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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026

VOLUME 121 - ISSUE 5 Not officially associated with the University of Florida

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Florida order to remove automatic license plate readers sparks privacy and public safety concerns

FOOTBALL

THE ALACHUA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE HAS 27 CAMERAS THAT MET CRITERIA FOR REMOVAL

By Olivia Lofaso Alligator Staff Writer

Noah Lantor // Alligator Staff

Florida defensive lineman Kamran James (24) breaks past Campbell offensive lineman Jeremiah McCrimmon (68) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla. Find this story in Sports on pg. 10.

Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered the removal of automated license plate readers from state roads Aug. 30. Law enforcement agencies in Florida have until Sept. 30 to remove them. Automated license plate readers use artificial intelligence to read and track license plates. Flock Safety is a private security company contracted by law enforcement agencies throughout the United States to purchase ALPRs. The technology collects vehicle data, such as make, model and license plate information. The information is logged in a searchable database and deleted after seven days unless an authorized investigation or law requires otherwise, according to Flock Safe-

ty’s website. The data retention period used to last 30 days, but Flock Safety announced Aug. 13 it was lowering it to seven. DeSantis voiced concerns about ALPRs ahead of the order, urging the federal government to oversee privacy concerns. In an Aug. 26 press conference held at Florida International University, DeSantis said the use of ALPRs was “out of control.” He supports legislative efforts to regulate AI surveillance, he said. Law enforcement agencies across the country have faced privacy concerns after cases involving the misuse of ALPRs have become increasingly common. In Central Florida, a Haines City Police Department officer faced one count of official misconduct after being accused of using Flock Safety camera data on- and off-duty to track his ex-wife more than 700 times. Following the order to remove ALPRs from state roads, the Florida

SEE FLOCK, PAGE 4

Online gun sales proposal raises safety, market concerns among Alachua dealers A proposal would expand online gun purchases, licensing By Logan McBride Alligator Staff Writer

The competition between brick-and-mortar stores and online sales isn’t new to Americans, but a proposal could put it at the forefront of an unlikely market: gun sales. A proposed rule change by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives could allow people to buy guns without stepping foot in a store. In Alachua County, local gun store owners worry the proposal could threaten public safety and the market. Bennett Latimer, the operations manager at ShootGTR, a Gainesville shooting range and gun store, said the proposal currently fails to address some safety and business concerns. “With the information we have today, there are too many unanswered questions today for us to form a positive opinion,” Latimer said. If passed, he said, the proposal could jeopardize both public safety and the profitability of brick-and-mortar stores. Under the policy, local Federal Firearms Licensees would be less involved in the sales process. Under current rule, someone can buy a firearm online but must pick it up in a physical store and complete ATF form 4473 in person. Sellers input buyer information into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which looks for prior convictions and histories of documented mental health issues or domestic violence. It takes just a few minutes for the

system to complete its check before telling the seller whether a buyer's status is approved, delayed or denied. The new rule would let people complete their background check remotely, allowing guns to be directly shipped to a buyer after their identity is verified. But it’s hard to judge safety concerns without meeting the buyer face to face, Latimer said. “There have been a number of instances in my career where just having a conversation with the person, we’ve been able to prevent potential suicide attempts [for] individuals who were not in a good mental state,” Latimer said. In bypassing the in-person buying process, he said the customer also misses the opportunity to interact with the firearm in a controlled environment and learn more about what could be their first gun. The policy would also make it harder to identify straw purchases, he said, instances when people buy a firearm for someone else, similar to when someone purchases alcohol for someone under 21. Latimer also suggested the proposal could drive revenue away from local gun shops, comparing it to haircuts. If everyone decided to start cutting their hair at home instead of visiting a stylist, local barber shops would cease to exist, he said. An estimated 15.5 million firearms were sold in the U.S. in 2025, and around 7.7 million guns were sold in the first six months of 2026. In 2024, Florida sold an estimated 1.2 million guns, second only to Texas.

SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT

East Gainesville schools

Treating the “frat flu” and how to pg# avoid it. Read more on pg. 3.

