ninth-best time. The Gator’s men’s 4x400 crew of Willie, Chantz Sawyers, Villaman and Kunle Fasasi managed to seal an automatic qualification with a 3:05.27 time in heat one, marking the 14th consecutive time the Gators earned a spot in the relays at NCAA Outdoors. The final day of regionals left six more nationals entries to the Gators’ women’s team. Natricia Hooper vied for the women’s triple jump championship with fellow field teammates DuarteMorais and Bryant. The Guyana native Hooper flew 13.72 meters (45 ¼), the second-best mark of the day. Grace Stark clinched the fourth qualifying spot in the 100-meter hurdles. The SEC Outdoor 100 hurdles silver medalist sped to a 12.88 time, the fourth-fastest finish in school history. Gabrielle Wilkinson crushed her first-round time in the women’s 800 quarterfinal. The redshirt sophomore cut 2.99 seconds off her previous low when she paced a 2:02.04 time. It’s double trouble in the women’s 400, as both Talitha Diggs and Taylor Manson sit in the top five qualifiers. Diggs ran at a blazing pace and was just one-hundredth

of a second from the top spot with a 51.04 time, and Manson berthed the fourth-best qualifying time with a 51.38. Both times are personal-bests for the runners, with Diggs shaving .19 seconds off her No. 2 seed time and Manson dropping .13 seconds off her No. 4 seed time. The top-ranked Gators’ women’s 4x400 relay didn’t disappoint. Manson, Sterling Lester, Doneisha An-

derson and Diggs burst out with a 3:27.51 top qualifying time, .72 seconds faster than the second qualifier, Alabama. Next up for Florida will be the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene from June 9 to June 12. @kwadulack kwadulack@alligator.org

Courtesy of the UAA

Florida's Thomas Mardal competes during the Pepsi Florida Relays on Friday, April 2, 2021 at Percy Beard Track at James G. Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Alex de la Osa.

MEN'S TENNIS

Seeing double: Riffice wins individual singles championship for second title in five days JUNIOR SAM RIFFICE DEFEATED SECOND-RANKED DANIEL RODRIGUES IN THREE SETS TO WIN THE NATIONAL TITLE

By Ryan Zehnder Sports Writer

Faith Buckley // Alligator Staff

Florida's Sam Riffice prepares to return a ball against South Florida on May 9. Riffice defeated South Carolina's Daniel Rodrigues 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to win the individual singles national championship Friday afternoon. alligatorSports has a podcast. The alligatorSports Podcast releases episodes every Wednesday and can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your other preferred streaming platform.

Minutes away from winning his second national championship in five days, Sam Riffice watched as Daniel Rodrigues lunged to return his powerful serve. Florida’s tennis captain bounced on the balls of his feet and waited as Rodrigues sent the ball back to his side of the net. The ball landed inches behind the baseline, and Riffice dropped his racket to the court, tapped his chest with both hands and extended his arms out wide, a smile creeping across his face. The junior Florida tennis star is a double national champion after winning the individual singles final Friday afternoon over Rodrigues. Down in the first set 4-1, the Orlando native initially looked outmatched against No. 2 Rodrigues. When Riffice finally settled deep into the frame,

Follow our newsletter

Love alligatorSports? Stay up to date on our content by following our newsletter. Scan the QR Code to sign up.

the South Carolina star’s lead was too much to overcome; he took the set 6-3. Riffice exploded in the second set, breaking Rodrigues’ serve twice to even the match at one set apiece. Rodrigues double-faulted with Riffice up 4-1 to hand the Florida junior his second break of the set. Knotted at 4-4 in the final set and a point away from breaking, Riffice rushed the net and forced a reflex shot from Rodrigues that landed deep and out. The junior served out the match to cap a championship season for both himself and his team. Riffice defeated SEC Player of the Year Valentin Vacherot, No. 1 Liam Draxl and No. 2 Rodrigues in his final three matches. Riffice’s national championship win marks the third singles title in program history and first in 22 years. Mark Merklein (1994) and Jeff Morrison (1999) previously won the honor while representing the orange and blue.

