Shelby Cotta // Alligator Staff
2 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021
How to Navigate Parking System Today’sUF’s Weather HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO BRING YOUR CAR TO CAMPUS
By Eve Thompson Alligator Staff Writer
Following the start of the semester with more in-person classes, students must consider how they get to campus and where to park when they arrive. Parking at UF is frustrating for many students because of the decal system and rigid restrictions on lots and garages. Here’s a guide for how to appeal a citation, what to do when impounded and where to park on campus to avoid hefty citation costs. Parking Options On and Off Campus
To park on campus, all students must purchase a student decal based on their credit hours and where they live. All decals cost $160 annually, $80 per semester, $35 monthly or $15 for one week. Most parking lots on campus are restricted Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parking is free outside of those hours, but some marked lots, including the Murphree and Fletcher lots, are always restricted. Undergraduate students who live off campus can order a Park and Ride decal, but spaces on campus are limited. Students with this decal can only park in lots marked “Any Decal” and take a bus to the main area of campus, as these lots tend to be farther away. On-campus undergraduate students who have completed 50 or more credit hours can buy a Red 1 decal, and they can park in all red lots, including those marked Red 1, or lots marked “Any Decal.” On-campus students with fewer than 50 credit hours can purchase a Red 3 decal to park in red
and “Any Decal” lots. The Welcome Center Parking Garage, which is connected to both the Reitz Union and the campus bookstore, is open to everybody and does not require the purchase of a decal. The garage operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The standard daily fee is $6, the two-hour fee is $4 and it costs $2 to park for 45 minutes. There is no cost on weekends, before 7:30 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m. Some students choose to park in the Southwest Downtown Garage, located off SW 2nd St. It costs $1 per hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or a monthly rate of $25. It is a 30-minute walk from the main campus, or a 20-minute bus ride. For a more convenient parking option, others turn to scooters, which can only be parked in lots marked Motorcycle/Scooter. To park in these lots, you must also purchase a decal, which costs the same as a car decal. How to Appeal a Citation
It can be easy to park in the wrong place or misplace your vehicle in a rush to get to your classes. In that case, you will likely receive a parking citation, but don’t worry. Here’s how to appeal it, and hopefully, get your fine reduced. UF Transportation and Parking Services hands out 59,000 parking citations annually. Fees range from $15 to $250; however, students can appeal them to get the fee waived under certain circumstances. Citations must be appealed in writing either online, by mail or in person at the TAPS Customer Relations Office, located at 1273 Gale Lemerand Drive. Students must submit their appeals within 15 days of issuance or must pay a $10 late fee. If a student is not satisfied with the result of their appeal, they can appeal it again in writing, at the office or
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online within 15 days, but all citations must be paid in full first. Then, the payment will be refunded if the appeal is successful. The student traffic court decides the outcome of an appeal, and they research the appellant’s citation history and views photographs of the infraction. To successfully appeal a citation, the appellant should explain the situation in full, as well as provide evidence if possible. What to Do When Towed
Having your vehicle towed can be a nightmare, and TAPS can tow a car if it is parked in the wrong lot, if it has been abandoned or if multiple parking citations have not been dealt with in 15 days. A car can also be towed if it is obstructing traffic or creating a road hazard, or if a decal has been suspended. However, a call or a visit to TAPS can resolve the problem and get your car back. There is a $50 impound fee, and all citations must be paid before picking your car up from the impound lot at the TAPS Customer Relations Office, open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Outside of those hours, students should call the University Police Department. @evealanaa ethompson@alligator.org
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Things to do in Gainesville YOU’VE JUST ARRIVED IN YOUR NEW TOWN AND HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER. LUCKILY, GAINESVILLE OFFERS PLENTY OF FUN SPOTS TO TRY By Abigail Hasebroock Alligator Staff Writer
Gainesville is associated almost exclusively with all things UF — especially for new students from pockets of Florida and across the country who wouldn’t be able to point to where Gainesville is on a map. While UF has much to offer, Gainesville itself does too. It doesn’t take many miles of driving or even walking to find fun spots to hang out, eat and enjoy memorable experiences that make college worth it. Feeline Good Cat Cafe
Nestled among busy bars and crowded coffee shops, Gainesville’s only cat cafe resides in the heart of downtown. The cafe, located at 201 SE Second Place, offers customers the chance to book up to two hours with a room full of cats. Customers can also make a pit stop to pick up coffee and a pastry before or after their visit in the cat room, but the cafe provides tables and chairs inside and out, which can be used for studying or catching up with friends. The space is open with a minimalist design, and the designated cat room is decorated with a plethora of cat trees and colorful toys. Feeline Good opened on June 21, and the cats are provided by the Humane Society of North Central Florida. After spending a session with the cats, if a customer wants to adopt one (or two) they can do so and bring home a new pet. Midpoint Park & Eatery
Located in Gainesville’s innovation district, Midpoint Park & Eatery provides an enjoyable outdoor experience for people of all ages, abilities and diets. While the space itself is small, it packs a punch with four food trucks, plenty of places to
sit and string lights that create a relaxing ambience. The park resides at 931 SW Second Ave. and has ample parking availability in the lot located right next to it. However, the walk to Midpoint from campus is less than 10 minutes, so students could grab a meal between classes or stop by to do homework, especially during the cooler months. Visitors wishing to get a bite to eat can stop by Da Kine Poke, a Hawaiianinspired poke bowl food truck that also offers vegetarian and vegan options;, Mexi Cocina, which offers authentic Mexican cuisine with menu items like tacos and quesadillas;, Keller’s Kitchen, where people can sink their teeth into classic American favorites and last but not least, Plantology, which provides fully vegan comfort food. Students and families alike can visit Midpoint anytime between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, making it a perfect place to stop by with friends on a weekend afternoon or pit stop for dinner after a long day of classes. 4th Ave Food Park
Similar to Midpoint, 4th Ave Food Park, located at 409 SW Fourth4th Ave, offers an array of places to eat, an abundance of outdoor seating and live music. The restaurants include Satch Squared, Fehrenbacher’s Artisan Sausages, Humblewood Fire, Feliz Flavors, BakerBaker, Sublime Tacos and an Opus Airstream. Food items range from lattes to bagel sandwiches to vegan and vegetarian friendly Mexican tacos making it the perfect place to stop by at any time of the day accompanied byand with any one with any kind of dietary restrictions or preferences. Customers can enjoy their food at tables with colored tiles with a view of a mural in the background while listening to live local artists. Pets are welcome, and the large open space makes it safe and fun for people of all ages. This makes it the perfect place to bring family members and friends from home when they come to visit. High Dive
If the live music at 4th Ave or Midpoint isn’t enough, Gainesville’s High Dive is
Mingmei Li // Alligator Staff
A white cat sits at the window of the Feeline Good Cat Café on Sunday, July 4, 2021. At the café, visitors can pet cats while enjoying beverages. dedicated to presenting live music and events, showcasing the talents of many local artists and bands. The music venue is located at 210 SW Second Ave in downtown Gainesville surrounded by several other bars and restaurants. This Fall, the High Dive is welcoming flipturn, Mayday Parade, Chris Renzema, and Hobo Johnson and The Lovemakers, just to name a few. Season passes are available for frequent concert-goers each semester, but tickets to individual shows can also be purchased. Beyond music, the High Dive hosts comedy shows and other events like a food truck rally. Depot Park
Craving a picnic, bike ride, a playground visit or a bite to eat? Any of these can be found at Depot Park located at 200 SE Depot Ave. The park offers green spaces, benches, tables and sidewalks, which can all be enjoyed with the view of a fountain. The Depot Station sits right next to the park and offers places to eat and drink, and it can also be reserved for events as big as weddings. The park allows direct access onto the
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, which provides bikers, runners and walkers 16 miles of a scenic, somewhat curvy route with overlooks and wildlife along the way. Depot Park’s vast, open, outdoor space provides a safe way to gather with friends whether for a stroll along the park’s sidewalks or playing a card game on the grass. Paynes Prairie
Fans of the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail might also enjoy a visit to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, whether to hike a trail or enjoy a sunset by pulling off to the side of US-441 South. Less than 10 miles away from campus, the park offers various trails including La Chua, Bolen Bluff and Cone’s Dike. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, and traversing the trails promises beautiful green scenery and a high likelihood of wildlife from deer to bunnies and even bison. Florida may be flat, but hiking opportunities in Gainesville are not scarce, and Paynes Prairie is proof of that.