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The U.S. is home to nearly 78,000 gun dealers, and small businesses representing a significant portion of them. Gainesville is home to 27, and 14 of the city’s FFLs are homebased. James Pickett, the co-owner of Micanopy’s Harry Beckwith Guns & Range, said a growth in online sales could come at a cost to safety and the livelihoods of local business owners like himself. Similar to Latimer, Pickett said the face-to-face process of selling a firearm has been valuable in maintaining safety. If someone buying a gun shows red flags, such as talking awkwardly or acting uncomfortable, he said a shop can refuse to sell it to them. The inability to identify those red flags through a screen creates a “dangerous path,” Pickett said. Mental health risks, especially among young people, can be hard to discern online, he added, and the power of technology can make online over-the-counter sales even more dangerous. Pickett said the growth of artificial intelligence is prevalent in all industries, and identity theft or scams using AI wouldn’t surprise him. He added he is terrified by the things his 12-yearold daughter can do with technology at a young age, and he can foresee identity theft and improper technology usage in the gun industry. Straw purchases were also a concern for Pickett, who pointed out warning signs that can be easy to see in person but harder to identify on a screen. Sellers might witness money passing hands or a customer looking at their phone to coordinate a purchase, he said. The second danger of the proposal, he added, is the threat

SEE GUNS, PAGE 4

Equity gaps continue to show in K-12 enrollment, pg. 2

UF alum writes about post-grad life, pg. 5

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2 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026

East Gainesville schools continue to face severe underenrollment PARENTS AND RESEARCHERS POINT TO PERSISTING RESOURCE GAPS LEFT BY HISTORICAL HOUSING POLICIES

By Sara Dhorasoo Alligator Staff Writer

When Gainesville K-12 students went back to school Aug. 10, some schools may have felt emptier than others. Tina Days, a 48-year-old mother of four children attending East Gainesville schools, said rezoning can benefit the community. But she didn’t feel heard when discussing rezoning proposals with the Alachua County School Board last spring. “Our feelings [were] not taken into account that we did not want the schools to close,” Days said. “We [were] opposed to that.” Alachua County Public Schools decided three schools will close across the next two years: Alachua, Foster and Williams elementary schools. This year, Foster was closed. According to data from the 202526 school year, some Alachua County Public Schools in East Gainesville were well below capacity. The Duval Early Learning Academy was less than one-third full as of February 2026, enrolling just 119 students of its 408-student capacity. Lake Forest Elementary School is just over 40% full, filling about 250 seats of its nearly 600-student capacity. The same data paints a different picture for west Gainesville. Schools like Meadowbrook Elementary and Idylwild Elementary were over capacity by nearly one class each. Enrollment data isn’t yet available for the 2026-27 school year. Days’ daughter had to be moved to a different class because there weren't enough students in her original class, she said. She said she’s also heard many teachers were unhappy they had to teach at East Gainesville schools because of the stigma of their students having behavioral problems. “They’d rather quit than come over to teach over on the East side,” she said. “I've seen it on Facebook where one man said that he’s glad the school closed, because it's a waste of money, that the kids over here can't be taught. But you're talking about my kids. It's disgusting to me that we are always the brook of everything, and we are the least served.” Jackie Johnson, the ACPS spokes-

person, noted the county’s population has seen a decadeslong westward shift, which has contributed to underenrollment in East Gainesville schools. “Attendance is an issue in those schools,” Johnson said. “We can't teach kids if they are not in school.” ACPS’ rightsizing plan, approved in March, aimed to avoid unnecessary spending on severely underenrolled schools so the funds can be redirected to new programs and additional student services, Johnson said. Some of that funding has gone toward courtesy busesing for East Gainesville students who live within 2 miles of their schools, she said, to improve attendance. Magnet programs have brought west Gainesville students to East Gainesville schools, Johnson added. Many Eastside High School students live in west Gainesville but attend Eastside to access its exclusive Institute of Culinary Arts or the International Baccalaureate Program, she said. Eastside also provides specialized programs to teach medical skills and barbering. “Those have both been enormously successful,” Johnson said of the IB and culinary programs. “There are many options for students in East Gainesville schools.” About $1.4 million in state grant funding is directed to four East Gainesville schools, Johnson said, which can be used to cover academic field trips, tutoring, curriculum materials and hiring personnel for instructional coaching and behavioral or academic interventions. The district has set aside $1.2 million this school year to give bonuses to new East Gainesville school teachers who have a shown record of improving student proficiency. The bonuses are guaranteed for three years to help the schools keep strong teachers and maintain stability. In addition to state incentives, teachers can receive between $11,000 and $26,000 in bonuses for this school year alone, Johnson said. Chris Curran, a UF professor of educational leadership and policy, said there are many factors that explain why families tend to live on the west side of town. Parents moving to Alachua County and thinking about which schools their children will attend may look at neighborhoods zoned for schools with higher average achievement levels, he said. “The East side tends to have lower school grades from Florida's accountability system compared

to many of the schools on the west side,” Curran said. An Alachua County racial isolation study conducted from 2021 to 2025 by Michael Gengler, a Gainesville resident and author of the school desegregation book “We Can Do It,” reveals poor performance according to state standards in seven Eastside schools, where predominantly Black students were enrolled: • • • • • • •

