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VOLUME 116 ISSUE 33

MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022

Not officially associated with the University of Florida

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Fort Clarke student arrested after bringing loaded gun to school SOME PARENTS EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT THE SCHOOL’S HANDLING OF THE INCIDENT

By Omar Ateyah Alligator Staff Writer

A Fort Clarke middle schooler was arrested after he brought a loaded gun to campus Friday. Jaylan Hillman, a Gainesville resident, stole a handgun from his mother before bringing it to school, according to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office press release. The 15-year-old was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center and charged with theft and possession at school. Jackie Johnson, Alachua County Public Schools’ spokesperson, said he was isolated and in law enforcement’s custody as soon as the weapon was found. At least two parents said the school received prior warning of potential violence on campus. Three of Lurenzo Murray’s children attend Fort Clarke. He said his 14-year-old daughter, Makenna Murray, overheard a conversation between classmates on Thursday about a potential shooting. Makenna, an eighth grader, decided to report the matter immediately. Although Murray was originally skeptical of what his daughter told him, he now believes the school fell short in mitigating the threat. “When I see on Facebook this gun was actually taken and it was loaded and ready, I just think everything failed,” he said. “I think the school system had failed on that threat.” Olaolu Ogunlano said his sixth-grade son voiced concerns to him April 6 about a potential shooting. Ogunlano said his child heard from a friend that two students were planning on carrying out a school shooting. He said they had a list of people to target and intended to carry out the crime before the end of the academic year. Ogunlano said he reached out to the father of the friend, Fort Clarke’s Dean Daniel Lathem and Assistant Principal Brad Hutchinson. Hutchinson told him the issue was linked to a dispute over a video game. Ogunlano said he will not be sending his son back to Fort Clarke because of the incident. “I appreciate the fact that they did catch it before it happened, but, at the same time, I don’t appreciate the fact that they were just so nonchalant about it,” he said. Johnson said incidents like Friday generally result in a recommendation for expulsion. She declined to comment on details pertaining to Hillman’s case. Every case is looked at individually, and factors such as disability determine what repercussions would look like, she said. In response to parents’ concerns, Johnson said ACPS takes such threats seriously and immediately performs a threat assessment. @OAteyah oateyah@alligator.org

SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT Gators baseball wins series over Mizzou

Story description finish with comma, pg# Florida secured its third straight conference series win. Read more on pg. 12.

More than 600 Gainesville citizens join nationwide ‘Ban off our Bodies’ rallies on Saturday, May 14th, at the 6th St. and 2nd Ave. intersection. Read more on page 5. Anna Ward // Alligator Staff

'Stop WOKE Act' creates academic freedom concerns among UF students and professors Gov. Ron DeSantis’ law will limit race discussion starting Aug. 1 By Anushka Dakshit Alligator Staff Writer

The UF community fears discussions about race in classrooms across Florida universities may be stunted come Fall. On Aug. 1, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ law limiting how race is discussed in workplaces and classrooms — known as the “Stop WOKE Act” — will go into effect. UF students and professors find it difficult to see a future where critical thinking and academic freedom can still be practiced. The WOKE Act’s purpose, according to a news release from DeSantis’ staff April 22, is to take on “corporate wokeness and Critical Race Theory.” The bill mandates revising required instruction on the history of African Americans and is meant to protect people from the “far-left woke agenda,” according to DeSantis. The bill exists to deter professors from

teaching students about race in a way that would make any particular group feel like they carry responsibility for the past, saying that it is discrimination. UF’s faculty and staff received a recorded presentation the first week of May about how to stay within the law’s jurisdictions. President Kent Fuchs encouraged viewers to be objective educators, and the first slide cautioned that UF will face financial penalties for violating the WOKE act. But to understand Florida history, people have to understand race, said Steven Noll, an instructional professor in UF’s history department. “I thought the bill was an infringement upon academic freedom,” Noll said. “The notion of what objectivity is, particularly regarding race, is really kind of problematic.” Talking about power dynamics among different races throughout history is neces-

New Florida food provider

Chartwells set to take over UF dining management contract July 1 to mixed reactions, pg. 2

sary and isn’t meant to make white people out as evil, Noll said. He said it’s important to consider that students didn’t have a say in what they thought about the bill before it was passed. “They are not just empty receptacles,” he said. “They are active participants in the learning process.” Noll said he will not be changing the books he uses to teach or the way that he teaches. “I used to say, probably my job in my class is to make you feel uncomfortable,” Noll said. “Whether you are a rock-ribbed conservative or some flaming liberal, I want you to think about why you're that way.” Kavya Sarin, a 20-year-old senior majoring in biology and women’s studies, said she was concerned the bill was signed in the first place.

SEE HB 7, PAGE 4

Baby formula shortage

Gainesville moms struggle to find baby formula after major callbacks, pg. 5

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2 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022

UF breaks tiesToday’s with Aramark, hires Chartwells Higher Weather Education to manage campus food distribution THE TRANSITION MAY BRING NEW DINING OPTIONS AND JEOPARDIZE STUDENT JOBS

By Julia Cooper and Fernando Figueroa Contributing Writer and Alligator Staff Writer

UF Business Services announced recently it will break off its 13-year contract with Aramark to hire Chartwells Higher Education to handle all on-campus food services, including catering, residential, retail and athletic dining. The new provider is set to take over July 1. The transition means 949 Aramark workers, including 515 students, will be laid off in late June. Each will be given the opportunity to interview for a position earning equal or better wages than what they earn now, UF business affairs communications manager AnaLee Rodriguez wrote in an email to The Alligator. It is unclear if all Aramark positions will be offered with Chartwells. Contract negotiations between Chartwells and UF have not been finalized, but UF has advertised renovations and expanded local partnerships under Chartwells. A document obtained by Food Justice Coalition members and shared with The Alligator details Chartwells’ proposal. It contains data about Gen Z’s dining tendencies from its analytics partner, E15. The proposal, which has not been officially approved, shows the Broward Dining Center may transform into “1853: A Florida Food Hall Experience.” Gator Corner Dining Center could become the “Gator Den” and serve fresh produce and protein from local farms including Traders Hill Farms, Frog Song Organics and Fisher Farms. Chartwells hopes to bring a teaching kitchen to campus, which would focus on educational food classes and nutrition literacy. Reitz Union restaurants, including Wing Zone, Pollo Tropical and Papa John’s, may be replaced with

alternatives. Chartwells proposed Sonny’s BBQ, Luke’s New York Bagel Shop and Satchel's Pizza become permanent campus fixtures. Ronan Hart, a 21-year-old UF history senior and Food Justice Coalition organizer, said the change is a win for their cause. The group, formed in 2020 by students and local activists, called on the university to award its new contract to a provider that does not rely on prison labor contracts or commit wage violations — scandals Aramark has been criticized for. It also demanded a $15 hourly minimum wage, a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in local food sourcing and further transparency measures. “Aramark is gone, which is a pretty big part of what we were asking for,” Hart said. “We don’t want to overlook that.” He said he is still disappointed by unethical practices at Chartwells’ parent company, the Compass Group. He disapproved of its service with the oil industry, military bases and correctional facilities outside the U.S. “UF can’t just buy their way into an ethical food system,” Hart said. Chartwells has been criticized in the past for mishandling its accounts, including D.C. Public Schools and its parent company’s involvement in the 2013 horsemeat scandal. Chartwells acknowledged it has fallen short in some instances and assured it has learned from past experiences to properly manage and investigate issues, Meredith Rosenberg, the vice president of communications and creative services for Chartwells, wrote in an email to The Alligator May 4. The university based its decision on several criteria including funding, sustainability, involvement in the prison service industry, and diversity and inclusion policies, staffing and improvement plans. UF officials believed Chartwells’ proposal was most aligned with UF’s vision for campus dining, Rodriguez wrote.

