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MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021

VOLUME 116 ISSUE 1

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COVID-19

UF faculty and staff demand vaccine and mask mandates

Protestors delivered a list of COVID-19 policy demands to the president’s office By Christian Casale, Max Taylor & Camila Pereira Alligator Staff Writers

UF faculty and staff gathered at the steps of Tigert Hall Aug. 20 to protest the university’s COVID-19 policies and demand change as the Fall semester approaches. Renewed fears of infection come as the virus’ Delta variant spreads, leading UF researchers to predict a new peak in late August or early September. The rally’s organizers, UF’s chapters of the United Faculty of Florida and Graduate Assistants United, hand-delivered their demands to UF President Kent Fuchs’ office. Their demands included: mask requirements for all indoor gatherings; a vaccine requirement for all faculty, staff and students; an online option for classes during the first three weeks of the Fall semester; and transparent and frequent UF COVID-19 reports. “We are doing our part to stand up against leadership who refuse to listen to the advice of public health experts,” Meridith Miska, co-president of GAU, said at the rally. “We will continue to fight for the common-sense right to public

health and safety requirements, like wearing a mask and getting vaccinated.” The crowd of about 40 demonstrated a common feeling of frustration with UF administration’s lack of clear communication about its COVID-19 plan for the Fall semester. Following recent emails announcing contradictory COVID-19 plans, including mask policies and online class options, many faculty were in an uproar on social media over the weeks preceding the start of Fall classes. The university has insisted it does not have the authority to mandate masks or vaccines, per state guidelines. After the protest, UF spokesperson Hessy Fernandez strongly encouraged everyone to get vaccinated and reiterated the university is expecting everyone to wear a mask inside all UF facilities. Although masks are expected, they are not required. “We know members of the UF community have concerns and are facing unique challenges as a result of the pandemic, and we will use the resources and tools available to us to address them,” Fer-

SEE COVID-19, PAGE 6

Kiara Cline // Alligator Staff

Dr. Brantlee Richter, UF assistant professor of plant pathology, shows their support to the protestors at Tigert Hall on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. Richter believes that the retention of good faculty is at risk without a better plan to combat COVID-19 in the coming semester.

ACPS returns to an uncertain Fall, P.K. Yonge remains mask-optional as youth COVID-19 cases surge P.K. YONGE PARENTS RALLY FOR MASKS WHILE ACPS RETAINS MASK MANDATE, DEFYING A STATE ORDER

By Alexandra Harris Alligator Staff Writer

As the COVID-19 Delta variant cases and pediatric hospitalizations surge, so do parents’ nerves at the start of the new school year. One out of every four COVID-19 cases reported in Florida from Aug. 13 to 19 were age 19 and under, according to the Florida Department of Health. Alachua County Public Schools already has students and staff in quarantine as pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations reach new peaks. The district also retained its mask mandate despite threats from the state. Meanwhile, P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School parents gathered to promote mask-wearing because the UF administration does not mandate them.

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Risking school board funding, ACPS refused to comply with a 48-hour state ultimatum to change its required mask policy Aug. 20. With a potential lawsuit on the horizon, school officials said the board’s goal was to protect students, staff and the community. UF’s labor union sent a letter Aug. 11 in support of ACPS’ mask mandate. “All students have a right to safe spaces for education,” according to the United Faculty of Florida at UF letter. “Local schools and campuses need to be empowered to make decisions that protect their students, faculty and staff.” Two weeks into the Fall semester, the whole ACPS district reported 1,156 students and 43 staff members in quarantine — a number that more than doubled since Aug. 13. Fifty new cases were reported on Aug. 20, according to the school district’s COVID-19 dashboard. Meanwhile, parents’ decisions of what learning options are best for their children could be impacted as pediatric COVID-19 hos-

pitalizations are on the rise. Alachua County reported a record 14 pediatric hospitalizations Aug. 18, according to the county COVID-19 dashboard as of Sunday. UF Health Shands Hospital reported more children in its intensive care unit than ever before Aug. 12.

Masks remain optional at UF’s P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School

On Aug. 16, students settled into their second week at P.K. Yonge with more than 10 pro-mask demonstrators at the entrance at about 7 a.m. Because the school is affiliated with UF, masks remain optional. As the winding conveyor belt of cars dropped children off, they peered curiously out the windows, toying idly with their face masks. Occasionally, parents offered a honk in solidarity for the demonstrators. Parents held signs that stated, “Masking for a friend,” and “Spread kindness not germs!” Geraldine Klarenberg, UF professor and P.K. Yonge parent, said she was excited to see the ACPS temporary mask mandate, but dis-

Protesters demand apology from ACSO

About 100 people gathered to protest the treatment of Erica Thompson, and the death of her newborn, pg. 10

Former ACPS teacher accused of touching students He is still employed by the district, pg. 9

appointed with P.K. Yonge. “We banded together with a whole bunch of parents and we decided to do some positive messaging,” Klarenberg said. “It’s part of being kind to wear your mask for each other and not just for yourself.” With two vaccinated children of her own in middle and high school, she worries for her ineligible and unvaccinated stepson at home. Activists started a petition, which Klarenberg signed, and wrote a letter to the P.K. Yonge administration and Florida Board of Trustees, demanding mandatory masks indoors for the fall. It accumulated more than 200 signatures and later presented the letter to UF President Kent Fuchs and the P.K. Yonge administration. “Now is the time to act with courage and ethics,” according to the letter. “It is up to you to show our students that science speaks louder than threats, that safety matters more than

SEE P.K. YONGE, PAGE 5

2 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021

Today’s UF Weather First-generation student paves way for a triple Gator legacy UF ALUMNUS DEDICATES LIFE TO INSPIRING OTHERS

By Elena Barrera Alligator Staff Writer

A humble beginning in smalltown Jennings, Florida, might have meant small dreams for some, but Jose Alvarez reached for something bigger. “I like to say I am an overcomer,” Alvarez, a Hispanic, first-generation UF alumnus, said. “I overcome things so that others can walk right over them.” He lived up to his title as an overcomer and paved a future for his siblings and youth throughout Florida. Alvarez, 26, graduated from UF in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in family, youth and community sciences and a minor in nonprofit organizational leadership. He continued his studies at UF and graduated with his master’s degree in leadership development this summer. Four years after receiving his first degree as a Gator, Jose Alvarez now watches his youngest sibling, David Alvarez, 18, start his journey at the university that opened so many doors when he was a student. “I’ve seen how far he has gone,” David Alvarez said. “He’s successful, so now I’ve got to live up to that standard, so I’ve pushed myself to go a little further than I would usually push myself.” Jose Alvarez said he feels like he was chosen to pave the way for his 25-year-old sister, Ismelda Alvarez, and his brother. Ismelda Alvarez graduated from UF in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, and David Alvarez began his first semester at UF this summer as a food science and nutrition major. After graduating, Jose Alvarez started working as a mentor, entrepreneur and motivational speaker — acting as a guide for his siblings and others alike to attend and graduate college despite their challenges. “It’s kind of crazy,” Ismelda Alvarez said. “We used to talk about dreaming bigger and going after our goals, and now to see it unfold is cool

because you see your dreams and goals become a reality.” Jose Alvarez’s successes stemmed from his strong belief in what a higher education could do. “I have learned to be a student at all times,” he said. “Attending the University of Florida gave me a glimpse of the opportunities that can be open when you are committed to becoming a better you.” Coming from a low-income, single-parent home, affordability was a true obstacle Jose Alvarez had to consider. His time at UF was made possible by the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship, which historically grants low-income, first-generation students with funds to cover all college expenses. Through this scholarship, Jose Alvarez received a full-ride scholarship to attend UF, covering all of his expenses, he said. Both his siblings also received the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship. Jose Alvarez started to dream big during his junior year of high school. He had goals of becoming a doctor and planned to return home to help the people in his community. By senior year, Jose Alvarez knew the clock was ticking before college applications were due, and he knew he had a decision to make — one that would impact his future career. Despite others’ doubts and concerns about Jose Alvarez’ goals, he chose to only apply to the University of Florida. “My counselors, teachers, even my own dad told me I should aim a little bit lower because we knew that it was hard to get into UF,” he said. He said not many people from his community went to UF, so he did not have role models whose footsteps he could follow. However, determined to do whatever it took to reach his goals, Jose Alvarez found guidance through one of his peers. “This girl in my class — who was the class president — I knew she was an overachiever, and everyone knew that she would get into UF,” he said. “So every class she took, I took. We had all six periods together because I was like ‘if she was taking all these classes and everyone believed she

