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VOLUME 121 - ISSUE 12 Not officially associated with the University of Florida

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The Alligator’s governor voter guide BYRON DONALDS AND DAVID JOLLY IN CLOSE FIGHT TO BE FLORIDA’S LEADER

By Alexa Ryan Alligator Staff Writer

For the first time in eight years, Gov. Ron DeSantis is not on the ballot for governor. Now, the big question is who will replace him, with a tight race less than a week before election day. David Jolly, the Democratic candidate, and Byron Donalds, the Republican candidate, are within four percentage points of each other, according to a recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena Research Institute between Oct. 19 and Oct. 25. The poll shows Jolly with 44% of the vote compared to Donalds’ 48%. Early voting in Alachua County ended Nov. 1, and the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Jolly previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2014 to 2017 as a Republican before switching to an independent in 2018. He frequently criticized Presi-

SEE VOTER GUIDE, PAGE 4

Graphic by Bailey Diem // Photos from Noah Lantor // Alligator Staff

Byron Donalds and David Jolly are the two candidates on the ballot for Florida Governor this year.

Redpoint residents question security, communication after reported sexual battery, burglary Students share concerns about poor lighting, a lack of security patrols and unkept lease promises By Lily Hartzema Alligator Staff Writer

An Oct. 5 sexual battery and burglary at Redpoint Gainesville Apartments raised safety concerns among residents, prompting increased police patrols around the complex and nearby apartments. The victim was reportedly sleeping when an unknown suspect wearing a ski mask entered their room and inappropriately touched them, according to a Gainesville Police Department incident report. The suspect covered the victim’s mouth with their hands and pulled their hair. It is unknown how the suspect entered and exited the apartment. The investigation is ongoing, GPD spokesperson Art Forgey said. Forgey declined to comment on whether investigators have identified a suspect. Extra patrol cars have been sent to Redpoint, located at 5120 SW 13th Place, and

neighboring apartment complexes like Woodland Villas and Forest View Apartments, Forgey said. GPD has also been in contact with Redpoint management but declined to comment on security plans. Redpoint Gainesville Apartments declined to comment. UF Director of Communications Amy Armstrong said the UF Police Department encourages students living off campus to verify maintenance workers' identities, avoid letting strangers into residential areas and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Armstrong said UFPD recommends students lock windows and sliding doors, report broken locks to property management and discuss visitor policies with roommates. If an unauthorized person enters their residence, she advised students to call 911 and leave if it’s safe to do so.

SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT

Opinions: Midterm elections

A peek at the students ringing UF’s pg# bells. Read more on pg. 3.

The Avenue: Music

Century Tower finish with comma, Story description

Colin Strom, a 21-year-old UF marketing senior, has lived at Redpoint for over a year. Though he plans to move out after he graduates this Spring, he said the recent burglary made him less likely to renew his lease if he stayed in Gainesville. Strom said the burglary concerned him about the complex’s security, particularly its key fob entry system and how maintenance and security staff enter units. Staff sometimes knocked only briefly before entering, he said, so some residents might not hear them. Strom also said he was concerned with how management handled the situation. Within 24 hours of the incident, he said he received a resident experience survey asking about safety at the complex. He said the timing felt inappropriate given the recent event. “‘Did you mean to send this now?’” he said. “It just felt ridiculous.”

Management also emailed residents about police monitoring and advised them to lock their doors, he said. Following the incident, Strom and his roommates bought a doorbell camera. Brianna Berry, a 21-year-old UF English senior who lives at Redpoint, said she and her roommates learned about the assault through a third-party crime-reporting app, not from the complex itself. “If we never heard about it through the Crime Radar app, we would have no idea whatsoever about that situation,” Berry said. Redpoint’s description of the incident as a break-in gave residents an incomplete understanding of potential safety risks, she added. When signing her lease, the office told her the complex provided 24-hour security, which was a major factor in her decision to live there. Now, she feels less certain about

SEE SAFETY, PAGE 4

Columnists discuss Amendment 3, power of voting, pg. 5

Loosey’s hosts 100th Indie Demolition Night, pg. 6

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2 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

UF student carillonneurs bring Century Tower to life

VOLUME 121 - ISSUE 12

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

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THE UF CARILLON STUDIO UPHOLDS THE TRADITION OF PLAYING THE CARILLON AT THE TOP OF CENTURY TOWER

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Hidden in the heart of UF’s campus, a group of nine students makes Century Tower ring. The UF Carillon Studio is a small team of students who play the carillon, the 61-bell instrument that sits at the top of Century Tower. They are led by Laura Ellis, a School of Music professor, who has been teaching UF students how to play the carillon since 2003. Since the bells first rang nearly 50 years ago, the Century Tower carillon has grown from its original 49 bells to 61. Twice a day during the school week, the carillon students take turns trekking up 11 and a half flights of stairs to the top of Century Tower to play their music. Each month, they hold a recital, ringing in seasonal themes like Halloween, Valentine’s Day and March Madness. Ellis said while students start the semester with a set batch of pieces, they later have creative freedom. She works with students to tailor the pieces to their interests. “We’ve had some students that really have liked to do things from musical or Broadway shows,” Ellis said. “Well, if that’s your thing, let’s figure out how to make that happen.” Alexis Orr, a 22-year-old UF biomedical engineering master’s student and third semester carillon studio member, said students can arrange their own performance pieces if they have a specific request. The students use a website called ArrangeMe, a large music database that tells them which songs or artists can be arranged based on copyright law. When Orr wanted to play the song “Something” by The Beatles, she checked out ArrangeMe and submitted her work to get it published.

