Wednesday, August 16, 2023

DeSantis

appoints

Former chief of staff will now manage DeSantis’ presidential campaign

By Garrett Shanley Alligator Staff Writer

UF’s colorful courses bring excitement to student schedules

Students can enroll in more than 120 non-major classes

By Nicole Beltrán Alligator Staff Writer

From scuba diving in Devil’s Den to raising bee colonies, UF students can take advantage of courses that could potentially spark newfound passions.

UF offers more than 120 nonmajor classes for students to take outside of their required course loads. These classes range from teaching students about dance and music to dinosaurs and bees. Fall enrollment is currently open for students interested in signing up for these classes.

Students with an interest in the arts have the opportunity to explore courses, including Beginner Improv, Dance Appreciation

for the Twenty-first Century, Art Appreciation: American Diversity and Global Arts, Introduction to World Musics and Beginning Fiction Writing.

Those with previous musical or artistic experience also can enroll in more advanced courses after they meet certifications and requirements. The specific qualifications can be found on the university’s course registration page and discussed with an adviser.

Students feeling adventurous can easily make their thrilling interests part of a weekly schedule. UF offers certificates for students who take classes like Animal Genetics, Ceramics and Open Water Scuba Diving.

SEE CLASSES, PAGE 4

UF alum as chief of staff Libraries, study rooms and technology, oh my!

Seven libraries are located on UF’s main campus

Gov. Ron DeSantis hired Alex Kelly, a UF alumnus and commerce secretary, as his chief of staff Aug. 8.

Kelly will work alongside senior advisor David Dewhirst, DeSantis’ press secretary Jeremy Redfern told Florida Politics.

DeSantis’ now former chief of staff James Uthemeier, also a UF alumnus, was appointed as his presidential campaign manager the same day. Generra Peck, DeSantis’ former campaign manager, will remain on the campaign as a strategist.

Kelly has an extensive history in state politics since leaving the university.

After graduating from UF with a master of arts in political science in 2000, Kelly began his career as a campaign manager for state Sen. Anna Cowin, R-20.

He then worked as a legislative aide for

SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT

state representative Aaron Bean, who is now a U.S. congressman.

In 2005, Kelly joined the Florida Department of Elder Affairs as director of legislative affairs.

In 2013, Kelly joined the Foundation for Excellence in Education, a non-profit education reform think tank established by former Gov. Jeb Bush. He left in 2018 after serving as vice president for advocacy for three years.

In 2019, Kelly returned to the public sector as chief of staff for the Florida Department of Education.

Two years later, Gov. DeSantis appointed Kelly as his deputy chief of staff. Kelly oversaw several departments as deputy chief of staff, including Education, Economic Opportunity and State.

@garrettshanley gshanley@alligator.org

Alachua County RV parks

By Jinelle Vazquez Alligator Staff Writer

As incoming Fall students swarm UF campus, library resources ranging from expansive research databases to free-forrent technology await them.

The main UF campus is home to seven libraries including Marston Library, Library West, Library East, Health Science Center Library, Education Library, Architecture and Fine Arts Library and the College of Law’s Legal Information Center.

The two most popular libraries include Marston and Library West, both for their locations central to campus and for the accessibility services offered to students with disabilities.

Marston is the only library open 24/7. These hours will resume Aug. 23. Each library consists of various study areas on different floors with a variety of volumes for access and subject-expert librarians for extra assistance. The lowest floors typically allow for group conversation while higher floors are meant for silent studying.

Study rooms with monitors and whiteboards are also available for students to reserve. Students can book study rooms on the George A. Smathers Library website.

April Hines, the UF College of Journalism and Communications librarian, teaches students how to find information in the

SEE LIBRARIES, PAGE 4

Story description finish with comma, pg#

Football gameday guide

A guide for how to tackle Saturdays in the swamp. Read more on pg. 14.

Roadtrippers set up camp near Gainesville, pg. 5

OPINIONS: UF president Ben Sasse

The university president welcomes new and returning students, pg. 9

@FloridaAlligator @TheAlligator_ @TheAlligator @thefloridaalligator

Getting around Gainesville: UF transportation options, explained

By Emma Parker Alligator Staff Writer

There are plenty of ways to get around UF, whether it’s taking the bus, riding a scooter or spending hours driving around campus trying to find a parking spot.

Depending on where a student lives, on or off campus, different transportation options might be less or more ideal based on important perks and drawbacks each option has. Each student can find their own best way to get around campus.

UF parking permit

Parking permits for the 23-24 school year were available for purchase starting Aug. 11.

Students looking to renew or purchase an on-campus permit can go to UF’s Transportation and Parking Services website. Parking permits are organized based on graduate level, place of residence and credit hours.

Parking permits will be enforced; students parked without a permit will be issued a citation, and after three citations a student’s car can be impounded. Students and non-students can file an appeal through the TAPS website if they find a citation unjust.

RTS bus system

Gainesville’s local bus network, Regional Transit System, can transport students between on-campus buildings, off-campus apartments and downtown landmarks. RTS will end its decreased summer schedule and resume normal routes Aug. 21.

Bus routes, schedules and other information can be found in the GNV RidesRTS and GatorSafe app.

Motorcycle and scooters

Similarly with parking permits for cars, motorcycles and scooters are required to register a permit with UF Transportation Services at the start of each semester.

Drivers can find specific parking for their vehicles throughout campus in the marked areas for motorcycles and scooters.

