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Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier during a postgame interview after a football game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Gators on Sept. 20, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Read more in Sportson pg. 12.
By Alexa Ryan Alligator Staff Writer
After a driver struck and killed teenagers on two separate occasions — while driving recklessly in 2001 and again in 2023 — the victims’ parents came together to further punish repeat offenders.
Now, a Florida law will raise the maximum sentence for repeat offenders convicted of killing someone while driving or boating under the influence from 15 to 30 years, starting Oct. 1.
The same will happen for vehicular homicide convictions.
Trenton’s Law was proposed
after 18-year-old Stetson University football player Trenton Stewart died after colliding with a speeding driver. Trenton was a cybersecurity major and aspiring fitness influencer. Nothing ever stood in his way when it came to achieving his goals, said his mother Mandi Stewart.
She described her son as “always being dedicated to becoming the best version of himself.”
“We always felt so blessed that we were chosen to be his parents,” she said. “He truly was just exceptional.”
On May 9, 2023, Trenton, who had recently moved home from college for summer break, was driving along a 45 mph road in Duval County. Ariel Monteagudo was driving his Mercedes Benz around 1 a.m. on the same road
Jeffrey Harrison, a former law professor, publicly commented on Kirk’s assassination
By Leona Masangkay Alligator Staff Writer
Jeffrey L. Harrison, a retired UF law professor, lost his emeritus status following a political post he made on Facebook.
Harrison made a post about the killing of Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist, the same day Kirk was shot and killed on a college campus in Utah.
“I did not want him to die,” Harrison wrote in a Facebook post, referring to Kirk. “I reserve that wish for Trump.”
UF responded to Harrison’s post just over a
Story description finish with comma, pg#
Florida setters star on team. Read more on pg. 11.
week later on Sept. 19 in a statement that left Harrison unnamed.
“The University of Florida has been made aware of a retired faculty member who issued a post on social media that is raising concerns,” UF wrote in an X post. “In accordance with the university’s policies and regulations, UF has rescinded this individual’s emeritus status.”
Emeritus status, granted to faculty members by vote after retirement, gives recipients UF-affiliated email accounts, as well as courtesies such as parking, use of the library and admission to athletic events, according to university regulations.
UF has no further comment outside of what
it posted online, university spokesperson Cynthia Roldán said.
The university released its statement the day after another conservative activist, Scott Presler, posted on X calling for Harrison to “lose any affiliation” with the university and any current duties. The post, which included screenshots of Harrison’s profile on UF’s website and of his social media accounts, garnered over 16,000 likes and 130,000 views.
Harrison’s profile has since been removed from the UF Levin College of Law website, and the link now throws a 404 error.
In a follow-up Facebook post Sept. 19, Har-
rison said he received “a lot of hateful commentary” after his original post was screenshotted and republished on X.
Harrison, who specialized in economics, contracts and antitrust before retiring in 2020, is not the first individual to face consequences for his post.
Three professors at Florida Atlantic University in South Florida were put on administrative leave this week after commenting on Kirk’s death. Four teachers in public K-12 schools in Osceola County are being investigated but have not yet lost their jobs as of Sept. 15.
On Sept. 18, popular show host Jimmy Kimmel had his talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,”
‘WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS AND DAVID BRADSHAW: PROPAGATION’
By Leona Masangkay Alligator Staff Writer
Most artists reach for brushes or pencils to create art. William S. Burroughs reached for his gun instead.
On Sept. 12, Santa Fe College Gallery held an opening ceremony for “Propagation,” an exhibit featuring pieces by Burroughs and his friend and collaborator, David Bradshaw. The artwork ranges from tall, splintered wooden statues to abstract paintings made from shooting syringes of paint on a canvas.
The exhibit tells the story of Burroughs’ coping with trauma and addiction through art, said Jade Dellinger, the show’s curator.
“Propagation” combines elements of life and destruction, Dellinger said, and it reflects Burroughs and Bradshaw’s “hazardous” relationship as they used various firearms to create artwork together. Bradshaw pitched the exhibit’s name, Dellinger said.
A major postmodern author and artist, Burroughs was born on Feb. 5, 1914, to a wealthy family in Lawrence, Kansas. After graduating from Harvard University, he cycled through various jobs before finding his passion in literature and arts. Burroughs’ works became widely known during the Beat movement in the 1950s. He passed away on Aug. 2, 1997, from a heart attack.
His longtime collaborator Bradshaw, who is still alive at 80 years old, is a fellow American artist whose sculptures, paintings and prints are known for their incorporation of handguns and explosive devices. The two men’s combined “Propagation Hazard” print portfolio is among the most significant outcomes of their artistic collaboration.
Upon entering the gallery, visitors can see seven paintings of varying colored screenprints representing the seven deadly sins. Past this display, abstract paintings with hidden inter-
pretive images inside of them line the walls, along with hand-drawn sketches by Bradshaw. Bullet-damaged wooden artwork and paper creations also feature prominently throughout the gallery.
Burroughs often used art and literature as coping mechanisms. He wrote two novels, “Queer” and “Junky,” to share his experience as a gay man and heroin addict. The former went on to inspire the Luca Guadagnino-directed 2024 film of the same name.
Burroughs began incorporating guns into his art to cope after he accidentally shot and killed his wife while intoxicated, Dellinger said.
Turning his trauma into creative destruction, Burroughs created art by drawing abstract portraits of himself and others, then shooting the portraits themselves.
Many pieces were transported from Fort Myers to be shown at Santa Fe’s exhibit, curator Dellinger said. Some date back to the 1980s.
“We’re lucky to be premiering some things that have been discoveries, that have never been shown before until now,” he said.
Among those pieces: a large, cannon-shaped object Dellinger discovered during a trip he took to Lawrence, Kansas, while visiting one of Burroughs’s old friends. The cannon has padding built into its hollow structure to muffle the sound of a gunshot, so Burroughs could shoot his art pieces quietly.
“This was covered in an inch of dirt and hadn’t moved since 1992,” Dellinger said.
One of Burroughs’ works, “The Mummies,” a series of wooden figures shaped like Egyptian sarcophagi, finally made its full debut. Dellinger didn’t have access to all of the figures before curating “Propagation,” because he didn’t know all their locations. But he managed to locate the missing figures to reunite them for the exhibit.
Burroughs made the figures during a period of heart-related issues, Dellinger said, turning his health issues into art and making “his own coffin.”
Burroughs was friends with Nir-
vana lead singer Kurt Cobain. “Propagation” displays collaborations between the two, such as targets from joint shooting practices, a music album they co-created and a custommade knife Cobain gifted Burroughs.
The exhibit combines visual art, humanities and literature, said Santa Fe Art Gallery manager Brynna Bat. While Burroughs’ art takes inspiration from abstract styles, the works are hard to place under one genre, she added.
“A lot of what he stood for was the lack of being [sic] placed into a subset or a group,” Bat said.
Dellinger, who is also director of the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida SouthWestern State College, introduced “Propagation” to Bat during a collaborative art show they both participated in last year.
“Burroughs is known for his writing most of all, and he’s a pioneer in literature,” Bat said. “I think it’s surprising to see artists like that who are also skilled in other types of art.”
“Propagation” is a unique show, and many viewers wouldn’t expect to see it at Santa Fe, Bat added.