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UF Carillon Studio student Eddie Strunk plays the carillon inside Century Tower, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla. The players arrange their music differently through a tedious process due to the sound differences between the computer program and the actual instrument, she said. “It’s a lot of trial and error, seeing what sounds good on our instrument and what doesn’t,” Orr said. For the Halloween Spooktacular, Orr arranged a duet version of “This is Halloween” from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” to be played with another carillon student. “I wouldn’t say it’s a dying instrument, but it’s definitely not a well-known or popular instrument,” Orr said. “But I feel like it has the potential to if more people heard about it and just took a minute to stop and listen to the bells.” Eddie Strunk, a 20-year-old UF economics and English junior with a minor in carillon performance, said he once combined his love for classical music with an iconic ‘80s song during last year’s Halloween concert. “I also did a mashup of ‘Thriller’ and the ‘Bach Toccata’ for Halloween once, and that was really fun,” Strunk said.

With monthly concerts, the students hold rehearsals frequently. Ellis keeps the studio small to make instruction and rehearsal easier, especially with limited resources. Because of the music building construction, one of the studio’s few practice carillons is being moved into a portable practice room, complicating rehearsal plans as the studio adjusts to the space changes. The unique nature of the carillon and limited number of practice instruments means the rehearsal process gets complex, and students must often coordinate with each other to ensure everyone gets the practice time they need. This involves making schedules every week, signing up for practice slots in the studio about twice a week and working out which students will perform the daily series in Century Tower. The studio will hold its annual holiday concert Dec. 6 at 1:30 p.m.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026 ALLIGATOR 3

Expanded K-8 school, charter offer Newberry families new enrollment options

options starting this school year. During the 2024-25 school year, Oak View Middle The schools opened in August schooling Christopher Thomas, a UF assistant professor of edu- School, which served fifth through eighth grade students,

By Grace Larson Alligator Staff Writer

This year, Newberry families found themselves choosing between two elementary schools: Oak View K-8 School, run by Alachua County Public Schools, and Newberry Community School, a new charter. The changes stem from a 2024 decision in which parents and teachers at Newberry Elementary School voted to convert it into a charter. Most parents voted in favor of the charter school, but only half the teachers supported it. The Alachua County School Board and the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections verified the result: Newberry Elementary School would not be converted into a charter. However, the Florida Department of Education changed its requirements a year later, allowing a 50% approval rate to pass. Under Florida law, this change could not be applied retroactively; however, the Florida Charter School Review Commission approved the charter application. The Alachua County School Board sought to appeal the decision but didn’t succeed. The new charter gives Newberry families more

cational leadership and policy, said the rise of charter schools presents families with a diverse array of opportunities. “For parents considering these school choice options,” Thomas said, “I think there’s a lot more opportunities to choose an option that better aligns or best aligns with their ideas about what good education ought to be.” Charter schools, he said, create more options for parents because they offer greater flexibility and create competition. But for Oak View K-8 School principal Katherine Munn, the latter is far from her goal. “I’m not in competition,” Munn said. “That’s not what we’re here for. We’re here to educate children, make them the best versions of themselves.” When Munn became the principal in July, she said she was challenged with starting from scratch, acquiring resources from the recently closed Foster Elementary School and bringing over existing traditions. Munn taught at Newberry Elementary School for nine years and was the principal of Oak View Middle School for five. She said the experience helped her in the transition. As of Oct. 12, roughly 1,100 students are enrolled at Oak View K-8 School, ACPS spokesperson Jackie Johnson said.

had more than 950 students enrolled, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The expansion to include prekindergartners through fourth graders brought over roughly 150 students, just below a quarter of the more than 650 students enrolled at Newberry Elementary School for the 2024-25 school year. This is in part due to rezoning changes, in which the elementary zone for Oak View K-8 School was reduced to lessen enrollment. At Newberry Community School, principal Lacy Roberts said just under 350 prekindergarten through fourth grade students — over half of the Newberry Elementary School population — are enrolled at the charter school. The school anticipates roughly 40 others next year with the school’s expansion to fifth grade, she said. Enrollment extends beyond Newberry to High Springs, Alachua, Trenton, Gainesville and Levy County, Roberts said. “We are super excited to be here in Newberry, have the city of Newberry’s support,” she said. “Lots of great business partners have joined us to create a successful school.” @graceellarson glarson@alligator.org

Amanda Yale // Alligator Staff Amanda Yale // Alligator Staff

The outside of the Oak View Elementary School, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

The outside of the Newberry Community School, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

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4 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

Redpoint residents reflect on response to recent burglary SAFETY, from pg. 1

Juleidi Machuca // Alligator Staff

Redpoint Gainesville sits at 5120 SW 13th Place, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 in Gainesville, Fla.

her safety at the complex, she said. Following the break-in, she and her roommates stayed at a hotel for a night because they didn’t feel safe in their apartment, Kristin Berry, Brianna’s 52-year-old mother, said. “As a mother of a UF student, this is absolutely terrifying,” Kristin said. Kristin purchased additional security devices and drove to Gainesville to install them herself in her daughter’s unit, like a Ring doorbell camera and a cameraequipped light. She also spoke with Redpoint management about security concerns like insufficient parking lot lighting and security patrols. Kristin said she waited nearly an hour to speak with the property manager, who told her resi-