Olivia D’agati, a 20-year-old UF microbiology and cell science junior, failed to find parking for her car on campus. Instead, she feels confident driving to campus on a moped knowing she won't struggle to find a spot, she said.

“I don't think getting on campus with a car is easy,” D’agati said.

She recommends incoming students consider biking, walking, scootering or riding mopeds to get around.

Similar to D’agati, Joseph Simmons, a 19-year-old UF microbiology and soil science sophomore, found walking to be a more efficient alternative to driving, he said.

“It’s just easier for me to walk instead of driving my car because I don't own a skateboard or a smaller form of transportation like a bike,” Simmons said. “And then if I were to use my car, I wouldn't be able to park near my classes, so it actually lengthens the amount of time to get to my class.”

RideShare apps and SNAP

Lyft’s partnership with UF continues during Fall. The app allows student riders to get a maximum discount of $15 per ride. Discounted rides are available Wednesday through Sunday from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. in specific locations.

The program only runs during

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each semester and excludes school breaks.

Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP) is another form of alternative transportation, sponsored by UF Student Government, Student Traffic Court and UF TAPS. Students can safely request rides through UF’s property via the UF SNAP app.

The service is offered daily from 8:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the Fall semester.

Bicycles

For new cyclists, UF Bikes is a program that offers bicycle assistance, information and protection for all riders.

Bicycle racks are available throughout campus, as well as secure bike parking located in Garage 14 for anyone with a GatorOne ID. Spots for the secure parking lot are available by reservation only and can be accessed through the UF Bikes website.

For bike riders who find themselves needing maintenance such as air for their tires or a chain fixed, UF has fix-it stations placed throughout campus for any unfortunate rider.

UF Police Department offers a bike registry in the event that someone’s bike is stolen.

To register a bike, people can visit the UF Public Safety Office on the first floor of the Reitz Union.

Jordan Yu, an 18-year-old UF data science sophomore, said UPD was accommodating when he started commuting by bike.

“[UPD is] very helpful and friendly,” Yu said. “They registered my bike under their name … so if I ever lose it I can go to them and get it back.”

Not only is biking accessible within UF, but RTS buses have bike racks available on each bus allowing riders to travel throughout Gainesville without the lack of accessibility of their bike.

From bikes and cars to e-scooters and bus services, there are plenty of ways to get to and from class throughout the Fall semester.

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UF students share their go-to forms of transportation around campus

A roadmap to activism and political involvement for UF students

STUDENTS CAN WORK WITH CITY LEADERS, DRAFT LEGISLATION AND ORGANIZE PROTESTS

By Amanda Friedman Alligator Staff Writer

With the flood of state legislation reshaping areas like education and gun control that took effect July 1, political tensions in Florida have reached a boiling point.

From city-level government positions to partisan political advocacy organizations to non-partisanship coalitions, there are limitless ways for UF students to dive into political activism and support their local community following the 2023 legislative session.

Local government

For local government, UF students can apply for vacant positions on Gainesville city boards and committees, with some roles designated for students.

City departments tackle areas that impact local residents like economic development, arts and culture programs, housing and law enforcement.

Jonathan C. Stephens, a 20-yearold UF food science sophomore, is a member of Gainesville’s Human Rights Board and Nature Centers Commission.

The Human Rights Board makes recommendations on discrimination cases to help enforce Human Rights and Fair Housing ordinances within Chapter 111 of the Alachua County Code.

Additionally, the Nature Centers

Commission advises the Gainesville City Commission on programs, ordinances and the implementation of policies concerning the preservation of local natural systems.

The inclusion of UF students in local government allows for better representation at the city level, Stephens said.

“It's crucial to have a student voice in those types of spaces, and begin trying to create solutions that will affect all Gainesville residents — not just the ones who may be from Gainesville,” they said.

Through their involvement, Stephens has aided with various initiatives. They helped get funding for environmental education programs in local public schools approved for the city's 2022 fiscal year budget.

“The most rewarding part has been seeing the impact that you have on those within the community,” they said. “In government sometimes it is very discouraging to want to get involved because it's hard to see that impact.”

Right-leaning organizations

UF has multiple student organizations, such as UF College Republicans, Young Americans for Freedom and the Network of Enlightened Women, for conservative students seeking to get involved in local politics and activism.

Outside of on-campus organizations, the Alachua County Republican Party, which collaborates with the Florida Republican Party and the Republican National Committee to support and campaign for Florida right-wing nominees, also welcomes UF student involvement.

While there is little-to-no student

Best places to study

LIBRARIES, from pg. 1

school’s library system and holds one-on-one research consultations.

Students are always surprised to know about the types of resources the libraries have to offer, Hines said.

“The library actually has fun stuff beyond academic materials,” Hines said.

Hines encourages students to utilize resources such as graphic novels, popular movies and take-home technology. Some of the technology includes sewing machines, 3D printers and film cameras.

A list of available take-home equipment and information regarding reservations can be found on its website.

Hines recommends contacting the Ask-a-Librarian service or a subject area specialist for any questions. A directory of subject area specialists can be found on its

participation throughout the summer, a handful of UF students regularly help with campaign tactics like phone banking, canvassing door to door and multimedia efforts throughout the fall and spring semesters, said Alachua County Republican Party Chairman Tim Marden.

“Campaigns are additive,” he said. “The more coalitions that you can build and circles of influence that you can create, the better.”

Marden also holds socials and workshops at his home to engage with conservative UF students. For topics like gun rights, Marden has organized training workshops for students to properly learn how to use firearms in a secure, controlled environment.