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The Alligator Guide to Gainesville Coffee Shops OUR STAFF COVERS SOME OF THE CITY’S BEST COFFEE SPOTS Wyatt’s Coffee Customer service in a cup
Wyatt’s Coffee gives Gainesville refreshing drinks in a welcoming atmosphere
Renee Hancock
Iced or hot, whole milk or oat milk, @reneehancockuf espresso or brewed — coffee combinarhancock@alligator.org tions are the fuel behind a college town. At 202 SE Second Ave., Wyatt’s Coffee provides a full selection of traditional and seasonal coffees, teas and refreshments. The clean, open-concept coffee bar invites customers from their first step in the store. With Wi-Fi available and tables meant for two, there’s always space to stay awhile. Without a drive-thru or separate parking lot, it can be difficult to swing by in a rush. The corner shop shares city street parking with the surrounding businesses. Whether it’s the nitro cold brew or the baked goods that draw you in, the store’s welcoming staff and mission to give back to the Gainesville community has earned its spot in your morning routine. Wyatt’s Coffee is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
Karma Cream Good karma in a cup
Karma Cream offers energizing coffee and bites for students and locals alike I’m lazy. I don’t like putting much efJulia Coin fort into a plan when I already have a @juliamcoin day of studying ahead of me. So I go to jcoin@alligator.org Karma Cream, where I can load up on all the caffeine, snacks or sweets I could ever need and barely leave my seat. Located at 607 W. University Ave., the cafe is a short walk from UF’s campus, though a bike or bus may be your best bet
in the summer heat. It has a welcoming and energizing atmosphere, and the vegan menu boasts loaded sandwiches, baked goods and even ice cream made with coconut milk. From breakfast to dessert, you could spend the whole day there if you so desired. The energy continues with the friendly baristas and dynamic playlists. On a rainy day you’re bound to hear some punk and emo songs, which really helps me live out my main character meets struggling writer fantasy. Truth is, the music depends on who’s working. The more you go, the more you pick up on each barista’s taste. If you prefer a quiet workspace you may want to pack your headphones or come earlier in the morning before the corner tables are snatched. At night, the cafe can serve as a fun way to end your day with some ice cream on your way home or a caffeinated pickme-up before a night out. Karma Cream is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Coffee Culture Coffee Cultutre: A cure for your caffeine cravings
The cafe on 13th Street will put a mug in your hand in no time
Kaelyn Cassidy
When I’ve got a craving for caffeine, @kaelyn_cassidy Coffee Culture is my go-to. Unassuming kcassidy@alligator.org on the outside, the shop, located at 2020 NW 13th St., has some of the nicest baristas and the tastiest coffee concoctions in Gainesville. The main room inside is cozy, with lots of natural light and a small stage in the corner for pre-pandemic open mic nights. People walk in, out and about, and the whirring of machines from the kitchen creates a lo-fi buzz — perfect work conditions for me. The back room is quieter, and boasts big, comfy chairs and a small library. I haven’t found another cafe that can make my beverage as quickly as they do at Coffee Culture without sacrificing quality. Add in the themed monthly specials, and
UF students discuss meal plan options GATOR DINING SERVICES OFFERS BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUTER MEAL PLANS
By Juliana Ferrie Alligator Staff Writer
While managing a nervewrecking transition into college, there’s one particular concern that may cross a new student’s mind: food. Figuring out how to navigate meals can be a challenge. At UF, Gator Dining Services offers several different meal plans students can choose from. With over 50 on-campus dining options, meal plans make eating easy, and choices can be found close to all academic buildings, Nicole Jackson, Gator Dining director of student engagement, wrote in an email. For freshmen, hanging out in the dining area is a big part of their college experience, Jackson wrote. When it comes to upperclassmen, the focus is on convenience, she wrote. “Being a meal plan member
with Gator Dining makes both of those experiences satisfying and memorable,” Jackson wrote. Gator Dining Services offers both residential and commuter meal plans, according to its website. Students living on campus can choose from the Unlimited Orange 450, Unlimited Blue 250, Unlimited 5-Day 375 or the Gator Weekly 10 plans. Two of the unlimited plans allow students to eat at the dining hall as many times as they want throughout the week. The third offers unlimited dining hall access Monday through Friday. All four options include varying amounts of Flex Bucks, which can be used to purchase food at dining locations. When a student selects an unlimited plan, they can also use one Cash Exchange swipe worth $6.50 per day. Students can use this to pay for their meals at specific dining locations, including Subway, Shake Smart and Papa John’s, among others. If a student purchases a meal that costs more than the Cash Exchange amount, the rest will be taken out of their
Flex Bucks. The residential meal plans are two-semester commitments whereas commuter plans are paid for per semester. The Chomp 80 is Gator Dining’s highest selling commuter plan, Tim Bucolo, the director of Gator Dining, wrote in an email. In addition, Chomp 50, Chomp 30, Chomp 65, Chomp 30 and Declining Balance are other plans available for off-campus students. Chomp 65 and Chomp 30 plans do not include Flex Bucks for students and only provide meal swipes for the dining hall. However, off-campus students still have the option to choose a residential meal plan. UF’s food service provider, Aramark, is not without controversy. In January, four organizations took a stand against the company to protest its use of prison labor through a boycott. Aramark has a history of wage and hour violations. UF denied the Food Justice Coalition’s request for a seat on the committee in May to negotiate the university’s next food provider.
Coffee Culture can’t be beat. Coffee Culture is open from 6 a.m. to 7p.m. every day except Sunday, when it opens an hour later at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m.
Pascal’s Coffeehouse Coffee, community and care: the Pascal’s Promise
Abigail Hasebroock
The coffeehouse offers all kinds of coffee, tea and pastries, which can all be enjoyed from a seat at its indoor and outdoor dining
@abbeyhasebroock ahasebroock@alligator.org
The first time I traversed to Pascal’s Coffeehouse was during the first week of my freshman year. I was desperate to find a community, and one of UF’s ministries, Cru, was hosting a game night at Pascals located right off campus at 112 NW 16th St. I didn’t even realize the beautiful, spacious building I spent that one fateful evening in was a coffee shop until a couple of weeks later. The string lights, windows, bookshelves and staircase that leads to a second story create a cozy ambience further fostered by the kind baristas who always ask thoughtful questions with a genuineness that can’t be fabricated. Even amid the tumultuous Fall of last year when the future of the entire world was uncertain and life felt rather aimless, I loved the many early mornings I spent sitting by a window listening to the faint sound of instrumental jazz while I attended a class on Zoom, read a book or journaled. The atmosphere immediately puts me into a peaceful, calm state of mind, and the fact that they serve what I believe to be the best coffee drink in all of Gainesville — an iced Cuban latte with oat milk — doesn’t hurt. Pascal’s offers a selection of other kinds of coffee that expresses a clear care for the craft, and non-coffee drinkers can enjoy tea or munching on a fresh pastry. Pascal’s is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and who knows? Maybe it will host some more game nights, too.