Amina Walters, an 18-year-old Santa Fe studio junior, became involved with the exhibit through the college’s Fine Arts Scholarships program, which allows students to work as guides at the art gallery. “Propagation” is her favorite gallery so far, Walters said.
Walters helped set up the gallery, and she worked with Dellinger to achieve his vision of displaying Burroughs’ art, she said.
The exhibit has a lot of history, she said, and it showcases Burroughs’ battles with substance abuse and identity struggles. His internal grapple with his sexual orientation also shines in his literature and art, she added.
“I feel like it's still pretty relevant, all the stuff that is here,” she said.
“Propagation” is open to the public with free admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Santa Fe College Gallery until Oct. 24.
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THE OUTDOOR SHOWING OF “MATILDA” SPARKED EXCITEMENT AND HOPES FOR MORE EVENTS IN THE FUTURE
By Aaliyah Evertz Alligator Staff Writer
Under a starry night sky, the soft hum of car engines and the smell of fresh popcorn drifted through the air. Families cozied up in their cars, children fidgeted with excitement and clusters of friends settled into lawn chairs as “Matilda” lit up screens at Gainesville’s first drive-in movie theater since 1992.
The screening, held the night of Sept. 18, drew 12 cars to The Knot in downtown Gainesville.
While most guests hoped to watch from the comfort of their cars, space filled up fast, and volunteers guided late arrivals to spread out across the open lawn. By the time the opening credits rolled, the field had transformed into a patchwork of picnic blankets, folding chairs and clusters of people beneath the stars.
Le-Alem Getachew organized the event. The 29-year-old grew up in Gainesville and has dreamed of hosting a drive-in since childhood.
“‘Matilda’ is one of my favorite movies … and I’ve always wanted to go to a drive-in,,” Getachew said. “I found out that there was a drive in back in the day, and I wanted to bring that back.’”
After months of planning, Getachew and her friends pooled their resources to make the event possible. Community members donated or volunteered screens, projectors and flyers for the cause.
That support proved crucial when challenges arose. One
screen, originally intended to be elevated for easier viewing, collapsed multiple times due to wind. Still, Getachew maintained a calm focus and eventually secured the screen.
“I could not have done this without my community and my friends,” she said. “They wanted this to happen, and they knew this was a dream of mine.”
Later, as the film started, Getachew paused for the first time that night and looked around. Children were laughing, families were huddled together in their cars, and her friends were smiling at the sight of it all.
“Seeing the families enjoying this movie reminded me of when I was a kid,” Getachew said. “I feel like I’m giving my younger self a hug — like [saying], ‘Look, you did it.’”
Melissa Peña, 36, attended with her husband and two daughters, pulling up in their SUV early to snag a spot close to the screen. She found the night exciting because of her own childhood memories tied to the movie, she said.
“I had so much fun introducing films that meant a lot to me to my kids,” Peña said.
Peña said her eldest daughter had dreamed of visiting a drive-in theater all summer, and it was important to Peña to give her daughter that experience.
While families like Peña’s came to relive cherished memories, students arrived ready to create their own. Among them was Fionnula Mendoza, a 21-year-old UF wildlife ecology junior who said the event offered the perfect mix of community and entertainment.
“This feels more special,” Mendoza said.
Cars file into Gainesville’s only drive-in theater on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.
talgia and wonder she’d felt as a kid. She was excited to introduce her roommate to “Matilda,” one of her favorite movies growing up.
Getachew said she hopes to host more drive-in nights, potentially with themed programming for the upcoming holiday season. However, she noted expanding the event will require more funding and logistical support to make it sustainable longterm.
“If anybody out there wants to invest in us, we’d love the help,” she said.
Mendoza, a Clermont native, grew up attending drive-ins, a tradition she cherished going into adulthood. For her, the night wasn’t just about a movie, but about recreating a sense of nos-
@aaliyahevertz1 aevertz@alligator.org
going the wrong direction at over 100 mph. He hit the brakes but not fast enough to avoid colliding with Trenton’s car head-on at 71 mph.
Monteagudo tested positive for cocaine and marijuana at the hospital, according to court records. However, because he activated his brakes before the crash, the court concluded his cognitive abilities remained somewhat intact and charged him with reckless driving, not a DUI.
Mandi knew something was not right. She hired a private investigator to gather evidence. The investigator returned a 101-page background check on Monteagudo, filled with “endless traffic violations, endless criminal charges,” Mandi said.
Monteagudo previously served 10 years in prison for killing 15-year-old Christina Ramos while recklessly driving in 2001.
Trenton’s death could have been prevented with a better system, Mandi said.
“The guy had been given so many opportunities or somehow continued to find a way to slip through the cracks,” Mandi said. “There were so many red flags.”
Monteagudo was found guilty of vehicular homicide, a second degree felony, on Jan. 17, 2025, almost two years after Trenton’s death. He will spend 12 years in prison for Trenton’s death and will never be allowed to legally drive again.
The Ramos and Stewart families worked together to
By Madeline Herring Alligator Staff Writer
The concept is simple. Need a favor, give a favor.
On FavorIt, a new student-made app launched July 1, UF students can save on food delivery and carpool services by giving and accepting favors. Anyone with a school-affiliated email can sign up to request help with rides, food delivery and groceries on the app. Other students can make some money by picking up the favors and completing them.
The idea to create the app came to Maheer Patel, a 20-year-old UF biochemistry junior, after he got home from a trip and suffered extreme jet lag. He remembered thinking to himself, “Why won’t my neighbor bring me milk?”
“The reason is because my neighbor doesn’t know I need milk, my neighbor doesn’t know how I’m going to pay him back, and my neighbor doesn’t know where to drop it off,” Patel said. “So I figured, ‘Why don’t I try solving it.’”
The most efficient way, he said, was software.
In its summer testing phase, the app only offered food favors to see if students were interested. An updated version, launched Aug. 14, offers grocery and carpool services, too.
The app has garnered 850 downloads and 500 signups since it first launched. Its Instagram page has over 300,000 views and over 1,000 followers.
The app receives continuous updates, Patel said, ensuring the software works to the best of its ability. And its developers are always recruiting more users.
“The more people are involved, the higher likelihood is that there's going to be a favor that's needed, and there's a high likelihood that you’re going to make money,” Patel said.
Kush Miryala, a 20-year-old UF computer science and economics junior, said he has used the app to deliver food a few times while studying. Miryala found the process quick and convenient, he said, and he appreciated the chance to continue studying while avoiding Uber Eats fees.
make sure another family would never have to experience what they did.
Trenton’s legacy
Under current Florida law, the maximum sentence for any vehicular homicide, DUI or BUI manslaughter conviction is 15 years. The maximum sentence does not change, even if the defendant was previously convicted of the same charge.
Trenton’s Law will raise the maximum sentence for DUI or BUI manslaughter convictions to 30 years if the defendant has been previously convicted on either charge. The maximum sentence for vehicular homicide will also be raised to 30 years for repeat offenders.
Aaron Wayt, a DUI defense attorney and legislative co-chair for the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said defense lawyers are entering “uncharted waters” with this law, because repeat offenders for these charges are very rare.
People convicted of DUI manslaughter have their license suspended for life, so a repeat offense is unlikely. However, vehicular homicide charges have no life suspension requirements, which is what let Monteagudo back on the road.