Through his mentorship, Marden hopes to help motivate younger generations to mobilize and accomplish long-standing goals within the Republican party, he said.

“It’s an opportunity to socially pass the baton,” he said.

Left-leaning organizations

There’s also a variety of progressive and left-wing political advocacy organizations incoming UF students can join to enact change, like UF College Democrats, Young Democratic Socialists of America and Planned Parenthood Generation Action.

Aron Ali-McClory, a 20-year-old UF political science and anthropology junior, has been a member of the left-wing organization Young Democratic Socialists of America since its Fall 2021 inception.

They are currently the UF chapter’s membership director but previously served as chair. They also hold a position on the association’s Na-

tional Coordination Committee.

Aside from university politics, Young Democratic Socialists of America aims to make an impact on Gainesville residents unaffiliated with UF through local mutual aid programs. The organization partners with the nonprofit Gainesville Free Grocery Store to host an annual competitive food drive for food-insecure community members.

“UF is the biggest economic force in Gainesville, and we recognize the power that has over the community,” they said. “It's those kinds of material impacts that create grounded systemic change that sets [Young Democratic Socialists of America’s] work apart.”

Paulina Trujillo, a 21-year-old UF political science and women’s studies senior, is the public relations director for UF College Democrats.

The coalition helps advocate for Democratic state legislation, register students to vote and organize demonstrations for issues like encroachment of higher education and reproductive rights.

At the state level, the organization is currently collecting petition signatures for the statewide effort to put reproductive rights on Florida’s 2024 ballot and repeal the state’s sixweek and 15-week abortion bans.

Trujillo encourages students who suffer from political fatigue or are unsure of how to make a difference to get involved with organizations like UF College Democrats to surround themselves with other students who share their interests and values, she said.

“When you can organize and be intentional with the work you’re doing you can actually make a change,” she said.

Non-partisan organizations

For those interested in engaging with students of different political beliefs, UF also offers opportunities to join non-partisan organizations that work to support communities across Florida.

Andrew Taramykin, a 21-year-old UF fourth-year political science and history major, founded Florida Student Policy Forum with UF student Robert Skrzypek in Fall 2021 to create a space for students of opposing ideological backgrounds to collaborate on policy initiatives.

“I don't love the ‘us against them’ mentality that dominates American democracy today,” he said. “We wanted there to be a place where it doesn't matter who you vote for.”

The organization recently helped pass an ordinance making phone calls for prison and jail inmates free in Alachua County.

It also amended the state’s budget for the next fiscal year to allocate $1 million for a pilot program to provide free calls for state prison inmates on the condition of good behavior.

Florida Student Policy Forum also seeks to ban corporal punishment in Florida schools and expedite the state’s foreclosure process to promote urban renewal in underdeveloped areas.

“None of those are necessarily the things that you tuned into Fox or CNN for every night, but they're real identifiable ways we can really improve people's lives,” he said.

Florida Student Policy Forum plans to expand its organization to other campuses across Florida, with a recently established chapter at Florida State University and interest coming from the University of Central Florida. @amandasfriedman afriedman@alligator.org

website.

Ask-a-Librarian is a service for students to ask library and research-related questions from reference staff.

“If you need a quick reply or help to find material, Ask-a-Librarian is a great resource,” Hines said.

Judith Russell, the dean of university libraries, recommends incoming students review UF’s Undergraduate Guide to the George A. Smathers Libraries, which can be found on its website.

Jared Craig, a 21-year-old UF public health senior, is a student assistant for the Health Science Library, located directly across from the College of Public Health and Health Professions.

Craig offers the first-floor or third-floor study rooms in the Health Science Library for group collaborations.

“If you’re more of a solo-study person, I would say grab a comfortable seat on the third floor,” Craig said.

Craig hopes students ask library aides questions at the circulation desks because there are many under-utilized resources, he said.

Exploring entertaining coursework

CLASSES, from pg. 1

Open Water Scuba Diving teaches students the fundamentals of the skill. From compass navigation to diving preparation, the course prepares students for open water dives and exposes them to open water environments for practice.

Legasse Remon, a 19-year-old UF computer science sophomore, took Open Water Scuba Diving last Spring semester and recommends the course to students.

“They also provide you with a lot of

medical certifications at the end of the course as a part of the rescue aid,” he said.

For students looking to explore Florida’s verdancy, students can pick from Tree and Small Fruit Production and Local Flora of North Florida.

Beekeeping I provides an opportunity to learn about the biology of bees and interact with their colonies.

Sarah Ortega, a 19-year-old UF animal science sophomore, took Beekeeping I last Spring and learned a variety of content all while receiving a hands-on learning experience by visiting the bee colonies, she said.

“There are so many resources available that so many students don’t use that could help them,” Craig said.

For years, UF students have held a debate over which library is the best: Marston or Library West.

Trent Crick, a 20-year-old UF health science junior, suggests the study rooms in either Library West or Marston for group studying.

“I might be biased because I lived closest to them, but it gave me a quiet space to focus,” Crick said.

Isabella Rodriguez, a 19-year-old UF political science and criminology sophomore, recommends the second floor behind the bookshelves or anywhere on the fourth floor of Library West.

“I prefer to study alone in pure quiet so when my apartment was too loud to study in, UF libraries became one of my favorite places my freshman year,” Rodriguez said.

@vazquezjinelle jvazquez@alligator.org

“I really appreciate them more with their role in pollinating,” she said.