Meet Florida’s gubernatorial candidates VOTER GUIDE, from pg. 1

dent Donald Trump while serving as a political analyst for NBC and MSNBC, now MS NOW. He registered as a Democrat in April 2025. If elected, Jolly would be the first Democratic governor in Florida since 1999. His running mate, Gwen Graham, served in the U.S. House from 2015 to 2017. Graham is the daughter of former Florida governor Bob Graham. Donalds is currently serving in the U.S. House, representing Florida’s 19th Congressional district. He previously served in the Florida House from 2016 to 2020. If elected, Donalds would be the first Black governor in Florida history. His running mate, Bryan Ávila, left his post as a Florida state senator to join Donalds’ campaign. Donalds beat out Jay Collins, the current Florida lieutenant governor, for the Republican nomination during the Aug. 18 primary election. Both candidates have notable endorsements. Former President Barack Obama endorsed Jolly, and Trump endorsed Donalds. Neither candidate responded to The Alligator’s questionnaire, but they have both publicly shared their views on Florida’s top issues. Here is where each candidate stands based on their campaign websites, past legislative work and public statements. Q. Affordability is consistently rated as a top concern among Florida voters. What specific policies do you plan to enact if you are elected to address this issue? David Jolly: Jolly’s plan to reduce insurance costs for Florida homeowners has been one of his most hotly debated campaign promises. He proposed removing wind risk from the private insurance market by creating a state catastrophe fund to bear it so insurance companies don’t factor it into premium costs. He’s claimed it would save homeowners 60% to 70% when paying insurance premiums. However, a PolitiFact investigation published insurance experts’ claims that it’s unlikely it will save homeowners in the long run as the fund is depleted.

Jolly also plans to expand Medicaid to help Floridians save on healthcare. Byron Donalds: Donalds plans to reduce insurance costs by cracking down on lawsuit abuse and protecting reforms that prevent false claims, which he says increase premiums for everyone. He also suggests cutting the red tape that slows rebuilding after a storm. Donalds supports Amendment 3, which would increase the homestead property tax exemption for homeowners, as part of his affordability agenda. However, the municipalities that rely on those property taxes for services like libraries, fire services and natural disaster relief argue it would be detrimental to local communities. Q. How would you describe yourself as a political candidate? David Jolly: Jolly is a moderate Democrat who often identifies as a centrist. Byron Donalds: Donalds advertises himself as a “Conservative Warrior” and Trumpendorsed candidate on his campaign website. However, his support for Trump stirred doubt in September when he removed “Enact the Trump agenda” from his top priorities list on his campaign website. In an X post, he said the move reflected his shift toward focusing on his own agenda rather than a sign he was abandoning the Trump agenda. Q. What are your top three policy ideas? David Jolly: Jolly lists affordability, education and a pause on data center development as his top priorities. He plans to address affordability through an expansion of Medicaid and his hurricane insurance proposal. Within education, he wants to increase investment in public schools and create stricter requirements for private school vouchers. He has also taken a strong stance against data center development, promising an immediate one-year pause on data centers if elected. Byron Donalds: Donalds lists affordability, education and law and order as his top

three priorities. On affordability, Donalds has advocated for Amendment 3 to lower property taxes, more checks on insurance companies to lower premiums and cutting red tape to make development cheaper and faster. On education, Donalds advocated for school choice, an expansion of the private school voucher program and greater parental supervision over learning materials. He also proposed early literacy programs to improve reading skills, connecting students with apprenticeships in trades so they can find employment straight out of high school and personalized success plans for every student starting in sixth grade. As part of his law and order agenda, Donalds said he supports a crackdown on illegal immigration. “Cut off state funds, subsidies, and free perks that encourage illegal immigration into Florida,” his campaign website said. He added that businesses should be required to use an E-Verify system to ensure that legal immigrants can keep their jobs and get paid. Additionally, Donalds said he wanted to target fentanyl by creating harsher punishments for the drug cartels that bring it into Florida. Q. What experience do you have that makes you the most qualified for the job? David Jolly: Jolly served in the U.S. House from 2014 to 2017 as a Republican, after working as a lobbyist. Byron Donalds: Donalds currently serves in the U.S. House representing part of Southwest Florida in the state’s 19th congressional district. He served in the Florida House from 2016 to 2020. Q. How will you balance economic growth and fiscal responsibility? And, what specific investments do you plan to make in Florida? David Jolly: Jolly’s campaign website focuses on four pillars to improve Florida’s economy: Investing in infrastructure that attracts people who can make the state a leading

dents should submit maintenance requests for broken parking lot lights. She later discovered the property’s maintenance system didn’t allow residents to submit said request. So, she made the request verbally instead, she said. After meeting with the property manager, she said she waited one week for management to address her concerns. And management told her security guards would begin walking the property at night instead of remaining inside their vehicles. But when she returned a week later, the parking lot lighting hadn’t been fixed, she added. “Safety is an illusion,” she said. “You have to be proactive, and it seems like apartment complexes are just being reactive.” @lilyhartzema lhartzema@alligator.org

technology hub. Strengthening the agriculture industry by using sustainable practices and supporting farms. Investing in tourism by maintaining the state’s workforce, infrastructure and environment. Balancing opportunity with innovation by attracting people to Florida while also keeping the state’s top talent. Byron Donalds: Donalds advocates for less regulation and more development by cutting bureaucratic regulations that slow economic and infrastructure growth. He specifically proposed a public shot clock for building permits to force public officials to more quickly approve applications. He also advocates for cutting taxes at every opportunity and adding technology-driven systems to weed out fraud and waste in the government’s spending. Donalds wants to make Florida a major technology and financial hub by investing in and supporting commercial space growth and what he calls smart growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Donalds has said he supports making data centers pay their own way by preventing them from passing their water and electricity costs onto residents. Q. What are your thoughts on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act? David Jolly: Jolly’s stance on the SAVE Act is unclear. However, the Democratic Party of Florida, of which he is a member, took a strong stance against it. Byron Donalds: Donalds supports the SAVE Act. “Well, the SAVE Act is very simple. It requires that for federal elections, in order to register to vote, to be eligible, you have to demonstrate that you are an American citizen. Very simple,” he said in 2025 when it was being discussed in Congress. “Protect the franchise of voting for Americans in our country.” @AlexaRyan_ aryan@alligator.org

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026 www.alligator.org/section/opinions