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was going to get into UF, then I need to do the same thing.’” Jose Alvarez’s efforts paid off, and he started his academic journey at UF in the summer of 2013 as a premed microbiology student. It was not long before Jose Alvarez figured out he did not have a passion for medicine. He even tried to combine his father’s goals with his own by pursuing pediatrics. “I began to realize that my purpose was really to use every platform that I have to influence as many people as possible, and I wouldn’t be able to do that if I spent all my time studying and going through medical school,” Jose Alvarez said. Jose Alvarez said his father, Sergio Alvarez, was influential for his achievements and passion for higher education. “I am very proud, happy and grateful. It is wonderful to see all their hard work pay off,” Sergio Alvarez said. “Nothing is impossible., w We just had faith in God.” Jose Alvarez said he wants to lead by example and be a source of inspiration for future Hispanic high school students who want to go to college. “I did not have anyone to teach me the ropes,” Jose Alvarez said. “I literally get paid by universities to share this story with their students, especially in their pre-collegiate programs to inspire their students to go to college and help them understand that they also have the power to change the trajectory of their family’s life and many generations to come.” @elenabarreraaa ebarrera@alligator.org

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Alachua County Public Schools to defy state ultimatum to make masking optional ANTICIPATING A LEGAL BATTLE, FOUR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS COULD LOSE PART OF THEIR SALARIES

By Alexandra Harris Alligator Staff Writer

Alachua County Public Schools plan to require masks despite risking cuts to school board members’ salaries, according to school board officials. A State Board of Education order gave ACPS and Broward County School Board 48 hours to comply with statewide guidance to make wearing masks in public schools optional. Although there may be potential losses and consequences, ACPS chose to reject the guidance. The decision goes against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order prohibiting mask enforcement policies in K-12 schools. The ACPS mask mandate requires medical documentation to opt out of masking, which contradicts the state rule allowing parents to opt students out without medical reasons or additional requirements, according to the State Board of Education order. “Students may wear masks or facial coverings as a mitigation measure; however, the school must allow for a parent or legal guardian of the student to opt-out the student from wearing a face covering or mask,” according to the Florida Department of Health Emergency Rule. The order states the Florida Department of Education will cut annual salaries by one-twelfth of the total annual compensation of the board. All four current school board members who could be affected are Leanetta McNealy, Tina Certain, Gunnar Paulson and Robert Hyatt because they all voted to impose the mask mandate. ACPS will be required to report each of their salary information. If the school board doesn’t comply with statewide guidance, each member will lose one-twelfth of their total salary every month until the rule expires or is withdrawn, according to the order. The order states the slash in funding cannot affect student services or teacher pay. The annual salary of the four school board members is $40,287 each, ACPS spokesperson Jackie Johnson said. The members could each lose roughly $3,350 this month as an “initial step.” It’s unclear how much could be lost each month the order is defied. “They feel that the protection of the health and safety and lives of students and staff and helping to protect the community in what is obviously a time of critical crisis is more important than the potential loss of their salaries,” she said. If the school board does not provide salary

compensation information within the 48 hour period, the Florida Department of Education will withhold state funds based on the most recent estimates until it is provided. ACPS Superintendent Carlee Simon wrote in a statement the Alachua County Commission has offered to make up any loss of funding the state may impose. It’s unclear as of Friday how much money the commission will provide or how the district may utilize it. “Based on the dramatic spike in cases and quarantines in our schools and community, we believe universal masking is absolutely critical to keeping schools open,” Simon wrote. “I’m gratified by the outpouring of positive messages the district has been receiving.” Simon received a call Friday afternoon from U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, who offered his support and that of the entire U.S. Department of Education for any school district facing repercussions for imposing CDC-recommended COVID-19 prevention strategies. Cardona wrote in a statement that President Biden recommended he remedy financial penalties imposed by the state using CARES, CRRSA or American Rescue funds, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Education. “It is deeply troubling to see state leaders putting politics ahead of the health and safety of our students,” he wrote. “The President asked me to do everything I can to help protect our nation’s students and support the local leaders who are fighting for them.” Both ACPS spokesperson Johnson and Superintendent Simon said they expect a legal battle to come from the state’s threat to school board salaries. “Over the next few days, we will continue to do what we have been doing, which is looking at all options that we have available to us, and that includes legal options,” Johnson said. School board meetings with experts in pediatrics, immunology and emergency medicine have made it clear masks are necessary during this COVID-19 surge, Johnson said. She notes the surge is putting an enormous strain on the county’s health care system, citing increasing hospital and ICU beds and staff overwhelmed and overburdened with emergency care. “This is backed up by science and by local medical experts who are obviously intimately familiar with the local situation,” Johnson said. “It’s the right thing to do. It protects our students and staff and the entire community — it helps lessen the strain on our medical system here in Alachua County.” @harris_alex_m aharris@alligator.org

Spreading like wildfire P.K. YONGE, from pg. 1 politics, and that their lives matter.” Chris Demers, UF faculty and parent of an 8th- and 11th-grader at P.K. Yonge, felt compelled to come out and demonstrate with a positive message for masking. Politics are coming before safety, he said. “We don’t feel like PKY administration is taking this surge very seriously,” Demers said. “This Delta variant is nothing to mess with.” On his daughter’s first day of class on Aug. 10, she told him she and one other student were the only ones wearing masks, although that has begun to change.

Experts on how to limit classroom spread

UF Health hosted a well-attended town hall webinar on how to protect children going into the new school year and ease parents’ fears over the Delta variant surge. “Now with relaxed social measures also adding to it, it’s spreading like wildfire,” Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi with UF Health Infectious Diseases said. New COVID-19 variants are likely, Cherabuddi said, if vaccine rates don’t dramatically increase. “That’s the biggest reason to get vac-

cinated now,” Cherabuddi said. “So we don’t let these viruses get ahead of us and mutate so they can escape from the vaccine or be more infectious.” Toward the end of June and July, COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU numbers rapidly increased, he said. “Every single day, we’re having more patients than we had the day before,” Cherabuddi said. “The hospital is just full.” Dr. Sonja Rasmussen of UF Health Pediatrics and Epidemiology pointed to studies that have shown people are twice as likely to be hospitalized if infected with Delta and with unvaccinated people at the greatest risk. The vaccine offers the best protection against symptomatic disease, hospitalization and death, she said, pointing to the high unvaccinated rate among hospitalizations. The U.S. had a record-breaking number of kids hospitalized with COVID-19 Aug. 14, according to Reuters, which is a problem for ACPS families with children under 12 not eligible for a vaccine. Read the rest online at alligator.org @harris_alex_m aharris@alligator.org

Lauren Witte // Alligator Staff

Chris Demers participates in the pro-mask demonstration put on by parents as children arrive at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. Demers has a child in eighth grade and in eleventh grade at P.K. Yonge.