Ortega joined the UF Bee Club after she took the course.

If bees are not of scholarly interest, students can instead learn about prehistoric creatures in the Age of Dinosaurs course.

Coe Leavengood, a 19-year-old UF Spanish sophomore, took the course last Spring and learned about the principles of geology, paleontology and biology, he said.

“Learning about challenges in the field such as uncertain classification of the brontosaurus was interesting to me,” Leavengood said. “I have also always loved dinosaurs, so being able to study them more

was really enjoyable.”

Leavengood enjoyed the course so much he decided to take another geology course during Summer A, he said.

Students with an interest in learning a new language can select from a wide range of language courses like Spanish, Portuguese, French, Latin, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese and many more. American Sign Language is also offered.

Additional course and course numbers can be found in UF’s course catalog.

@nicolebeltg nbeltran@allligator.org

Alachua County RV parks: Finding friends and financial freedom on the road

Local residents reminisce on their camping experiences

By Aidan Bush Alligator Staff Writer

Alachua County resident Catherine McGuire dreamed of living the ‘van life’ since van lifestyles videos started trending on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But between juggling a full-time job in North Carolina and running a charity, the 34-year-old was stuck.

“I had a lot of ties tying me down in North Carolina,” she said.

Everything changed when McGuire moved back to Gainesville to take care of her late father while he was sick, she said. McGuire wanted a way to find herself after his death, so she decided to make her dream a reality and bought a used camper.

“For me, it’s given me that freedom that I haven’t been allowed because I’ve taken care of so many people,” she said.

McGuire is one of many people who began buying campers in the years following the pandemic.

Total recreational vehicles sales reached 600,240 in 2021, surpassing the highest year recorded by 19 percent, according to the RV Industry Association’s market report.

More than half a dozen RV parks and campgrounds exist in and around Alachua County alone — upward of 1,100 in the state — according to campground review organization RV LIFE Campgrounds.

The rising cost of living became a large factor in McGuire’s decision, she said. With a fully remote job, there’s nothing keeping her in the city.

“The cost of apartments here in Gainesville is ridiculous,” she said. “Not just here, everywhere.”

Her camper is still a work-in-progress and needs some interior design renovations, McGuire said, but she enjoys the do-it-yourself aspect of the project.

“I got lucky enough to find one that doesn’t really need a ton of actual mechanical, hard labor work, it mostly just needs the cosmetic kind of reconstruction, which I’m fine with,” she said.

Local dealerships had to accommodate the lifestyle’s cultural boom as well.

Nick Schmidt works for Sunshine State RVs, a dealership in Gainesville. His store saw double or triple the amount of sales since 2019, he said.

“Ten years ago it was just retired couples and now it’s a lot of people that work from home,” Schmidt said.

Campers buying vehicles using alternative energy became the biggest trend, he said. Lithium batteries and solar panels in newer models allow RVs to store energy and recharge anywhere, rather than traditional models that needed to be plugged in to charge.

“They’re not dependent on being at specific campgrounds, where they can really just be wherever they want,” Schmidt said.

For campground owners, the new influx of people required greater accommodations, both for nomadic workers and vacationers looking to have fun.

Gainesville RV Park, located at 17500 N.E. U.S. Highway 301, features a fishing pond, an onsite gym and a pavilion for events.

Jennifer Johnson, Gainesville RV Park area manager, said campgrounds like hers allow everything from vacations to parenting on the road.

“You can home-school your children and show them historic landmarks at the same time,” she wrote in an email. “You’re not tied down to a piece of land, you can just hook up and go to the next adventure.”

While a majority of attendees are long-term residents, Johnson said, the national-level, annual National Hot Rod Association drag racing event Gatornationals tends to bring

in the most temporary campers.

Vacationers found events like Gatornationals to be valuable social experiences.

Some RV owners decided to make the switch to the vehicles long before the pandemic.

Rob Long has owned a camper for eight years and lived in Alachua County for 15 before he moved to Bradford. Long’s wife got him into RV vacationing, he said, due to the freedom of being able to bring more of their possessions anywhere they go.

“You can be at the beach with everything of yours, you’re not staying in a hotel or whatnot,” he said.

Traveling by RV also lets Long’s family bring along their two dogs — Dottie, an Australian Kelpie and Buddy, a Terrier mix — without fears of hotels not allowing them, he said.

The family picked out a larger camper to give the dogs some extra space to roam.

“We always take our dogs with us. We refuse to go anywhere that does not accept animals,” Long said.

Long and his wife originally used the campers they’ve owned for couple vacations, but after stumbling on a Facebook group five years ago, they’ve found friendships on the campgrounds as well, he said.

The group hosts annual ‘rallies’ — where dozens of fellow campers host potlucks and meet each other. Some events have seen upward of 50 attendees, Long said.

“It’s more of a camping family now than anything,” he said. “You meet everyone from totally different walks of life.”

As far as local camping venues, Long recommended Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, though he tends to travel outside of the county more frequently.

“It’s about the camaraderie and the experience and whatnot, so it’s always fun,” he said. @aidandisto

Understanding UF Student Government, Fall elections Senators share experiences, offer advice to new students

By Vivienne Serret Alligator Staff Writer

With drama rivaling that of U.S. elected officials and a budget bigger than some small cities, UF Student Government can be exciting and intimidating for new students.

As the UF Fall 2023 SG term begins, incoming students might wonder how they can get involved with SG given the multitude of agencies or committees across the branches.