Hope Dean // Alligator Staff

An employee prepares a cheeseburger at The Fresh Food Company.

VOLUME 116 ISSUE 33

ISSN 0889-2423

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About three weeks after UF’s procurement website published a document stating the university’s intention to choose Chartwells, Aramark filed a formal written protest to UF’s Director of Procurement Nicola Heredia. It called for a quasi-judicial hearing to overturn the decision. Aramark has since withdrawn the protest. Aramark alleged Chartwells concealed its parent company’s ties to prison service and UF employees unlawfully favored Chartwells during the selection process. Aramark representatives included a document that shows Canteen, a vending services division of Compass Group USA, entered a contract with the Orange County Board of Commissioners to provide vending machines for its corrections department. The contract was signed in Sept. 2017 and remains in effect until Sept. 26, 2022. While Canteen does currently have a contract with the correctional facilities, Chartwells holds no contracts with prisons, according to Courtney Bryant Hill, a Chartwells representative. “We want to clarify that Chartwells Higher Education has never managed any food service operations within any correctional facilities,” Rosenberg wrote in an email to The Alligator. “In fact, as a first in our industry, Compass Group USA made a conscious decision to divest all remaining interest in its prison services business, Trinity, in 2014.” Aramark alleged a UF employee openly disparaged Aramark and urged its employees to seek employment with Chartwells instead. Aramark alleged the UF employee, who they say oversaw evaluation committee meetings, would announce his prejudice against Aramark in front of those involved with contract decision-making. Aramark declined to comment on the written protest and UF awarding its dining management contract to Chartwells. UF officials say they stand by their decision to choose Chartwells as the university’s next dining provider. “Following the selection, Aramark filed a protest in which it made numerous allegations,” Assistant Vice President for Business Services Eddie Daniels wrote in an email. “Aramark did not provide additional facts or evidence to support the allegations and subsequently withdrew its protest.” @JuliaArinCooper @fernfigue ffigueroa@alligator.org

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MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022 ALLIGATOR 3

GPD investigating Cinco de Mayo altercation at The Social THE INVESTIGATION IS REVIEWING ACCUSATIONS OF EMPLOYEES’ USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE TOWARD TWO LGBTQ MEN MAY 5

By Sandra McDonald Alligator Staff Writer

GPD opened an investigation after an alleged assault at The Social at Midtown May 5. According to an Instagram story posted May 6 by Carlos Zaragoza, 22, he and his partner, Christian Acevedo, 22, were in the same stall in the men’s bathroom the evening of May 5. Security assaulted them after forcefully removing them from the stall, he said. GPD has made no arrests but is investigating the incident. Reports obtained by The Alligator were heavily redacted. It does not state the alleged victims’ names or any information given to responding officers. Graham Glover, GPD’s public information officer, declined to comment on the report. Robert Zeller, owner of The Social, said the alleged victims were violent toward two managers. Zeller said the altercation was an enforcement of his establishment’s rules, not an issue of homophobia. The policy of keeping one person to a stall has been standard for the last 27 years, he said. “If there’s two people — it doesn’t matter if they’re male or female or what they are — they’re in a stall, they’re doing cocaine 99 times out of 100,” Zeller said. “If not, they’re having sex.”

He said he was unsure what the alleged victims were doing in the bathroom. The Social does not tolerate any violence toward employees or customers, he said, and allowing illicit activities on the property could lead to The Social losing its liquor license. “If I got 600 people in there, I have to look out for the safety of all 600,” he said. “I can’t let two people possibly endanger the other 598 because if they’re willing to be violent towards a staff member, they’re definitely willing to be violent toward another customer,” he said. Acevedo also posted in a Facebook post he entered the stall to check on his partner, Zaragoza, before he was then allegedly attacked by a security guard. A picture posted to a crowdfunding page shows Zaragoza lying in a bed at UF Shands Hospital with multiple monitors attached to his chest where he said they remained for nine hours. “It’s ridiculous that queer people can’t even check up on each other in peace without getting the s--t beaten out of them,” Acevedo wrote. “This is exactly why I, AS A QUEER PERSON, do not feel safe going into straight places.” GPD’s redacted incident report lists UF public health graduate student Victoria Paniagua, 22, as a witness to the alleged assault. Acevedo, Zaragoza and Paniagua all said a lawyer advised them to not speak about the ongoing investigation. “We are confident that the evidence will show that an employee of the Social, acting in a security capacity, engaged in an unprovoked, unjustified and excessive use of force against both of my clients with the result that they both sustained significant injuries, and are currently undergoing medical treatment

for those injuries,” Robert Soraci — Acevedo and Zaragoza’s lawyer — said. Soraci was unable to give details on the alleged assault but said there was evidence nothing illicit or improper occurred in the stall his clients occupied together. “The real tragedy is that both of my clients — Christian and Carlos — their intent on May 5, 2022, was to go to The Social and have a good time, and this turned into a nightmare for both of them.” @sn_mcdonald smcdonald@alligator.org

Faith Buckley // Alligator Staff

Social at Midtown on May 7th.

Gainesville man sentenced to 24 Motorcyclist dies in crash on years in prison for child pornography Northwest 39th Avenue

The sentence comes after he was convicted on two counts child pornography possession last year By Omar Ateyah Alligator Staff Writer

A Gainesville man was sentenced to more than 24 years in prison on child pornography charges Wednesday. Gainesville Police Department started investigating Travonta Rivers in 2019 when a detective caught him trading child pornography. The 34-year-old was arrested in St. Johns County — where he works — after police obtained his computers with the videos in May 2020 in Gainesville, according to a GPD press release. Homeland Security Investigations took up the case, and he was arrested for the same offense in December 2020. Rivers was convicted on two counts of receiving child pornography in July 2021. The U.S. Attorney’s Office release noted

GPD, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations were all involved. “We will continue to work together to keep our children safe from victimization,” Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr. was quoted as saying in the U.S. Attorney’s Office released. “We’ve been effective in our collaboration and will continue to be. We are better together.” Rivers’ criminal history dates back to 2006; he has been charged with battery, theft and marijuana possession. Authorities will supervise Rivers for 20 years after he serves his time in prison, according to the release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. @OAteyah oateyah@alligator.org

The accident occurred when the motorcyclist collided with another vehicle By Omar Ateyah Alligator Staff Writer

A motorcyclist died Wednesday afternoon after crashing into another vehicle on Northwest 39th Avenue. The accident occurred at the intersection of Northwest 39th Avenue and Northwest 24th Boulevard near Uptown Village Apartments. The male motorcyclist is believed to have run through a red light while speeding, Gainesville Police Department spokesperson Graham Glover said. The motorcyclist collided with the passenger side of a four-door white sedan around 12:45 p.m. Glover said it was likely he died immediately. The driver of the sedan suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital before being released.