“The vast majority, almost all of defense attorneys, have never encountered a situation like this,” he said. “This rarely happens.”
The Stewart family isn’t so sure. Trenton’s parents question the rarity of these cases, because no database easily shows when a repeat offender commits a DUI manslaughter or vehicular homicide.
“The handful of prosecutors that we have talked to … say unfortunately, there is no way to track it right now,”
“They’re making money, and I’m saving time,” Miryala said. “It’s just a win-win for everybody.”
Using the product comes with financial advantages, said Jess Anderson, a 19-year-old UF computer science sophomore and the user experience engineer for FavorIt. Ordering food delivery on the app costs about 40% less than on similar platforms, according to the app’s website.
The student who requests the favor sets its price — and if nobody picks up the favor, the requester can adjust the fee.
A Chipotle burrito, for example, costs $8.60 when ordered directly from the store. When ordered from DoorDash, the app pushes the price to $11.20. After fees, the final price of a burrito climbs to $19.26 — and that’s before the tip.
FavorIt adds none of those extra fees, and students can set their own pricing for how much they want to pay for the deliveries.
Made by students and for students, the app works based on what students want and what will be the most helpful to them.
“The idea’s that someone else will help you out, and in the future, maybe then you’ll help someone else out,” Anderson said. “It’s just trying to connect everyone in a way that we haven’t been before.”
Dazia Tyre, a 19-year-old UF animal science sophomore, said she discovered the app while scrolling on Instagram, and she thought it would be good to use if she needed a ride to class.
Tyre said the app gives new students a way to navigate campus and a sense of security for getting to class on time. Only one Campus Connector bus contains a route to the Animal Sciences building, she said. FavorIt’s carpool feature would fill that gap.
“Coming from a student entrepreneur myself, I think it’s a great idea, just tackle the issues that we have and try to gain something from it.” Tyre said.
@m_herring06 mherring@alligator.org
Mandi said.
“I don’t think it’s as rare as we all believe,” Trenton’s father, Robert Stewart, added.
Mandi and Robert said they’re advocating for a database to track repeated offenders and see how frequently repeated DUI manslaughters and vehicular homicides happen.
The law also makes refusing a breath or urine test during a DUI stop a misdemeanor crime. Currently, refusing a test is only considered a misdemeanor on the second offense, and a civil infraction on the first offense.
Refusing to submit to testing can now lead to license suspension for up to one year, 60 days in jail and a fine.
Wayt, the lawyer, said this part of the bill was added without consulting the public or criminal defense association. He mentioned breathalyzers used by police are often decades old, leading to false readings and causing people to appear drunk when they’re not.
Wayt often advises people not to agree to take a breathalyzer test for this reason, but now he can’t, he said.
“We, and the rest of the general public, were not allowed to weigh in on whether this change was good or not,” he said.
Mandi, meanwhile, said in order for both parties in the legislature to vote yes and pass the bill, it had to have at least one preventative measure, and this was the one agreed upon.
“My heart is always with prevention,” she said. “I feel like Trenton should be here, because I think our system could have done better.”
By Alexa Ryan Alligator Staff Writer
On Sept. 17 at 6:12 p.m., 63-yearold David Pittman was executed for the 1990 murder of his estranged wife’s family.
His last words were, “I am innocent,” according to witnesses of his execution.
He is now the 12th person executed by the state of Florida since January, the most of any U.S. state this year and a record for the state. Florida’s previous record was eight executions in 2014.
Including Pittman, Florida has executed 118 people since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
Pittman’s crime
In 1990, Marie Pridgen was in the process of an unamicable divorce with Pittman. According to court documents, he allegedly made several threats towards and her family.
Just before the murder, Pittman learned his wife’s 20-year-old sister, Bonnie Knowles, had tried to press charges against him for an alleged rape that had happened five years before.
During the early morning of May 15, 1990, Pittman went to the Knowles family home to discuss the many problems he was having with the family, according to Pittman’s jail cellmate Carl Hughes, who said Pittman admitted to the murders and
detailed how he did it.
Knowles let him inside, and when she refused sexual advances, he stabbed her and slit her throat, according to Hughes.
Pittman then killed his mother-inlaw, Barbara Knowles, in the hallway and moved onto the living room to kill his father-in-law, Clarence Knowles, while he tried to use the phone.
All three suffered multiple stab wounds causing “massive bleeding,” according to court documents.
Investigators found the phone landline had been cut, and the court determined that Pittman had cut it from the outside of the house before going in.
After leaving the house, Pittman set it on fire and stole Bonnie’s car, which he abandoned on the side of the road, returning later to burn it as well.
James Troup, a construction worker, saw the car abandoned in a ditch around 6:30 a.m. and noticed an orange glow in the back. He said he earlier saw a car, described as a wrecker, pull up to the abandoned car. He later identified the car as Pittman’s.
And around 6:40 a.m., a resident of a nearby apartment complex saw the car burning and a man running away from it.
She described the man to police and later identified Pittman as the the person she saw from a pack of photos.
Pittman, who said he believed the police suspected him of the murders, turned himself in the next day but maintained his innocence.
Pittman claimed he was at his father’s house just before the time of the murders and it would have been impossible for him to have murdered his wife’s family and set the house
on fire during the time from when he left his father’s house to when the fire started.
During his trial, he claimed Pridgen and her new husband had committed the murders instead and that he was innocent.
The defense argued that Pridgen’s parents were working with the state to get her kids taken away from her, establishing a motive for her to murder them, according to a witness testimony.
However, Pittman and his attorneys were never able to verify this. The witness, who often stayed at the same house as Pridgen, did testify that she was doing meth in 1990.
Two witnesses also testified that Pridgen came into money after the murders, believed to be from a life insurance policy for her parents.
The punishment
On April 19, 1991, almost a full year after the murders occurred, Pittman was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of arson and one count of grand theft auto.
Pittman was then sentenced to death.
Pittman’s defense submitted its first appeal in 1997, and after being amended several times, it was denied in 2007.
Many of the appeals claimed Pittman was under great mental and emotional stress at the time, and his mental state contributed to the murders.
Pittman also said he had brain damage that would make it unconstitutional for the state to execute him.
His defense said he was physically and sexually abused as a child and claimed this could have caused
the brain damage, along with his drug use. During his school years, Pittman was placed in a class for emotionally handicapped and autistic students, according to court documents.
Records show Pittman had an IQ of 70, which is considered significantly below average.
One doctor also testified that Pittman has organic personality syndrome, which causes paranoia and mood instability.
Pittman argued the entire case was made up of circumstantial evidence except for witness testimonies, and that there was no physical evidence connecting him to the case.
However, the court has maintained its decision and denied all appeals.
The execution date
On Sept. 17 at 4:45 p.m., about 45 people from the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Daytona Beach unloaded from a coach bus with speakers, tents, signs, bug spray and lawn chairs in hand.
This church travels the two hours from Daytona for every execution at the state prison to voice its concerns about capital punishment.
“We believe that Jesus, the presence of Christ, needs to be at every execution,” the priest Phil Egitto said.
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty also attend most executions in Florida and often work with the church to make their concerns heard.
“None of us are going to wake up tomorrow and be safer because David Pittman is dead,” said Grace Hanna, an organizer for FADP.