Victoria Bible, a 19-yearold UF business administration sophomore, said she had the Gator Weekly 10 meal plan, which gave her 10 meals a week and $550 in Flex Bucks per semester, her freshman year. “I’m really happy with the amount that I just got 10 swipes,” Bible said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She loved that she didn’t have to cook or worry about grocery shopping, she said. Although she lived in Beaty Towers, which is an apartment-style residence hall with a kitchenette, she didn’t know how to cook, leading her to get a meal plan. Bible said she found the dining hall, which was less than a five-minute walk away, to be convenient. The dining hall food was hit or miss, Bible said. Each night, a few options were offered. Bible thought the pizza, chicken sandwiches, dessert and side items were delicious, she said. The plan she chose also allowed her to eat out and occasionally grocery shop. “I didn’t feel like I only had to eat at the dining hall,” she said. Bible used most of her Flex Bucks at the P.O.D. Market, she
said. It offered not only snacks but also items like paper towels and laundry detergent, which she could use her Flex Bucks to purchase. She also frequented Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A. “I would use my Flex Bucks seven days a week whereas I’d only go to the dining hall maybe five days,” she said. At the end of the Spring semester, the Flex Bucks do not roll over, she said. “You got to be smart and really plan it out and spend all of them or as many as you can,” Bible said. Bible recommends the Gator Weekly 10 plan because it provides students with flexibility. Her friends who had the full access meal plan regretted it, she said, because they didn’t eat at the dining hall seven times a week. Compared to the most expensive plan, Gator Weekly 10 is about $535 cheaper per semester. Amanda Feijo, a 22-year-old UF economics and sustainability senior, never had a UF meal plan. Feijo said she made this decision not only because it seemed overpriced to her but also because she wanted to be independent by
SEE MEAL PLANS, PAGE 7
MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 ALLIGATOR 7
Convenience and flexibility MEAL PLANS, from pg. 6
cooking. “I didn’t get a meal plan at any point during my college career, and I wouldn’t get it I don’t think,” she said. One advantage to not having a meal plan was she had more freedom to choose what she ate, Feijo said. It also meant she didn’t feel guilty about eating out. Feijo said she believes she wouldn’t have been as prepared to live in an apartment if she had a meal plan. “It was obviously a little bit challenging at first, but I think it led me to a comfortable place with cooking now,” she said. During her freshman year, Feijo said some days she’d cook and others she’d order food out. Feijo went to Aldi for groceries because it’s relatively cheap, she said. “I think overall it still ended up being cheaper than what the meal plan would have been, and I survived,” she said. However, there were nights where Feijo ate crackers for dinner and days where she didn’t feel like cooking so she spent money on a meal. The pros still outweigh the cons, she said. “Force yourself to cook,” she said. “It’s weird and maybe kind of hard at first but just do it and you’ll be thankful later.” @juliana_f616 jferrie@alligator.org
Houston Harwood // Alligator Staff
Signage posted by the University of Florida advertising Gator Dining meal plans on the third floor of the Reitz Union at UF’s Gainesville campus on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021.
EL CAIMÁN
El Caimán’s guide for Hispanic Gators OUR STAFF COVERS HOW TO FIND YOUR FAMILIA ON AND OFF CAMPUS
By Isabella Barnet Alligator Staff Writer
You won’t find the sweet smell of homemade arepas or abuelita’s arroz con frijoles in Gainesville as often as you would in your typical Hispanic household. For many new Latino Gators, finding your home away from home is even more difficult when you don’t have the proper guide on how to navigate a predominantly white institution in northern Florida. El Caimán has you covered on how to maneuver your way towards finding your familia on and off campus. Life is bland without a little sazón
&
para tu corazón. Although local grocery chains like Publix offer an abundance of Hispanic supplies to recreate your family’s homemade recipes, you probably need something more authentic to get some extra spice — La Aurora, La Pasadita and La Tienda are close Hispanic owned stores that can satisfy your needs. Several local restaurants near UF like El Indio, Tinker and Mi Apa are easily accessible by bus or walking for a quick bite. If you’re willing to venture a little farther from campus, you’ll find hidden gems in the form of Cilantro Tacos, Latin Food Blessing and La Cocina de Abuela to bring you back to your roots. Your time at UF boils down to what you make of it, and your involvement plus friend groups heavily influence that. That’s why La Casita’s presence,
advocated for by generations of former UF students, serves as a home for Latinos looking for their home away from home. Located alongside the Institute of Black Culture, La Casita is a safe space for any Gator looking for scholarship opportunities, private study spaces and the sweet smell of roasted Cuban coffee in and out of hallways. The colorful walls present an even more colorful history of activism, inclusivity and representation for our growing Hispanic community that you can learn about just by stepping foot at 1504 West University Avenue. If you’re looking to get involved but aren’t sure where to start, the Institute of Hispanic Latino Affairs, the Hispanic Student Association and First Generation Leadership Program are just a few of dozens of Spanish-oriented organizations made to help you transition into UF. Beyond professional organizations are a multitude of welcoming groups
Academy of Music and Art Gainesville Guitar Academy 1128 NW 13th Street | Gainesville, FL 32601 | (352) 372-8004 | AcademyOfMusicAndArtGainesville.com
that will make you feel more at home or put you in touch with however you culturally identify — from free Gator Salsa classes to hone in your Spanish spice, to the Multicultural Greek Council that offers 14 culturally-based fraternities and sororities, finding where you belong in UF’s Hispanic community is not as unattainable as you may think it is. It may seem daunting entering Gainesville as a Hispanic student, but generations of former Hispanic Gators paved the way to make UF a welcoming environment for future generations. They say home is not a place but rather a feeling. It is just a matter of feeling like you’ve found your forever familia in the home you make for yourself at UF. El Caimán hopes you can find your forever home as you start your journey as a Florida Gator. @ibarnet@alligator.org
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Get to know UF through your Student Government representatives COOPER BROWN, FAITH MANITI AND GIOVANNA MOMPREMIER WELCOME CLASS OF 2025 WITH INSIGHT ON STUDENT GOVERNMENT AND CAMPUS LIFE
By Carolina Ilvento Alligator Staff Writer
Funded by student’s activities and services fees, Student Government is a campus organization that allows students to actively participate in the decision-making process within UF. Like the national government, SG is divided into three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. “Our simple goal is to just enhance the everyday student experience,” Student Body President Cooper Brown said. “How can Student Government make the everyday life of every Gator just a little bit easier?” Executive Branch The executive branch is run by the elected Student Body president, vice president and treasurer, and features appointed officers who oversee cabinet and agency operations. There are four cabinet divisions — Diversity, Leadership & Service, Student Life and Transfer — overseen by the Student Body vice president, focused on yearly programming and working with student organizations to represent the Student Body. The executive branch also features 17 agencies, focused on specific issues ranging from promoting student safety to hosting speakers and promoting events. Legislative Branch The legislative branch, the Student Senate, is made up of 100 elected senators — 50 representing colleges and school-years and 50 representing residence areas. Senate is responsible for approving a fiscal year budget of over $20 million, passing bills and resolutions and representing a constituency.