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No clear-cut reasoning COVID-19, from pg. 1 nandez wrote in an email to The Alligator. Nearly every protest speaker decried Gov. Ron DeSantis for his administration’s COVID-19 policies and battle with Alachua County Public Schools’ mask mandate. “This governor has decided he’s no longer interested in being governor; he’s interested in running for president,” Gainesville Commissioner David Arreola said at the rally. “We are in a crisis, and the time for politics must be put aside. We have to put our health first, we have to put our safety first.” Speakers also criticized UF’s administration for choosing Gov. DeSantis’ policy over recommendations from health experts. ACPS implemented a mandatory mask policy, setting an example that protest attendees felt UF should follow. “I hope that the UFF and all of the people who have good expert sense will follow the Alachua County Public Schools and do what we’re doing,” Leanetta McNealy, Alachua County school board chair, said at the rally. “I’m hoping that the leadership at this great institution will follow what we’re doing.” The Florida State Board of Education threatened to cut funding for the school board if it continues to require masks in its schools. Rachel Hartnett, Graduate Assistants United co-president, spoke at the rally. She said she has Type 2 diabetes and fears she’d lose her life if she tested positive for COVID-19 while teaching in person. “I’m hoping that UF will see sense,” the 33-year-old English Ph.D. candidate said. “I myself will be in a class on Monday; I will ask my students to wear masks, which is all I can do. I will disclose my chronic illness to them hoping that will convince people who are unwilling or re-

luctant to wear a mask.” As co-chair of the joint UF, UFF and GAU COVID task force, Hartnett said both organizations have been working together to communicate their dissatisfaction with the university’s COVID response. Prior to the rally, representatives have attended town hall meetings to present their demands to the UF administration. “We’ve been doing everything — sending emails, trying to get answers and transparency — and so far, nothing has happened,” she said. “There’s been no clear-cut reasoning or explanation, which is why we have been forced to utilize other means.” At the Aug. 19 faculty senate town hall meeting, Hartnett said neither Fuchs nor UF Provost Joseph Glover gave answers regarding what graduate assistants should do if they test positive for COVID-19. Those questions came after UF recommended instructors use their sick days if they have to quarantine. But Hartnett said graduate assistants only get five sick days per semester, which is less than the 14day quarantine time recommended by the CDC. “So I guess if we run out of those five days and are still showing symptoms, we should just come to campus,” she said. Co-chair of the UFF-UF COVID task force Steven Kirn said UFF has been presenting to UF administration these demands and filed grievances on behalf of the faculty members for violating the 2021-24 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Kirn said the CBA explicitly states UF must provide, at minimum, a teaching environment which is safe, secure and healthy. As part of the state university system, he said UF administration would have to defy the governor and state’s orders like many other universities and schools have but will not, due to the political ties.

“The sense of the collegiality of a community of scholars and learners, and the trust that comes with that has really been disrupted,” Kirn said. “And I think that’s one of the saddest parts of this, is that it’s turned into a political football. And I think faculty feel rather disenfranchised in the process.” Kirn said UF faculty and staff want to teach, but they are frustrated, sad and disappointed with UF’s decision for the Fall and believes the lack of trust, disconnect and politicization will have a lasting impact in the UF community. “It’s going to be a long haul effect and I think that is quite unfortunate,” he said. “The kind of corporatization of the university, I think it is very unhealthy.” UF faculty and staff also participated in an open letter to UF’s administration and the State University System Board of Governors, demanding immediate action to develop a plan for the Fall semester addressing the risks the community may face. The open letter demands were similar to those communicated at the Aug. 20 rally: enforcement of a mask mandate permission for instructors to move classes online for the first three weeks of the semester, as it was originally planned in an email to students on Aug. 14. As of Aug. 22, the open letter garnered more than 800 signatures. Suffering from asthma, 63-yearold UF English professor Malini Johar Schueller, said she was scared for her life upon seeing UF’s email on Fall procedures. She signed the open letter with no hesitation. “I feel very disappointed and disgusted with this whole mandate because I’ve taught since 1986, and given my life to this university and now it’s like nobody gives a damn,” she said. COVID-19 is reaching peaks in Florida, and Schueller said many of her friends who are in charge of hospitals’ intensive care units in Florida have expressed how severe cases are in the state. John Biro, an 80-year-old UF philosophy professor, said he also

Kiara Cline // Alligator Staff

Attendees march into Tigert Hall to deliver their demands to President Fuchs after the protest held at Tigert Hall on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. signed the open letter as he doesn’t feel safe teaching in person with the current COVID-19 policies and wishes UF would be more transparent. “There’s a lot of PR, but no genuine consultation and certainly no evidence of genuine concern,” Biro said. He has two colleagues, he said, who have been denied permission to teach online and forced to teach in person despite one of them having a young immunocompromised daughter at home and the other being more than 75 years old and also immunocompromised. “Many colleagues who are desperate to be allowed to protect themselves by teaching online, at least until this surge subsides, and UF’s response is, ‘We don’t care — you do what you’re told,’” he said. Biro said one of the things he noticed amongst the signatures of the open letter was the lack of names of the younger, untenured UF professors despite their support for these demands. “I can sign that letter because, even though they can make life unpleasant for me and do unpleasant things to me, ultimately, I feel safer than a young, untenured professor

whose job is on the line,” Biro said. Lauren Diepenbrock, UF assistant professor of entomology and extension specialist, took to Twitter to express her discontent with UF’s lack of enforcing effective health and safety protocols following the death of one of her coworkers Aug. 15. Despite knowing the backlash she could face, Diepenbrock is not one to keep quiet about significant issues, especially if she disagrees with them, she wrote in an email. UF Health will administer a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine only for immunocompromised individuals meeting CDC criteria, UF Health spokesperson Ken Garcia wrote in an email. However, UF Health strongly encourages everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, and as soon as boosters are approved by the CDC for everyone, then they will be provided based on eligibility, Garcia wrote. @VanityHack @MTaylor_Journ @CamilaSaPereira ccasale@alligator.org mtaylor@alligator.org cpereira@alligator.org

Here’s what to know about Alachua County’s seven-day mask mandate IT IS SET TO LAST UNTIL AUG. 26 AND CAN BE RENEWED UP TO SIX TIMES

By Meghan McGlone Alligator Staff Writer

Alachua County residents and visitors now need to wear a mask in public indoor areas for the next week following a vote from the Alachua County Commission. But the mandate doesn’t include UF buildings and facilities. Following an Aug. 18 county commission vote, the mandate went into effect Aug. 19. It expires on Aug. 26 and requires anyone age 2 or older to wear a mask in public, indoor areas including gyms, restaurants, retail stores and supermarkets. There is no formal application or identification needed to go maskless due to a medical condition — it’s based on the honor system. Those with medical exemptions, like trouble breathing due to chronic conditions, can choose not to wear a mask. They are not required to show documentation of their condition and should instead explain in general terms why they can’t wear a mask, according to the emergency order. The emergency order does not apply to the

State University System or the State College System. This means UF and Santa Fe College are excluded from the mask mandate. On UF’s campus, masks are expected, but not mandatory. UF students only need to wear masks when they are off campus and within county limits, UF spokesperson Steve Orlando said, adding that the university also encourages students to get vaccinated. “It’s proven safe, it’s free. We just want everybody to go get it,” Orlando said. The emergency order for masking must be seven days long and can be renewed only up to six times, which is a total of 42 days, because of a Florida Senate bill outlining those requirements, county spokesperson Mark Sexton said. The same bill allows Gov. Ron DeSantis to void any emergency order if he deems it “unnecessarily restricts individual rights or liberties.” However, Sexton said the expert testimonies at the Wednesday county commission meeting and Alachua County’s current COVID-19 numbers show the need for a mask mandate. Healthcare professionals spoke in support of masking and vaccines at the meeting, including UF Biology Professor Derek Cum-

mings and Eric Lawson, Chief Executive Officer of North Florida Regional Medical Center. Until Aug. 26, the county plans to focus on educating people about the mandate rather than issuing citations to those who don’t comply, according to the emergency order. To do so, the county has been posting about the mandate on its Facebook page and has provided signs for businesses to print out and display in their storefronts, Sexton said. Most county residents present at the Wednesday meeting spoke in favor of the mandate. One public commenter pointed out a portion of the county’s population is under 12 years old and cannot be vaccinated — 23% are under 18 according to the U.S. Census — which makes masking more important. Sarah Rockwell, an expert in special education, said her daughter has a medical disability and cannot attend school because of the Delta surge. Rockwell, who supports masking, said even her daughter loves matching her masks with her outfits. “It’s about modeling the correct behavior, it’s about making it a positive experience,” Rockwell said. One resident, Nathan Skop, said the county should push vaccinations more than masking as vaccines reduce the possibility of se-

vere illness with COVID-19, and some people don’t wear their masks properly. He said he supports personal choice over government mandates. “Shouldn’t the focus be more on vaccination rather than masking?” Skop asked. The mandate comes as the state and county are facing a spike in cases, Paul Myers, administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County, said at the meeting. As of Aug. 20, there have been more than 30,000 total cases of COVID-19 in the county since the beginning of the pandemic with a new case positivity rate of 14.7%. With more than 151,000 people vaccinated as of Aug. 20, the county firmly believes vaccines will prevent severe illness and death. “A relatively painless and free vaccine can prevent a very, very expensive hospitalization,” Myers said. “If you think that being hospitalized in any way is some sort of vacation, when you can just get a relatively painless pinprick in your arm. You get hospitalized, you’re getting way more than a pinprick.” @meggmcglone mmcglone@alligator.org