Column

Amendment 3 will cost more than it saves

his Election Day, Florida has one of the most interesting midterms I can remember. But one ballot measure may be the most impactful thing this year, forcing Floridians to decide how much they value local government. Amendment 3 seeks to expand the homestead tax exemption for non-school district property taxes. It would lower the taxable value of a Florida home if it’s your permanent residence. The current exemption is around $51,000, and Amendment 3 would expand it to $150,000 next year and up to $250,000 in 2028. The problem with this amendment is that it has no concrete way for local governments to compensate for the enormous funding loss its passage would create. Vital government services like public safety, parks and infrastructure could lose all or most of their funding. Proponents of Amendment 3 point to the savings homeowners could gain from this tax cut, claiming those savings are needed now more than ever. This is true — qualifying homeowners could save an estimated $1,300 in the first year and $2,300 in the second. But these savings come at a multimillion-dollar cost for local governments. For example, in Coral Springs, Amendment 3 would lead to a reduction of approximately

$14.5 million in 2028 and $26.8 million for the city the following year, directly impacting the funding of the police and fire departments, infrastructure improvements, parks and recreation services and community programs. City and county governments heavily rely on property taxes, and this amendment would directly cut millions of dollars from governments that need more funding, not less. Much of the debate has focused on the potential effects on public safety funding, but funding community outreach programs and public libraries is also important. Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds and Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz are some of the most prominent supporters of Amendment 3. They cite rising property taxes and the unaffordability of housing. They dismissed the idea that Amendment 3 would lead to lower public safety funding because the amendment’s language requires local governments to prioritize funding law enforcement and fire departments. This dismissal is shortsighted however. Despite being told to “prioritize” this funding, the amendment does not provide a realistic way for local governments to avoid cuts. Local governments might be forced to increase other taxes, such as sales tax, which will disproportionally affect low-in-

come Floridians. A high sales tax impacts lower income families more because the tax will represent a greater percentage of their income that will go towards paying the tax. For example, a household with $25,000 in income that spends $385 annually on sales tax will see 1.54% of their income go towards a sales tax. On the other hand, a $100,000 income household spending $1,260 annually on sales tax will only be spending 1.26% of their income on the tax. On the other side, Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly said he would vote against Amendment 3 because of its potential to defund law enforcement and fire departments. This concern is not drawn along partisan lines, either. One of the most vocal opponents to Amendment 3 has been Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “You can’t take billions of dollars out of local government and pretend it won’t affect the law enforcement officer who answers your 911 call, the firefighter responding to your home or the roads and stormwater systems your community relies on,” he said. Judd, a Republican, called the proposed amendment a “trainwreck” and said its passage would decrease public safety resources and slow emergency response times. The Florida Sheriffs Association has stood with

Judd’s opposition. Amendment 3 would need 60% of the vote to pass, and current polling shows a close race. A poll by NBC6 reported 55% of voters supEvan Dressel port Amendment opinions@alligator.org 3, with many citing high property taxes as their motivation. While housing affordability is important, lowering quality of life isn’t a price Floridians should be willing to pay. If we’re to lower property taxes at all, we should focus on making housing more affordable for first-time homeowners. Local governments need more funding to properly address the issues facing our communities. While the idea of a tax cut might be appealing in the short term, it’s likely to lead to lower quality of life, higher taxes on the backend and a disproportionate impact on rural and low-income counties and households. If you value your local sheriff’s office, parks and libraries, vote “no” on Amendment 3. @EvanD_Alligator edressel@alligator.org

Column

Your vote is more than a drop in the ocean A t 18, we’re suddenly entrusted with a responsibility that shapes the future of our country. Yet for many new voters, the idea of casting a ballot is more intimidating than empowering. Between unfamiliar procedures, political polarization and the overwhelming number of issues at stake, it’s easy to question whether one vote among millions can really make a difference. For college students, voting isn’t necessarily as simple as showing up to a polling location. Many of us are living away from home for the first time, navigating new communities and balancing responsibilities that already seem endless. Voting can feel like another obstacle in the transition to adulthood; learning where to register, how to vote and what we’re even voting for might feel burdensome. According to the Fair Elections Center, students face barriers

ranging from unfamiliar registration procedures and residency requirements to polling location confusion. Similarly, a 2024 Brennan Center for Justice report highlighted how changing addresses, varying state requirements and long lines at campus polling locations can complicate the voting process. These challenges aren’t evidence of political indifference but rather the inaccessibility embedded into the voting system. A 2025 report from Tufts University’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement found that 31% of young people who didn’t vote in the 2024 election cited being too busy, having conflicting commitments or lacking sufficient information. Beyond these logistical challenges lies another obstacle: the pressure to be politically informed in an increasingly polarized environment.

We’re often surrounded by strong opinions about complex issues. Between conflicting arguments, political commentary and the constant circulation of information online, forming an independent perspective can feel overwhelming. For someone approaching their first election, the fear of making an uninformed decision may seem like a reason to avoid making one altogether. But being an informed voter doesn’t mean having an answer to every political question — it means taking the time to understand the issues that matter to us, considering different perspectives and recognizing that uncertainty is part of learning. Even after overcoming these obstacles, another question remains: Does one vote really matter? When election results are determined by thousands or millions of ballots, our individual contribu-

tions can feel invisible. It’s easy to assume that whether we participate or stay home, the outcome will remain unchanged. And realistically, a single ballot is unlikely to determine a state or national election. In presidential elections, individual votes contribute to statewide results, which generally determine how a state’s electoral votes are awarded. But measuring the value of voting solely by whether one individual changes the outcome discounts the nature of democracy. Those enormous vote totals aren’t abstract numbers. They’re the accumulation of individual decisions, each made by someone whose participation might have seemed just as insignificant as our own. For college students especially, the consequences of elections extend far beyond the ballot box. Decisions surrounding education, healthcare, housing and employ-

m e n t shape the opporShirin Khizzar tunities opinions@alligator.org available to us, whether or not we choose to participate in making them. We don’t have to understand every political issue perfectly, and we shouldn’t pretend that voting alone resolves the problems our country faces. But, we can continue to participate and acknowledge our role in decisions that will affect us long after election season. As another election approaches, new voters shouldn’t mistake inexperience for insignificance. Our voices may seem small against millions of others. But an ocean is made of millions of drops, just as how an election is nothing without the millions of ballots cast. @Shirinkhizzar Skhizzar@alligator.org