Mingmei Li // Alligator Staff
UF Student Government President Cooper Brown (left) and Vice President Faith Maniti (right) announce that student government is holding the Accent Speakers Bureau in-person after two years of pauses on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. They also encouraged students to participate in more upcoming school activities. Judicial Branch The judicial branch is made up of the UF Supreme Court and the elections commission, which are run by UF law students. This branch is responsible for overseeing election procedures and judging university cases brought up by students. Meet your SG representatives
Student Body President: Cooper Brown (president@sg.ufl.edu) Office Hours: Mondays and Thursdays 11 AM-3 PM; Tuesdays 11 AM-2 PM Student Body Vice President: Faith Maniti (vicepresident@sg.ufl.edu)
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-5 PM Student Body Treasurer: Giovanna Mompremier (treasurer@sg.ufl.edu) Office Hours Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11-4 PM To welcome the Class of 2025, The Alligator talked to Brown, Maniti and Mompremier, who shared some of their experiences at UF. What is your favorite library?
Giovanna Mompremier: In my early undergrad years, definitely Marston. I was in there frequently, switching between levels depending on what I was working on. But then when I got to the Health Science program, I used the Health Science Library more due to proximity with all my classes being there, and they also have really nice study rooms. A message to PaCE and Innovation Academy students
Cooper Brown: Don’t feel like you’re a Gator with an asterisk: use every opportunity that is at your fingertips. You’re no different than any other student. What was it like living in a dorm as a Freshman?
Faith Maniti: You could just get up and walk 5-10 minutes to your meeting or an event and you’re there. There’s always something happening every single day of every single week, so it was never like a matter of what am I going to do today because there was always something there. What is a piece of advice you have for incoming Freshmen?
Kate McNamara // Alligator Staff
around you is performing. You never know what kind of resources people are working with. That’s just the reality of life, people have different opportunities, and you shouldn’t beat yourself up for it. What are some of your game day traditions?
Giovanna Mompremier: It’s crazy because on a game day, Gainesville is a whole different city; it just switches up. I was able to really just get that feeling, and just always know like if a game day is coming, oh, it’s just about to be different. What is something that every Gator has to experience?
Faith Maniti: You have to get a plate of Krishna at Plaza and just sit at Plaza and talk with your friends. And I know it’s so corny, but if you’re not tabling at Turlington, you at least have to experience peak Turlington hours, when everybody is giving out donuts or there’s music at any point of the day. Do you have some suggestions of Gainesville restaurants and coffee shops?
Cooper Brown: Gumby’s Pizza, Boca Fiesta, Peach Valley Cafe, Pascal’s Coffeehouse Giovanna Mompremier: Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, Muñecas Downtown Taco Garden, Halo Potato Donuts, Maude’s Coffee Faith Maniti: Curia on the Drag, If It Is Kitchen&Cafe, Social at Midtown, Tijuana Flats, Bo Diddley Plaza What is Student Government and how does it impact students?
Cooper Brown: Don’t overextend yourself: your identity is not in your resume. That’s what I always like to tell incoming freshmen, and that’s something that I wish I could have told myself as a freshman. Get involved in organizations because you care about the mission.
Faith Maniti: A chunk of people’s tuition literally goes to fund us, and the work that we do. Whether you’re a part of Student Government, you’re working with Student Government or you’re at least paying attention to Student Government, there’s always a voice, or a hand, or something at stake in terms of whatever interests you might have.
Faith Maniti: My advice would be not to focus too much on what everybody else around you is doing, or how everybody else
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MUSIC
Gainesville’s go-to music venues GAINESVILLE IS KNOWN FOR ITS NICHE MUSIC SCENE. THESE STAPLE SPOTS KEEP IT ALIVE
By Brenna Sheets Alligator Staff Writer
Whether a local young musician or an established national touring band, Gainesville’s music scene has a reputation for welcoming all kinds of artists with arms outstretched. The array of concerts and music festivals fundamental to the city’s culture, however, would be nonexistent if it weren’t for the music venues that host them. Gainesville is home to several stages, but a select few have been especially crucial in carrying on the city’s legacy. For new and returning UF students coming to campus this Fall, the Gainesville concert experience would be incomplete without visiting Heartwood Soundstage, Hardback Cafe, High Dive and The Wooly. Heartwood Soundstage
Heartwood Soundstage opened Feb. 25, 2017, with the Heartwood Music Festival, a multi-stage, all-
ages event featuring bands from all around the state of Florida. Since then, 17 Grammy-Awardwinning artists, such as John Paul White and Shaun Martin, have played at the venue, located at 619 S. Main St. This year, Heartwood is broadening its focus from primarily local bands to more national touring bands, co-owner Dave Melosh said. “Heartwood aspires to be a central community gathering place for a wide variety of musical genres,” he said. “We are a music venue founded by musicians, for musicians.” Heartwood was built on the site of the old Mirror Image recording studio and though the venue still functions as a recording studio, it also hosts live performances. Heartwood expanded in 2017 to include an indoor acoustic stage with a capacity of 150 people and an outdoor stage that holds 1,500 people. Melosh and his partners hired Paul Pavelka, a former post-production engineer for Warner Brothers, to design the interior soundstage. The finished design included a full audio and video setup, which the venue has used to record some of its live shows. Heartwood’s live video sessions have brought in tens of thousands of viewers from livestreams as
well as over 670,000 total views on YouTube, according to Melosh. “One thing that makes us a little different from other venues is that we are an audio and video production soundstage, so almost all of our shows are filmed and livestreamed,” he said. “It’s the best sound room in Gainesville, hands down.” This year, Heartwood is planning for several different festivals and concerts. Highlights of this semester’s upcoming events include Heartwood’s annual Back To School Fest on Aug. 28, The Gainesville Reggae Festival on Sept. 25 and The Fest ‘19 and the Tom Petty Music Festival in October. Hardback Cafe
Hardback Cafe’s history is a long and winding one, with the venue undergoing several evolutions since its opening in April 1989. Throughout the 1990s, the Hardback occupied the spaces now known as Boca Fiesta, The Backyard and Palomino Pool Hall. Concentrating on up-and-coming local acts, it hosted some of the early shows for bands like Less Than Jake and River Phoenix’s group Aleka’s Attic, according to Gainesville Downtown.
Houston Harwood // Alligator Staff
Quincy Allen-Flint performs an acoustic set at the High Dive, located at 210 SW Second Ave., during the Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally on June 5, 2021.
Keep up with the Avenue on Twitter. Tweet us @TheFloridaAve.
SPOTIFY The venue closed in 1999, resulting in a 16-year hiatus. Owner Alan Bushnell reopened the Hardback on Dec. 11, 2015 on West University Avenue after “seeing a resurgence of local musicians who needed a place to play,” according to WUFT News. In 2018, the Hardback moved to its current location at 920 NW Second St. Since its move, the venue has served as a performance space as well as a drive-thru market known as Undertown, selling milk, eggs, cigarettes, coffee and cans of beer. From special screenings of Tom Miller’s The Seven Sides of Shakespeare to performances by local crust punk and sludge metal hybrid acts like Baptized in Piss, the Hardback’s collection of nightlife events is truly one of a kind. “Hardback Cafe is primarily a venue for new performance art,” according to the venue’s website. “Shows can involve videos, projections, live painting, theatre, rock bands, hip hop. Anything goes at the Hardback.”