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El Caimán

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Estudiante de UF de primera generación allana el camino para un legado triple de Gators EX ALUMNO DE UF DEDICA SU VIDA A INSPIRAR A OTROS, INCLUYENDO SUS DOS HERMANOS Por Elena Barrera Escritoria del Caimán

Un comienzo humilde en el pequeño pueblo de Jennings, Florida, pudo haber significado pequeños sueños para algunos, pero José Álvarez buscó algo más grande. “Me gusta decir que soy un vencedor”, dijo Álvarez, un alumno hispano de UF de primera generación. “Yo supero las cosas para que otros puedan caminar sobre ellas”. Él cumplió su título de vencedor y allanó el futuro para sus hermanos y jóvenes en toda la Florida. Álvarez, de 26 años, se graduó de UF en el 2017 con un bachillerato en ciencias familiares, juveniles y comunitarias y una especialización en liderazgo organizacional. Continuó sus estudios en UF y se graduó con su maestría en desarrollo de liderazgo este verano. Cuatro años después de recibir su primer título como un Gator, Álvarez ahora ve a su hermano menor, David Álvarez, de 18 años, comenzar su trayecto en la universidad que le abrió tantas puertas cuando era un estudiante. “He visto lo lejos que ha llegado”, dijo David. “Él es exitoso, así que ahora tengo que estar a la altura de ese estándar, y me he esforzado para ir más allá”. Álvarez dijo que siente que fue elegido para hacer el camino para su hermana de 25 años, Ismelda Álvarez, y su hermano. Ismelda se graduó de la UF en 2018 con una licenciatura en relaciones públicas, y David comenzó su primer semestre en UF este verano como estudiante de ciencias de alimentación y nutrición. Después de graduarse, Álvarez comenzó a trabajar como mentor, emprendedor y orador motivacional, actuando como guía para que sus hermanos y otras personas asistieran y se graduaran de la universidad a pesar de sus desafíos. “Es un poco loco”, dijo Ismelda. “Solíamos hablar de soñar en grande y perseguir nuestras metas, y ahora ver cómo se desarrolla es genial porque ves que tus sueños y metas se hacen realidad”. Los éxitos de Álvarez se derivaron de su firme creencia en lo que podía hacer con un título profesional. “He aprendido a ser un estudiante en todo momento”, dijo. “Asistir a la Universidad de la Florida me dio una idea de las oportunidades que se pueden abrir cuando estás comprometido a convertirte en un mejor tú”. Al provenir de un hogar monoparental de bajos ingresos, la asequibilidad era un verdadero obstáculo que Álvarez tuvo que considerar. Su tiempo en UF fue posible gracias a la beca Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship, que históricamente otorga a los estudiantes de primera generación de bajos ingresos, fondos para cubrir todos los gastos universitarios. A través de esta beca, Álvarez recibió fondos para asistir a UF durante los cuatro años de carrera, cubriendo todos sus gastos,

dijo Álvarez. Sus dos hermanos también recibieron la beca Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship. Álvarez comenzó a soñar en grande durante su tercer año de secundaria. Tenía el objetivo de convertirse en médico y planeaba regresar a casa para ayudar a la gente de su comunidad. En su último año, Álvarez sabía que el tiempo corría antes de la fecha de entrega de las solicitudes universitarias, y sabía que tenía que tomar una decisión, una que afectaría su futura carrera. A pesar de las dudas y preocupaciones de otros sobre los objetivos de Álvarez, eligió postularse solo para la Universidad de la Florida. “Mis consejeros, maestros, incluso mi propio papá me dijeron que debería apuntar un poco más bajo porque sabíamos que era difícil ingresar a UF”, dijo Álvarez. Dijo que no muchas personas de su comunidad fueron a UF, por lo que no tenía modelos a seguir cuyos pasos pudiera seguir. Sin embargo, decidido a hacer lo que sea necesario para alcanzar sus metas, Álvarez encontró orientación a través de uno de sus compañeros. “Esta chica de mi clase, que era la presidenta de la clase, tenía un gran rendimiento y todos sabían que iba a entrar en UF”, dijo. “Así que todas las clases que ella tomó, yo las tomé. Tuvimos los seis períodos juntos porque pensé que si ella estaba tomando todas estas clases y todos creían que iba a ingresar a UF, entonces yo tenía que hacer lo mismo “. Los esfuerzos de Álvarez dieron sus frutos y comenzó su viaje académico en UF en el verano de 2013 como estudiante de microbiología en pre-medicina. No pasó mucho tiempo antes de que Álvarez se diera cuenta de que no tenía pasión por la medicina. “Amaba la juventud y me di cuenta de que mi papá era el que quería que yo fuera médico”, dijo Álvarez. Incluso trató de combinar los objetivos de su padre con los suyos al dedicarse a la pediatría. “Comencé a darme cuenta de que mi propósito era realmente usar todas las plataformas que tengo para influir en la mayor cantidad de personas posible, y no podría hacerlo si pasaba todo mi tiempo estudiando y estudiando en la escuela de medicina”, dijo Álvarez. Álvarez dijo que su padre, Sergio Álvarez, fue influyente por sus logros y pasión por la educación superior. “Estoy muy orgulloso, feliz y agradecido. Es maravilloso ver que todo su arduo trabajo ha dado sus frutos ”, dijo Sergio. “Nada es imposible, simplemente teníamos fe en Dios”. Álvarez dijo que quiere predicar con el ejemplo y ser una fuente de inspiración para los futuros estudiantes hispanos de secundaria que quieran ir a la universidad. “No tenía a nadie que me enseñara lo básico”, dijo Álvarez. “Pero ahora, las universidades me pagan para hablar con sus estudiantes en programas preuniversitarios para inspirarlos a ir a la universidad y ayudarlos a comprender que también tienen el poder de cambiar la trayectoria de la vida de su familia y de muchas generaciones por venir.”