Northwest 39th Avenue was closed from Northwest 19th Street to Northwest 34th Street for two hours as a result of the accident, Glover said. Lori McKinnon Padgett wrote in Facebook direct messages she was picking up her grandson from Norton Elementary School when she saw the aftermath of the crash. She said she saw a body covered by a sheet and noticed the motorcycle was on fire. Glover said the realities of the road are the same for motorcyclists as they are for other drivers. “My counsel to them would be the same as my counsel to people who drive cars,” Glover said. “Obey the speed limit. Follow the traffic laws.” @OAteyah oateyah@alligator.org

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4 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022

Professors fear new law will weaken education quality A recently signed Florida bill will permit more frequent reviews of tenured professors By Kyle Bumpers Alligator Staff Writer

UF professors are concerned about Senate Bill 7044, a new bill that allows an institute’s Board of Trustees to require post-tenure reviews every five years. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the law April 19; it will take effect July 1. Tenured professors, who have been granted permanent employment at their university, cannot be fired without cause until they decide to leave on their own accord. Hessy Fernandez, UF’s director of strategic communications, wrote in an email the law does not affect what defines tenure and does not create a cemented system for post-tenure review. Rather, it suggests the Board of Governors may develop regulation regarding post-tenure review should they wish, she wrote. The university will look over its post-tenure review process after the Board of Governors provides recommendations on how to do so, she wrote. Anna Peterson, a 58-year-old UF religion professor, said professors aren’t paid or appreciated enough to stay somewhere that doesn’t give them enough credit. “We do it because we love it,” Peterson said. “We don’t do it because we’re making a million bucks a year.” Peterson said tenured professors are constantly reviewed by peers and students, and she completes annual activity reports around 15 pages long. “I’m already reviewed,” she said. “The point is, I’m not reviewed by the legislation. And I’m not reviewed by Ron DeSantis, who does not understand my research and my teaching and does not understand what tenure means.” Peterson highlighted the academic freedom that tenure gives professors. She said being tenured gives her the confidence to address difficult topics without fear of being punished. Stephen Craig, a 73-year-old professor in the department of political science, knows he will not be teaching in five years but acknowledged the law could present issues if not carefully controlled and regulated. “Given where the law came from and the words of the people who supported it, I think we have quite a lot to be worried about,” Craig said. He said the law has potential to be used as a right-wing weapon. He said he feared professors could be punished for not being conservative. Craig said these conditions could hurt the university’s ability to recruit more professors. “There’s no question that the University of Florida will have trouble attracting and keeping good faculty,” Craig said. “People just won’t want to come here under these political circumstances.”

Ashleigh Lucas // Alligator Staff

English teacher Cassidy Klein is seen inside the A. Quinn Jones Center on Thursday, Jan. 20 teaching. He said professors should not be worried about being reviewed if they have done their job and remained productive. Some tenured professors have not remained as active as they were before they were tenured, according to Craig. He said he does not fear an objective review because he is an active researcher for the university. Lamiya Kudrati, a 21-year-old political science senior, felt it would be best for the Board of Trustees to not get heavily involved. “The less interference they have on our professors, the better, in my opinion,” she said. “Given that it’s only five years, I just don’t see how that’s beneficial to the school or to the professors, especially if they get reviewed every year anyway.” Kudrati noticed a different approach in teaching from tenured professors compared to non-tenure professors and lecturers. She said in her experience, tenured professors have been more laid back, while other professors seem to

be more by-the-book. Though she sees tenure being a detriment if professors don’t have to worry about losing their jobs, this concern has not presented her with issues in the past. She said the tenured professors she interacted with have taken their jobs seriously enough to earn the title. Stephanie Smith, a 63-year-old English professor, said she could see less students coming to the university to pursue degrees. She wouldn’t send her children to UF because she feels the school would lack academic freedom compared to schools across the country. “So my question back to the governor would be: is the goal to simply get rid of UF?” Smith said. @BumpersKyle kbumpers@alligator.org

Censored classrooms HB 7, from pg. 1

Emma Hayakawa // Alligator Staff

Graphic of a teacher having to follow the new HB 7 stop woke act.

“For the state to be a factor of control is really alarming,” Sarin said. Classes on intersectionality of race, sexuality and sexual education can provide information on people’s public health, she said — information she thinks should be common knowledge. Nilufer Akalin, a lecturer at the Center of Gender, Sexualities and Women’s Studies, said discussing race is central in developing critical thinking and helps students understand what contributions they want to make to society. “This act is very dangerous because universities should be free spaces where people learn how to think critically,” Akalin said. After watching the university’s presentation, Akalin said she was insulted. She felt like she had been told how to teach a sub-

ject she specializes in. If the student does not agree with the facts that are taught, it is their decision and instructors can’t interfere with it, Akalin said. “It is also our responsibility to talk about what has been erased before as part of history.” Akalin finds that whenever she teaches classes surrounding race, gender and sexuality, students are the most engaged with the material because they have rich discussions. Akalin said wages for teachers are already low, and the bill will make teachers feel more insecure and afraid of being fired. She said she anticipates a change in the quality of education at UF. @Anushkadak adakshit@alligator.org

MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022 ALLIGATOR 5

Gainesville parents scour for baby formula amid national shortage Mothers resort to Facebook to find formulas for their babies By Carissa Allen Alligator Staff Writer

On her weekend trips to Target on Southwest Archer Road, Kami Ratliff used to reach for her 1-yearold daughter’s preferred formula without second thought. Now, when the 23-year-old strolls her red cart through the baby food aisle, she passes bare shelves where one scant powdered formula brand lays. This is the reality for many Alachua County parents grappling with the formula shortage and inflation — problems created by COVID19-related supply chain issues and exacerbated by a recall of Abbott Nutrition’s Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered formulas. Ratliff devised a local solution to a national problem Tuesday after scrolling through Facebook and noticing mothers both pleading for

and offering formula after the recall. Feed Gainesville Babies, a Facebook group, helps moms organize swaps and find the specific formula brands they need. As of Sunday, the group had 309 members. Nationwide, 43% of baby formula was out of stock for the first week of May, according to Datasembly, a retail pricing research firm. Abbott Nutrition’s countrywide recall resulted from at least five reports of infant illness, according to the FDA. Two babies died. An investigation determined four of the infants were infected with Cronobacter sakazakii, a rare infection that can cause dangerous blood infections and complications; another complaint linked salmonella to the formula. The FDA’s teams are working to alleviate supply issues and ensure the safety of infant formula products, according to a statement re-

leased Tuesday. While the government scrambles to find a formulaic solution to the formula crisis, Ratliff’s Facebook group is a proactive source of hope for Gainesville mothers. Although her daughter, Skye, has weaned off formula, Ratliff said she sympathizes with mothers whose newborns still rely on it for nutrition. “My heart sank thinking about what the parents were having to go through right now not being able to find anything for their babies,” Ratliff said. Within hours of making the group, Ratliff saw people get the formula they pleaded for. Mothers from all around Alachua County and neighboring counties have joined the group to swap, too. Other groups, like Gainesville Word of Mouth, have been used to announce scarce restocks; stores without limits on how much for-

mula shoppers can buy are raided within hours. A restock at Sam’s Club in Butler North was shared on Facebook Wednesday afternoon, but bare shelves paralleled aisles just an hour later. “People be trying to hoard these things instead of getting what you need,” one user commented. Manufacturers are meeting and even exceeding capacity levels to meet the demand, according to the FDA statement. Despite this overtime effort, many major retailers have been forced to cap the amount of formula customers buy. CVS Pharmacy limited shoppers to three formula products per purchase both in stores and online. Target wrote in an email that it has online product limitations in place and is monitoring the industry-wide supply constraints, too. Rebekah Villar Mondry called at least eight pharmacies over the past month and resorted to calling pediatricians’ offices to ask for samples

to feed her 4-month-old son, Mateo. The 28-year-old mother’s preferred amino acid-based baby formula was already difficult to attain before the shortage. “I was worried about feeding my child,” she said. “He’s allergic to almost everything else. His formula is PurAmino, and that’s the only one he can have.” PurAmino used to cost $50 or $60 per can, which lasts two to three days. She now pays $80 or $85. Villar Mondry found two cans of PurAmino, four to six days worth of food for her son, on Feed Gainesville Babies. “It’s amazing how people are coming together,” she said. “All moms are scared right now because we need to feed our babies. Trading with each other, that’s the best we can do.” @carissaallenn callen@alligator.org