Need a move-in playlist? We’ve got you covered.
also host the Original Gainesville Food Truck Rally and live performances of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, along with many other events traditional to the venue, in the coming months. The Wooly
High Dive
Hosting between 200 to 250 events a year, High Dive has become one of the most prominent venues in Gainesville, reputable for being a space concert-goers would expect to find only in a larger city. “Seeing a live show with your friends, loved ones and hundreds of strangers is a visceral shared moment that can only be experienced in-person to be appreciated,” Pat Lavery, High Dive’s facility and events manager, wrote in an email. “At High Dive, we like to think we provide one of the best venues in the area to do this.” The site, located at 210 SW Second Ave, is the former home of Common Grounds and Covered Dish. Today, the building is shared between High Dive and Five Star Pizza. Dating back to the ‘90s, High Dive’s location has seen influential bands such as Dave Matthews Band, Green Day, Nine Inch Nails, Black Keys, Paramore and more come to the stage, as well as comedians like Eric Andre and Patton Oswalt. “High Dive is the epicenter and the soul of Gainesville’s live music scene,” Lavery said. “We routinely bring well-known, national touring artists of all kinds to Gainesville in a laid back, yet professional environment.” High Dive officially opened under its current name in July 2011, making this year its 10-year anniversary. The venue has one of its busiest Fall schedules yet, according to Lavery. Some upcoming shows include performances by flipturn, Mayday Parade, Hobo Johnson, Chris Renzema, The Hails, Beach Fossils and comedian Ginger Billy. High Dive will
Located at 20 N. Main St, The Wooly first opened its doors in 2013 as a venue for The Fest, a yearly punk music festival in Gainesville that draws in tens of thousands of attendees annually. The Wooly is a 4,400-square-foot indoor venue that garnered a following from its past performances from acts like Kississippi, Mom Jeans and The Casualties. The Wooly is best-known for its nostalgic Pop Punk & Emo Nights, which take place on the last Saturday of the month. The Pop Punk & Emo Nights feature DJs and live performers who play songs by artists like Paramore, Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, Sleeping With Sirens, Blink-182, My Chemical Romance, Panic! At the Disco and A Day To Remember. In addition to its live-music events, the venue hosts film screenings for cult classics like The Big Lebowski, “beer dinners” with local brewing companies and themed public game nights. One of The Wooly’s most recent events, July 16’s “X-Brides Club,” was tailored to brides, bridesmaids and divorcees. The Wooly is part of Top Secret Events, a group of unique venue spaces in Downtown Gainesville. Top Secret Events facilitates bookings for wedding receptions, holiday and cocktail parties, and other private events at The Wooly, The Depot Event Space and The Boxcar Bar. @BrennaMarieShe1 BrennaSheets@gmail.com
UF Gyms
Everything you need to know about working out on campus, pg. 15 Scan to follow the Avenue on Spotify
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VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED to transport cancer patients to treatment. Flexible schedule. Training and liability insurance provided. Please call
St. Francis House is a homeless shelter located in downtown Gainesville. Our mission is to empower families with children to transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency by providing case management, housing, food, training and educational resources in a secure environment. If interested in volunteering please contact the volunteer coordinator at 352-378- 9079 ext 317 or sfhcoor@stfrancis.cfcoxmail.com St Francis House depends on monetary support from individual donors and community businesses in order to provide meals to the homeless and the hungry. To make a donation by mail, please send checks payable to St. Francis House P.O. Box 12491 Gainesville Fl 32604 or our website at Stfrancishousegnv.org
Yard work/some light housekeeping. Student,P/T a few hours/week. Wanted by retired UF Grad. Close to UF, all equipment furnished. $10-$12/hr depending on exp. Reply with schedule/short resume include phone no. ghpolkgator@gmail.com. 8-16-21-4-14
solution on page 10
12 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021
16 Health Services
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The University of Florida in Gainesville, FL is seeking an Applications Programmer II. This position will be primarily responsible for leading the design, development, maintenance, and enhancement of highly complex information technology systems of the Graduate School by coordinating the technical operation of the Graduate School’s information technology and computing environment. Programming duties can include writing new web applications, modifying software to correct errors, creating custom APIs, developing, designing and modifying software systems, testing and validating procedures, determining system performance standards, and data extraction. Other duties include database administration and IT Strategic planning to develop operational and security policies to ensure compliance from system users.
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Just transfered? Welcome to the Gator Nation TRANSFER AND PACE STUDENTS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES AND GIVE ADVICE FOR INCOMING STUDENTS
By Camila Pereira Alligator Staff Writer
The start of a new school year marks the first day on campus for not only freshmen, but also transfer, Innovation Academy and Pathway to Campus Enrollment students getting settled in the Swamp. Although the transition can be nerve-racking, all UF students — whether admitted traditionally or non-traditionally — are an essential part of the Gator nation and encouraged to take every opportunity to succeed in the university. “They are as much of a student
as anyone else on this campus,” Cooper Brown, UF’s student body president, said. Brown completed most of his undergraduate degree online as a UF PaCE student and said students should immerse themselves in campus life in any way they can and take advantage of all the opportunities the university has to offer. “I always like to tell students, you know, PaCE and (Innovation Academy) students and even transfer students, is that it’s not a barrier,” the 23-year-old graduate student said. “You can still get involved in whatever you want to get involved in.” As the first former UF PaCE student to serve as student body president, Brown urges students to get connected as UF students come from all over the world and getting to know one another will
allow them to grow individually. “The Gator nation is huge, I mean, it’s worldwide, and your time here whether that be two or three years as a transfer student or four years, or however longer as a PaCE or innovation student, just really enjoy your time, get connected and meet people,” he said. UF Online will host a Fall 2021 Welcome Week for incoming and returning students to learn more about the UF Online experience and meet their online peers. Beyond online schooling, UF has welcomed thousands of transfer students from all around the country. In 2019, over 2,000 students transferred to UF. UF alumnus Ivey Sapp said transferring was nerve-racking at first as she came from Cross City, a small town in Dixie County, Florida.
Dear freshman: Welcome to UF SENIORS REMINISCE AS THEY SHARE STORIES OF THEIR FAVORITE FRESHMAN MEMORIES AT UF
By Isabella Douglas Alligator Staff Writer
With the “Gator” title comes the pride of wearing signature orange and blue at football games, the freedom to choose when to wake up for class and a legacy spanning 168 years. Freshmen, welcome to The Swamp. On Aug. 23, classes will begin at UF with freshmen scrambling to figure out the bus system and seniors heading to their favorite coffee shops before their first lecture. Heading into the new school year,
some UF seniors offered advice to freshmen unsure of what to expect with college life. With over 35,000 undergraduates at UF, the campus has connected and facilitated a network of long-lasting friendships. One of the best things about being a freshman was the unpredictability, Nicholas Garas, a 21-year-old finance senior, said. “When you’re a freshman sometimes you find yourself in weird places or random places especially because you don’t know your way around the school,” he said. “Whether you’re trying to find a classroom or whether you’re out one night walking around with somebody that you know you never would have talked to.” With constantly teetering between at-
Lily Strickland
Kayla Tellez, a 20-year-old junior studying psychology, takes a selfie with UF President Kent Fuchs Tuesday on Plaza of the Americas. Fuchs traveled around campus taking photos and giving out free shaved ice for students for the first day of Fall classes. “It was amazing. I felt like I met a celebrity,” Tellez said. “It’s my first year on campus and I’m super excited and it’s just like the cherry on top.”