They set up behind a wooden sign that read “opponents” and began praying with signs in hand — some
with Bible verses and quotes, like “Thou shalt not kill,” and all in protest of the death penalty.
They sang and prayed, but at 6 p.m., the time set for the execution, they fell silent.
And just after 6:15 p.m., a ray of sunshine pierced through the clouds above the prison and reflected a myriad of rainbow-like colors. The church members said it was a sign that God was present.
On the other side of the grass lawn, sat another sign that read “supporters,” but no one gathered around it.
Most of the supporters, including Pridgen and other relatives of Barbara, Clarence and Bonnie Knowles, were inside the prison, witnessing Pittman’s execution.
About an hour after Pittman was killed, James Geddes, Barbara’s nephew, spoke on behalf of his family.
“Today has brought a measure of closure to this tragic event 35 years ago,” he said. “Justice has been served.”
He stood at a podium, with Pridgen and some other relatives by his side and several officers standing behind as he made his speech.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd held up Pittman’s 1990 mugshot next to a family photo featuring Barbara, Clarence, Bonnie Knowles and Marie Pridgen.
“I want you to see, not the guy today, but I want you to see the guy that we arrested back in 1990,” he said. “He was evil then, he was evil to the end. His last public statement was a bold-face lie. He never changed.”
@AlexaRyan_ aryan@alligator.org
He received an endorsement from incumbent Yvonne Hayes Hinson
By Logan McBride Alligator Staff Writer
Gainesville native Malik Moore kicked off his campaign for the Florida House District 21 seat at Barbara Higgins Park in Gainesville on Sept. 17, with a crowd of about 25 gathered to cheer him on.
House District 21 includes parts of Gainesville, eastern Alachua County, western Ocala and Marion County.
Moore said he’s running to fight for affordable healthcare, affordable housing and the protection of children’s rights in schools.
The district’s current representative, Yvonne Hayes Hinson, endorsed the 26-year-old Demo-
cratic candidate at the event. Moore was Hinson’s campaign coordinator in 2018 during her run for U.S. Congress. He started working for Hinson when he was 17, making him the youngest person in campaign leadership in North Central Florida.
“He has been preparing for this path his entire life,” Hinson said. “This is why Malik has my complete support and endorsement.”
Hinson said Moore was indispensable on her team, helping her write speeches and prepare for debates. He tried taking a gap year before college to further her campaign, but she encouraged him to enroll and pursue his passion in politics, she said.
Moore attended Florida State University, earning his bachelor’s in political science and
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suspended due to comments Kimmel made regarding the assassination.
Kirk visited UF in the Spring as part of his “American Comeback Tour,” where he toured universities across the country to debate with college students.
Public opinion
One of Harrison’s former students, Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini, said his former professor’s social media comments were crass, disgusting and horrible. UF made the right decision in taking away Harri-
son’s emeritus title, he said.
“I think professors who have that title are seen as envoys to the public, and he brought great disregard and embarrassment to the university,” Sabatini said.
Derek Bambauer, the Irving Cypen professor of law at Levin, said the action against Harrison was appalling and disturbing.
“This is very clearly a case of retaliation by the university administration against professor Harrison for taking a particular point of view,” Bambauer said.
Bambauer said he contacted interim Dean Merritt McAlister for clar-
a master’s degree in applied American politics and policy.
While in college, he spent six years in the Florida House of Representatives, where he served as an intern, legislative aid and a chief legislative aid under District 63 Rep. Dianne Hart.
He worked with Hart navigating property insurance processes and overseeing the Florida prison system. While working with her, Moore learned what true leadership looks like, he said.
“At this moment in our state’s history, we cannot afford on-the-job training,” Moore said.
“We need someone who knows the job … I am prepared to do just that.”
Angela Terrell, a 78-year-old Gainesville resident, said she has known Moore his whole
ity on the situation, who confirmed the decision to revoke Harrison’s status did not involve the college.
“This was a university-level action,” Bambauer said. “The law school does not have control over decisions about removing emeritus status.”
Bambauer specializes in internet censorship, and he said the actions against Harrison will hurt the university’s climate, especially in regard to the exchange of free speech.
“It will make it difficult for us to remain a top five public university,” Bambauer said. “It’s very hard to hire excellent scholars and researchers when they are going to be looking over their shoulder for this type of action.”
Many current and former students voiced their opinions on the matter on
life, adding that he was destined for greatness. Terrell led the crowd in a chant for Moore.
“Who is a great character? Who was destined for a time such as this?” Terrell asked as the crowd chanted Moore’s name in response. “Who shall be our next representative for District 21 in the state of Florida?”
Moore said it was personal for him to run in District 21, where he grew up. He reflected on playing in Barbara Higgins Park as a child and receiving emotional support from his grandmother. District 21 is where he learned the power of belonging, he added.
Elections for the Florida House of Representatives will take place Nov. 3, 2026.
various social media platforms. On X, some students condemned UF for the action against Harrison and accused the university of restricting free speech and “submitting to authoritarianism.” Alumni who took this stance commented their reluctance to donate further funds to UF.
Other alumni and UF fans praised UF’s decisions to revoke Harrison’s emeritus status and expressed pride online.
A comment supporting Harrison in “standing his ground” has been added to his Rate My Professor profile, where Harrison received a teaching rating of 4.1/5. Many students who have taken his course described him as helpful and hilarious, though some reviews express distaste at the lack of structure
@LoganDMcBride lmcbride@alligator.org
in his course.
Harrison’s post on Kirk’s assassination was not the first time he shared his political opinions online. In 2022, Harrison wrote an opinion column for the Gainesville Sun where he expressed disdain toward Gov. Ron DeSantis and his conservative values. He also pushed for UF administration to “stand up” to the governor rather than endorse him.
As of Sept. 20, Harrison’s Facebook account has been deactivated, and his original post about Kirk is no longer accessible. The Alligator reached out to him for comment, but Harrison did not respond in time for publication.
leo_amasangkay lmasangkay@alligator.org
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
www.alligator.org/section/the-avenue
By Summer Johnston Avenue Staff Writer
Early morning on Sept. 16, coffee machines whirred, fresh espresso splashed and cranberry cold foam caressed the tops of earthy matchas at Pascal’s Coffeehouse as baristas prepared for their seasonal drink competition.
Every spring and fall, Pascal’s 14 baristas split up into four teams to come up with three to four drink ideas, each capturing the essence of the season. At the end, the baristas vote on the best espresso, tea and tonic. Those drinks are featured on the seasonal specialty menu.
Sycora Perlin, a 26-year-old Gainesville resident, has worked at Pascal’s since 2019 and started managing the café four years ago. She said she first came up with contest idea after baristas came to her with creative ideas for the menu.
“So I finally was like, ‘What if y’all make the drinks?’” Perlin said.
And so the competition was born. The tradition has since led to some of the coffee shop’s most popular drinks, like the winter favorite rosemary vanilla latte, which returns each year.
This fall, after a quick group sing-along to “Colors of the Wind” from the Disney film “Pocahontas,” the baristas set to work brainstorming on a shared document. After generating drink ideas, they experimented for a few hours behind the coffee bar.
Taking their craft seriously, the baristas said they draw inspiration from coffee education books, like “The New Art of Coffee” by Ryan Castelaz. The book highlights waves of coffee culture, including the current trend of specialty drinks.