Williams Elementary Lake Forest Elementary Rawlings Elementary Metcalfe Elementary Lincoln Middle Bishop Middle Eastside High

East Gainesville schools such as Williams, Rawlings, Lake Forest and Metcalfe have average grades ranging from D to F, compared to West Gainesville schools such as Meadowbrook, which has an average grade of A. Other West Gainesville schools have average grades ranging from A to C, according to ACPS’ history of school grades. Gengler said that, according to a school board meeting July 30, on the board website, Williams Elementary continued in D and remains in turnaround status, designating the school as chronically low-performing. Lake Forest, Rawlings and Metcalfe will be in turnaround status for 2026-27. Student achievement reflects far more than classroom instruction, Curran said, because children arrive in school with vast differences in readiness shaped by parents’ education, family income and access to early learning opportunities. “When we think about things like a school grade or student test scores, a lot goes into that, and a lot of it doesn't actually have to do with what's necessarily happening inside the school,” he said. Closing gaps between student groups or between schools in different parts of town requires holistic investment in communities, he added, from early childhood education to economic stability, so families can support children long before kindergarten.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 ALLIGATOR 3

Sick of being sick? Here’s how to avoid viruses in college UF experts weigh in on dodging and treating the “frat flu” By Alana Nguyen Alligator Staff Writer

Sickness doesn’t have a slot on most students’ calendars, but catching illnesses is common when living or going to class on a college campus. More than half of nearly 6,000 U.S. college students reported getting an illness like the cold or other respiratory illness during Fall 2025, according to Statistica’s college student survey. UF students have nicknamed the infamous Fall illness season the “frat flu.” The most common illnesses among college students are the rhinovirus, which causes most cold and respiratory symptoms; influenza; and COVID-19, said Sean Avedissian, an associate professor at UF’s College of Pharmacy. Not getting proper rest is one of the biggest mistakes ailing students make, Avedissian said. When they feel sick, students should stay home and relax, he said, instead of pushing through symptoms to go to work or class. “The sooner you get better, the sooner you can go back to being normal,” Avedissian said. Dining halls, dorms and gyms

are areas on campus most likely to spread germs, he said. Students should take washing hands more seriously, he said, because rinsing for less than 30 seconds won’t kill germs. Close proximity is one of the most common reasons college students get sick, said Erin B. Bruce, a UF clinical assistant professor in cellular and systems pharmacology. Students can pick up a virus from sitting in classes, going to bars and nightclubs and staying up late, she said. If a student needs to stay up late, Bruce said, they should give themselves time to recover because sleep helps improve immune function. Students can practice healthier habits like exercising. Moving your body can remove bacteria from your airways and lungs, lowering your likeness of getting illnesses. Stress can also negatively affect the body by increasing cortisol levels, she added, which increases the body’s energy release. Over time, stress can cause brain changes that factor into addiction, anxiety and depression. If someone doesn’t exercise to release the built-up energy, Bruce said it can damage immune cells.

If students do catch a virus, she said they should eat a nutritious diet of fruits and vegetables along with protein to support the immune system, especially through vegetable broth and soup. Students can find rotating soups at Gator Corner and The Eatery. Vitamin A, found in vegetables like carrots and potatoes, aids the immune system by healing the tissues and skin in the body. Citrus fruits carry vitamin C, which supports antibodies in fighting viruses. Students also don’t have to battle illnesses alone. Coleen Peggs, a second-year graduate student in UF’s Master’s of Public Health program and the president of the UF Public Health Student Association, said the UF Shands Hospital emergency room is always available for emergencies. The Student Healthcare Clinic on campus is a “fantastic resource” to address less intense symptoms, she said. Peggs advised sick students to stay home from class and avoid dehydration by swapping parching drinks like coffee for electrolyte-filled ones. “I would always seek out a medical professional’s advice as

Anenaa Kumar // Alligator Staff

With the high volume of shared spaces on college campuses, it can be easy to become sick. opposed to advice from Google AI,” she said. When gauging whether to stay home or go to class, students should play it safe, Peggs said. Symptoms like headaches, sore throats or nasal congestion often point to contagious illnesses, she said, so students experiencing them should stay home to avoid spreading them. The UF Student Health Care Center will write letters excusing absences due to illnesses or inju-

ries that occur for three or more days of school, and students are responsible for contacting their professors to keep up with classwork. To get there, students can take RTS bus routes 28 and 34 or the campus connector. “It’s really important to rest so that your body can get the strength back that it needs,” she said. @Alana_Nguyen12 anguyen@alligator.org