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

@ryan_zehnder rzehnder@alligator.org

12 ALLIGATOR TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021

LACROSSE

Florida lacrosse seniors “ride the wave” with matching tattoos THE TRIPLE THREAT OF ATTACKER BRIANNA HARRIS, MIDFIELDER SHANNON KAVANAGH AND DEFENDER KAITLYN DABKOWSKI SHARE MATCHING FINGER TATTOOS

By Karina Wilson Sports Writer

Moments before the opening draw against Maryland, Florida lacrosse players Brianna Harris, Shannon Kavanagh and Kaitlyn Dabkowski embraced one another. The three took a few graceful steps before they simultaneously hopped into the circle, ready to

ride the wave. Not long after, Harris, Kavanagh and Dabkowski made a permanent mark on each other — literally. The trio knew they wanted to get matching tattoos, and after the Gators defeated the second-ranked Terrapins in a thrilling 15-14 battle in College Park, Maryland, in Feb. 2020, it felt like the right time. The three roommates each have a small finger tattoo of a wave meant to symbolize their catchphrase, “ride the wave.” The teammates endured a whirlwind of experiences together: from injuries to winning conference championships to a canceled season to bittersweet goodbyes. “I have a physical reminder, something

Karina Wilson // Alligator Staff

Shannon Kavanagh (17), Brianna Harris (20) and Kaitlyn Dabkowski (33) walk together against Cincinnati on May 6.

visible I can see, but I’m also always gonna have a connection under our skin,” Harris said. “Something that you can’t really see.” Kavanagh also shares tattoos with her family members, and Harris plans to get one with her twin sister, Kayla, a Navy lacrosse alumna. “Ride the wave” carries a legacy both on and off the field. Kavanagh said the girls brought it to lacrosse, but it started outside of Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Harris introduced the saying to her teammates. It reminds her of summer days on a boat in her hometown of Annapolis, Maryland. “A few of my girlfriends kind of said ‘ride the wave,’” Harris said. “So it was kind of something from my hometown as well.” Dabkowski said Harris truly embodies the phrase. “Bri is just a super enthusiastic person overall,” Dabkowski said. “When she started saying that a lot, the three of us kind of made it our thing.” “Ride the wave” keeps the teammates humble and puts actions in perspective, Dabkowski said. Getting tattoos was originally her idea. The Cockeysville, Maryland, native said though the saying is small, it is important to live by. “Knowing that just whatever happens is meant to be and you can’t really control a lot in life so might as well just go with the flow,” Dabkowski said. The then-No. 6 Gators’ 2020 campaign was abruptly cut short in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We went into last year just saying, you know, ‘we’re gonna go with the flow of

things, we’re not gonna let things bother us,’” Kavanagh said. After Harris underwent surgery for her second torn ACL and sat out Florida’s entire 2018 season, the attacker seemed destined to return to the field for a fifth year of eligibility. That’s when the redshirt senior formed her unique relationship with coach Amanda O’Leary. The two had their ups and downs, Harris said, but when she got hurt, their bond grew stronger. “We would have individual meetings. We would really talk about my life and talk about her life,” she said. Harris said she opened up to O’Leary in the last year and their relationship became especially meaningful to her, so of course O’Leary had to ride the wave with her, too. When UF beat UM, Harris eagerly purchased a T-shirt for O’Leary that featured a surfer and the phrase “ride the wave.” She paired the tee with a handwritten note. “This is something that we’ve been saying here, we say in my hometown and I think it’d be important for you to have a ‘ride the wave’ T-shirt,” Harris said the note generally read. O’Leary sported her new gear the very next day. Harris, Kavanagh and Dabkowski’s collegiate careers came to a close with a national quarterfinal loss to the Syracuse Orange on May 22. The trio missed their shot at a national championship, but their trust in the future never wavered. “Ride the wave, it’s going to take us somewhere better,” Harris said. @kk_rinaa kwilson@alligator.org