It predicts a coffee cocktail movement, where coffee will be a base for all different flavors. Pascal’s employees take their role in this experimental flavor movement seriously. This year, the baristas challenged themselves to use zesty autumnal spices like cardamom and cinnamon.
One by one, each team brewed, steamed, poured and presented their drink selections to the rest of the baristas. The ingredients were described in detail. Teams made one cup of each drink.
Each barista approached the counter to fill their individual paper cups with a taste of the creation. To decide on the best, they evaluated the taste and how easy the drink would be to make.
The vote decided on three winning drinks for Pascal’s fall menu. Garnished with a piece of pecan brittle, the Pecan Horchata, devised by Caroline Morris’ team, boasts an infused whipped cream and a creamy cinnamon flavor.
“My favorite thing about fall is the weather and the breeze,” Morris said. “It factors into my drink, because I always want something warm.”
Morris, a 20-year-old UF health sciences junior, joined Pascal’s in 2024 after a friend encouraged her to apply. For Morris, being a barista at Pascal’s means valuing hospitality and serving one another, she said.
“The baristas are my brothers and sisters,” Morris said. “I always
wanted a really big family, and now I have one.”
Next up, the Spiced Apple Cappuccino by Abigail Hartley’s team mimics the taste of a warm apple pie.
The final winning tea creation, brewed up by Rachel Barrios’ team, is a Pomegranate Orange Matcha blending fruity flavors in a balance of tart and sweet.
Although not an official winner, a Spiced Pear Tonic might also be featured on this year’s fall menu.
The baristas’ goal is to give care and attention to coffee craft that “delights people,” manager Perlin said.
The coffee shop is situated in the Christian Study Center, an off-campus space meant to “explore the intellectual and cultural resources of the Christian tradition,” according to its website.
Gian Flores, a 21-year-old UF biomedical engineering senior, began his position with Pascal’s in January 2025. He jumped at the chance to work there after frequenting the shop to study and said his favorite part is the ability to pursue friendship and hospitality through coffee.
“Pascal’s creates a merge be-
tween academics and Christian tradition that can’t be found in very many other places,” he said. “It’s a great place to grow as a student and a follower of Christ, and it’s a great way to enjoy coffee while doing those things.”
Vicki McGavran became an administrative assistant for Pascal’s a year and a half ago after moving to Florida to live closer to her family.
The fellowship grows richer every semester, according to McGavran. The 62-year-old said working with the student baristas “keeps me young.” Pascal’s mission is to create a special place for people to journey together, struggle together and encourage one another, she added.
“If the people that are behind the coffee bar, for example, are bonded together and have this special thing, I think it just is like an aroma,” McGavran said. “It spreads.”
Coffee connoisseurs can keep an eye out for Pascal’s new specialty drinks this fall. Perlin said the goal is to launch the drinks Sept. 22.
@summerajohnston sjohnston@alligator.org
AS THE HIT TV SHOW WRAPPED UP ITS FINAL SEASON, FANS FLOCKED TO THE SWAMP’S WATCH PARTY
By Aaliyah Evertz & Ariana Badra Avenue Staff Writers
One girl. Two brothers. Three seasons to wrap it all up. About 60 Gainesville fans gathered at The Swamp Restaurant to watch it happen. Fans of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” TV series finally got their answer to the show’s central question this week: Which of the two brothers — Conrad or Jeremiah — will Belly choose?
Based on Jenny Han’s bestselling young adult trilogy, the series has remained a summertime staple on Prime Video since its 2022 premiere. Han brought her signature blend of romance, heartbreak and self-discovery to Cousins Beach, where the story follows teenager Isabel “Belly” Conklin as she navigates
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young love and growing up.
The show’s final season debut drew in 25 million viewers its first week, and its grand finale episode sparked nationwide watch parties — including one at The Swamp.
The Swamp hosted Ladies’ Night with discounted martinis and margaritas from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ahead of the watch party, which started at 8 p.m. on Sept. 17. The restaurant’s patio was packed with clusters of friends, their chatter and laughter illuminated by the glow of the massive TV screen. Payton Richey, a 20-yearold UF business junior, arrived two hours early to secure a spot for her and her friends.
She said her love for the franchise is fueled by the authenticity of its characters, including Belly, who often drew criticism from fans throughout the show for controversial choices.
“She is still young,” Richey said. “She is like us. We’ve all made mistakes, and we’ve all grown from it.”
As the finale played out, fans at The Swamp buzzed with excitement, cheering every time Conrad appeared on screen. For 21-year-old Sante Fe hospitality and tourism student Isabel Paz, much of that energy came from how the show reimagined key characters, adding nu-
ance that wasn’t as prominent in the novels.
“Belly is way more likable in the show,” Paz said. “And Conrad, you just fall in love with the character in the show, not in the book.”
Conrad is much more dynamic in the adaptation, Paz said. Instead of only being an “angsty” and “quiet boy,”viewers got to see more of his personality and complexity.
Kaitlin Douglas, a 20-year-old UF biology junior, described the finale as an emotional rollercoaster. She said she was nervous about whether the last episode would do justice to the books and the characters, but for her, it ultimately delivered.
Like many fans, Douglas connected with Belly’s coming-of-age story. Having started watching the show as a high school junior and now as a college junior, the experience brought her full circle.
“It’s really special to watch Belly grow up, but then also see myself grow up,” Douglas said.
As a reader of the book series, Douglas loved hearing dialogue lifted directly from the novels. She and her roommates would even scream when a familiar line came up.
But Douglas also embraced some of the
changes that deviated from the books, including Belly’s extended time in Paris and the blooming romance between Belly’s best friend and her older brother.
“Sometimes, when they make changes from books to movies, the book readers usually aren’t happy,” Douglas said. “But I feel like this was a good choice on Jenny Han’s part.” From bittersweet goodbyes to hopeful new beginnings, the series ended with the same spirit of summer love and heartbreak that first drew readers to Han’s books — and later, millions of viewers to Cousins Beach.
However, fans won’t have to say goodbye to “The Summer I Turned Pretty” just yet. With Amazon announcing a movie continuation, the story of Belly and the Fisher brothers will return for another chapter.
Whether viewers are Team Conrad, Team Jeremiah or Team Belly, their time at Cousins Beach is far from over.
@aaliyahevertz1
LUNES, 22 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2025
www.alligator.org/section/spanish
Por María José Cordero Castillo
Escritora colaboradora de El Caimán
Lo que comenzó como una idea entre socios en 2021, hoy reúne a más de 10,500 oyentes diarios.
Elio Piedras y su socio Charlie Delatorre imaginaron una estación que uniera a la comunidad hispana, una que fuera más allá de la cabina. Tu Fiesta Radio 95.7 FM ofrece no solo música latina y entretenimiento, sino también noticias locales y programación cultural para la comunidad hispana.
La emisora, que comenzó a transmitir en 2021, celebrará su cuarto aniversario el 1 de noviembre.
Thelma Cruz, puertorriqueña de 53 años y con más de 24 años de experiencia en locución, es conocida por la audiencia como “La Bandida” recuerda los inicios de la emisora y el programa debut, “El Vacilón del Mediodía,”
transmitido desde un pequeño estudio donde el equipo trabajaba de pie.
El set, poco convencional, permitió que los presentadores e invitados bailaran y agitaran las banderas de Cuba y Puerto Rico durante los programas, dijo Cruz.