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Alligator. The Alligator encourages comments from readers. Letters to the editor should not exceed 600 words (about one letter-sized page). They must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s name, classification and phone number. Names will be withheld if the writer shows just cause. We reserve the right to edit for length, grammar, style and libel. Send letters to opinions@alligator.org, bring them to 2700 SW 13th St., or send them to P.O. Box 14257, Gainesville, FL 32604-2257.Columns of about 450 words about original topics and editorial cartoons are also welcome. Questions? Call 352-376-4458.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026 www.alligator.org/section/the_avenue

MUSIC

Loosey’s celebrates 100th Indie Demolition Night TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES DIDN’T DETER PATRONS FROM THE ANNIVERSARY SHOW By Brandy Sumner Avenue Staff Writer

As Loosey’s filled with the high-pitched whine of amplifiers, audience members fled to its outside stage, which was alive with soft acoustic music. The venue celebrated its 100th Indie Demolition Night on Thursday, hosting six bands instead of its usual three, along with pop-up vendors who sold vintage clothes. Dressed in Halloween costumes ranging from Bob Dylan to Cupid, eventgoers shifted in and out of the building to watch bands play on the bar’s inside stage and its temporary outside stage under a light drizzle. Maus Kelava, the 23-year-old booking

Women’s volleyball

person for Loosey’s, started the Indie Demolition Night series in July 2024. Since then, it’s been held almost every Thursday at 8 p.m. “The idea behind it was to make it more accessible for people to come to shows and to get new people out to shows and give new bands a space to perform,” Kelava said. The series’ start coincided with the closing of High Dive, a local venue known for giving newer artists a space to break out. Despite the name, Indie Demolition Nights don’t only host indie artists. They focus on independent artists of all genres. Its name comes from “Disco Demolition Night,” a riot in the Chicago Ballpark in 1979. The riot started because of a radio jockey who was unhappy with the music industry, Kelava said, and he broke onto the baseball field and burned multiple records. The celebration featured artists ranging from acoustic and indie-folk bands to more

The mother-daughter relationship driving Selena Leban. Read more on page 11.

alternative performers. Veronica Nazario, an 18-year-old UF civil engineering freshman, attended the event to see Dumpster, an alternative band set to perform inside. However, after some technical issues with the sound equipment inside, Dumpster had to leave the stage without performing. Despite the light rain, the crowd shifted outside. Regardless of the technical issues, Nazario was still happy to see the other bands perform, she said. “It’s a great atmosphere,” Nazario said, “inside and out.” The sound issues, which started around 8:30 p.m., were fixed an hour later, meaning Dumpster and the other artists were able to continue on with their sets. The 100th show celebration, like all of the Indie Demolition Nights, was completely free. Elizabeth Davis, the 32-year-old guitarist and singer of folk-rock band Cathluina,

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said it’s an accessible option for people trying to get more involved in Gainesville’s music scene. “It’s really helpful that it’s a free show because it means that anybody who’s going by off the street who hears live music can walk in and participate,” Davis said. “It’s always a really mixed group of people that come out.” Despite being free for attendees, Loosey’s still pays artists who perform at the shows from part of the bar tab, Davis said, which isn’t always the case for local gigs. Davis has performed at Indie Demolition Night since last June, when she reached out to Kelava shortly after Cathluina was formed. Loosey’s now reaches out to the band whenever they fit in with the night’s genre. “I think it’s an amazing opportunity for local bands to get their music out there,” Davis said.

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Mana Sweet Chicha trae la cultura venezolana a Gainesville, un café a la vez COMO LA AMBICIÓN DE UNA LATINA INFUNDIO SUS BEBIDAS POR CAPAS DE UN TOQUE DE SU HOGAR

Por Emily Medina-Finsen Escritora de El Caimán

Traducido por Angelique Rodriguez Escritora de El Caimán

El dia de Daniela Chourio Bertel comienza mucho antes que su camión de comida de color verde azulado llegue a su destino. Dándole prioridad a las bebidas y la comida caseras, ella realiza las compras por la mañana y prepara cada ingrediente en su cocina antes de salir para tomar café en Gainesville. Mana Sweet Chicha es un camión de comida de una latina que se puede encontrar estacionado en parques, apartamentos y mercados en Gainesville, trayendo creaciones dulces inspiradas por Venezuela a la ciudad. El negocio comenzó en noviembre del 2024 como una pequeña operación en el hogar de Bertel con la ayuda de su esposo. Al no haber ningún lugar en la

zona donde ella puede comprar chicha, una bebida en base de maíz común en toda Latinoamérica, decidió prepararla ella misma, dijo. Considerada un arte, la elaboración de la chicha se transmite de generación en generación, cada una aportando un toque único a la bebida apreciada. Cuando ella vendía a amigos y familia, Bertel dijo que su negocio de chicha se convertiría en algo de lo cual la comunidad latina demandaría más. A medida que crecía la demanda, Bertel operó su camión de comida en marzo, dando su dulces sus propias ruedas. Antes de Mana Sweet Chicha, Bertel emigró a Gainesville en 2022. Ella trabajaba en el personal de limpieza de UF cuando decidió preparar chicha y café para sus amigos para ganar dinero extra. Bertel dijo que le encanta ser creativa y hornear dulces. En su casa, ella hornea para su familia y prepara la chicha. Ella vende más cosas a través de Mana Sweet Chicha, con el menú incluyendo café, matcha y vasos de chocolate de Dubai y fresas. Ese éxito le permitió a Bertel mantenerse