“At first it was like a culture shock because you don’t know anyone, you’re at this big campus, you’re kind of overwhelmed with everything that college life is throwing at you, but as I went on in my first semester as a transfer student, things got easier,” the 23-year-old said. Sapp transferred to UF from Florida Gateway College in Fall 2017 into the Unified Elementary ProTeach program at the UF College of Education. Through the program, she had the opportunity to create a network with not only friends who she took with her after college, but also professors and teaching assistants who enhanced her professional aspirations. “If you find your friend group there and you find people that you feel a connection to, you’ll fit in faster than you think,” Sapp said.
tending classes, going to work and maintaining a social life, seniors like Garas believe it made the freshman experience far more valuable. He remembers walking back to Infinity Hall his freshman year and randomly joining paths with Shaan Patel, a 21-year-old finance senior. “We started talking, like we’re cracking jokes at each other and like hanging out. After that we started hanging out a ton,” Garas said. “And that guy now is going to be my senior year roommate, and he’s one of my best friends.” Patel suggested freshmen start socializing early on in their first year. “I definitely think the biggest thing that people should focus on when they come to UF, especially because everyone is totally open to it, is just like making as many friends as you can as quickly as possible,” Patel said. Looking around his Introduction to Business class, also known as Warrington Welcome, Garas wished he had said hi to one of the 20 other freshmen in the class. “Convincing yourself that you’re not the only one in this new place, in this new situation is something that I wish I had wrapped my mind around earlier,” Garas said. As a freshman, Garas was involved in UF’s soccer club and exploring financial economics, a finance club where he created positive relationships with his peers. He said getting involved in a variety of interest groups is one of the best things one can do when starting as a freshman. “Apart from college being a big step in your scholastic career, it’s also a big part of your social development,” Garas said. “I think it’s really important to meet people and get just kind of acclimated in a new setting.” One of the classes Patel took outside of his major was Wildlife Issues with Mike Moulton. Known as an easy class, he said, Patel found the course interesting and attended office hours to learn more. At UF, he said he overstressed academics as a freshman. “You think that every exam is like the end of the world if you don’t do well, but a lot of the classes are designed to teach you
Alexis Galindo, a UF economics senior, also recommended incoming transfer students to take advantage of getting involved on campus. “If you have the opportunity to do so, do it because that’s what I regret the most,” the 21-year-old said. Galindo transferred to UF in Fall 2020 and said he struggled to get involved and make friends during his first year as classes went online due to COVID-19. However, as the university pushes for in-person classes this Fall, he said he is excited to see what campus life is like at UF. “For the first time, as a senior, I’ll be actually experiencing the full college life at UF,” Galindo said. “And, I don’t know, I think that’s always crazy to think about.” @CamilaSaPereira cpereira@alligator.org
what you don’t already know,” Patel said. Safely concealed in her apartment in Gainesville, Jessica Schaechter thinks fondly of a journal tucked away in her room with pages full of her favorite memories from freshman year. Now a senior, she reminisces on her first year of college, while heading into her last year as an undergraduate. “It’s the little things,” the 20-year-old economics and telecommunications senior said. “It goes by so fast, so you know, get a hold of all those opportunities and really enjoy them to the maximum.” One of the best things about being a college freshman is the independence, Schaechter said. This new independence, she said, comes with the freedom to explore who you are and where you want to take yourself in life. “For my parents it was a little bit hard to kind of let me go and explore my own life and my independence,” she said. “But that’s definitely what I treasure the most looking back all these years.” Schaechter was an exploratory major her freshman year of college. Unsure of what she wanted to major in, she took the advice of friends, professors and advisors and completed a wide range of classes that interested her. First-year students may declare exploratory as their major for their first three semesters. In the first two years as a UF student, 61% of the student body switched their major. Schaechter’s family lives in Costa Rica, so whenever she feels lonely she reaches out to UF’s international community. “I think that the international community in UF is also very strong and very supportive in the sense that you know you always have your other family or your friends to keep you company or invite you to Thanksgiving if you have nothing else to do or no one else to be with.” Laughing, Schaechter shared one last piece of advice to any incoming freshman living in the city. “Always carry an umbrella in Gainesville,” she said. @Ad_Scribendum idouglas@alligator.org
14 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021
George A. Smathers Libraries provide a welcoming community to foster student success THE SMATHERS LIBRARIES FORM THE LARGEST INFORMATION RESOURCE SYSTEM IN FLORIDA
By Makiya Seminera Alligator Staff Writer
During a typical year at UF, the bustle of campus life is hard to miss — with students racing to class, hurrying to catch a bus, or weaving their way through Plaza of the Americas to grab Krishna lunch. Amid the flurry of students, the six George A. Smathers libraries provide an escape for both students and faculty alike to seek refuge. “There are times when there’s just too many distractions in your living environment,” University Libraries Dean Judith Russell said. “We think the libraries are a place that give the students (another) option. And there’s so many options, many different locations, different libraries with different characteristics.” Consisting of six different libraries — Architecture and Fine Arts Library, Education Library, Health Science Center Libraries, Library West, Marston Science Library and Smathers Library — The George A. Smathers libraries form the largest information resource system in Florida. The Levin College of Law’s Legal Information Center also holds a collaborative relationship with Smathers libraries. Library visitors have access to a growing collection of 6.17 million print volumes, in addition to more than 62,000 UF dissertations and theses. If guests don’t have time to visit one of the six libraries, they can access 1.5 million e-books and over 14 million digitized pages by navigating the Smathers libraries’ website. Like all other areas on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Smathers libraries were forced to drastically adjust their procedures. To ensure safety within the libraries — which collectively attract 4.5 million visitors annually — seating capacities were reduced, face coverings were required and Gator 1 ID cards were mandatory upon entry to check if students were cleared for campus. “I was dreading the idea that people would show up and want to come into the library, and we’d have to say there’s no room,” Russell said. Services such as Ask-A Librarian — a free library service that allows students to seek assistance from library staff through email, text, or instant message — flourished during the pandemic when many students found themselves no longer on campus. Now, as campus facilities will open at full capacity during Summer B and masks are now optional, the six branches of the Smathers libraries look to fully resume their unique services to their patrons. Library West
After whirling through the revolving entrance doors and grabbing coffee from Starbucks, patrons of Library West hurry up the escalator to find a peaceful seat to study. Serving as the centerpiece of Plaza of the Americas, Library West remains one of the most popular libraries on campus. With seating for approximately 1,400 visitors and an official “quiet study” space on the fourth floor, Library West is designed to withstand the rush of students who may flood the building during final exams week. Students can choose to sit at the various tables, chairs, study rooms, or FitDesk study bikes located throughout the building. Designated as the humanities and social sciences library, students have access to collections from various fields: books, microform materials, newspapers, periodicals, journals and DVDs. In addition to the 18 group study rooms at Library West, students can use unique spaces
like the One Button Video Recording Studio — a recording studio equipped with HD cameras, lighting, audio equipment and a green screen function. Another space in Library West, the Accessibility Studio, is available for registered Disability Resource Center students to have a private space to interact with library resources. The library staff aims to make Library West a more inclusive space for visitors of all backgrounds, according to Library West chair Stacey Ewing. Like other library branches, a lactation room and gender-neutral bathrooms were added in Library West. As a way to further accommodate students during the pandemic, Library West added 10 test proctoring booths for students who did not have a quiet area at home to take an exam. Library East (Smathers)
At first glance, Library East appears to be a modest building, as it blends in with the surrounding lecture halls. However, one step inside reveals that the library is filled to the brim with historical treasures. Dating back to 1925, Library East is the oldest library on campus with an original capacity of 800. In nearly 100 years, Library East’s four floors have become home to remarkable collections, including the Map and Imagery Library, Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica, and the Latin American and Caribbean Collections. Located on the first floor, the Map & Imagery Library is one of the largest academic map libraries in the country, containing around 500,000 maps, 300,000 aerial photographs and 8,000 reference books and atlases. On the second floor, students can enter the Grand Reading room to be assigned a table to access non-circulating materials. The Judaica Suite, attached to the Grand Reading Room, is filled with rare books from the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica. In addition to the priceless books found in the Judaica Suite, students can observe the handmade artwork of Kenneth Treister, the architect of the room. One of Library East’s most distinguished collections, the Latin American and Caribbean Collection, was founded in 1951 and is currently located on the third floor of Library East. The collection contains around 500,000 volumes in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and various indigenous languages. The collection also serves as a way for many Latinx students to connect with their culture, LACC public services associate Keith Manuel said. Although the COVID-19 pandemic reduced Library East’s capacity and hours, it provided a unique advantage: increasing and improving its digital collections. As fewer students were able to access physical prints of literature, library staff were tasked with scanning and photographing the collections so students could find what they needed online. Marston Science Library