Opinions

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021 www.alligator.org/ section/opinions

Work hard, wear the mask, get the shot and have a joyful Fall

Ready for a Joyful and Successful Semester

Welcome to the start of the Fall strained and exhausted as they care semester and the new academic for the desperately ill. year! Because Linda and I live on We as a Gator community will campus, we experience the new sedecide whether this Fall semester is mester much like students. In the one of the very best in the history past few days, I’ve listened to the of the university or one of the worst Gator Band practicing for football with widespread serious illness and halftime, handed out T-shirts and possible death. If all students, staff seriously considered riding the meand faculty get vaccinated and wear Kent Fuchs UF President chanical gator at GatorNights in the a mask while indoors, then it will be Reitz Union, dropped by the Gator one of the very best semesters ever. Fair on the Plaza of the Americas and If I could, I would guarantee a fabupaid for the orders of those ahead of me in line lous semester by forcing every student, faculty at Marston Science Library Starbucks. member and staff to wear a mask and get vacciThe first day of classes, I’m planning, if nated, but I can’t. Thus, I ask everyone to make they let me, to drive a golf cart around campus, the right choice — get the shot, and wear the shouting out random compliments on my way mask. to sitting in on a class. Professor Foley, brace This Fall, Linda and I will be inviting stuyourself for someone wearing a suit who asks dents into our Dasburg House home once a awkward questions. As our children frequently month for lunch and a talk by a member of the say, serving as UF’s president is a tough job, but UF faculty. The first talk next month will be by someone has to do it. Cynthia Barnett, and I’m buying every student Although I have never looked forward as who attends a copy of her new book, “The much to a new academic year, the start of this Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the semester is different than I anticipated just last Oceans.” We’ll soon advertise on social media month. I didn’t expect to be wearing a mask how to sign up for the talk. while indoors, and I didn’t expect I would soon Although studying and working at a univerneed to get a COVID-19 booster shot. In the past sity is always serious, I very much look forward few weeks, the COVID-19 Delta variant has to filling this Fall semester with not only hard spread across our state and Gainesville commu- work but also lots of purposeful fun. Work nity, setting stunning records for new cases per hard, wear the mask, get the shot and have a day and filling our hospitals to capacity. Our he- joyful Fall. I am confident that this is going to roic health care workers have never been more be a wonderful year. Go, Gators!

Column

UF disappoints students and faculty: then and now

Alligator flashback: Fall 1969

Fast Forward: UF Campus, Fall 2021

n Fall 1969, I was an enterSome things have certainly ing graduate student from changed. Now, UF has more than Kentucky, marveling at the double the number of students. energy and engagement on The students of 1969 would recthe UF campus. Headlines in The ognize only the historic campus Alligator ranged from a lack of buildings near 13th Street and student parking to demonstraUniversity Avenue. And for the Steven Kirn tions from both the left and the last 20 months or so, much of right regarding whether UF Stu- Co-chair of combined UFF- what happens both on and off UF/GAU COVID Task Force; dent Government should join the campus has been dominated by Retired UF Professor National Student Association (“A COVID-19 and its aftermath. The tool of the CIA!” vs. “A commurhythm and tempo of campus life nist front”) to reports on incoming student have changed, and the absence of students, orientation. However, even these reports faculty, staff and visitors – and the resultincluded stern warnings from then-Presi- ing strange silence – has been striking. dent Stephen C. O’Connell about agitation From a faculty perspective, these have against the university or interfering with been among the most demanding of times: its normal functioning – neither of which turning on a dime from face-to-face teachwere defined, although they could lead to ing to virtual, revamping classwork, massevere disciplinary consequences for both tering new learning technologies, juggling students and faculty. student advising sessions and necessary It was a time of great turmoil includ- department activities, continuing research ing issues like the Vietnam War and the projects and more. But it has also meant draft, academic and speech freedom and, challenges of maintaining personal relaespecially, racial justice. In 1970-71, UF tionships with faculty colleagues and staff had more than 22,000 students, just 343 (including those just arriving at UF), findof whom were Black, leading to anti-dis- ing substitute ways to sustain a sense of crimination demonstrations, including an collective purpose and momentum and extended sit-in in President O’Connell’s building rewarding relationships with stuTigert Hall office. Other actions he re- dents. And in the midst of it all, dealing called focused on the Vietnam War: cam- with the occasional – but real – sense of pus teach-ins, walkouts and street dem- isolation and loneliness that have been onstrations. These included phalanxes of part of this experience for us all. police in full riot gear charging up and down University Avenue, firing tear gas Read the rest online at at the into the Krystal restaurant (now Chipotle) alligator.org/section/opinions and chasing “hippies” into the then-new Smathers Library.

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.

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021 ALLIGATOR 9

Former ACPS teacher accused of touching students still employed by district EVEN DECADES LATER, MANY STUDENTS FEEL AFFECTED BY GREGG S. FISSENDEN’S BEHAVIOR

By Faith Buckley Alligator Staff Writer

As she sat in her classroom at Newberry Elementary School, a fifth-grade student just wanted to learn. While she focused on reading book assignments, her teacher, Gregg Steven Fissenden, would pace between desks and randomly creep behind her. As students read aloud, he would lower his hands, rub her back and shoulders and lace his fingers through her hair. That was 24 years ago. He remains employed by the school district to this day. More than two decades later, the teacher jumped from classroom to classroom and shuffled to different Alachua County elementary schools as reports were made against him. “It was so bad that here we are in our 30s, and when you mention the man’s name, everyone cringes,” said the former student, who wanted to remain anonymous. Fissenden received a directive warning March 21, 2005, from the principal of William S. Talbot Elementary School in Gainesville after multiple students came forward with complaints about the teacher rubbing and touching them. Six months later, Fissenden received a letter of reprimand from the principal for continued touching of students. Years later, the teacher’s behavior lingered. In August, social media posts sharing the teacher’s disciplinary record circulated around the Gainesville and Alachua County community. Many elementary school parents believe justice hasn’t been served. Traci Graves, a 49-year-old Gainesville resident and former ACPS parent, feels uneasy about Fissenden’s actions. Her concerns stem from years of stories that remain unreported and sometimes untold. In 2003, her son told her Fissenden kissed a girl in the William S. Talbot Elementary School cafeteria, she said. When Graves volunteered in Fissenden’s class for events, the teacher acted like any ordinary fifth grade reading teacher. She felt shocked when she learned about his alleged behaviors on Facebook. “It’s really sad for me to think that these girls are going to school and feeling uncomfortable all day around their teacher, when that’s supposed to be a learning environment,” she said. Graves offers her sympathy to those affected by Fissenden’s actions. “They shouldn’t have to feel scared or worried about what their teacher is going to do that day,” she said. Several students in the 2017-18 school year also submitted

Melanie Peña // Alligator Staff

formal complaints about Fissenden rubbing their backs and shoulders. The report describes students’ accounts of discomfort in his classroom. Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran submitted an administrative complaint for the teacher’s behavior. Fissenden signed a settlement agreement on Oct. 24, 2019, which a hearing panel in Tallahassee approved on July 31, 2020. Fissenden was placed on probation for two employment years, fined $1,000, sent to a recovery network program and given notice of the “three strikes” provision, a Florida law stating that penalties will severely worsen for an offender once they reach three offenses. While he isn’t allowed to teach in the classroom, his teacher certifications are valid until June 2022. The educator was removed this year from High Springs Community School and no longer works directly with children, ACPS spokesperson Jackie Johnson said. Fissenden is now an online-course creator for Alachua eSchool. Johnson couldn’t be reached for comment about why Fissenden is still employed. Fissenden worked at Newberry Elementary School from 1996-2000. He then transferred to William S. Talbot Elementary School and worked there from 2001-2018. His last teaching role was at High Springs Community School from 2018-2020. Fissenden didn’t admit or deny any allegations against him, according to the settlement agreement. After multiple calls for comment, all numbers registered under Fissenden’s name appeared to be disconnected. His alleged actions, however, weren’t limited to the previous reports. Scarlett Giesler, a 27-year-old Gainesville resident, with-

drew her fourth-grade daughter from High Springs Community School at the beginning of the school year after hearing about Fissenden’s touching allegations. Now, her daughter logs into Florida Virtual School from home. “I have completely lost trust, respect, faith, any kind of probable decency toward Alachua County School Board to have someone like this still teaching,” Giesler said. The student from Fissenden’s 1997 fifth grade class at Newberry Elementary, who remains anonymous, can’t shake the frightening memories of the teacher. Despite her young age, she and her classmates knew the behavior was out of line. “It just felt gross,” she said. “And even at that age, we all felt that way.” Students even nicknamed Fissenden “Mr. Feel and Touch,” she said. They branded him a pervert because he touched students throughout the entire school year. She was glad to see Fissenden is being held accountable online but remained baffled he’s still employed by the district. “It was so bad that students would complain to their parents,” she said. “I didn’t even realize he was teaching until I started seeing posts on social media about him doing this years and years later.” She’s deeply troubled by the amount of time that has passed since her days in a Newberry Elementary classroom, squeamish as the teacher strolled down the aisles. Troubled by the exact same complaints 24 years later — all without any severe disciplinary action taken against him. @_faithbuckley fbuckley@alligator.org