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económicamente estable gracias a sus habilidades para preparar bebidas. “Esto es más que yo pensé o soñe,” dijo. El camión de comida tiene una ubicación semipermanente en el noroeste de Gainesville, pero su sueño es por eso convertirse en un café permanente, dijo. Cada bebida que ella prepara lleva colores vibrantes como parte de su estética de marca de estilo feminino que atrae a los clientes, dijo. “Me encanta que puedo compartir mi personalidad con otros, y ellos también pueden sentirlo", dijo. La hermana de Bertel, Mariela Chouri, una estudiante de informática en Santa Fe College de 23 años, ha trabajado con ella desde que surgió la idea. Si bien ya combina sus estudios con su trabajo como agente de arrendamiento en Canopy Apartments Gainesville, también trabaja a tiempo parcial en Mana Sweet Chicha cuando puede. Chourio dijo que Bertel observó su éxito entre amigos y familia y se atrevió a crear algo más grande. “Cuando se le ocurrió la idea de comprar el camión de comida, pensó que era un poco loco,

Sports: Football Breaking down Georgia’s upset of Florida, Pg. 10

pero será como traer algo de nuestro país a los Estados Unidos”, dijo. A Chourio encanta trabajar con su hermana, dijo, y se divierte preparando y tomando la chicha. Chourio dijo que el camión de comida es un centro cultural donde venezolanos pueden hablar español y conectarse. “Esos que también son de Venezuela y quieren sentirse íntimamente con su cultura pueden venir aquí para probar un poco de su país”, dijo. “Tal vez tenían familiares que solían hacer chicha, entonces pueden probarlo aquí y recordar.” Para Chourio, Mana Sweet Chicha es como un sueño hecho realidad, dijo. Emily Guerra, un estudiante de segundo año de criminología y antropología en UF de 20 años, disfruta de los matchas de Mana Sweet Chicha. Lee el resto en línea en alligator.org. @EmilyMedFinZ27 emedina-finsen@alligator.org

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2. Before it was renamed Orange Speedway in 1954, the motorsports dirt track near the town of Hillsborough, North Carolina, was known as what? 3. Name the NFL head coach who said, "I got the greatest job in the world. I'm the head coach of the Cleveland Browns for God's sake. How cool is that?"

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7. Platelets.

6. Bill Cullen (The original show debuted 9. The U.S. Treasury Building. in 1956.) 10. 1994.

2. South Carolina.

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1. Wilson Phillips.

8. Edith Wharton.

Sports Quiz answers

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FOOTBALL

4 takeaways from Florida’s loss to Georgia THE GATORS NARROWLY AVOIDED THEIR FIRST SHUTOUT VS. GEORGIA SINCE 1982 By Ava DiCecca Sports Writer

The Gators strolled into Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta hoping to flip the script in the most anticipated rivalry game of the year. Florida had lost eight of its last nine contests against the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs heading into the game, and, riding an upset win over Texas before the bye week, it hoped to pull off another in a Halloween showdown. But instead, UF (5-3, 3-3 SEC) was met with an unrelenting Georgia defense and a firing attack that dimmed all hope for a second straight upset before the first half was up. Boasting a 24-0 lead at the break, Georgia (71, 5-1 SEC) went on to trounce Florida 27-8. Here are four takeaways from the Gators’ blowout loss. 1. Tough day for both quarterbacks

The quarterback play was at the forefront of the holiday debacle for the Gators, and Aaron Philo kicked off Florida’s brutal showing. After getting the start despite Tramell Jones Jr.’s successful outing against Texas, the junior struggled to take care of the football and move the chains offensively. He threw his first pick of the game looking to toss the ball out on third-and-6, but he instead lobbed it to Georgia’s Ellis Robinson IV. It wasn’t enough to bench him for Jones, but after he threw another with 11:37 to play in the second quarter, it was the sophomore’s time to shine. Eric Singleton Jr. was mostly to blame for Philo’s second pick, which sent the ball straight through the receiver's hands and into those of Georgia’s Demello Jones, but Florida’s Jones came in to take his place nonetheless. The young quarterback didn’t shine, though. In the second quarter, he was sacked by Georgia’s Quintavius Johnson and fumbled, leading to another Bulldogs house call when Chris Cole returned it 66 yards for the touchdown. Coming out of the half, he almost threw his first interception but was bailed out by a roughing-the-passer call on Georgia’s Valdin Sone. He captained Florida to its first red-zone push in the same drive, but he capped it off by throwing his first interception in the end zone looking for Singleton. That wasn’t his last tough play of the afternoon. He fumbled again on a sack by Georgia’s Gabe Harris Jr., but running back Jadan Baugh recovered it to avoid another Florida turnover. Still, he managed to reach the end zone in Florida’s sole scoring drive of the evening on a 2-yard rush with 7:02 remaining. He finished 17-of-24 passing for 172 yards and an interception. While it wasn’t his greatest day, Jones provided more of a spark than Philo, who ended

Noah Lantor // Alligator Staff

Florida head coach Jon Sumrall, left, shakes hands with Georgia head coach Kirby Smart after losing an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in Atlanta, Ga. the contest 5-of-7 passing for 26 yards and two interceptions. After both undesirable performances, it remains unclear which quarterback will start for Florida going forward. 2. Complete offensive collapse