Sitting right beside the Hub and Turlington Plaza, Marston Science Library sits in a convenient spot on campus and garners a substantial amount of foot traffic. With the yellow gangling Alachua sculpture — lovingly known as the French fries — located right outside the building, Marston is hard to miss. Named after the seventh UF president Robert Q. Marston, Marston Science Library caters to the university’s scientific community. The library was built in 1987 to consolidate the six original UF science branch libraries: Agriculture, Physics, Botany, Engineering, Chemistry and Biology-Geology. Students can choose which of the five floors best fit their studying needs, with the bottom three floors being designated for group study and the top two floors for quiet study. Marston Science Library remains a technological pioneer among the other Smathers libraries. In addition to maintaining five computer labs within the building — with one of them specialized for augmented
reality development — Marston offers a multipurpose visualization and conference room for students to reserve for meetings, Marston Science Library chair Valrie Minson said. Not only does Marston offer an abundance of technology, but their expanding tool library allows students to loan out take-home equipment ranging from drill sets to sewing machines. Architecture and Fine Arts Library
With a growing collection of 125,000 volumes, the academic needs of students from both the College of Design, Construction & Planning and the College of the Arts are satisfied by the Architecture and Fine Arts Library. Since its opening in 1965, the AFA library has emerged as one of the largest art library collections in the southeastern United States. Unlike its neighbor Marston Science Library, the AFA library discourages extended group study sessions due to the vast open space of the library. Instead, individual study is enhanced through the use of the famous double-decker carrel units equipped with electrical outlets, which are found throughout the reading room. Through the AFA library, comprehensive research guides were also created for students pursuing different disciplines supported by the library. The guides include a variety of topics within the arts and architecture professions including ceramics, dance, construction management, interior design and sustainability. Education Library
Opened in 1980, the Education Library is home to over 80,000 textbooks, children’s and young adult books, and journals. Right outside its doors, a beloved oak tree — winner of the 2021 UF Library Landmark Lollapalooza — stands tall to be admired by the library staff and students alike. Separated from the main campus by Norman Field, the Education Library remains hidden from a large part of the UF population. However, its proximity to Sorority Row and other off-campus housing makes it a prime spot for some students to resume their studies close to home, Rachael Elrod, head of the Education Library, said. Although the library supplies print materials meant to support programs within the College of Education, the expansion of educational technology is on the rise within the Education Library — specifically within the EduGator Makery. The EduGator Makery is a space within the Education Library that holds traditional educational technologies such as die cuts, a laminator and video editing software. To Elrod, the Education Library offers an alternative for students who want to get away from the fast pace of UF’s campus. “I think there’s just this feeling of community,” Elrod said. “It tends to be a very quiet library as opposed to Library West or Marston where there’s lots of activity...there’s nothing wrong with that, but people seeking out a quiet environment in the library would really find a home here.” Health Science Center Libraries
Unlike the other library branches, the Health Science Center Libraries have two locations: Gainesville and Jacksonville. The Borland Health Sciences Library seeks to support patrons at UF Health in Jacksonville by providing health resources and research to doctors. The main Health Science Center library in Gainesville serves over 11,000 students, faculty and staff from the six Health Science Center UF colleges. HSC libraries also serve Shands Health Care by supporting its clinical and research missions through its exceptional health collections.
The HSC library played a critical role in community mitigation of COVID-19 through the creation of a COVID-19 library guide with resources for healthcare practitioners and the public, according to nursing and consumer health liaison Maggie Ansell. The library guide was helpful to many members of the local community who were unsure of how to navigate the emerging COVID-19 health information. Improving mental health is another mission of the HSC library — whether it be through providing jigsaw puzzles and coloring kits for students to distract themselves, offering nap pods for students to relax in, or inviting local therapy dogs throughout the semester. Two local therapy dogs, Beau and Lentil Bean, as well as their owners Terry Biehl and Elizabeth Pearlman, are frequent visitors to the HSC library, stopping by a couple times a semester to greet students. “[Beau] loves visiting students, I would have to say of all the therapy work, it’s his favorite,” Biehl said. In order to abide by CDC guidelines, Beau and Lentil Bean’s visits were moved outside of the HSC library. Guests were instructed to maintain social distancing, wear masks, and wash their hands before and after petting the dogs. The student debate: which library is the best?
Although each of the six branches collaborate with one another to put on Smathers library-wide events like the annual fall festival, they also enjoy participating in healthy competition — mostly brought about by UF students who have pledged their allegiance to one of the libraries. Choosing a favorite UF library can be determined by numerous factors: location, the collections offered, seating arrangements, or even the presence of a Starbucks inside. For Gabby Whitler, 21-year-old psychology senior, the ornate aesthetics of Library East secured its location as her regular study spot. “The ambience of [Library East] is just really nice and helps me focus,” Whitler said. “It almost helps me fantasize [that] I enjoy studying and manifest that mindset.” Other students like 20-year-old accounting junior Kate Ross found comfort in studying at Library West, even if it meant taking a detour from her normal path on campus. “Overall, I find the furniture and overall appearance in Llibrary Wwest to be very appealing both to sit in and look at,” Ross said. “Library West is further than a lot of the dorms on campus, but it is definitely worth the extra walk.” Melanie Halem, a 20-year-old political science and mathematics senior, said Marston’s top floors are the perfect place to focus on schoolwork. “I think the fifth floor cubbies are just perfect,” Halem said. “There’s a cubby with plants around it that is so beautiful. It has such a great view of Beaty Towers too.” Haley Geer, 20-year-old animal science junior, also identified Marston as her favorite library at UF, as she felt that the library contained various collections and equipment that catered to her field of study. “It works really well for STEM students, which I know is the purpose of it, but I always found it very accessible,” Geer said. For Craft Talbot, a 21-year-old business management senior, Marston Science Library is more than just a favorite study spot. In February, Talbot adopted a bunny from Gainesville Rabbit Rescue and named him after her favorite spot on campus — Marston. “I can’t wait [for] my senior year,” Talbot said. “I’m definitely going to take graduation pictures in front of [Marston Science Library] with Marston.” @makseminera mseminera@alligator.org
MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 www.alligator.org/section/sports
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The classic UF gym: Student Recreation & Fitness Center THE OLDEST STUDENT FITNESS CENTER ON CAMPUS CAN BE FOUND IN THE SHADOW OF BEN HILL GRIFFIN STADIUM
By Joseph Henry Sports Writer
Nestled right in the heart of UF’s campus, the Student Recreation & Fitness Center is the university’s original gym. Opened in 1991, Student Rec is over 37,000-square-feet and is located next to the Student Health Care Center and behind the Racquet Club Dining Center on Fletcher Drive. Student Rec’s strength and conditioning room spans 6,300 square feet. Three large activity rooms host guided classes like yoga and zumba, and a dedicated cardio room and a cycling studio provide opportunities to get your blood pumping. The facility is centered around a multipurpose gymnasium that can
be used for basketball, volleyball and even martial arts. Five racquetball courts and two squash courts are also housed inside. Sports equipment is available for checkout at the gym’s front desk. On a day where the Gainesville heat is especially overbearing, you can take a dip in the Florida Pool, located directly behind Student Rec. The pool features eight 50-yard-long swimming lanes with depths ranging from 4.5 feet to 12.5 feet. It’s also heated up to a toasty 84 degrees in the winter months. The gym, pool and equipment rentals are free to all UF students who are taking classes. While smaller in size than the massive Southwest Recreation Center, Student Rec’s main upside is its convenient location. Parking at Student Rec is scarce though, and the facility is best accessed by bike, scooter or foot. With the majority of UF’s residence halls on the east side of campus, they are not walking distance to the state-of-the-art Southwest Rec. So, if you are trying to get a sweat in with only a small
amount of time between classes, Student Rec is for you. Lance Duch, a 20-year-old microbiology junior, fits trips to Student Rec into his schedule almost every day. “I typically went around 11 a.m. or noon each day and loved going at the time because the gym wasn’t too busy but also not dead either,” said Duch. Duch wanted to build muscle when he came to college, so he has spent most of his time in the weight room, which he said has all the machines and weights he needs. He said the location was his favorite aspect of Student Rec because he never had to drive to go to the gym. The classic recreation center lacks the size and style of its counterpart, but it overcomes that with its convenience. If you stop by for a work out, make sure you don’t skip out on the free Gatorade offered in the lobby of the Student Health Care Center. @Josephhenry2424 jhenry@alligator.org
Mingmei Li // Alligator Staff
The Student Recreation & Fitness Center on Friday, June 18, 2021.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
MTV welcome to my gym, Southwest Recreation Center A LOOK INSIDE UF’S LARGEST GYM By Michael Hull Sports Writer
Look, I get it. Southwest Recreation Center can be intimidating to the average gymgoer. The 140,000-square-foot facility looks like something out of a utopian sci-fi film. I’m here to make you feel comfortable in UF’s premiere workout environment. Let’s get started.