Gainesville community outraged over leaked SCOTUS document Local activists stressed how overturning Roe v. Wade will disproportionately affect East Gainesville By Fernando Figueroa Alligator Staff Writer

Stephanie Birch was a University of Illinois senior with a 2-year-old child when she found out she was pregnant again. She took out an emergency student loan from the university to pay for an abortion. Her financial situation and abusive relationship prevented her from financing the procedure herself; she said the university didn’t require information on what the money was used for. Her enrollment in college allowed her to access an abortion, she said, as did transportation and proximity to a clinic. Birch was just one of the many people who shared their stories and experiences with abortions at the Bans Off Our Bodies march Saturday morning. A part of Planned Parenthood’s string of organized protests across the nation, this was the second Gainesville protest advocating for abortion rights this month after Politico published a leaked draft ruling that would overturn Roe v. Wade. Parents, partners and pets began the onemile march at Bo Diddley Plaza at about 10:20 a.m. and headed towards Cora P. Roberson Park.

Emma Hayakawa // Alligator Staff

Graphic of citizens protesting the Alachua County courthouse.

About 750 people displayed solidarity with those who have a uterus through signs. Some read “Abort the court” and “Don’t tread on my uterus.” Birch’s pill-shaped sign, which read “Say yes! to safe abortions … I did” aimed to destigmatize conversations about terminating pregnancies. Without access to the emergency loan, Birch said she might have considered dangerous abortion methods or carried the child to term, which might have prevented her from graduating with three masters degrees in history, library science and African studies. Cheers were not limited to protesters. People driving cars also showed support by honking their horns, which sparked even louder cheers from demonstrators. Although organizers distributed flyers discouraging demonstrators from interacting with the opposition, counter-protesters were not present. Organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Dream Defenders, Florida Forward, the Civic Media Center, Socialist Alternative and National Women’s Liberation, set up tables to greet the protesters at the march’s end at Cora P. Roberson Park. Among them was Chenae Jackson, a 42-year-old local activist and co-founder of Florida Forward, who spoke at the event. She said overturning Roe v. Wade will disproportionately affect East Gainesville, primarily because of financial restrictions. “We have less income,” Jackson said. “We have less ability to afford birth control.” Access to food also needs to be discussed tangentially with reproductive health, Jackson said. Healthy pregnancies and maternal stability hinge on adequate nutrition, she said. Gainesville has identified 11 areas as food deserts, according to a report from the city. Gainesville city commissioners unanimously passed a plan to consider creating an East Gainesville community grocery store in Feb-

Anna Ward // Alligator Staff

More than 600 Gainesville citizens join nationwide ‘Ban off our Bodies’ rallies on Saturday, May 14th, at the 6th St. and 2nd Ave. intersection. ruary. Jackson stressed how important birth control is for Black women, who experience higher rates of intrauterine bleeding. Jackson’s daughter was hospitalized for six days in October. The remedy was birth control, which helped regulate her hormones and excessive bleeding. Lack of available transportation inhibits access to abortions, Jackson said. Gainesville only has two independent abortion clinics, both of which are located in West Gainesville. Abortion funds can help improve abortions’ accessibility, Kai Christmas, the 25-year-old Planned Parenthood regional protest organizer, said. They can pay for the cost of transportation or arrange childcare services for those who have children. Kelsey Malles, a 21-year-old women’s studies graduate student, emphasized the importance of transgender visibility when

discussing reproductive health. Malles pointed out the lack of representation in the signs carried by protesters, which predominantly spotlighted women’s rights. Overturning Roe v. Wade will affect everyone with a uterus, Malles said. The leaked draft puts pressure on men to educate their male friends and family about reproductive rights, Anton Kernohan, a political director for Florida Forward Coalition, said. “You need to educate your sons, your male friends, etc., on not only abortion access but male birth control,” Kernohan said. “If you don’t want to use male birth control, then you need to get a vasectomy. And that’s point blank, period, hard stop.” @fernfigue ffigueroa@alligator.org

6 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022

Gov. Ron DeSantis institutes ‘Victims of Communism Day’

The bill will require public schools to cover communist regimes for at least 45 minutes every November By Jackson Reyes Alligator Staff Writer

Emma Hayakawa // Alligator Staff

Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses a crowd at Clark Plantation Wedding Venue in Newberry, Florida, on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021.

County Commissioner to resign after residency investigation

Mary Alford violated residency requirements while representing District 1 By Mickenzie Hannon Alligator Staff Writer

County Commissioner Mary Alford plans to resign after a May 13 Gainesville Sun investigation found her in violation of residency requirements. Alford, who represents District 1, is required to live in the district she represents as per state law. According to the investigation, Alford lives as a caregiver in District 4, which is represented by County Commissioner Ken Cornell. “I am going through the process of what I need to do to resign from office,” Alford said to the Gainesville Sun on Friday. “I realize I’m not doing the right thing, and I don’t like being a person who doesn’t do the right thing.” Alford ran against Raemi EagleGlenn in the 2020 election and won more than 60% of the vote, filling the seat previously held by Mike Byerly. During her term, Alford launched a Plant of the Month Program and encouraged a safe LGBTQ community. A candidate’s properties are included on a financial disclosure they must complete when running for office. Alford listed a house in District 1 as her primary residence despite residing in District 4. Annie Orlando worked alongside Alford on the city’s utility advisory board after running for

an at-large city commission seat in 2014. During the election, Orlando’s opponents accused her of violating the residency requirements because she listed more than one property on her financial disclosure, one being in a retirement community inherited by her husband’s mother. Orlando said she does not understand why Alford did not move to her primary residence. “That, to me, means that this person doesn’t think anybody is going to do anything to them about it, that they’re above the law, and it doesn’t apply,” she said. Gainesville resident Paul Wolfe supported Alford during her candidacy for the seat. The 21-year-old said he thought Alford made a mistake but still considers her to be a stand-up member of the community. “I think that the Supervisor of Elections should have conducted more rigorous confirmations of where candidates are living at the time of their election, and the county and city commissions should be doing the same for all of their members,” he wrote.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. @MickenzieHannon mhannon@alligator.org

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ newest legislation will require Florida public schools to teach students about communist regimes and the people who suffered under them. The bill, HB395, was signed May 9 and will require U.S. government teachers to cover communism and those who suffered under it for at least 45 minutes on Nov. 7, “Victims of Communism Day.” DeSantis said he passed the bill to honor the 100 million people who have been victimized by communist regimes across the world. The Board of Education must revise curriculum, which will teach students about topics such as Zedong and the Cultural Revolution, Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution and Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union, by April 1, 2023. Andrew Wasserman, a 49-year-old history teacher at Eastside High School, said the bill seems unnecessary; it forces something that is already taught. He said he has taught his students about China’s famines and Stalin’s purges for 22 years. “These are all good things that people should know in history,” Wasserman said. “I think it’s curricularly beneficial, but again, that’s already being done.”