The quarterbacks may have been at the forefront of the atrocious offensive showing for the Gators, but they were far from the only issue that led to Florida nearly laying an egg in Atlanta. After an explosive start to the season, Baugh once again struggled to move the chains in the run game. He finished with 38 yards on 17 carries. His 38 yards and 2.2 yards per carry were the second lowest of the season, only outdoing his 13-yard, 1.1-yardsper-carry showing against Missouri. Singleton also struggled in the air despite grabbing the second-most passes on Florida’s squad. He was the targeted receiver in two of the day’s interceptions and dropped a deep ball from Jones that would have been Florida’s longest grab of the afternoon. He had four catches for 19 yards. Dallas Wilson was also quiet despite logging the catch on Florida’s two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. He posted one reception for 14 yards. Overall, the Gators finished with just 48 yards on the ground and managed 198 through the air. Granted, the Bulldogs’ defense was sti-

fling. It logged four sacks and an impressive 11 tackles for loss to go along with the three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Facing one of the premier defenses in the SEC, the Gators would’ve had to be at their best to outshine the Bulldogs’ defensive front. 3. Florida’s defense played better than the scoreboard shows

When a team wins by 19 points, it’s easy to point a finger at the defense. But the Gators' defense — which has faced its fair share of struggles so far this season — wasn’t to blame for the loss. The defense held Georgia to just a field goal through the second half, and with Jones’ fumble leading to one of the Bulldogs’ scores, it limited the best scoring offense in the SEC to just two house calls. It allowed just 101 yards in the air — a season low for star quarterback Gunner Stockton — but ceded 217 on the ground. Safety DJ Coleman and linebacker Myles Graham had a hand in the Gators' defense’s standout play of the afternoon. Coleman forced a fumble by Georgia wide receiver Talyn Taylor, which Graham recovered and returned 42 yards into Georgia territory. Coleman finished with a team-high eight total tackles to go along with the forced fumble, while Graham added seven. Graham tied with sophomore Ty Jackson, who saw the field more Saturday after flashing against Texas.

Defensive end Emmanuel Oyebadejo also had a solid effort, recording Florida’s only sack and a pass breakup. The defense managed a respectable performance despite having its work cut out for it. In the first half alone, it was on the field for 18:11 with the offense’s three turnovers. 4. Florida is lucky to have Bailey Stockton

If there is one positive to be taken from the Gators’ disastrous loss, it’s Bailey Stockton’s play. Despite being one of the more bangedup players on Florida’s squad — heading into Saturday doubtful and then upgrading to questionable Friday — he shined yet again. With the absence of Vernell Brown III, Stockton emerged as the primary target — just as he has since Florida’s showdown with Ole Miss when Brown was first sidelined. Even with two struggling quarterbacks, the Georgia Tech transfer grabbed all eight of his targets for 76 yards, outpacing the rest of Florida’s squad nearly three times over. He added another 31 yards in the punt return game. Stockton also logged a team-high 41 yards after catch. The Gators will look to rebound when they return home to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to face Oklahoma Nov. 7 at 7:45 p.m.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026 ALLIGATOR 11

MEN'S BASKEBTALL

Coming full circle: Florida basketball to open season where it last ended WHEN THE GATORS LAST PLAYED IN TAMPA, THEY FELL TO IOWA IN THE SECOND ROUND OF THE 2026 NCAA TOURNAMENT By Jeffrey Serber Sports Writer

Down 73-72 with 4.5 seconds left, Florida called a timeout to avoid a major upset in front of a mainly pro-Gator crowd at Benchmark International Arena. After the timeout, Xaivian Lee pushed the ball down the court looking for an open shot, but no one answered. He passed the ball to Thomas Haugh, but it was too late. As the buzzer sounded, UF players, staff and fans watched in shock as the No. 1 seed Gators fell to No. 9 Iowa on March 22. After reflecting on the Iowa loss for much of the offseason, Florida retained key pieces from last year’s team, which won the program’s first Southeastern Conference regular-season title since 2014. Now, just over seven months from the loss, the Gators return to Benchmark International Arena for their season opener against No. 14 Miami Nov. 2. “We want to go get a win in there,” senior forward Thomas Haugh said. “Last time we didn't get it done. So, to start the season where you ended, a lot of teams can't do that, so we're gonna go out there and try to get a win this time." Haugh, one of the key returners, admitted the Iowa loss influenced his decision to return. After Florida’s upset, Haugh fell to his knees, overcome with emotion. He said his mom cried for two weeks following the loss. “At the moment, I didn't know if I was going to put on orange and blue again,” Haugh said Oct. 1. “It was definitely emotional for me.” Returning for his fourth season at UF, Haugh is the SEC Preseason Player of the Year and Florida’s third-ever Preseason AP All-American. Haugh was a consensus lottery draft pick, but he announced his return to Gainesville April 21, hoping to end his college basketball career on a positive note. Senior center Rueben Chinyelu was also deeply affected by Florida’s loss to Iowa. The 6-foot-10 center dominated much of the 2025-26

Bayden Armstrong // Alligator Staff

Florida forward Thomas Haugh boxes out during the second half of an NCAA men's basketball exhibition game against Stetson, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

season, winning Naismith Basketball Player of the Year and SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He also broke singleseason program records for offensive rebounds (137) and double-doubles (19). Dwayne Davis previously held the offensive rebound record with 114 (1988-89), while Bob Smyth held the double-double record with 18 (1975-76). Against Iowa, Chinyelu put together a performance far different from the rest of the season: he averaged 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. In UF’s upset loss, Chinyelu recorded 0 points, marking the only time he failed to score in a game that season. He also recorded just one rebound, tying his season-low in Florida’s opener against Arizona in Las Vegas. “I was really upset because I just didn't play my game,” Chinyelu said. “It wasn't a good taste, and I don't want to taste that.” Chinyelu, like Haugh, was considering the NBA Draft. Many mock drafts projected him as a second-round pick. In