Faith Buckley // Alligator Staff
The Student Recreation & Fitness Center on Friday, June 18, 2021.
The indoor section of UF’s largest gym boasts six indoor basketball courts, five racquetball courts and a multipurpose gym for sports like indoor soccer. Students play pickup basketball on the courts, which is a great way to get cardio in without feeling like you want to die inside. Southwest Rec is available for all UF students who are enrolled in classes and paid the Activity and Service Fee. Christian Lopez, a 20-year-old international studies junior, worked out at Southwest for about five days a week this summer. Lopez said he mostly uses the weight room and basketball courts. “I love doing strength training and hooping,” Lopez said. “Physical activity is super fun and good for your mental and physical health.” The center offers much more than basketball. There’s a 15,000-square-foot cardio room that spans two levels. The first level features exercise machines like treadmills, elliptical machines and exercise bikes, as well as an open area with free weights, kettlebells and medicine balls. I enjoy this area, especially since they added squat racks and benches to it. It’s typically less crowded than the weight room, and there’s more room to do full exercise circuits. The downside is it can fill up quickly. There are only a few squat racks and a couple benches, so this is more of an area for body-weight exercises than anything else in my opinion. Head upstairs, and you’ll find my favorite spot in the entire center. The upstairs car-
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dio area features an indoor 1/9th mile track, more machines and free weights. Now, I am by no means a runner, so the track is not for me. However, this area is typically the quietest and is the best spot to do body-weight exercises. It also includes a rack of dumbbells and kettlebells, so there is plenty to work with in a calm area of the gym. Back downstairs, the facility houses a large weight room that holds both free weight activities like squat racks and bench presses, as well as leg presses and chest presses. This is where you’ll find the true gym hardos (if you’ve been in a gym, you know the type), featuring fraternity formal tank tops, Gymshark leggings and plenty of preworkout to go around. While it does have the most equipment, the weight room can be intimidating to new gym members. I’d recommend going with a friend at first, then ease yourself into the weight room life. Southwest offers the ability to workout out on your own or with others. It hosts classes taught by trained fitness professionals, like cycling, zumba, hip hop fitness and yoga classes. The complex also features an outdoor section that includes beach volleyball and tennis courts, as well as fields for intramural sports. Students can rent equipment from Southwest to use on the courts or fields, such as Frisbees, tennis rackets and footballs. Despite all the amenities offered, RecSports still looks for ways to improve the facility. This past Spring, it had gym-goers fill
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out a survey for ways to better the center. Lopez wishes there were more squat racks and Olympic lifting areas inside of the weight room. Personally, I just want the ShakeSmart located inside Southwest to be open 24/7, but I’m a dreamer. Put at the edge of UF’s campus near Lakeside Complex, students who live on campus normally take the bus or drive to Southwest Rec instead of walking. However, the size and amenities of Southwest are worth the extra commute. The biggest issue with the distance is parking. Students need a UF decal to park by Southwest until 3:30 p.m. Any decal can be used, though, making it accessible to off-campus residents with a Park-and-Ride decal. Now, the most important part of any Southwest experience: timing. Working out at the wrong time can ruin your gym experience. Lopez recommends not going between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. I recommend finding a time in the morning to go. If that doesn’t work, either lunch time or late at night is the way to go. You can always check UF’s RecSports app — available on both iOS and android — for time updates. The app features cameras and head counts, showing how many people are in each section of the gym at a time. Hopefully now, with the help of this guide, you can walk into Southwest Rec confidently.
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For updates on UF athletics, follow us on Twitter at @alligatorSports or online at www.alligator.org/section/sports.
@Michael_Hull33 mhull@alligator.org
16 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021
P ROOFTO SUN!
OPEN WED-
HAPPY HOUR MON-FRI: 4 – 7 pm pm 11am - 7 pm
SAT: SUNDaY: aLL DaY!
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m o n d ay
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f ood 7 p m - 10 p m dr ink s 7 p m - 1 2 A m
10 DOMESTIC BEER BUCKETS $6 SHANDY (WHEAT OR LIGHT BEER WITH DEEP EDDY’S FLOAT) $10 BUD LIGHT LEMONADE SELTZER BUCKETS $
T-nn -T TUESDAYS T-
y da es tu 10 f ood 7 pm
SANDWICHES & BURGERS
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$ OFF
(wells)) 3 TEQUILA SHOTS (wells $3 HOUSE MARGARITA (on (on tap) tap) $4 LOADED PALOMA CORONA $
(tacos & tequila)
3 $799 NACHOS
$ OFF
pm
dr ink s 7 p m - 1 2 A m
ALL TACOS
$5 99 MAC N CHEESE y a wed7n-e10sd no modifications with the exception of heat preference
pm f ood p m dr ink s 7 p m - 1 2 A m RO OF TO P ON LY
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DRINK SPECIALS
$
5 MOSCOW MULES $6 FLAVORED MULES
PITCHER PERFECT WEDNESDAYS
5 $7 99
$ 99 CHIPS & SALSA TRIO
6 $7 $5 $
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Soup, Salad & BreadSTUFF
4 $3 CHILI & SOUP BOWLS $10 ALL SIGNATURE SALADS $ OFF ALL FLATBREADS
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HAPPY HOUR 11AM - 7PM (See Happy Hour specials)
*excluding game/event days
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3 FIREBALL SHOTS $4 SWAMP HEAD DRAFTS $5 JACK’D DEAL (Jack Daniels, Honey, & Fire) $6 DOUBLE VODKA RED BULL $
ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR! (See Happy Hour specials)
$10 BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS • $3 PINK LEMONADE FIZZ • $3 GRAPEFRUIT POINSETTIAS $3 DOMESTIC DRAFTS • $5 FLORIDA CRAFT DRAFTS • $4 SIGNATURE SHOTS
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$5 LIQUOR PITCHERS • $9 L.I.T. PITCHERS • $5 DOMESTIC PITCHERS • $9 CRAFT PITCHERS
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BETTER MARGARITA MOJITO MEJOR 1728 West University Ave