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4 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026

County debates automated license plate readers FLOCK, from pg. 1

Department of Transportation told local law enforcement agencies to remove or deactivate the cameras to comply with the state mandate. The removal only applies to ALPRs located on right-of-way state highways. Residential streets maintained by Gainesville or Alachua County generally don’t fall into this category. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office has 27 cameras that met the criteria for removal, according to a statement on Facebook from Sheriff Chad D. Scott. Scott recognized privacy concerns in the post but defended the use of cameras. When used appropriately, he wrote, they have helped the department solve homicides, robberies and missing person cases. ACSO has strict policies governing ALPR technology, he added. Following the FDOT memo, the Gainesville Police Department suspended use of the cameras, though it’s unclear whether they will be removed or temporarily deactivated. As of February, GPD had 10 Flock Safety cameras that cost $25,000. In the Facebook post announcing the suspension, GPD Chief Nelson Moya emphasized GPD’s commitment to working with residents to address public safety concerns after the cameras’ deactivation. Body cameras will continue to be used by the department, he added. “We will continue to evaluate available resources and practices to ensure the department can effectively address crime and protect the Gainesville community,” he wrote. Locals investigate At an Aug. 25 Alachua County Commission meeting, Sam Cornell, a 26-year-old St. Augustine resident and nephew of the county commission chair, spoke at public comment to bring up data-sharing concerns surrounding ALPRs like Flock Safety and Axon. Axon Enterprise is a technology company that produces public safety equipment, like body cameras and fixed cameras such as ALPRs. Unlike Flock Safety, Axon allows law enforcement to decide how long recorded data is stored. “It was my view that when I presented this to the county commis-

sion, this was the first time all five of them had heard of it in detail,” Cornell said. Before the meeting, Cornell said he filed several public records requests with ACSO and other North Florida law enforcement agencies requesting their contracts with ALPR companies and data-sharing practices. Cornell’s 42-page report details the origins of Flock Safety contracts in Alachua County, including ACSO’s Flock Safety program, which began in 2024 with the purchase of five cameras for $35,000 and has since expanded to 26 cameras. This year, the sheriff's office entered a 10-year program with Axon to install 40 solar-powered ALPR cameras across the county for over $900,000. Cornell obtained a Flock Safety sharing list, he said, which revealed Alachua County shares data from ALPRs with over 1,500 organiza-

tions. These organizations range from private apartment complexes to out-of-state departments. “So, in a sense, people don't know where their data is going,” he said. “I would say people are more upset about the technology than responsive [to it].” He hopes local government officials will continue to discuss ALPRs and hold meetings to address community concerns, he added. He said the county should follow the state’s direction and take down cameras until receiving public input on how to move forward. “The public has to come talk about it,” he said, “and then that can lead to actionable solutions.” Community initiatives At the Aug. 25 county commission meeting, Commissioner Anna Prizzia echoed concerns about data sharing. In an email to The Alliga-

tor, Prizzia wrote she is mainly concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding contracts with ALPR companies. She’s worried about forprofit companies selling and accessing vehicle information, she added. “I believe any surveillance of the community should be transparent, with deployment reported regularly, done with diligence and assurance it is protecting people's civil liberties,” Prizzia wrote. “It should have very defined, limited goals for public safety that are clear to the public and that define the data management.” Concerns over surveillance technology have been echoed online and led to meetings and protests for their removal. Around 20 students joined members of Solidarity Gainesville, a libertarian socialist group, Sept. 9 in a demonstration at UF encouraging the school to remove ALPRs from campus. Hannah Letzelter, a 21-year-old

statistics senior and member of Solidarity Gainesville, said she’s concerned about data sharing through ALPRs. Data storage disproportionately affects marginalized groups like women and immigrants, she said. She pointed to the use of Flock Safety cameras to stalk ex-partners and a case in which the Johnson County Sheriff's Office in Texas used the cameras to track a woman across state lines who they said had a selfadministered abortion. Social media movements against ALPRs have surged online. DeFlock Gainesville, an Instagram account dedicated to posting information about Flock Safety cameras and other ALPR companies, has amassed almost 3,000 followers as of Sept. 13. “This is kind of popular,” Letzelter said. “This anti-Flock stuff is kind of galvanizing people who aren't usually into organizing because it's been very popular on social media.” @OLofaso77652 olofaso@alligator.org