April, he declared for the draft while maintaining eligibility at Florida. About a month later, Chinyelu announced his return to Florida, forgoing the draft. The Enugwu-Agidi, Nigeria, native said the Iowa loss played a role in his decision to return for his senior season, and he’s looking to learn from that game. “That day, I don't think I did everything that I can, so I don't want to be in that spot again,” he said. Motivated to build on last season’s loss, Florida takes on one of the most drastically improved programs in Miami. After Miami finished the 2024-25 season with a 7-24 record, the Hurricanes hired head coach Jai Lucas. In one season, he transformed Miami, leading the Hurricanes to a 26-9 record. Florida defeated Miami 82-68 last season in Jacksonville. Haugh said Miami’s physicality gave the Gators some issues, particularly with staying out of foul trouble. The matchup provided Florida with experience to build on heading into the season opener. “Their program's starting to kick it in basketball, too,” Haugh said. “So, to have that test as our first game, it's going to be special, and it's going to be a great game in Tampa." Miami’s Malik Reneau also gave the Gators problems in the last matchup, scoring a team-high 22 points on 8-of-23 shooting from the field. On Sept. 24, the fifth-year forward received an extra year of eligibility after an Indiana court granted an injunction. The Hurricanes brought in new players, including Georgia transfer Somto Cyril. He averaged 9.3 points, 5.4 boards and 2.2 blocks per game last season with the Bulldogs. “He’s just a really good rim protector, really good athlete and great rebounder,” Florida head coach Todd Golden said. “Just a really, really good athlete in the frontcourt that can change the complexion of the game with his rim protection and his athleticism.” Miami also brought in Villanova transfer Acaden Lewis and 2026 McDonald’s All-American Caleb Gaskins. Entering the 2026-27 season as the team to beat, Florida will look to open its season with a win in Tampa against a top-15-ranked opponent. @JeffreySerber Jserber@alligator.org

VOLLEYBALL

Mothers and daughters: How Selena Leban’s family volleyball legacy led her to Florida THE SLOVENIAN OUTSIDE HITTER IS LEAVING HER MARK DURING HER FIRST SEASON AS A GATOR By Sofia Alamo Sports Writer

At 3 a.m. in Gorizia, Italy, Majda Leban Čičić is wide awake, watching her daughter play volleyball on a screen more than 5,000 miles away. A timezone difference won’t keep her from supporting the player she trained her whole life. After all, volleyball is the special connection shared by her and her daughter, Florida outside hitter Selena Leban. Čičić first placed a volleyball in Leban’s hands when she was just 5 years old. Her potential was instantly clear. Afraid no one would know how to handle or cultivate her talent, Čičić took matters into her own hands. As her daughter’s team coach at Odbojkarski Klub Sežana in Slovenia, Čičić injected all the right qualities into Leban. “I always gave her so much confidence,” she said. “I knew that if the ball came to her, she would do it.” With her raw talent and mother’s training, Leban became one of Slovenia’s top players. And as a Gator, she continues to carry those lessons that connect her so deeply with her mom. The bond with the sport began when Leban was in the womb. While pregnant, Čičić continued to train on volleyball courts as a professional player for Sestese Volley Club in Italy's Women’s Serie A Volleyball League. After retiring from a 14-year career, Čičić made the switch to coaching youth volleyball teams. Watching Leban play, she quickly realized her daughter had inherited her talent. By the time Leban was 7, Čičić con-

sidered her the best player on her team. But bouncing between roles of coach and mother wasn't easy for Čičić. She had to balance her expectations as a coach while parenting, a balance she recalled as extremely difficult. The pressure of competition made it even harder. During one stretch in Slovenia’s Super League, Čičić’s team carried seven straight losses and was one match away from elimination. Desperately needing a victory, the pressure of the team fell onto Leban’s shoulders. “I was so hard on Selena,” Čičić said. “I’m sure she remembers this moment.” The team won, but it didn't bring Čičić the satisfaction she thought it would. The memory of yelling at her daughter still lingered in her mind. “We were waiting for the victory for so long,” Čičić said, “but I wasn't happy.” For Leban, growing up with high expectations from her coach-mother was also tough. Still, hardships teach lessons, Leban said, and the Florida player learned talent can't get someone far without discipline. Living in her mom’s shadow also meant Leban had to prove she’d earned her spot from the time she was a child. She did that with stellar performances on the court. At 15, Leban became the youngest player in Slovenia’s Super League. She took her talents abroad, moving to Hungary and Turkey. She finally ended up in Switzerland at Volley Lugano for two years of rehabilitation after an injury. But her time in Switzerland proved monumental, because head coach Apostolos Oikonomou helped her rebuild everything she had lost. “He gave me my confidence back,” Leban said. “He's my favorite coach.” His belief in her inspired Leban to take her career one step further and compete in the U.S. The outside hitter was drawn to the idea of having an education while competing

in “quality volleyball.” So, when the University of Kansas Jayhawks offered her a spot on their team in April 2025, Leban took a chance and moved across the world. But Kansas wasn’t everything she’d hoped for. After playing against then-No. 1 Nebraska in the 2025 NCAA tournament, it was clear to Leban the program wasn't a great fit. Finding herself struggling to connect with the team, she knew she needed a change. After that match, her agent suggested she step away from the program. Leban signed with Florida a day later. Once she arrived in Gainesville, the difference was instant. “I felt at home as soon as I landed,” Leban said. “I’ve never been on a better team than this.” That started when head coach Ryan Theis sent Gators gear for Leban’s younger sister and family to wear when they cheered for her. The immediate support allowed Leban to focus on improving her game. The Florida coaching staff, she said, understands what each player needs. For Leban, that sometimes means space to deal with her emotions. “I’m the one that puts the most pressure on myself,” Leban said. “I’m my worst enemy.” Hoping to relieve that stress, Leban said she has been trying to focus less on statistics and more on the team’s success — which is apparent from the Gators 19-2 record so far this season. Leban will continue to build her own legacy at Florida, and her mom said she’ll be proud of her regardless of where the journey takes her. “Even if she doesn't continue with volleyball, I’m just satisfied to be her mother,” Čičić said. “She gave [meaning] to my life.” @alamosofiaa salamo@alligator.org

B:10.25"

12 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

T:10" S:9.5"