UF SG is the direct link between the university and its students, according to its website.

SG has three branches — the executive, legislative and judicial — mirroring the U.S. federal government’s structure.

Most notably, SG handles a great deal of the university’s finance and budget, which typically totals more than $20 million.

The current executive student

body officers are Student Body President Olivia Green, Student Body Vice President Clara Calavia and Student Body Treasurer Nyla Pierre, all affiliated with the Gator Party.

The legislative branch officers consist of Senate President Oscar Santiago Perez (Change-District D) and Senate President Pro-Tempore Nathan McGinnis (Change-Tolbert).

The branch will also consist of Fall and Spring senators and standing committees. The Student Senate is composed of 100 senators: 50 based on colleges and classifications and 50 based on location.

Senators are elected by their peers and work for a yearlong term to represent their constituencies and make educated decisions based on their behalf.

This Fall, students will vote for new senators to represent the student body by district or college, and a new executive branch.

Typically, each party running

during the campaign season will announce their candidates via social media, and their executive ticket as well as their campaign goals for the new school year.

Legislative officers oversee Senate meetings, held every Tuesday evening during the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Senate meetings are open to the public and take place in the Senate Chambers of the Reitz Union.

Senate meetings give representatives the opportunity to speak during public comment, hear and vote on legislation.

The judicial branch is most notable for the UF Supreme Court, which serves as an independent branch of government.

It ensures the necessary checks and balances are in place to keep both the executive and legislative branches from exceeding their respective powers as delegated to them by the UF Constitution and

statutes.

UF SG is also notable for the hefty budget it oversees, typically over $20 million each fiscal year.

SG allocates the activity and service fees and divides them into three main entities: the J. Wayne Reitz Union and Student Activities and Involvement, Recreational Sports and SG.

The Budget and Appropriations Committee of the Senate holds hearings for each of the entities in the Summer to ensure the funding continues to be spent in the best interest of the students.

The activity and service fee budget funds a wide variety of things at UF, most notably student organizations, and events. One of these includes Student Government Productions, which features nationally recognized artists and performers at a free or reduced cost to students.

Student Government Productions will be hosting its first event of the

Fall by kicking off with Don Toliver at the Stephen O’Connell Center Aug. 23. The event is for UF students to have music and entertainment before the stress of Fall classes.

Another agency, the ACCENT Speakers Bureau, brings prominent, influential and controversial speakers to campus. UF’s ACCENT Speakers Bureau is the largest student-run speakers bureau in the nation and has been part of the campus for more than 40 years. During the Summer, Senators and chairpersons reflected on their experiences with UF Student Government involvement from their freshman year to now, sharing what made them join and what they’ve learned.

All these sentiments still apply to incoming students who want to learn how to be more involved with SG.

Read the rest online at alligator.org @vivienneserret vserret@alligator.org

Weekend in the Swamp: An itinerary for new and returning gators

WHERE THE AVENUE WOULD TAKE YOU AROUND GAINESVILLE

By Valentina Sarmiento Avenue Staff Writer

Students coming to the swamp for Fall classes are preparing for the course load that awaits them. To avoid getting bogged down, the Avenue created a weekend itinerary for students looking to balance academics with back-to-school fun.

8 a.m. — Ichetucknee Springs

Beginning your day at dawn gives you some advantages. First, it gets students in the habit of waking up early, a practice surely lost to

groggy mornings in the all-too-brief summer breaks. Additionally, early risers get to take advantage of the crystal-clear waters at Ichetucknee Springs State Park.

Under the Spanish moss near US-27, in Fort White, Florida, shaded hammocks and wetlands house a 6-mile-long river. Softshell turtles and river snails paddle through water below.

Visitors can come and ride down the several lazy rivers and springs the park has to offer. Admission to the park is $6 per vehicle, and tubing is free provided you bring your own tube. Otherwise, tubes can be rented at the entrance starting at $7.

Brielle Hazan, a 21-year-old UF biology senior, recommends the springs to students.

“It’s a great way to take a break from studying and schoolwork,” Hazan said.

She advises visitors to pack light.

“You’re not really allowed to bring anything with you unless it’s reusable,” she said. “You kinda just have to detach from everything and appreciate the nature.”

Spend a couple of lazy hours floating through the springs and bask in the marsh like one of the many local lizards.

Treat yourself, you deserve it!

11 a.m. — Kanapaha Botanical Gardens / Loblolly Woods Nature Park

After soaking in the springs for a couple of hours, continue your

morning of local eco-tourism by visiting the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, located at Summer House, 4700 SW 58th Drive. The grounds, inspired by Lake Kanapaha as its namesake, cover 68 acres of land.

Wind past their bamboo groves, and trot over a bridge boasting giant water lilies in the pond below to enter a plethora of themed gardens.

The price for admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children aged between 5 and 13.

For a free, price-friendly alternative, visit Loblolly Woods Nature Park. A smaller, more domestic option. It lacks the manicured ambition of Kanapaha, but the 159-acre forest serves as the perfect fix for returning college students strapped for cash and nature aficionados

alike. Bring lots of bug spray and comfortable walking shoes to make the most of your excursion.

1 p.m. — Satchel’s Pizza

Surely, after an expedition full of springs and trails, one is bound to build up an appetite. Recover from the morning and satiate your hunger at Satchel’s Pizza.

The pizzeria stands as a Gainesville staple. Having opened its doors in March of 2003, Satchel’s has more than two decades of serving customers under its belt.