Meir Schochet, a 19-year-old UF astrophysics sophomore and president of the UF Communist Party, said DeSantis continues to demean marginalized groups in the state through acts like the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and the “Victims of Communism Day” bill. “DeSantis’ goal is to demonize marginalized communities and to advocate for his own bigoted agenda,” Schochet said. “Generally, that means the erasure of a lot of cultures and a lot of peoples who just don’t fit into his image.” Aron Ali-McClory, a 19-year-old UF political science and anthropology sophomore and chair of the UF Young Democratic Socialists, said the bill actively villainized people who identify as communist or socialist. The new legislation could impact both public schools and could increase UF anticommunist sentiment as the years go by, Ali-McClory said. “To single out one — communism — and then to only list negative aspects is doing a lot of harm to a subject that has a lot of nuance,” they said. @JacksnReyes jreyes@alligator.org

Gainesville to demolish historic recreation center CITY COMMISSION VOTED TO DEMOLISH THE HISTORIC THELMA A. BOLTIN CENTER DURING NATIONAL PRESERVATION MONTH DESPITE RESIDENTS’ OPPOSITION

By Mickenzie Hannon Alligator Staff Writer

Twenty-one days after city commissioners voted 6-0 to demolish and replace the historic Thelma A. Boltin Center, Mayor Lauren Poe deemed “People Saving Places” as Gainesville’s theme for National Preservation Month 2022. Residents are confused with the conflicting decisions. The Boltin Center, an 80-yearold building located at 516 NE Second Ave., has served as a United Service Organization for members to socialize, play bingo, dance and attend plays since 1942. This month’s theme honors those who pour their time, energy and resources into protecting places like the center. Since its last renovation in 1999, the center has expanded to a multipurpose gathering space for residents. The center’s structure has since depreciated due to wartime construction methods and minimal maintenance during the pandemic. An April 14 presentation referenced termite damage, hollow walls, an undersized foundation and a collapsed roof as reasons to

demolish the center. The decision has garnered community opposition for its threat to the building’s historical significance. Melanie Barr, the secretary of the Alachua County Historical Commission, said the city failed to consult the Historical Preservation Board and nearby Duckpond residential area before voting to demolish the center. The center represents Boltin’s contributions to the community and holds historical significance to rock ‘n’ roll hall-of-famers, Florida folk culture and the dancers, she said. Since the 1980s, the center has hosted the Gainesville Oldtime Dance Society’s meetings, including annual contra dance events that drew dancers from across the country. “They come from all over the nation to dance here, so it has significance to people now and should not be demolished,” Barr said. The dance society’s president Albert “Al” Rogers, 73, said his non-profit organization is disappointed by the demolition but hopes to influence the design of the new center, specifically the flooring. A new design would give a cohesive flow and better circulation to the building by developing a second multipurpose space and widening gathering spaces, Elizabeth “Betsy” Waite, the director of Wild Spaces and Public Places,

said. Waite’s team started designing a new building to replace the center in late 2019. She said replacing the building’s roof is not possible because the walls and foundation of the building cannot support the structure. Waite estimates demolition and rebuilding will cost about $3 million. She said the new center would provide neighbors with better access to programs and activities like dance, theater, concerts and yoga. Barr showed board members photos of buildings needing similar repairs that were eventually restored to fit the needs of residents. “If they’re allocating $3 million to build a new building, they can spend $3 million renovating a landmark,” Barr said. Kathleen Pagan works as the senior planner at Alachua County Growth Management and helps to document historical structures on The Living New Deal website. The center, she said, is one of more than 450 remaining. “It’s very important to maintain existing buildings,” she said. “The greenest building, as you know, is the one that already stands.” City staff is negotiating a contract with the design team for the new building. The new center is slated to reopen in summer 2024 following construction next summer. @MickenzieHannon mhannon@alligator.org

MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022 www.alligator.org/section/the_avenue

NIGHTLIFE

New jazz bar opens in Downtown Gainesville A NEW BAR WITH A RETRO VIBE PLANS TO BRING THE LOVE OF JAZZ TO PATRONS

By Alyssa Barnes Avenue Staff Writer

Downtown’s newest bar is sure to take you back in time to the Jazz Age. The jazz joint, located at 7 W. University Ave., officially opened April 26 and has been popular among crowds. Tables are filling up as more people catch wind of the jazz-themed bar. Baby J’s is open from 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday. Patrons are greeted by the roaring sound of jazz music and the strong smell of coffee flowing through the air. The cocktails are curated by the staff, and every detail is accounted for — down to the customized matchboxes on the marble tables. The menu mixes different appetizers and cocktails, and the drinks are as artistic as the interior. With gin and tonics, cocktail tray, seasonal and classic cocktails and beer, there are plenty of options. Baby J’s is a prime location for Instagram posts — from the baby pink walls to the eclectic album collection behind the bar.

Jay Shuster, Kyle Spor and Grace Glennon, co-owners of Baby J’s and the well-known Cry Baby’s restaurant and bar, noticed the vacant space next door to Cry Baby’s and saw an opportunity to breed more business. They purchased the space and began renovating it into what would soon become Baby J’s. “The space was available, so we wanted one big cohesive thing,” Spor said Shuster, 39, said he based Baby J’s off of jazz kissatens: Japanese coffee shops that turn into full-fledged jazz clubs by nightfall. Bartenders would play music while people enjoyed their favorite brewed or alcoholic drink. Popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s, music was the main focus of these bars, which is something Shuster hopes to emulate in Baby J’s. “It’s kind of like putting the ritual back into listening to music,” Shuster said. Glennon, 32, grew up in Gainesville and wanted to offer a chicer option for residents to attend for special occasions. She envisioned a place that was more high class and geared towards adults who could dress up for an event or special occasion. Glennon said she also wanted to add to the jazz scene in

Gainesville. She grew up listening to the music and has carried a love for the music since she was a young girl. “My parents are jazz musicians, so I grew up with that,” Glennon said. Jazz Baby quartet, formally known as Brenda Bayne Trio, is one of the two jazz bands that play at Baby J’s regularly. As of now, the bar only hosts live music on Tuesdays. The band performs every Tuesday between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Lead singer Brenda Bayne, 69, and bassist David Glennon, 63, are Grace’s parents, but nepotism did not land them the gig. “I’m in the club, not through nepotism, but just because we’re good,” Bayne said. The band, including piano player Robert D’Amico, has played for over 20 years. They’ve built up a reputation around Gainesville by playing at local places such as Satchel’s Pizza and Emiliano’s Cafe. The trio turned into a quartet and rebranded recently with the addition of their drummer Jon Jackson. The band said they love performing at Baby J’s, noting the impeccable speaker system and stage. Jazz Baby quartet enjoys having a place

Alyssa Barnes // Alligator Staff

Jazz Baby quartet plays its repertoire of songs at Baby J’s May 10. to perform that appreciates jazz the way that they do. “This is much better,” D’Amico said in comparison to other places the band performed at. “In terms of the sound system and the way it’s set up.” Savannah Blevins, a 23-year-old UF plant science senior, found Baby J’s by spotting a pack of matches on the side of the road. She picked it up and then quickly searched up the spot on Google. Blevins, a jazz lover, didn’t hesitate to check the bar out when she

discovered it. She said she’s excited for a place where she can listen to the music she is passionate about. “I feel like it’s so needed,” Blevins said. “It’s so cute. I love the mirrors and high ceilings.” As Baby J’s Bar continues to grow, it is certain that more people will be aware of the jazz scene in Gainesville and have a spot to appreciate the music while also enjoying coffee or cocktails. @alyssabarnes29 abarnes@alligator.org