Para Cruz, la radio ha traspasado sus cuatro paredes, pues su labor también se ve reflejado en las calles.
“Cuando alguien se me acerca y me pregunta ‘¿tú eres la Bandida?’, sé que no estoy sola” mencionó.
Su trabajo, dice, consiste en acompañar tanto en los momentos de alegría como en los difíciles. “Eso es lo que hace una familia” expresó.
La locutora también reconoció la importancia de abordar temas delicados al aire. La emisora abre espacios para conversaciones sobre asuntos que reflejan las realidades cotidianas de las comunidades hispanas en Florida, agregó Cruz, y estos diálogos se enlazan con experiencias más amplias de América Latina, visibilizando problemáticas que resuenan en toda la región
“En estos tiempos que estamos viviendo, yo me siento con la responsabilidad de sentarme frente al micrófono y decir lo que está mal y lo que está pasando en Puerto Rico” compartió
Cruz.
Entre risas, asegura que quiere ser La Bandida “hasta el día que me muera”.
Una nueva generación al micrófono
Dianelys Torres, ecuatoriana de 25 años, se unió a la emisora como especialista multimedia en septiembre de 2024. La exalumna de la Universidad de Florida dijo que el impacto visible de Tu Fiesta Radio en la comunidad hispana fue lo que la atrajo a la estación.
“Dar la noticia no es sólo informar, es también decir: esto fue lo que pasó y aquí estamos para darles la mano”, comenta. Recuerda el caso de una familia que perdió su casa durante un huracán y halló en la emisora un canal de apoyo.
Para Torres, la radio mantiene un vínculo bilateral con sus oyentes.
“Los medios locales y la ciudad no son mundos aparte” comentó.
La voz de los oyentes
José Rafael Castillo, presidente de la Asociación Dominicana del Norte-Centro de Florida, dijo que la emisora lo mantiene conectado con sus raíces.
“No es una estación de radio; es una comunidad, es una familia, somos vecinos,
LISTENERS SAY TU FIESTA RADIO INFORMS, ENTERTAINS AND CREATES A SENSE OF BELONGING
By María José Cordero Castillo Contributing writer of The Alligator
What began as an idea between partners in 2021 now reaches more than 10,500 daily listeners.
Elio Piedra and his partner, Charlie Delatorre, envisioned a radio station that would bring together the Hispanic community — one that would go beyond the booth. Tu Fiesta Radio 95.7 FM offers not only Latin music and entertainment, but also local news and cultural programming for the Hispanic community. The station, which began broadcasting in 2021, will mark its fourth anniversary Nov. 1.
Thelma Cruz, a 53-year-old Puerto Rican with more than 24 years of broadcasting experience, is known to listeners as La Bandida, which translates to “The Bandit” in English. She recalls the station’s early days and the debut of El Vacilón del Mediodía, a midday radio show, broadcast from a small studio where the team worked on their feet instead of around a conference table.
Mantente al día con El Caimán en Twitter. Envíanos un tweet @ElCaimanGNV.
somos amigos, somos hermanos” expresó. La cosmetóloga y empresaria de Gainesville, Alexandra Blanton, también destacó la importancia de una emisora en español. Blanton comentó que escucha la estación desde que comenzó a transmitir en 2021.
También señaló que la emisora no solo le ofrece noticias y actualizaciones de la comunidad en español, sino que además brinda a ella y a otros emprendedores locales una plataforma valiosa para dar a conocer y promover sus negocios.
“Había una comunidad latina muy grande que había estado desatendida por mucho tiempo. Me parece fantástico el soporte para quienes tenemos negocios” destacó.
La emisora celebrará su tercer Tu Fiesta Radio Festival el 1 de noviembre en el Alachua County Sports & Event Center. El evento reunirá a la audiencia latina y a los residentes con música, baile y gastronomía. El invitado principal será el reconocido salsero Luis Enrique, conocido como El Príncipe de la Salsa. Desde la emisora, la invitación es clara: “Esta es su casa”.
@marprofundo___ mcastillo@alligator.org
The unconventional setup allowed hosts and guests to dance and wave Cuban and Puerto Rican flags throughout the show, Cruz said.
For Cruz, the radio goes beyond its four walls, as her work is also reflected in the streets.
“When someone comes up to me and asks, ‘Are you La Bandida?,’ I know I’m not alone,” she said.
Her role, she says, is to be there in moments of joy but also in times of hardship.
She also acknowledged the importance of addressing sensitive issues on air. The radio opens space for conversations about topics that reflect the everyday realities of Hispanic communities in Florida, Cruz added, and these discussions connect with broader Latin American experiences, bringing attention to concerns that resonate across the region.
“In these times we’re living in, I feel the responsibility to sit in front of the microphone and say what’s wrong and what’s happening in Puerto Rico,” Cruz said.
Between laughs, she said she wants to be La Bandida until the day she dies.
A new generation at the mic
Dianelys Torres, a 25-year-old Ecuadorian, joined the station as a multimedia specialist in September 2024. The UF alumna
Charlie Kirk — Does gun control follow an assassination? Read more on pg. 8.
said Tu Fiesta Radio’s visible impact on the Hispanic community drew her to the station.
“Delivering the news is not just informing, it’s also saying,‘This is what happened, and we’re here to lend a hand,’” she said.
She recalls a family who lost their home during hurricane season and reconnected with its community through the station. For Torres, radio fosters a reciprocal relationship with listeners.
“Local media and the city are not separate worlds,” Torres said.
The listener’s voice
José Rafael Castillo, president of the Dominican Association of North-Central Florida, said the station keeps him connected to his roots.
“It’s not a radio station; it’s a community, it’s a family,” he said. “We’re neighbors, friends, brothers, and they’re always open to supporting all Latinos.”
Read the rest online at alligator.org.
@marprofundo___ mcastillo@alligator.org
Síganos para actualizaciones
Para obtener actualizaciones de El Caimán, síganos en línea en www.alligator.org/section/spanish.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
www.alligator.org/section/opinions
After another crushing loss last night, the Gators walked away from Hard Rock Stadium looking less like a team with clear direction and more like a program caught between past renown and present doubt.
Between inconsistency, questionable play-calls and an insecure offense, the talent and grit of Florida becomes trivial. We’re well into the Billy Napier era and the question still stands: Who are the Florida Gators?
The Miami game is another to add on the list of heartbreaks here in Gainesville. There were drives where the offense showed promise, only to be followed by play-calls that stalled momentum. The defense forced stops, only to give up yards when it mattered most. Even special teams had their blunders, making the ongoing inconsistency of recent years hard to ignore. By contrast, Miami looked like a team with a clear plan and clear execution.
Napier is now in his fourth year, and the clock is ticking. Most programs at Florida’s level have been able to create an identity at this point. Teams such as Georgia, Alabama and (as much as it pains me to say this) even FSU have been able to use physicality, regiment and explosive plays to their advantage. Florida, on the other hand, remains in limbo — talented enough to give hope, not disciplined enough to follow through.
There appears to be a tug-of-war
within the lineup itself.
Riley Brinser opinions@alligator.org
On paper, the running game should be a backbone — Jadan Baugh is undeniable — but playcalling can’t seem to commit to it. The passing attack could be game changing at times, but it seems to alternate between calculated plays and desperate attempts. The defense has size and speed but doesn’t have a consistent personality.