Read the rest online at alligator. org/section/the-avenue vsarmiento@alligator.org

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High Springs: A splash of small-town community charm

By Leia Ulrich Avenue Staff Writer

Every year, hundreds of local college students flock to Ginnie Springs as soon as it gets warm enough to take a dip. The blue water, wildlife and lack of cell service make up the perfect getaway. It’s practically a rite of passage to buy a tube from Five Below and spend 30 minutes blowing it up before jumping in the water.

After enjoying the springs, many students head home — back to reality.

What most students miss is the small town located just six miles from the nature spot: High Springs, Florida.

With a population of about 6,500 people, High Springs is a small, tightknit community. The town has a rich history and plenty of activities despite its small size.

Beginning as a phosphate mining town in the 1830s, High Springs was

originally called Santaffey, a misspelling of the adjacent Santa Fe River. It was established in 1884 as a railroad town, and it was the only town in the area for decades, said Chamber of Commerce President Sharon Decker.

The railroads were in use until 2005, but now the area is largely agricultural, Decker said.

High Springs has kept its old-fashioned feel alive with small, locallyowned businesses supported by the community.

From art supply stores and antique shops to ‘50s-themed ice cream shops, High Springs’ town center is packed with high-quality businesses.

Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies is the perfect stop for any student. Shop owner Tina Corbett helps visiting students as much as she can, provides valuable insights for the best materials and gives student discounts.

Corbett involves local artists in her business and supports other local art

teachers.

“If I ever need a professional art teacher, and oil, acrylic watercolor, or even graphic arts, I will invite them to my store to teach a workshop,” Corbett said.

Corbett is also part of a local “plein air” group, which is a method of painting where people paint on location together. Although there are regular members who attend, the group always welcomes new members.

Her store is located in the town center and is next door to a handmade goods store called Unique Notions, which sells the goods of many younger creators who Corbett has gotten to know.

High Springs has several other stores with different interesting finds.

The Bird Nest is a local antique store and market that combines new and old. April Goodman, the store’s owner, opened the shop in 2017.

On any typical day, locals and

tourists from all around the world go to the store for interesting finds. Goodman is excited to meet whoever walks through the door. She’s had customers from as far as Australia, she said.

Goodman’s mother owned an antique store, so she wanted to take the same path. She knew it was the place for her after she opened her business in High Springs.

Originally from Georgia, she moved back home for 14 months to be closer to her daughter but quickly realized she missed the community in High Springs.

“They’re like extended family,” Goodman said.

Tourists immediately feel a strong sense of community as soon as they walk into any of the stores, Goodman said.

Goodman recently saw visitors from the Florida Keys, and they were enchanted by how kind everybody was. Now, they’re considering buying a home in High Springs, Goodman said.

Decker felt the same after she moved to High Springs three years ago.

Decker moved to High Springs and became chamber president because she was passionate about popularizing the small town. She fell in love with the atmosphere, but the people drew her in most, she said.

“When you go in their shops, they make you feel like you’re at home,” Decker said. “You never meet a stranger here.”

Since she moved to High Springs, she has watched the town grow, but it hasn’t lost its sense of home. Instead of new development, the town is dedicated to restoration to keep its history, Decker said.

The fusion of old and new rings true for the town as a whole. While the town has gained popularity, the people have the same kindness about them that they always have.

@UlrichLeia lulrich@alligator.org

Welcome to the 2023 Fall semester, Gators!

I’ m something of a freshman here at UF — as my family has spent the past six months getting to know this amazing place and its amazing people. I’ve met faculty who are changing lives and innovating for our future. I’ve talked to students in the 16 colleges, from agricultural and life sciences to veterinary medicine. I’ve cheered for the Gators here and afar, and I’ve run the stadium stairs a bunch too.

UF exists — at our core — to serve students in the mission of learning. Learning is hard work. The administration, your professors and the UF staff want all Gators to engage and wrestle with big ideas. We want those ideas to challenge you and we want you to find joy in that challenge.

We want to build our Gator grads to go out and serve Florida and the world.

To do that, let’s set some priorities:

Welcome complexity

Rarely will you find a higher concentration of knowledge and inquiry than at these 2,000 acres. During your time here, you’ll engage complicated and challenging ideas – that’s what education is all about. Our community is built on a commitment to engaging ideas in an open environment of mutual trust and

respect. Gators are smart enough, wise enough and compassionate enough to understand that nobody is going to agree on everything. We’re going to argue with open hearts and sharp minds.

Embrace discomfort

Like exercise, the hard work of learning can be uncomfortable, but it builds muscle. As you start classes with UF’s talented professors, let’s embrace the work before us. You’ll learn how to think. You’ll develop resilience and agency. You’ll gain skills and confidence.

Experiment

We all have things we love and are great at – and things we dislike and think we can’t do. But human beings are too interesting for lives of mere comfort and consumerism. What do you want to be known for? Maybe you know, and maybe you don’t. But go try, fail and try again. This is a perfect time to learn and ask questions you don’t know the answer to.

www.alligator.org/section/opinions

Get active

As a crack-of-dawn-workout guy, I recommend stadiums at the Swamp, the Southwest Recreation Center and getting out on Museum Road by Lake Alice. Go out and support our student athletes as we chase more national championships.

Learn the life-long habit of learning

We are a community dedicated to preparing you for the joys, responsibilities, changes and challenges of life. The work we start here is just the beginning. I hope you’ll also think of college as a proving ground for developing the mindset and constitutional flexibility to be successful – and fulfilled – in a lifetime of learning. Learning is a habit – use your time on campus to cultivate that habit and you’ll be prepared for a lifetime.