THEATER

The Gainesville Community Playhouse presents Green Day’s ‘American Idiot’ GREEN DAY’S HIT ALBUM IS SET TO TAKE THE STAGE ON MAY 20

By Averi Kremposky Avenue Staff Writer

For the first time in several years, a local Gainesville theater will ditch its typical familyfriendly shows for a way-out commentary on a classic coming-of-age story. The Gainesville Community Playhouse will debut its rendition of Green Day’s “American Idiot” May 20. Showings will continue on select dates until June 12. The show, which is centered around the rock concept album released by Green Day in 2004, focuses on the teenage angst spawned by the social state of the United States, the military and the media during that time period. Audience members can expect a 90-minute performance of all the songs from the hit album. Dan Christophy, the show’s director, said the band intended for the album to be presented through another medium rather than in concert. “[Green Day] intended for it to be performed at some point,” Christophy said. “Like as a movie or something.” The band ended up discarding that idea until

it was approached with the proposal of creating a musical. Full of adult humor and topics revolving around sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, the Gainesville Community Playhouse is presenting something out of the ordinary with “American Idiot.” “The content of this show is something that normally is not brought to this particular theater,” Christophy said. “There is a lot of adult content because they talk about their lives.” The production presents themes of unadulterated rawness and authenticity; themes that are not typical of other shows hosted at the playhouse. The show’s choreographer, Susan Christophy, says the show “Rent” was the last time this theater experimented with suggestive content, and that was 11 years ago. Even though it caused some turmoil, Susan Christophy is looking forward to the conversations “American Idiot” can start. “We are a theater that is more family-oriented,” Susan Christophy said. “But I don’t always believe that theater should be about entertainment.” Instead, Susan Christophy said more plays should echo topics apparent in society, which is

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what this show does. Besides its mature content, “American Idiot” takes risks in its production by incorporating innovative multimedia. During the show, several monitors will be on display around the stage. While actors perform their own parts, the propaganda and war scenes displayed on the screens will add another dimension to the performance. Luke Gilboy, a 19-year-old UF geography junior and an actor in the show, is looking forward to the way these screens can provide depth to their performance. “A lot of this talks about real issues, like the wars,” Gilboy said. “It’s kind of hard to show the reality of it through just the set alone.” While the show includes short interjections of dialogue to advance the plotline, a majority of the show is sung in the strenuous rock genre. With such a challenging score, Dan and Susan brought former UF music student Sarah Sawyer as the production’s voice-specific director. Sawyer said that most shows have one musical director who oversees both vocals and music. Because it was so important for cast members to preserve their voices while singing

“American Idiot,” this production includes a voice director in addition to a music director. “If you don’t have really good vocal habits, you can really tear up your voice,” Sawyer said. “When you’re doing eight to 10 shows a week for several weeks in a row, that could really do a number on the cast.” In addition to vocals, the cast will be joined by a live garage band. The band will play from a “garage” on stage instead of from the traditional orchestra pit. To emulate the musicality of a real garage band, Dan Christophy asked the three main characters to learn the guitar before opening night. Dan Christophy’s request was originally met by shocked faces, but he said they’re getting close to picking it up. Strenuous singing and new talents are not the only complications cast members had to overcome in preparation for the show. Read the rest online at alligator.org/section/the_avenue. @averijkremposky akremposky@alligator.org

UF lacrosse advances to Elite Eight

Sophomore Danielle Pavinelli scored 100th career goal in victory over Jacksonville, pg. 11

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8 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022

LIFESTYLE

An Avenue roundtable: Hot GNV Summer THE AVENUE STAFF PRESENTS AN ITINERARY OF FUN EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS SUMMER

The Avenue Staff Pull out the sunscreen and pop open a cold one because this summer will be a scorcher in Gainesville. The Avenue staff teamed up to present an itinerary of exciting activities and events slated to happen this summer. From the glistening blue waters of Poe Springs Park to the party-centric attitude of the GNV Brew Bus, Gainesville residents can turn up their radio dial and enjoy their Hot GNV Summer. GNV Brew Bus By Kristine Villarroel

Experience the essence of nightlife on four wheels and ride the GNV Brew Bus. Generally seen as a shuttle party bus, the Brew Bus parades around town filled with colorful lights, loud music and partying people. It can be seen by curious downtown pedestrians on its route at least once. With routes going from midtown to downtown and other stops in the city, the bus solves the need for group transportation when going out. Brenna Delong, a UF journalism junior and GNV Brew Bus social media assistant, said the service is Gainesville residents’ version of a party bus. Founder Ryan Sheppard said the GNV Brew Bus’ business model caters to college students by communicating through Snapchat, where customers can see a live feed of content and message the business directly on the platform to ask for a ride from their location. This summer, Brew Bus will premiere Springs Saturdays: a round trip from The Retreat apartment complex to Ginnie Springs beginning May 28. They will also offer brewery tours June 7. Brew Bus will also host summer “darties,” or day parties, and a wet T-shirt contest where participants can play a “spin the wheel” game for a chance to win a Tshirt. Additionally, the bus will offer free rides to concerts at The Range, where Sheppard will perform under the stage name RAYN June 24. Cade Museum By Alyssa Barnes

Two new exhibits are coming to the Cade Museum right in time for summer. The Cade Museum, located at 811 S. Main St., has more to offer than dull pictures and monotonous art pieces. The museum allows guests to immerse themselves in exhibits to learn more about a specific topic and gain a deeper understanding. “Animationland,” a traveling exhibit from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, will allow visitors to draw and trace animated characters on a light table. Visitors can make a short animated movie and use their imaginations to create much more. Those interested in making movies or wanting to know more about behind the scenes of animation should definitely give this exhibit a visit. The exhibit opens May 19. “It’s a really interactive, hands-on, fun look at the world of animation,” Kathryn Rohlwing, the senior marketing manager for the Cade Museum, said. The museum’s space-themed exhibit, “Voyages: A Trip through Time and Space,” will feature the unsung stories of spacecrafts

Voyagers 1 and 2 in the exhibit. Visitors can “expect to travel from Jupiter’s swirling red spot to the icy geysers on Neptune’s moon Triton,” according to a press release sent by the Cade Museum. Exploring space with your best buddies is definitely an out-of-this-world experience. The exhibit, which opens June 2, is part of the overall theme of the museum this summer — Wandering the Milky Way: A Tour of the Solar System. Museum-goers will have the opportunity to construct a space suit from a plastic egg, make galactic slime, learn about potatoes as a fuel source and participate in other spacerelated activities. The Cade Museum is the place to go this summer if you are interested in learning more about animation or space or just want a cool place to escape the scorching heat. First Magnitude Brewing Company By Averi Kremposky

Located at 1220 SE Veitch St., First Magnitude Brewing Company is the mingling of good beer, good company and a good cause. Driven by the desire to bring the community together and increase sustainability efforts, it’s the perfect place for Gainesville residents to spend their summer nights — whether that be inside or in the brewery’s beer garden. If you’re looking for something to do on top of grabbing a pint, the brewery will host a variety of different events throughout the summer. Open every day of the week except Monday, there’s an event for everyone to enjoy. Every Sunday at 1 p.m., First Magnitude invites yoga enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to join a class in its warehouse. Participants only need a yoga mat and a minimum contribution of $5 for We are Neutral, a local non-profit that helps offset the brewery’s carbon footprint. Typically on the first Sunday of every month, First Magnitude partners with the Alachua Audubon Society to host “Birds and Brews,” an hour-long guided tour through Depot Park. Participants will identify a variety of local birds and conveniently end the tour at the brewery before closing time for participants to enjoy a fresh beer. The hosts will welcome bird-watchers of varying experience, and provide binoculars for participants to borrow. The start time for this event will vary by month, so the company recommends checking its Facebook page for updates. In conjunction with The Florida Museum and The UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute, the brewery will host a night of appreciation for the Florida Springs on May 23. The event will feature three short documentaries focusing on the perceived health of the springs over time, followed by a panel discussion on the importance of water conservation in the state. Of course, beer and food trucks will be involved. While the event is free, interested participants should register beforehand. If you’re looking for plans this summer, try grabbing a beer and getting involved with the local Gainesville community. How Bazar By Anna Ward

How Bazar’s first summer does all but hold back. The brand is bringing a fun-filled super series of day parties (darties), weekly events, revamped night markets and block parties. All events support and supply local entertainment.