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10 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021

‘Blood on their hands’: Protesters demand Alachua County Sheriff’s Office apology for newborn’s death hours after being born in jail

About 100 protesters took to the streets to protest the treatment of Erica Thompson and the death of her newborn daughter By Jiselle Lee Alligator Staff Writer

With linked arms and voices chanting “there’s blood on their hands” and “Black women matter,” about 100 protesters overtook the entrance of Alachua County Jail on Aug. 21. Residents held up signs that read “protect Black babies” and “jails kill” in solidarity with Erica Thompson, a 25-year-old Alachua County resident who lost her child Aug. 9 after her cries for help were ignored and she was forced to give birth inside her jail cell. Protesters say the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office violated Florida’s Tammy Jackson Act, which ensures inmates in labor are immediately taken to a medical facility, given proper care and not placed in restrictive housing against their will. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law in 2020 after Tammy Jackson was in labor for seven hours isolated in a Broward County jail. Florida Prisoner Solidarity raised more than $8,000 through a GoFundMe page for her food, transportation and postpartum care. Thompson, known as Heaven to her close family and friends, came to the protest but declined to comment. Danielle Chanzes, a 28-year-old community organizer for the Florida Prisoner Solidarity and Dignity Power, shared Thompson’s story through a megaphone. “We want to make sure that the community is paying attention,” Chanzes said. “We’re not going to let this go. This happened right here in our community, and so we need to make sure that this gets attention until Heaven and Ava get the justice they deserve.” Sarah Goff, a 44-year-old Alachua County

resident, brought her two daughters to the protest. She said she joined the protest to physically show her support in hopes to inspire others to stand up for women’s rights. “I think it’s important for my children to be the agents of change,” Goff said. “I’m honest with them, and I think that they understand these issues.” At 5 p.m., marchers were met with barricades blocking the entrance of the Alachua County Jail. Deputies were waiting for them. Some officers told protesters they would not be allowed to visit the property again if they engaged with the protest. As a precautionary measure, one organizer passed out emergency contact forms in the event protesters were arrested. Karine Dieuvil, a 21-year-old Dream Defenders organizing lead, said she expected the Sheriff’s office to react in this way. “We wanted to be completely lawful in the way that we organized the process because we want to make sure that we’re ensuring the safety of our community members,” Dieuvil said. “The only reason we pushed off into the street was because we were forced to. There was nowhere else to go and despite that was property we were allowed to be on in order to exercise our freedom of speech.” After confronting ACSO officers at the entrance of the jail, protesters lined up in the street and halted traffic. Before police arrived, organizers blocked drivers from passing through and asked them to turn around. Around 30 minutes into the protest, Gainesville Police Department officers showed up and assisted with moving traffic. GPD cars were later seen at both ends of the street blocking traffic and leading cars onto other roads so they would not encounter protesters.

Lauren Witte // Alligatort Staff

Tray Johns, FedFam4Life executive director, talks to the officers blocking the entrance to Alachua County Jail during the Justice for Heaven and Ava protest on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. Thompson was arrested for two active warrants for charges of a felony violation of probation and failure to appear on a traffic charge, according to an Alachua County Sheriff Facebook post. The post states Thompson went into premature labor and gave birth to her daughter Ava in the jail. ACSO transported her and her baby to the hospital where her baby died. On Friday, ACSO held a press conference

Lauren Witte // Alligator Staff

Protestors lock arms to block traffic on Northeast 39th Avenue outside Alachua County Jail on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. They moved into the street because deputies blocked the entrance to the Alachua County Jail.

to defend Thompson’s arrest and handling of Ava’s birth. The office released photos to verify the timeline of events leading to and following Ava’s birth. ACSO also has a video not yet released to the public as of Friday of Thompson’s time in the jail — Lieutenant Brett Rhodenizer, the lead investigator with the ACSO’s office of professional standards, said the video is still a part of the department’s ongoing investigation into what happened. Rhodenizer said the photos and video show that deputies checked on Thompson every 15 minutes, but she didn’t ask for help until she knocked on the door at 10:20 p.m. Whether protesters were met with opposition didn’t matter to Tray Johns — a 46-year-old executive director of Dignity Power, an organization for incarcerated women that helped pass the Tammy Jackson Act. Feeling her labor rights as an inmate were violated, Thompson sought advice from Johns, who felt responsible to ensure her case was heard and other women don’t suffer in future similar situations. “She said, ‘I had my baby in the jail. Can you help me?’” Johns said. “‘Girl, I’m on my godd--- way!’ That’s what I said. And the next morning I got up out of my bed in Orlando, packed up my grandbabies and came up to Gainesville.” Some, like Johns, remain unconvinced that ASCO should be absolved of responsibility. This demonstration was to see tangible change come from what happened to Thompson, Johns added. “We’re hoping that (Sheriff) Clovis (Watson) holds true to his word,” Johns said. “Instead of him protecting Black women, he doubled down and called her a liar. She’s a 25-year-old girl. And the undeniable thing: she was pregnant and had her baby in his jail. And the least he could’ve done was apologize.” @jiselle_lee jlee@alligator.org

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King Features Weekly Ser vice

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by Fifi Rodriguez

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Student return to Gainesville could alleviate pandemic troubles for local businesses GAINESVILLE BUSINESSES PREPARE FOR THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS’ RETURN IN THE FALL

By Troy Myers Alligator Staff Writer

Now that students are returning for in-person classes, businesses are optimistic after a year of economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. More customers means more workers can be hired. Across the country, businesses have dealt with issues over their supply chain, increases in product prices, less in-store traffic and staff shortages. According to a survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 52% of businesses nationwide laid off employees, with or without pay, between July and September 2020. Satchel Raye, owner of Satchel’s Pizza, located at 1800 NE 23rd Ave., and Satch Squared, located at 405 SW Fourth Ave., cut 26 employees off payroll when both restaurants stopped in-person dining in March 2020. When he reopened indoor dining in May 2020 at his two locations, Raye said he was fortunate to rehire his former employees. “When we opened back up, we started hiring them back,” Raye said. “Now we’re back to the staff we had before.” Preceding the start of the pandemic, Gainesville reached its lowest recorded unemployment rate at 2.8% in December 2019. Four months later, with the onset of COVID-19, the city reached 9.2% — its highest unemployment rate. As of June, Gainesville’s unemployment rate is 4.9%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent data. While many restaurants avoided closing permanently, the city witnessed many local favorites shut down during the pandemic. Larry’s Giant Subs’ — the popular late-night

University Avenue location — closed in May 2020. Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria, known for attracting crowds to its Latin nights and buy-one-get-onefree margaritas, also said goodbye to Gainesville in November 2020. Still soldiering through pandemicrelated challenges like staff shortages and less in-person patronage, the businesses left standing are hoping for change with the Fall semester. Some restaurants adopted takeout-only policies until September 2020, which allowed them to scrape by with less employees. Having opened early 2020, Raye said Satch Squared’s takeout orders kept his business afloat at the beginning of the pandemic. As he prepares for an influx of customers with student return, Raye has had trouble finding more employees. He’s hopeful Satch Squared may become a stu-

dent favorite. “We found there’s a lot less people who show up for interviews,” Raye said. “We don’t know what to expect with students coming back.” Phyllis Marty is the CEO of CareerSource North Central Florida which helps connect Alachua County and Bradford County residents to potential employers. She said rather than local businesses that normally don’t provide healthcare and dental benefits, retail and food service workers have flocked to distribution and advanced manufacturing centers, such as Walmart, Nordstrom, Amazon and Sysco. “Restaurants are struggling to get workers,” Marty said. “But advanced manufacturing, they don’t have a problem getting people hired.” Online orders also became popular during the pandemic to avoid in-

person contact while shopping. Cordaroy’s, a furniture store known for its bean bag chairs, located at 3417 W University Ave., found success in online sales when in-store traffic drastically decreased. Cordaroy’s store manager William Von Wowern said the need for furniture geared toward relaxation while people were in quarantine, like beds and bean bag chairs, helped the business stay open. Although the store kept busy with online sales, Von Wowern echoed Marty and Raye’s concerns about staffing as his employees were spread thin. “We’ve had some issues with the warehouse employees,” he said. “We have just enough people, so we’re definitely hiring.” Ward’s Supermarket, a locallysourced grocery store located at 515

Lauren Witte // Alligator Staff

Satchel Raye, 53, stands in the Satch Patch behind Satchel’s on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021. When asked how he felt about the upcoming fall, Raye said, “I’m glad the football games are coming back.” Satchel’s opened in Gainesville in 2003.