Mily Moran // Alligator Staff

Flock cameras located on the corner of University Avenue and 13th Street, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

New policy could transform firearm buying process GUNS, from pg. 1 it poses to small businesses like his. “In a brick-and-mortar small business situation, it’s definitely going to hurt us a bunch,” Pickett said. Gun shops without shooting ranges might take the brunt of its effects, he said, because people would lose all incentive to visit them. About 400 shooting and raining ranges exist around Florida, a fraction of the nearly 3,000 stores that sell guns across the state. Pickett’s store has a firing range, giving customers the chance to familiarize themselves with firearms before buying one. Without the range, Pickett said online sales could pose an even bigger threat to his livelihood. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the U.S. firearms industry trade association,

wrote an Aug. 5 letter expressing concerns about the proposal. More than seven in 10 NSSF members polled are in opposition, the association wrote, and over half are “strongly opposed.” Its members consist of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers and media publishers. Tyler Foerst, the chair of the Alachua County Democrats, said gun dealers and industry professionals’ negative reaction to the proposal is telling. “The fact that the industry’s own trade group is against it should be a red flag to anybody,” Foerst said. “The fact that so many licensed dealers are against it really should bring great pause.” Foerst, who’s a gun owner himself, said he worries a rule change could redirect business from local shops to bigger companies.

Under the proposal, FFLs would conduct video conferences with prospective buyers with an independent credential service provider to decide whether to issue a gun license. CSPs are systems or organizations designed to verify identities. Under the proposal, identity verification would be done through a software requiring a Ggovernment ID and a “selfie verification” through a biometric facial scan. Foerst said he’s concerned about private corporations having access to user data and potentially creating a gun owner database. “They are effectively handing the keys to the gate to a private company that can now deny you a constitutional right,” Foerst said. “That’s not a human denying it; It’s presumably a software.” Instead of relying on the discretion of FFLs, he said, it places license issuance in the hands

of large companies. The consolidation of the gun industry into a few private companies could further complicate the process if large sellers decide to contract CSPs or create their own verification companies, he said. The proposal completed its mandatory public comment period Aug. 6. About 4,500 comments were left, with many speaking in opposition to the rule. Now that the commenting period has ended, the ATF will consider the comments and draft a finalized rule in the federal register. Congress would not vote on the rule change, but it could overrule the rule with a joint resolution of disapproval. It is unclear when or if a finalized draft will be published. If published, it would contain an “effective by” date signifying when the rule would begin. @logandmcbride lmcbride@alligator.org

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 www.alligator.org/section/the-avenue

FOOD & DRINK

A green-tea taste of the 305 in the 352 ENTREPRENEURIAL UF SIBLINGS BRING MATCHA MEYER FROM MIAMI TO GAINESVILLE By Katharine Litman Avenue Staff Writer

What started as selling matcha in Miami through a Snapchat story has become a sibling-run student business with “Matcha Mondays” at Midtown Apartments and regular pop-up events. Mia Meyer, an 18-year-old UF advertising freshman, loved sharing her homemade matcha on social media. She quickly gained traction among her friends, who jokingly suggested Mia try to make a side hustle out of it. So she did, everywhere she could. “I would do pop-ups around Miami,” Mia said. “I would do Pilates events. I would do different workout events. I would do birthday parties. I would do the school fair.” Mia’s mom, Vanessa Meyer, said her work ethic kicked in right from the start. Her daughter would wake up 45 minutes early to get started on the morning’s matcha orders before school, Vanessa said. She’d have more orders waiting for her when she got home. “By week one, the girl had 500 followers, and my kitchen was full of people,” Vanessa

said. “That was her whole senior year of high school.” After moving to Gainesville for college, Mia decided to bring Matcha Meyer with her. Her older brother Matthias, 21-year-old UF business administration senior, joined in on the venture. The co-owners balance each other out well, Vanessa said. “Mia can do it all,” Vanessa said. “Mia can swirl the matcha and dance and talk and even tell you a joke or two. It’s so funny how their personalities are so different, and they’ve made it work.” Mia’s “wired” personality perfectly complements Matthias’ “chill” disposition, she added. While Mia tests out new syrup and cold foam combinations and manages their social media, Matthias focuses on transporting the cart and handling the business’ spreadsheets and finances. The Meyers didn’t leave behind the support of their friends when they departed Miami. Anthony Curtis, Matthias’ roommate and a 21-year-old UF accounting senior, has not only supported the business but has gotten involved with it, too. Curtis sells his homemade pastries with Matcha Meyer. Bringing a familiar taste to Gainesville has also allowed Curtis to expand his network and grow closer to his roommate. His recipes were