Namari Lock // Alligator Staff

Graphic playing off of Megan Thee Stallion “Hot Girl Summer” song. Record label and How Bazar associate Dion Dia will host “Goodtimes,” a buzzing darty series for those seeking drinks, DJs and dancing in the sunshine. “Goodtimes” can be found at Depot Village’s live event hub Yellow Bar starting May 21 from either 3 or 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. How Bazar’s weekly events are open mic Tuesdays open to all art forms, “Get Down Disco” Thursdays with DJs, disco lights and slushies, and “Sundaze” Sundays hosting DJs, food vendors and artists. Disco Thursdays begin the series with an RSVP-only soft launch May 26 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., followed by golden hour “Sundaze” events set from either 4 or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and open mic Tuesdays, whose start time is to be determined. The bi-monthly Bazar A La Carte night market returns June 4 with a summertimefuntime theme. The market will pack a dunk tank, velcro wall, bungee ropes and about 70 booths with 100 various vendors. Local artist Alix Mathis, via freehand work on plywood, will compose a blown-up coloring page for attendees to color in. “We’re going to go kind of crazy,” said Bazar co-owner Laila Fakhoury. Block parties have no set dates yet, but they will be similar to the brand’s Jan. 14 grand opening. Lastly, How Bazar is available to rent. People should expect the unexpected: Everything from album release parties to fundraising chili cook-offs is to come. Civic Media Center By Amanda Friedman

For almost 30 years, the Civic Media Center has served as a sanctuary for alternative ideas underrepresented in most mainstream media. Located at 433 S. Main St., the center has roughly 10,000 books published by independent, non-corporate media organizations and the largest collection of zines in the southeast, Civic Media Center coordinator JoJo Sacks said. The library’s hours are Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. Sacks, 25, started volunteering at the center while they were attending UF. They’ve been on the team for about four years. “A lot of what we do is about building community because if we’re interested in making the future a better place for all of us,” Sacks said. “We need people that we feel in community with.” Instead of aimlessly clicking through Netflix, grab some popcorn and attend a monthly documentary screening in the center’s courtyard. The iconic satirical film “9 to 5” starring Dolly Parton will be screened May 20, followed by Dolly Parton karaoke. The

center will also host Poetry Jam, a weekly open mic held Thursdays at 8 p.m. and multiple pride-month-themed events throughout June. To raise funds for the non-profit, the Civic Media Center plans to host a benefit concert at How Bazar May 28. Performers include local musicians Levek, 9th Ring, Euglossine and Gregoria. Anyone interested in getting involved with the Civic Media Center can attend its two monthly volunteer meetings on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. Springs near Gainesville By Allyssa Keller

Don’t overheat this hot girl summer — Gainesville residents can make a splash at local springs. Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, Poe Springs Park and Ichetucknee Springs State Park all provide a way to relax and escape from the relentless Florida heat. At Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park in High Springs, guests can rent canoes and kayaks from Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures. Visitors can paddle their way through the blue waters of the springhead and its surrounding greenery ,and snorkeling is allowed in certain areas in the park. Those that prefer dry land can reserve one of 23 different campsites, according to the state park’s website. If you’re tired of paddling along the waters of Blue Springs, other springs around Gainesville have more relaxed options for its visitors. Bring your swimming trunks and cannonball into the waters at Poe Springs Park. The largest spring in Alachua County, Poe Springs offers places to swim, fish and play volleyball. Float underneath the trees and the beautiful natural scenery of Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Fort White. The park offers tubing experiences that last from 45 minutes to nearly two hours, starting from either Midpoint Launch or Dampier’s Landing and ending at South Takeout Point . A regular inner tube can be rented for $7 and a double tube can be rented for $14. For those who have an appreciation for wildlife, Ichetucknee Springs harbors a vast array of eye-catching species. Ichetucknee Springs is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. From the barred owl to the red-headed woodpecker, there are plenty of birds to observe. Lucky guests can even spot manatees and river otters as they make their way around Ichetucknee Springs. This summer, the springs are perfect for any nature-lover or outdoorsman.

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MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022 www.alligator.org/section/sports

SOFTBALL

SEC fans flock to Gainesville, delighted by Florida’s softball culture THE SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT WAS HELD AT KATIE SEASHOLE PRESSLY STADIUM FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 17 YEARS

By Madeline Lawson Sports Writer

From the bayou to the Bluegrass State, fans from all over the Southeastern Conference showed up to represent their teams, but Woo Pig Sooie sang in the end. The 2022 SEC Softball Tournament was held in Gainesville, May 10-14. Florida last hosted the tournament in 2005; since then, Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium has been renovated with more amenities to accommodate fans. “I’m very impressed,” Steve Chiasson, a New Orleans, Louisiana, native said. “You’re able to move around the stadium, they’re allowing us [fans] to have freedom here. It’s been wonderful.” Chiasson, one of the Louisiana State faithful, flew to Florida to cheer on the Tigers. Donning LSU attire, Chiasson stayed for the entirety of the tournament despite his team's first-round elimination. As a fan of the sport, he enjoys the camaraderie and competition, as he began pulling for the top-seeded Arkansas Razorbacks to win it all and offered compliments for conference foes. “That number 27 from Florida [Kendra Falby] was unstoppable,” Chiasson said. “There’s going to be a lot of success here in Florida.” Walking around the concourse, 59-year-old Kathy Adrian was eye-catching in her orange and white tutu representing Tennessee. A nanny from Orlando, Adrian is friends with the Volunteers’ head coach Karen Weekly and has followed the team to tournaments for nearly 15 years.

It wasn’t Adrian’s first visit to Gainesville. She visited seven weeks ago for the Tennessee series in late March when Weekly and her team picked up two wins over the Gators. “I love all the players… I think all the girls are great,” Adrian said. If it were up to the die-hard Volunteer fan, she’d crown senior Ashley Rogers as the tournament’s most valuable player. The righthanded pitcher lasted 13 innings against Missouri and secured a win in the longest game played in the tournament's history. Loren Meadows has subscribed to Gator Nation since 1993 and disagreed with Adrian’s MVP pick. “It’s definitely (Florida infielder) Skylar Wallace,” Meadows said. “The fact that she’s come in and assimilated herself into the program, seems to be a leader on the field and leads by example, it’s her for sure.” Meadows had never been to an SEC Tournament before this week, and he said it’s a treat for it to be held in Gainesville. “We see the way things are run and the overall vibrancy of the conference,” Meadows said. “With it being the top conference in softball, I mean it really has been a nice show. People from other programs have commented on what a beautiful ballpark we have here.” The speed at which the game is played, the interactions with fans and the excitement from players are what makes softball Meadows’ second-favorite sport after football. Young fans covered the berm and admired their idols. Lisa Cisco, a teaching assistant at Keystone Heights Junior/Senior High School, coaches the junior high softball team. Her daughter Audrey pitches, and Audrey’s best friend Taylor is the team’s catcher. Audrey started playing T-ball at 3 years old.