The Gators can’t afford to still be rebuilding; at 1-3 this season, the call is coming from inside the house.
SEC play doesn’t allow much margin to experiment. Napier needs to pick a lane, trust the run game, fix quarterback play and execute on defense. Continuing down the current path will leave the Gators with the same reputation they’ve had for too long.
Florida football doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to know what it is. As of now, the Gators look like a team with all the pieces and no instructions. The wins are left to luck as opposed to skill — and with the talent on this team, that might be the biggest loss of the season.
Riley Brinser is a 19-year-old Santa Fe sustainability studies student.
The recent death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk has led to an uproar of controversy in the largely divided political landscape of America.
The assassination has conservative Americans in turmoil. For liberals, his death has become an opportunity to highlight controversial opinions he expressed throughout his career, such as his ardent support of upholding the Second Amendment right to own guns despite firearm-related deaths.
In a Truth Social post, President Donald Trump said he fully blames “radical left political violence” for not only Charlie Kirk’s death, but for numerous acts of “terrorism” in the nation. This way of thinking is not only dangerous, but it is completely ignorant of the need for gun reform. Trump’s response to Kirk’s death uses this violent act to support his own political agenda against liberals, which is a disgrace to all victims of gun violence, including Charlie Kirk.
The response to Kirk’s death by the general public has become fuel for the partisan divide in our country. However, missing from many debates regarding his death is the gun itself.
Just one minute after the fatal shot fired at Utah Valley University, a 911 call in Evergreen, Colorado, revealed a 16-year-old student at Evergreen high school had opened fire on students, injuring two and killing himself.
This is just one of many school shootings this year that have led to injuries and deaths.
These nearly simultaneous events should bring to light the need for stricter laws and policies to be put into place regarding guns. But, it feels like we’re only going backwards.
In less than a year, the Trump administration has taken action against gun violence prevention and reversed the work of previous administrations. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives faced major budget cuts and underwent the revision or elimination of life-saving restrictions intended to
prevent gun-related deaths. Additionally, the administration has approved the sale of devices that allow standard firearms to fire like machine guns, enabling shooters to inflict even more horrific damage.
Kendall O’Connor opinions@alligator.org
The administration has also rescinded funding of local gun violence and crime prevention programs and issued an executive order to revise and eliminate gun violence prevention legislation from former President Joe Biden’s administration.
However, out of all actions that have been taken, the most haunting is the removal of a memorial at the ATF headquarters in Washington, D.C., reminding employees “of the human toll of gun violence.”
Will these victims — police officers, children and others — be forgotten? What about the thousands of others dying every day due to gun violence?
Charlie Kirk’s supporters continue to respond to his horrific death with mourning, anger and, for some, vengeance. But Kirk is one of many who have died too soon because of gun violence. The reason should be irrelevant to how we respond to gun violence. His assailant not agreeing with his political views should not override the fact that he ultimately died from a bullet.
Desensitization to gun deaths has led many to place the blame solely on political conflict, but I urge people of all political parties to acknowledge the gun as the object allowing for such gruesome violence to occur. While Kirk may have claimed it is “worth it” to have “some gun deaths” every year to keep the second amendment, I wonder if his children would agree. No human life is worth losing to maintain the right to bear arms.
Kendall O’Connor is a 20-year-old UF English junior.
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,
FL 32604-2257.Columns of about 450 words about original topics and editorial cartoons are also welcome. Questions? Call 352-376-4458.
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In today’s fast-paced and information-driven world, reading remains one of the most fundamental skills a person can possess. From navigating digital platforms to understanding news, communicating effectively, and succeeding in school or the workplace, reading is at the core of daily life.
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1.GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: The children's novel "Black Beauty" is about what kind of animal?
2. MOVIES: Which actor narrates the 1980s film "Stand by Me"?
3. GEOGRAPHY: Which world city is home to Saint Basil's Cathedral?
4. U.S. CITIES: Which major U.S. city sits on top of a working salt mine that has been operating since 1910?
5. LITERATURE: What is the name of the country where "The Hunger Games" takes place?
6. MATH: How many sides does a trapezoid have?
7. ASTRONOMY: How long does it take for light from the Sun to reach Earth?
8. ANIMAL KINGDOM: How many legs does a lobster have?
2. American biophysicist, biochemist and inventor Britton Chance won a gold medal at the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics competing in what sport?
3. What forced the cancellation of the 1919 Stanley Cup Final series after five games between the Montreal Canadiens and the Seattle Metropolitans?
4. Name the NBA player with the Seattle SuperSonics (1973-78) who was known for his shaved head and his off-center headband.
5. Sepang International Circuit, site of a Formula 1 Grand Prix race from 1999-2017, is located in what country?
6. Who became the first (and still only) American man to win an Olympic gold medal in the javelin throw when he did it at the 1952 Helsinki Summer Games? (Hint: He shares a name with a baseball legend.)
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
www.alligator.org/section/sports
By Ava DiCecca Sports Writer
First-year Gators volleyball head coach, Ryan Theis, had several holes to fill and pieces to consider when constructing Florida’s roster. But having a capable setter was not one of his concerns.
The accolades speak for themselves for Florida’s setters, sophomore and SEC-All Freshman Taylor Parks and redshirt junior All-American Alexis Stucky.
“To have two setters at that elite of a level is just such a luxury for the Gators,” ESPN analyst and former UF setter Missy Whittemore told The Alligator.
Parks competed for the U.S. Women’s U21 Team and won gold last summer, while Stucky did the same in 2022 and 2023. The duo is seemingly unmatched compared to other collegiate teams, carrying career highs of 56 assists each.
But for Stucky, her collegiate road has not been smooth sailing. After playing in every match and reaching 1,000 assists during her freshman campaign, she suffered a season-ending torn ACL/MCL in 2023 that sidelined her for the remainder of her second season.
In 2024, Parks led the team while Stucky recovered. Across Parks’ freshman season, she started in 18 matches,
averaging 8.08 assists, 1.43 digs, 0.88 points, 0.37 aces, 0.36 kills and 0.28 blocks per set. Parks ranked first on the team for assists and aces while finishing fourth in the SEC for aces per set and total aces and 11th in the SEC for assists.
“She's so mature for her age to have been able to come in and do what she did a season ago,” Whittemore said. “With no experience yet, and to step in and set such a high level team last year, I thought was incredibly impressive.”
While Parks took the reins, Stucky focused on her health and recovery.
Stucky made her return to the floor on Sept. 20, 2024. She averaged 10.04 sets, 2.16 digs, 1.41 points, 0.78 blocks, 0.60 kills and 0.36 aces per set for the 2024 season. Her comeback was impressive, but it was clear she was not yet playing at full capacity.
“I think you get cleared, you become comfortable, and then that last step is to feel really confident playing after an injury,” Whittemore said. “I see that confidence returning in her, and I just am very happy for her.”
Stucky has been back in full swing since her 2025 debut.
In Florida’s first match against Stanford in the AVCA First Serve Showcase, she logged 39 assists. The following match, she tallied 44 assists in a five-set thriller over then-No. 3 Pittsburg.
“I can't imagine the hard work that she put in to get back to that place with the seriousness of her injury,” Whittemore said. “I think she looks fantastic.”