Reagan Bresnahan // Alligator Staff

A Matcha Meyer volunteer mixes matcha at their 2026 Grill and Chill event, Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 931 Apartments in Gainesville, Fla.

passed down from his mom and sister and were originally used as his way to remember them while being away from home. “They’re actually family to me at this point, and I’ve only known them for three years,” he said of the Meyers. Beyond Matcha Meyer’s familial values, the business also reflects Mia’s personal approach

to creating their drinks. Unlike most matcha companies, Mia said, her business uses date syrup. She also experiments with unique cold foams, like strawberry, Oreo and honey-vanilla flavors. Their matcha is also ceremonial grade imported from Japan; that is, extra smooth and higher quality. Although they’ve only been settled in Gainesville for three weeks, the siblings have big aspirations for Matcha Meyer’s future. “My sister does have another four years here, so her vision is kind of to make it into a permanent location, make it into a store, and she does have a lot of time to do that,” Matthias said. Mia also hopes to expand, from being involved in different types of events to becoming UF certified and able to table at university-held events like Gator Market. That vision is already taking shape in Gainesville, with Matcha Meyer’s “Matcha Mondays” in collaboration with Midtown Apartments and a growing Instagram calendar filled with upcoming pop-ups and events. For Mia and Matthias, what humbly started in their home kitchen is quickly becoming a new family business, one matcha at a time. @katealligator klitman@alligator.org

LITERATURE

UF alum Ricardo Sosa-Melo chronicles college and post-grad life in latest books “ALLIGATOR MEAT: A MEMOIR” AND “6 7: POEMS” CAPTURE TWO SIDES OF THE YOUNG WRITER’S TRANSITION INTO LIFE AFTER UF By Aaliyah Evertz Avenue Staff Writer For Ricardo Sosa-Melo, graduating from UF didn’t mean leaving The Swamp behind. So, he wrote his way through the transition. Sosa-Melo, a UF alumnus, filmmaker and writer, turned three years of college memories into “Alligator Meat: A Memoir,” a collection of six creative nonfiction stories that began as his English thesis. Months later, those carefully reconstructed memories made way for “6 7: Poems,” a collection of 67 poems capturing the uncertainty and absurdity of postgraduate life published in March. Now, Sosa-Melo is extending “6 7: Poems” beyond the page by recording an audiobook version.

El Caimán

Noche de museo en el Harn. Leer más en la pagina 6.

“I feel like those two books are almost like siblings or almost like enemies because they’re so in contradiction of one another,” he said. The difference between the two books extends to their narrators. Sosa-Melo described the voice in “Alligator Meat: A Memoir” as lyrical, psychological and deeply self-aware. The narrator in “6 7: Poems” is bold, sarcastic and flippant. Sosa-Melo, who grew up in Tampa, graduated from UF in Spring 2025 with bachelor’s degrees in English and media, production, management, and technology. Now working at an advertising agency in Tampa, he balances the two creative interests that shaped his time in Gainesville: filmmaking and writing. At the agency, Sosa-Melo creates and edits commercials while continuing to pursue his own film projects. A film he shot in Gainesville last summer was recently selected for a film festival in Fort Lauderdale, he said, and his filmmaking background has also

shaped how he approaches his books. “Alligator Meat: A Memoir” began when Sosa-Melo realized he’d never fully processed parts of his college experience. Instead of writing a traditional memoir, he selected six moments that best represented what he experienced and learned at UF. The title reflects his complicated relationship with the university. Although he’s a proud Gator, Sosa-Melo said some experiences left him feeling like “discarded meat.” Writing the collection also required him to revisit experiences he rarely talked about, like those he addressed in the fifth story, “Strawberry Vodka.” The writing process changed how he viewed his time at UF. “For a lot of UF, I was like, ‘I need to escape The Swamp. I need to get out of The Swamp,’” he said. But writing and later sharing the collection forced him to reconsider those years. There were