Make your time at UF a time in your life that moves and inspires you.

Let’s enjoy this Fall, Ben

Alligator encourages comments from readers. Letters to the editor should not exceed 600 words (about one letter-sized page).

El Caimán

UF brinda recursos para nuevos estudiantes internacionales UF provides resources for incoming international students

Por Nicole Beltrán Escritora del Personal de El Caimán

Annika González, una estudiante de finanzas de origen panameño, planea asistir a la UF en el semestre de Otoño. Ella recuerda las primeras etapas de su aplicación a la universidad siendo difíciles.

“El proceso puede ser tedioso”, dijo González.

La estudiante de 18 años de edad se comprometió oficialmente con la UF después de visitar el campus y resolver sus complicaciones clericales. Sin embargo, todavía reconoce las diferencias entre las aplicaciones nacionales e internacionales.

Los estudiantes comenzando la transición a la universidad pueden enfrentarse a varios desafíos. Ellos pueden encontrarse con barreras más complicadas que los estudiantes estadounidenses. Con alrededor de 6.000 estudiantes internacionales asistiendo a la UF, la universidad les brinda recursos para que se familiaricen con las diferencias culturales dentro de la educación.

Hélène Huet, bibliotecaria de estudios europeos de la UF, alienta a los estudiantes internacionales a visitar las varias bibliotecas para obtener orientación académica.

La guía de bibliotecas para estudiantes internacionales provee información sobre la estructura y la navegación de las bibliotecas de los EE.UU., así como también herramientas de habilidades lingüísticas y recursos comunitarios, dijo Huet.

Las bibliotecas también organizan eventos como un festival internacional de cine durante la Semana de la Educación Internacional en noviembre, donde se alienta que los estudiantes extranjeros

participen, dijo Huet.

Lisa Campbell, la bibliotecaria de instrucción y divulgación de Library West, incentiva a que los estudiantes internacionales consulten los materiales en idiomas extranjeros de las bibliotecas que se encuentran en colecciones físicas y digitales.

Library West y la Biblioteca de Artes y Arquitectura también tienen PocketTalk, un dispositivo de traducción portátil que ofrece traducción de voz bidireccional para 82 idiomas, incluidos dialectos y jerga. Los dispositivos también brindan traducción visual para 55 idiomas a través de cámaras para escritura a mano, texto mecanografiado y traducción de señales.

“Al conectar el dispositivo al Wi-Fi del campus, los profesores y los estudiantes pueden traducir fácilmente libros de texto y recursos de la biblioteca en idiomas del mundo, conversar cómodamente en sus propios idiomas y ayudar a otros a aprender y comunicarse”, dijo Huet.

El Centro de Asesoramiento y Bienestar de la UF cuenta con el Grupo de Foco Internacional Gator, un equipo de proveedores de servicios del campus equipados para ayudar a los estudiantes internacionales. Los recursos ofrecidos varían desde consultas y talleres hasta la identificación de necesidades y desafíos específicos para estudiantes internacionales.

“Espero poder obtener la ayuda que necesito allí”, dijo González. El sitio web del Centro Internacional de la UF tiene enlaces a recursos adicionales como el Centro de Conexiones Profesionales, organizaciones estudiantiles, investigación de pregrado, tutoría y más.

@nicolebeltg nbeltran@allligator.org

By Nicole Beltrán Alligator Staff Writer

Annika Gonzalez, an 18-year-old UF international finance freshman from Panama, plans on moving to Gainesville in August. As a college applicant, she recalls struggling with getting in contact with the university registrar during the initial stages of her application.

“The process is definitely very tedious,” she said.

Gonzalez officially committed to UF after she visited campus and resolved clerical difficulties that came from relocating.

There are many differences between national and international applications, she said. There are less ways to get in contact as an international student.

The university provides its about 6,000 international students with resources to aid their enrollment and familiarize themselves with any cultural differences within education.

Hélène Huet, UF’s European studies librarian, encourages international students to turn to the library for scholarly guidance.

The Smathers Libraries’ guide for international students provides information on the structure and navigation of U.S. libraries, as well as language skill tools and community resources, Huet wrote in an email.

The libraries also host events like an international movie festival, particularly during International Education Week in November, where foreign students are encouraged to participate, Huet wrote.

Lisa Campbell, Library West’s instruction and outreach librarian, pushes for international students to check out the libraries’ foreign language materials that are carried in physical and digital collections.

Library West and the Fine Arts and Architecture Library also carry PocketTalk, a handheld translation device that offers two-way voice translation for 82 languages including localized dialects and slang. The devices also provide visual translation for 55 languages through cameras for handwriting, typed text and sign translation.

“By connecting the device to campus Wi-Fi, faculty and students can easily translate world language textbooks and library resources, comfortably converse in their own languages and help others learn and communicate,” Huet wrote.

The UF Counseling and Wellness Center has the Gator International Focus Team, a team of campus service providers equipped to assist international students. The resources offered vary from consultation and workshops to identifying needs and challenges specific to international students.

“I really do hope that I will be able to get any help that I need when I’m there,” Gonzalez said.

UF International Center website provides links to additional resources, including the Career Connections Center, student organizations, undergraduate research and tutoring.

@nicolebeltg nbeltran@allligator.org

Mantente al día con El Caiman en Twitter. Envíanos un tweet @alligatorElCaiman.