This weekend, she watched her icon, Alabama senior Montana Fouts, pitch against Missouri. “I get to experience all the things with [Audrey], along with helping her,” Cisco said. “When I played ball, I always wished that I had somebody that was able to help me like that.” Before the fifth inning in the championship game between Arkansas and Mizzou, Audrey and Taylor were selected to race each other on the field. They started on the right-field foul line and raced along the warning track to the foul line in left. The best friends, both 13 years old, share an unbreakable love of competition. Taylor’s footing slipped at the start of the race, but

by pumping her little legs, she gained on the lengthier Audrey. By the time the girls hit center field, it was a dead heat, but in the last 10 feet, Audrey pulled ahead for the win. “It’s farther than you think,” a winded Audrey said to her mother. The pair was each awarded a Dr. Pepper T-shirt and a memory that will last a lifetime.

Samantha Harrison // Alligator Staff

Florida Gators lacrosse advances to quarterfinals

The No. 8 Gators lacrosse team dispatched the Jacksonville Dolphins, adding to a 15-game winning streak Sports Writer

A hat trick etched sophomore Danielle Pavinelli’s name into Florida lacrosse history books, as her impactful performance helped the Gators advance to the Elite Eight. Pavinelli, the American Athletic Conference Attacker of the Year, reached triple digits Saturday, scoring her 100th career goal. “What she’s accomplished is due to all the hard work she puts in,” UF head coach Amanda O’Leary said. “She comes to practice every day prepared, ready to go, gives her best and I think we’re seeing all of that come to fruition out on the field.” The No. 7-seed Florida Gators lacrosse team defeated the Jacksonville

Dolphins 15-10 Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Accompanied by an assist from midfielder Emily Heller, freshman Josie Hahn found the back of the net to give UF its first goal of the game. JU graduate midfielder Megan Prescott scored for the Dolphins to make it 1-1 with 13:36 remaining in the first quarter. O’Leary and Florida ended the first period on a 4-0 scoring spurt highlighted by team ball movement. “I thought we really stepped up, played hard, played well and got some draw controls early,” O’Leary said. UF continued to force the tempo, resulting in high-octane scoring opportunities. Off a free position, mid-

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fielder Bella Palagonia gave Florida a 3-1 lead. The Gators finished the game 3-for-5 on free positions. After Jacksonville regained possession from a Florida misfire, AAC Freshman of the Year Emma LoPinto swooped in for the steal. The defensive maneuver initiated a sequence of great ball movement by the orange and blue. On the ensuing fast break, LoPinto passed the yellow ball to Pavinelli before she found attacker Maggi Hall. The sophomore cut to the cage for an acrobatic score, up and around two Dolphins defenders to extend the Gators’ lead, 4-1. The Dolphins ensured the Gators’ win was not easy, applying pressure coming out at the start of the second and third periods, scoring the first

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The Florida Gators softball team prepares for a Sunday matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide on April 10, 2022. Florida fell in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament Friday.

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two goals of each quarter. The Dolphins first two conversions cut the deficit, 5-3. Florida pressed the issue even more, going on a 5-1 scoring run in the second quarter. With 7:28 remaining in the second period, Pavinelli made the most of a Dolphins turnover, scoring her third goal of the afternoon and 100th goal in her young Gator career. She added two more goals the rest of the game, enough for 72 this season. The Gators headed into halftime with a 10-4 lead. “I owe it all to my teammates, I couldn't have done it without them,” Pavinelli said. “It means so much to me, and every single person I played with on the field has done so much to get me there.” Still within striking distance,12-8,

Jacksonville could not muster enough scoring opportunities to close the gap. Just under 4 minutes left until the final buzzer, JU's head coach Mindy McCord called over goalkeeper Paige Pagano to add an additional scorer. The desperate attempt to add a favorable advantage was futile as Florida goalkeeper Sarah Reznick stood firm to end the Dolphins season, tallying 12 saves on the day. “[Reznick] has lived up to every expectation and exceeded all expectations,” O’Leary said. “I think she’s not only a dominant player on the field, but just such a leader in the locker room, off the field.” Florida will face off against the No. 2-seed Maryland Terrapins. Earlier this year on Feb. 26, UF fell to Maryland 18-8. Opening draw between Florida and Maryland is set for Thursday, the time is yet to be announced.

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

@CurtisMichaud1 cmichaud@alligator.org

12 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, MAY 16, 2022

BASEBALL

Gators escape with series victory over Mizzou Florida won the series clincher by just one run Sunday By Jackson Castellano

shirt junior catcher BT Riopelle. Florida looked to be inching towards the series-clinching victory before a three-RBI homer from Mizzou’s Trevor Austin brought the Tigers ahead by one.

Sports Writer

To say Florida baseball has struggled with consistency would be an understatement to Gator faithful. Joined by the typically grueling Southeastern Conference schedule, the Gators’ shortcomings this season resulted in the team’s worst conference record since 2019. This past weekend’s series against Missouri perfectly exemplified those struggles. Florida (32-18, 13-14) defeated the Tigers (26-21, 8-18) 4-3 Sunday in a victory much too close for comfort. The Gators arrived in Columbia, Missouri, and got to work quickly Friday. After going down 1-0 out of the gates in the first inning, Florida responded with 13 runs en route to a dominant win over the Tigers. The offensive explosion and clean bullpen work looked to be promising signs for the rest of the weekend. Saturday didn’t exactly meet UF’s expectations. The Gators entered with a solid start, grabbing an early 3-1 lead thanks to a trio of RBIs from red-

UF’s sluggish play from there led to a 5-3 defeat and set up a Sunday afternoon rubber match. The low scoring energy from Saturday carried over. Through the first three innings, neither

team could get on the board, with Florida snagging just one hit. UF redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Nick Pogue got in an early groove on the mound. The Melbourne, Florida, native allowed zero hits, threw five strikeouts and recorded three 1-2-3 innings. The game began to crack open in the bottom of the fourth. Pogue allowed his first hit, a single-shot home run once again coming off

the bat of Austin. His second hit allowed? Another homerun. Pogue allowed one more double before finally getting out of the early jam. Florida responded emphatically the next frame, as sophomore shortstop Josh Rivera blasted a two-run shot into left field to bring the score even at 2-2. Pogue got back in his groove, sitting three straight batters once more to close the fifth. From there, it was all Gators. Junior infielder Kris Armstrong recorded his third hit of the day, driving in two runs to give the Gators a 4-2 lead. Pogue let up one more run, but freshmen Blake Purnell and Ryan Slater took the mound in relief to earn the save and the Gators’ win. With Sunday’s victory, Florida has won three straight conference series and nine of its last 11 games. Next up, UF heads home for the final game against Florida State Tuesday. Florida defeated its in-state rival 6-3 in the initial matchup, followed by a 5-0 loss to the ‘Noles April 12 in Tallahassee. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

Emily Felts // Alligator Staff

@jaxacastellano jcastellano@alligator.org

Redshirt sophomore Nick Pogue pitches in a March 10, 2020, matchup against Florida State. Pogue worked 6.2 innings in the Sunday victory over Missouri.

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