difficult experiences and growing pains, he said, but there were also positive moments that formed who he is today. If “Alligator Meat: A Memoir” carefully reconstructs the past, “6 7: Poems” embraces the instability of what comes next. Sosa-Melo began writing poems after graduation as thoughts came to him while doomscrolling, reading texts or recalling past experiences. Unlike the detailed storytelling of “Alligator Meat: A Memoir,” post-grad life felt fragmented, so poetry felt like a natural medium for him to capture it. The title came partly from the “6-7” internet trend, which interested him because it could mean anything or nothing. That contradiction reflected how he felt entering life after college. When Sosa-Melo narrowed over 80 poems down to 67, the title became literal, too. “‘6 7’ is like, ‘I don’t care what you think. This is me,’” he said. For longtime friend Caroline Glaister, Sosa-Melo’s ability to

transform personal stories into relatable experiences has become a defining part of his writing. Glaister, who has known Sosa-Melo since their freshman year of high school, had already heard many of the stories that eventually appeared in “Alligator Meat: A Memoir.” “It’s one thing to be talking about some things that happen to you as a friend and another thing to be able to actually translate that into a story,” she said. Glaister read “Alligator Meat: A Memoir” while she was still in college at Florida State University. Although she wasn’t experiencing the same things Sosa-Melo described, she connected with the larger feeling of being “trapped in The Swamp,” unable to see much beyond the bubble of college. Read the rest online at alligator.org/section/the-avenue. @aaliyahevertz1 aevertz@alligator.org

El Caimán

LUNES, 14 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2026 www.alligator.org/section/elcaiman

‘Layered Lives’ ilumina las experiencias de mujeres cubanas LA EXPOSICIÓN REÚNE OBRAS DE 10 MUJERES CUBANAS EN EL MUSEO HARN

Por Emily Medina-Finsen Escritora de El Caimán

Traducido por Vera Lucia Pappaterra Escritora de El Caimán

Los visitantes recorrieron el jueves por la noche una sala laberíntica mientras contemplaban las obras de arte de 10 mujeres cubanas. Al igual que las obras de arte, el recorrido sinuoso de la exposición invita a cada persona a elegir su propio camino y llegar a sus propias interpretaciones.

La exposición “Layered Lives” reúne 60 obras que exploran temas como la identidad, la espiritualidad, la migración y las experiencias personales de sus creadoras. La muestra abarca tres décadas de fotografía, pintura, cerámica y grabado, y estará abierta del 25 de agosto al 3 de enero. La exposición formó parte de Art After Dark Museum Nights: Noche de Museo, una serie dedicada a celebrar el arte y la cultura cubanos y latinoamericanos. Noche de Museo se celebra el segundo jueves de cada mes, de 6 a 9 p.m. La programación del jueves incluyó actividades más allá de la exposición. Los visitantes pudieron tomar clases de salsa y bachata con Gator Salsa y asistir a la proyección

de “A Song for My Land” (“Una canción para mi tierra”), presentada por el Latino Film Festival. En el centro de “Layered Lives” se encuentra “Diarios de viaje”, una obra de Mabel Poblet compuesta por espejos y pequeñas fotografías de sus viajes. La instalación, una lámpara iridiscente que se extiende hasta el suelo, ilumina el espacio con tonos morados y azules. Eric Segal, director de educación y curador de programas académicos del Museo Harn, dijo que Noche de Museo busca celebrar el arte, la cultura, el idioma y la creatividad de América Latina. “Noche de Museo siempre es una oportunidad para destacar el arte latinoamericano expuesto en el Museo Harn y trabajar con co-

laboradores de la comunidad y del campus para celebrar y realzar la herencia hispana”, dijo Segal. Sofía Muñoz-Repiso, estudiante de maestría de 24 años, asistió a una mesa informativa del Centro de Estudios Latinoamericanos de la Universidad de Florida, donde cursa sus estudios. Allí habló con los asistentes sobre oportunidades académicas, entre ellas programas de estudios en el extranjero. Muñoz-Repiso nació en Miami y creció con una madre nicaragüense y un padre cubano. Ella dijo que la cultura latinoamericana siempre ha formado parte de su vida y que sus estudios le han permitido conocer más a fondo su propia herencia. Repiso dijo que eventos como Noche de Museo ayudan a las per-

sonas a abrirse a otras perspectivas. También sirven para recordar que la cultura latina forma parte de la comunidad y merece ser conocida, celebrada y valorada. “Es muy fácil encerrarnos en nuestras propias burbujas y en nuestros propios prejuicios”, dijo ella. Como Noche de Museo se celebra solo una vez al mes, MuñozRepiso dijo que las personas deberían aprovechar la oportunidad para exponerse a diferentes experiencias. lee el resto en línea en alligator.org @EmilyMedFinZ27 emedina-finsen@alligator.org

Orden de Florida para retirar lectores automáticos de matrículas genera preocupaciones sobre privacidad y seguridad pública LA OFICINA DEL ALGUACIL DEL CONDADO DE ALACHUA TIENE 27 CÁMARAS QUE CUMPLEN CON LOS CRITERIOS PARA SER RETIRADAS

Por Olivia Lofaso Escritora de El Caimán

Traducido por Vera Lucia Pappaterra Escritora de El Caimán

El gobernador Ron DeSantis ordenó el 30 de agosto retirar los lectores automáticos de matrículas de las carreteras estatales.