NW 23rd Ave., is struggling to get products it normally carries. Store manager Angie Mohr said she has also seen product prices increase, as the store is not getting as many shipments as it used to. Despite these issues, Mohr was proud to say the store kept all its staff employed and avoided letting go of employees. She said she’s ready for the Fall semester. “We hire a lot of young people,” Mohr said. “This is a stepping stone job.” While many restaurants are now offering dine-in services, staff shortages continue to limit their full potential. Ryan Phillips, general manager of One Love Cafe, located 4989 NW 40th Place, said his restaurant offers an outside seating area that accommodates for social distancing. Unfortunately, he said the cafe has still had to brave a lack of employees, continuing through today. The cafe used to be open Tuesday through Sunday but had to decrease its hours of operation to Thursday through Sunday during the pandemic. Phillips said the restaurant started closing in the afternoon before reopening for dinner, mainly due to slow business and limited staff. It continues to have limited hours. Phillips said going forward, his priority is to hire new staff. Because the pandemic caused some students to stay in their hometowns for online classes instead of attending class on campus, Gainesville lost a significant amount of its population. This Fall semester is offering local businesses the chance to get back on track. “All business in Gainesville is dependent on students,” Phillips said. “Summertime is always a huge drop in business, so now that school’s coming up we’re expecting to pick back up.” @Troy_Myers1 tmyers@alligator.org

A guide to the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area THE DEPARTMENT PROPOSES REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR UNDERSERVED NEIGHBORHOODS

By Jiselle Lee Alligator Staff Writer

Just miles from a swamp of orange and blue sits a rich history of Black neighborhoods. Although Gainesville residents have adapted to the college environment within the city, many UF students living within the university bubble will never learn about East East Gainesville’s history. The Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area, which is now a department of the city commission, was created in 1979 to reinvest in underserved communities and reverse what community members felt was years of neglect. It was then known as The City of Gainesville Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency, which began to revamp College Park/University Heights, Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street, Downtown and Eastside. Throughout the past two decades of reform, the initial GCRA tax funds were used exclusively to invest in the four redevelopment areas but are now extended to the one reinvestment area set by the city and county commission. The GCRA was involved with major proj-

ects including the redevelopment of the 17-acre “Power District” between downtown and Depot Park in 2016 and a $3.5 million dollar Midtown makeover in 2017. Former District 1 City Commissioner Scherwin Henry, whose jurisdiction included the majority of Gainesville’s east side, worked on the development of the often underserved area from 2006 to 2012. Henry witnessed the GCRA become a city department after years of working under a Florida statute. “The county felt that the College Park area had become self-sufficient and did not need the degree of reinvestment that it was receiving,” he said. “They felt that those dollars could be redirected to other areas such as East Gainesville.” Henry believes the GCRA hasn’t kept the promises it was founded upon, and it could have served as an economic catalyst for districts in need of reinvestment. “There has been minimal reinvestment in the East Gainesville area as well as the Pleasant Street area,” he said. As a part of its 10-year reinvestment plan, the GCRA promised economic development initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and housing and food reinvestment. The plans were proposed and approved in March 2020. Still some are skeptical about the GCRA’s involvement in East Gainesville’s neighborhoods. Chanae Jackson, a 41-year-old community

activist, was interested in seeing the fruition of The Historical Heritage Trail, a project to mark the cultural significance and historic landmarks of Fifth Avenue and Pleasant Street. But she is disappointed the city has delayed the project since 2009. “A lot of people are really unaware that Black people in East Gainesville have a rich history,” Jackson said. “It’s always pushed back.” She believes the department doesn’t implement programs that align with the Black community’s wants and needs. It’s important that the GCRA hires more consultants who are East Gainesville natives, she said. Although it’s vital for East Gainesville residents to be a part of the reinvestment conversation, she said she knows people who tried to participate and did not have their concerns heard. “True investment in the community are things like health care centers and accessible grocery stores,” Jackson said. “The GCRA is not improving the quality of life of the community with their investment projects.” Tricia Lopez, a project manager and advisory board liaison for GCRA, is currently looking for applicants for their citizen’s advisory board. The selected 15 participants will represent their community by attending a monthly meeting for a two-year term. The deadline to apply for a position on the board is Aug. 31. Decisions made

during citizen advisory board meetings are reported to the assistant city manager and the city commission. Lopez is aware East Gainesville residents are anxiously waiting for the start of projects after seeing many of them share their feelings in GCRA meetings. “With only an eight-person team and limited funding, we could not start all of our projects at once,” Lopez said. Sheila Payne, a 64-year-old Gainesville resident, has participated in a few GCRA citizen’s advisory board meetings and is on the executive board of the Alachua County Labor Coalition. She believes the No. 1 priority of a department like the GCRA should be building more housing. “I am disgusted with both the city and county’s lack of getting more housing built,” she said. “Too much money is spent on community outreach and listening sessions and not enough on finding those organizations who can tap into federal and non-profit money to partner with to build and manage affordable housing.” Ultimately, for decades, the GCRA has been trying to strengthen the roots of people in the neighborhoods it knows and loves. @jiselle_lee jlee@alligator.org

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021 www.alligator.org/section/sports

FOOTBALL

New year, new Gators: Breaking down Florida’s offense in 2021 UF LOOKS TO FILL PRODUCTION HOLE LEFT BY DEPARTING PLAYERS By Michael Hull Sports Writer

The 2020 Florida Gators offense set the SEC ablaze through the air. Quarterback Kyle Trask, tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Kadarius Toney led the Gators to an SEC Championship appearance. The historic offense averaged nearly 40 points and 510 yards per game. Florida’s success revolved around its passing game, as UF averaged an SEC-leading 388 passing yards per game in 2020. The leading trio from last season all moved on to the NFL, leaving a gaping hole in the Gators offense this season and demanding massive renovation this offseason. Here is a positional breakdown of the 2021 Florida offense and how different it might look.

Quarterback

Trask is now learning from Tom Brady with the Buccaneers, allowing quarterback Emory Jones to finally take over the Florida offense. The redshirt junior spent his last two seasons in Gainesville as a gadget player and in clean-up duty behind Trask, but he’s shown flashes of greatness. He played just 95 snaps in 2020 but was the team’s third-leading rusher, totaling 217 yards on the ground. Pro Football Focus gave him a rushing grade of 86.1 — which topped every quarterback in the country. Jones also possesses underrated arm talent. Again, small sample size, but he completed 58% of his passes in 2020 for 217 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Jones’ athleticism is known, but the key to success for No. 5 is consistency. Jones is a night and day difference at quarterback from Trask, as he’s more mobile and athletic but not quite as accurate. Mullen attempted to hammer home Jones’ passing ability during camp, saying on Aug. 12 there are times during practice where the coach will force his quarterback to stay in the pocket and not allow him to scramble and use his legs. Despite these training tactics, the offense will still have to adjust to Jones’ typical style of play. Quarterback Anthony Richardson is the other quarterback in the locker room who could see significant playing time like Jones did the last few seasons. While Jones seems to have a firm handle on the starting job, the redshirt freshman could make a push if Jones struggles. Similar to Jones, Richardson is mobile and has a strong arm. He only appeared in four games last season, but he was a fourstar recruit and 247Sports’ ninthranked dual threat prospect coming out of the local Eastside High School. Richardson had a strong camp, and Mullen said he feels comfortable with both quarterbacks heading into 2021.