Síganos para actualizaciones

Para obtener actualizaciones de El Caiman, síganos en línea en www.alligator.org/section/elcaiman.

Estudiantes tienen oportunidades de investigación, tutoría y asesoramiento Students have research opportunities, tutoring and counseling

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By Rebecca Goldstein

UF intramural sports offer competition and relaxation for students

INTRAMURAL SPORTS AT UF CONTINUE THE PASSION SPORTS BRING TO ATHLETES

By Bennett Solomon Sports Writer

UF students flock to the Southwest Recreation Center to play pickup games and exercise throughout the school year.

Dozens of sports are played at UF’s largest student gym on campus, including basketball, soccer, beach volleyball and more.

Intramural sports are offered for students to participate in competition during the heart of the semester.

Fall offers sports such as sand flag football, basketball, indoor soccer and kickball for anyone taking classes at UF.

Games take place after 5 p.m. from Monday through Thursday. There are typically four regular-season games for each sport. Teams are awarded a spot in the playoffs based on their regular season record.

The regular season consists of friendly and exciting competition, but can easily turn into a more serious and competitive environment once the playoffs begin.

Games become more intense and competitions grow fierce deeper into playoff runs.

Preston Serra, a 21-year-old finance senior, began playing intramural basketball during his freshman year. He referees intramural basketball games during the season, he said, and the atmospheres are exciting to be around.

“Once they get to playoffs, people take it pretty seriously,” he said. “It gets really competitive.”

Serra said it's not like high school game atmospheres, but it's exciting when players

bring their friends.

One of the main reasons intramurals are popular at UF is because the games take students’ minds off of the stresses of homework and exams, bringing back the passion sports brought to them as children. It also gives them the opportunity to exercise after a long day of class.

The games aren’t state playoff games or

NCAA Tournaments games, but they do get competitive. Students can exert as much energy on the court or field, no matter the situation.

Playing club sports at UF is also an option for students, but multiple practices per week and long weekend road trips are a part of the club sports season.

Intramural sports are a great way for everyone to meet people and socialize at UF.

“It’s definitely flexible for everyone’s schedule,” Serra said. “It’s a good way to do stuff with your friends, keep everybody active. With everyone’s busy schedule, just being able to hang out a couple times per week, it’s definitely worth it.”

Everything to know for your first Florida football game day

WHAT TO BRING, WHEN TO LEAVE AND WHERE TO GO

By Krisha Sanghavi Sports Writer

Florida game days are truly one of a kind. The academically driven UF campus evolves into a rowdy, chaotic “Gators-till-I-die” environment.

Every campus corner builds up into an exciting and memorable experience for fans attending the game on Saturdays.

Freshmen will have the opportunity to take part in Gators game days for the first time this

fall. Florida is set to play its home opener against the McNeese State Cowboys Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Before you can get in, ensure to pack a bag that meets stadium requirements. Bags must be clear and cannot exceed the 12 inches long, 6 inches wide and 12 inches deep size requirement. You can stuff your bag with essentials like your phone, wallet, keys and GatorID.

Student tickets are loaded onto student accounts at 9 a.m. the Friday before each home game. The tickets can be accessed through the Florida Gators app. You can

Faith Buckley // Alligator Staff

The front entrance of Southwest Recreation Center.

Ryan Friedenberg // Alligator Staff

Florida fans line up outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for Gator Walk Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. The game welcomed the largest season-opener crowd in UF history as 90, 799 fans filled the stands. SEE FOOTBALL, PAGE 15

Gameday Guide

FOOTBALL, from pg. 14

save them to your Apple Wallet to avoid possible Wi-Fi connectivity issues prior to arriving at the gates.

One of the hardest parts about finding your seat is entering through the correct gate. On your ticket, you’ll find which one of the 18 gates is best to enter through to reach your designated seat.

Florida’s campus will be flooded with tailgating events hosted by student organizations across campus and in tents near the stadium. Most tailgates begin about three to four hours prior to kickoff.

Don’t worry about showing up to the stadium more than an hour early if you’re skipping pregame festivities: Gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff.

It takes about 30 minutes just to enter the stadium. Finding your seat, grabbing food from concessions, pushing through crowds — count another half hour until you’re comfortably seated awaiting the game’s start.

The entrances to gates 1 through 4 are located right off of Gale Lemerand Drive. On the north side of the stadium, you’ll find gates 6 through 9. Student gates 12 through 15 are on the

east side of the stadium. Gates 16 through 18 land right off Stadium Road on the south side.

Once you’re seated, there are a few in-game traditions every Gator must participate in.

UF’s marching band performs a halftime show each game. The performance is a tribute to a new theme each week.

Two of the Gator nation’s most notable traditions roll around between the third and fourth quarters.

The first dates back to 1920. UF fans lock arms and collectively sing ‘We Are the Boys.’ In oldfashioned camaraderie, the Gators shout the lyrics as they sway left to right.

Right after, the Swamp transitions to sing Tom Petty’s sports anthem, “I Won’t Back Down.” This six-year-old tradition honors the late Gainesville native at every UF home game.

Your first Gator game day has the potential to be filled with iconic moments you’ll recall for years to come. It’s impossible to be fully prepared for the experience, but following a few of these tips can secure a more organized day.

@krishasang ksanghavi@alligator.org

Courtesy to The Alligator

The Alligator’s Fall Sports Editor Jackson Reyes and Fall Assistant Sports Editor Topher Adams are voters for the Student Media Poll.