Whittemore commended Stucky’s ability to run a complete offense. According to her, Stucky is second to none in terms of getting all the pieces of the offense involved and understanding
NAPIER IS ONCE AGAIN ON THE HOT SEAT FOLLOWING A 1-3
By Max Bernstein Sports Writer
With head coach Billy Napier on the hot seat following Florida’s 1-3 start to the 2025 season, a few options stand out at the forefront for the interim head coaching position if the program bids him goodbye.
Here’s a look at potential replacements among the Gators’ coaching staff.
Executive head coach and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts Ron Roberts joined Florida’s staff to right the defensive ship in 2024 after a successful coaching career that spanned nearly 30 years.
In Roberts’ first season at Florida in 2024, he led a defensive unit that finished the season ranked ninth in the nation in red zone defense, 11th in sacks per game and 13th in turnovers gained. The Gators also jumped from the No. 78 scoring defense in 2023 to the No. 44 unit in 2024.
"We are excited to add one of the best football minds in all of college football to our staff," Napier said in 2024. "Ron is a great teacher and leader, and he has consistently produced and developed quality defensive players and units.”
Notably, Roberts has served as defensive coordinator for multiple FBS programs over his 30-year career. Before arriving at Florida in
when to use which attacker.
Stucky has proven dangerous to opposing teams on both the offensive and defensive end, picking her spots well, facilitating a powerhouse offense and getting up to block. While Stucky has seen most of the starts this season, Parks has also shown she is the same force that earned her SEC recognition last year. This season, against Ohio State, she led Florida to a .305 hitting clip with 35 assists and 10 digs.
With the setters’ talent and success, Florida’s hitters are working to form connections and build chemistry with both Stucky and Parks.
“It’s been really good,” sophomore middle Alec Rothe said of the pair’s chemistry. “We have been putting in a lot of work in the offseason to get that momentum … We spend a lot of time off the court — as much as we do on the court — and it helps with all the chemistry things.”
To maximize each setter’s talents, Theis is doing all he can in this situation, taking it one match or practice at a time, looking at the numbers and gauging efficiency and rhythm of the team, according to Whittemore.
It’s a long season, and there’s always the possibility for change.
“I think that’s a fun wait and see,” Theis said. “They’re both really talented, and so it might be week to week, it might be match to match.”
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2024, he served as Auburn’s defensive coordinator in 2023, Baylor’s defensive coordinator from 2020 to 2022 and Louisiana's defensive coordinator in 2018 and 2019.
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze, who Roberts coached with in 2023, had high praise for his ability to call a game from a “defensive perspective” while “making adjustments”
"He's one of the best in the nation at calling a game," Freeze said in 2023. "We all have strengths and we all have weaknesses, and you want to play to your strengths.”
Roberts has never been a head coach at the FBS level, but he served as head coach for Division II Delta State from 2007 to 2011 and FCS Southeastern Louisiana from 2012 to 2017. At Delta State, he held a 47-16 record and made four NCAA Division II playoff appearances. Later, at Southeastern Louisiana, he held a record of 42-29, leading the Lions to back-toback conference titles in 2013 and 2014.
Offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Russ Callaway
Russ Callaway has risen through the ranks of Florida’s coaching staff since joining the program as a defensive intern in 2022. He was promoted to tight ends coach for the 2023 season before being vaulted into the co-offensive coordinator role during the 2024 season.
Under Callaway, UF’s tight end group combined for 44 receptions for 444 yards and five touchdowns in the 2024 season, while helping the Gators rank ninth in the nation in passing yards per completion.
"I thought Russ did an exceptional job
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last year in a leadership role, running the unit meetings," Napier said in 2025. "From an organizational standpoint, installation, scripting, input on the game plan. He was in every one of those meetings."
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‘It starts with me’: Lagway adamant progress looms after loss
By Curan Ahern Sports Writer
Three touchdowns.
The Florida Gators have found the endzone just three times in their last three games. And there's no sugarcoating it — Florida’s leaders have said the offense sorely needs change.
Following the Gators’ 26-7 loss to Miami on Sept. 20, Gators quarterback DJ Lagway guaranteed progress is looming for Florida’s offense and the team as a whole.
“I’m going to demand greatness from everybody,” Lagway said. “We’re done with the playing around stuff. It’s time to get serious, and it starts with me.”
Following an offseason where Lagway dealt with three separate injuries, he couldn’t compete in 11-on-11 drills until two weeks before the season started. The lack of practice has evidently affected his product on the field.
He currently has more interceptions (6) than he does touchdowns this season (5) and
totaled just 61 passing yards against Miami.
Across their last three games, the Gators averaged 11 points and are 11-42 on thirddown conversions. In its last two games on the road, the UF offense averaged less than 3 yards per carry and just over 4 yards on passing plays. Making matters worse, 21 penalties have cost Florida 180 yards across its most recent three contests this season.
The Gators totaled less than 150 yards of offense in their loss to Miami and churned only 4 rushing yards in the first half. Additionally, they punted in each of their first six drives.
Flustered by a third straight loss — this one without gaining a single first down — Lagway spoke up about the adversity his team faced this season and the lead he’s going to take to initiate change.
“I’m not going to sit here and lie to you all and make this seem like this is OK,” he said. “This isn’t OK. We’ve got to play better football.”
Florida did find success on offense midway through the third quarter, sparked by 33 rushing yards from redshirt senior Ja’Kobi Jackson and 29 from sophomore Jadan Baugh. The 80-yard drive was wrapped up by a 7-yard rushing touchdown by Baugh to make it 13-7 in the fourth quarter. However,
the Gators turned the ball over on downs three times and punted once in its final four possessions, capping a rough offensive showing.
Head coach Billy Napier made it clear he was frustrated after the game. He pointed out Florida’s lack of rhythm on offense — particularly highlighting how it went 0-13 on third down and averaged a measly 2.7 yards per play.
“We're lacking consistency, we're lacking detail and we're struggling to stack plays,” Napier said. “We've got to generate some points. We've got to get more first downs. We've got to find some rhythm on offense. That's the bottom line.”
He said a quarterback’s performance is typically tied to the other players around him: If Lagway played poorly, the rest of the team likely did, too.
Lagway finished 12-23 on passing attempts, though Napier was adamant the sophomore was not to shoulder the blame of Florida’s worst start (1-3) since 1986. He said that every position is contributing to the team’s issues.
Although Lagway posted the lowest passing line in his career, Napier expressed confidence that the program can turn it around, citing the team’s composition and each indi-
vidual’s capabilities as key factors that give him faith in a bounce back.
“The makeup of the group is what gives me confidence,” Napier said. “We got to do our best from a leadership standpoint and coaching standpoint with each group.”
Lagway also expressed confidence in Florida’s coaching and his teammates’ abilities. He credited Napier for putting the Gators in positions to succeed, emphasizing the team must capitalize on these opportunities and take it upon itself to execute UF’s style of play.
“Once we start executing, things are going to fall in line,” Lagway said. “At the end of the day, if we executed and played our brand of football, things would have fell in line. But we didn’t.”
Despite the troubles his quarterback has faced through four games this season, Napier is insistent that the Gators respect Lagway as a person, leader and competitor.
“He’s had a unique offseason, and he’s battling his tail off to try to do this job for his teammates,” Napier said. “The team rallied around him this week … they know what he’s been through.”
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