Running back

Simply put, even Florida’s coaches know the team needs more production from its running backs in 2021. A new offensive scheme and mobile quarterback should help with that, but the backs also need to improve. Senior Dameon Pierce led the unit last season, totaling 501 yards on 107 carries for an average of 4.7 yards per carry. Redshirt senior Malik Davis followed Pierce in yards with 306, but he also led the unit with 379 yards receiving. The duo should be expected to

Alligator File Photo

Florida quarterback Emory Jones gets ready for a play against Idaho during Florida’s 63-10 win on Nov. 17, 2018. 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.

lead the backfield again, but they’ll be supplemented by redshirt sophomore Nay’Quan Wright, Miami transfer Lorenzo Lingard and Clemson transfer Demarkcus Bowman. Wright and Lingard were both used sparingly in 2020 — Wright played 75 snaps while Lingard played eight. They should both see the field more in a run-heavy offense this season. Florida running backs coach Greg Knox spoke about the group’s talent on Aug. 18 and knows they have to rise to the occasion this season. “I tell my guys all the time we got to step up,” Knox said. “We got to play much better, we got to do a better job. We got to be the bell cows.” Knox was especially complimentary of the transfers Bowman and Lingard, calling them home-run hitters. “If they get in open space, they are a threat to put that ball in the end zone,” Knox said.

Wide Receiver

The receiver position saw a mass exodus of production in the offseason. Florida’s top two receivers from a year ago, Toney and Trevon Grimes, both pursued their NFL dreams. Now, it’s up to veterans Jacob Copeland and Justin Shorter to anchor a young group of wideouts. Copeland will don the sacred No. 1 this season. Worn by Gators greats like Toney and Percy Harvin, the No. 1 jersey carries extra weight in The Swamp, and Copeland is ready to embrace the responsibility. “[I’m] making sure all my younger receivers stand up, stay tall with everything going on, make sure they keep their head in the game and develop as time comes,” Copeland told the media Aug. 11. The redshirt junior saw 40 targets thrown his way last season, hauling in 23 for 435 yards. Copeland played more of a deep-threat role in 2020, but he should see his role and target share expand in 2021 with the losses of Toney, Grimes and Pitts. Shorter, meanwhile, should serve as a large red-zone target for Jones. The former Penn State wideout’s 6-foot-5, 227-pound frame is a welcome addition to the offense after its main 2020 red-zone threat, Pitts, was drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Falcons. While Shorter wasn’t able to establish himself in Happy Valley, he was an elite recruit coming out of high school. He was ranked as the best wideout in the country in the class of 2018, according to 247Sports. The rest of the receiver room is flooded with talent and will battle for playing time. Redshirt sophomore Trent Whittemore operated most often from the slot in 2020, tallying 128 yards. He will compete with redshirt seniors Rick Wells and

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Alligator File Photo

Florida running back Malik Davis runs with the ball during Florida's 3824 win against Vanderbilt on Sept. 30, 2017, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Jordan Pouncey for playing time inside. Sophomore Xzavier Henderson should also see time on the field. Brother of former Gator C.J. Henderson, the sophomore only hauled in nine receptions in his freshman campaign, but his speed and size (6-foot3) should help him get snaps in 2021.

Tight End

Florida won’t replace Pitts’ production from the tight end spot this season. That’s not an insult to the current roster, but rather a compliment to just how incredible Pitts’ 2020 campaign was. The former Gator won the John Mackey Award for the nation’s top tight end and became the first player at his position to ever be named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the country’s top receiver. Despite the loss of Pitts, the Gators still have weapons in the tight end room. Junior Keon Zipperer and redshirt senior Kemore Gamble are the two names to note entering 2021. Both saw an uptick in playing time last season when Pitts was sidelined with an injury, and they seized the moment. Gamble scored a touchdown against Georgia, while Zipperer tallied 47 yards and two touchdowns versus Arkansas. Again, neither player will touch Pitts’ production from a season ago, but they can both line up in multiple areas on the field and are solid blockers.

Offensive Line

Florida’s offensive line will be essential to the team’s success this season. While most of the emphasis last year was on pass-blocking, the shift to the run game will lead to more power run-blocking from the group. Redshirt junior left tackle Richard Gouriage is excited for the shift and said on Aug. 19 the rest of the line feels the same way. “That's what we came to Florida

for, just to pound the rock down a defense,” he said. “That's what we just really here for, to get in that endzone.” Gouriage started at left guard in all 12 games in 2020 but will move outside to block the quarterback’s blindside at left tackle after Stone Forsythe’s departure to the NFL. Pro Football Focus ranked the Florida line ninth in the SEC entering 2021. To surpass that projection, the Gators will need junior guard Ethan White to live up to the hype he’s received this offseason. Gouriage said the chemistry between him and White is growing, calling the left guard phenomenal during media sessions. White missed time in 2020, but he was extremely effective when he saw the field, not allowing any sacks in the four games he played. While the left side of the line deals with high-upside youth, the right side will most likely feature older veterans. Right guard Stewart Reece announced his return to UF as a grad student for 2021, while redshirt senior right tackle Jean Delance returns for his sixth season. Both face competition from other backups on the roster but are the projected starters as of now. Center is the main question mark along the line. After the graduation of Brett Heggie, both Reese and White were in the conversation for the starting center spot, but the Gators are expected to roll with redshirt sophomore Kingsley Eguakun. Mullen said Eguakun embraced everything that being a starting center comes with. Head coach Dan Mullen has a whole new set of toys to play with and an offensive attack to retool before kickoff on Sept. 4 in The Swamp versus FAU.

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

@Michael_Hull33 mhull@alligator.org

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021 ALLIGATOR 15

SOCCER

Slowly but surely: Florida soccer’s morale takes a turn for the better

Gators stand 0-1-1 after first week under new head coach Tony Amato By Jesse Richardson Sports Writer

Alligator File Photo

Fans sit in the stands of Donald R. Dizney Stadium before a game on Oct. 30, 2020, against Tennessee.

Florida soccer may not have a tally in the win column yet, but the confidence is still growing within the locker room as the young season matures. The Gators started 2021 with an 0-1-1 record after their comeback draw against the Texas Longhorns Aug. 22, and leaders are starting to emerge for new head coach Tony Amato. Amato is slowly settling in with his team as he discovers more about his arsenal stepping onto the pitch. “I think the biggest thing is, we’re all still figuring each other out, right?” Amato said. “We’ve trained like, 11 times and played a couple of games. I thought we saw today, like down a goal late in the game, our urgency grew.” “It’s just hard to win college soccer games and you can talk about tactics all day long and passing and all these sorts of things but at the end of the day, you have to be able to fight back.” Sophomore goaltender Alexa Goldberg is without a doubt the spark plug which ignited her team thus far after remarkable performances against both Texas and South Florida. The netminder racked up 20 saves in two matches played, many of which came at cru-

cial points in the game. She made her clutchest save within the last 10 seconds of the overtime battle with the Longhorns. Texas midfielder Lexi Missimo beamed a desperate shot toward the top shelf for the win, but Goldberg made a miraculous leap to punch the ball over the crossbar and save the 1-1 draw. The emergence of Goldberg was unforeseen, as the keeper only donned the gloves for the Gators a total of three times: her two starts this season and one forgetful performance last year against Missouri. Offensive leaders like graduate midfielder Kit Loferski and redshirt forward Nicole Vernis have rose to the occasion to create chances which were scarce in the USF match. Loferski took two of Florida’s six shots compared to the Bulls’ 15 shots on goal. Both Loferski and Vernis showed aggression on the defensive side of the ball and created their own chances via turnovers. Florida has kinks in the system, but diamonds can only be formed with high pressure. The Gators’ season continues Thursday with a showdown against UCF. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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