Las agencias policiales de Florida tienen hasta el 30 de septiembre para cumplir con la medida. Los lectores automáticos de matrículas, conocidos como ALPR por sus siglas en inglés, utilizan inteligencia artificial para identificar y rastrear matrículas Flock Safety es una empresa privada de seguridad que suministra estos sistemas a agencias policiales de todo Estados Unidos. La tecnología recopila información de los vehículos, como marca, modelo y número de matrícula. Los datos se almacenan en una base de datos en la que las autoridades pueden re-

Mantente al día con El Caimán en Twitter. Envíanos un tweet @ElCaimanGNV.

alizar búsquedas y se eliminan después de siete días, a menos que una investigación autorizada o una obligación legal requiera conservarlos durante más tiempo, según el sitio web de Flock. Anteriormente, la empresa almacenaba la información durante 30 días, pero Flock Safety anunció el 13 de agosto que reduciría ese período a siete días. Antes de emitir la orden, DeSantis había expresado preocupación por el uso de los ALPR y pidió mayor supervisión para proteger la privacidad. Durante una conferencia de prensa el 26 de agosto en Florida International Univer-

Sports: Football Takeaways from Sept. 12’s victory against Campbell, pg. 10

sity, DeSantis dijo que el uso de estos lectores estaba “fuera de control” y expresó su apoyo a iniciativas legislativas para regular la vigilancia mediante inteligencia artificial. Agencias policiales de todo el país han enfrentado cuestionamientos sobre privacidad a medida que se han conocido casos de uso indebido de esta tecnología. lee el resto en línea en alligator.org @OLofaso77652 olofaso@alligator.org

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 www.alligator.org/section/opinions

Column

Blame the NCAA, not the players

ollege eligibility has been a mess for a while now, largely thanks to a certain global pandemic. But six years after COVID-19 sparked widespread quarantines and cancellations, players who were drafted into professional leagues or had signed contracts are attempting to return to college athletics. The NCAA is like an 8-yearold crowned king; technically the sovereign but with no actionable authority. Despite this, it is still the governing body of college athletics and should therefore receive the majority of the blame for the eligibility crisis afflicting collegiate sports.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the NCAA allowed many athletes to gain extra years of eligibility. This allowed players such as former Miami tight end Cam McCormick to play nine years of college football. McCormick started his collegiate career at Oregon in 2016, and due to several seasonending injuries and the pandemic, his eligibility was extended until 2024. The rule makes sense for athletes who were already in college or part of the 2020 recruiting class, whose college experiences looked vastly different because of the pandemic. But the NCAA recently decided to change its eligibility rules

for future seasons. In June, the NCAA approved a new age-based eligibility rule that gives athletes five years of eligibility after their 19th birthday. This effectively eliminates the redshirt season and seeks to simplify eligibility. However, athletes from the 2022 recruiting class, some who have been drafted and signed professional contracts, have sued and forced their way back into college sports. Prominent examples of this phenomenon are current Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright, former Gator and current Kansas City Chief defensive lineman Jack Pyburn, and national basketball

champion guard Denzel Aberdeen. These players were all part of the 2022 recruiting class, placing them squarely in between the COVID-19 changes and the new ones. Wright went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft but was signed with and suited up for the Cleveland Browns. Despite this, he’s seeking to return to college football and transfer from Ole Miss to LSU. This matters especially to Florida because of the prolonged battle over Aberdeen’s eligibility. He was a vital part of the 2025 national championship team before transferring to Kentucky for the 2026 season. After one year as a traitor, he has come to his senses and returned to the Gators. Aberdeen was momentarily granted a fifth year of eligibility after a Colorado district court judge ruled all 2022 college athletes were

eligible. But a few weeks later, the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed Evan Dressel that deciopinions@alligator.org sion, making Aberdeen ineligible once again. The legal back-and-forth has shown the true absurdity of this situation and highlighted the NCAA’s incompetence in addressing this issue. Read the rest online at alligator.org/section/opinions. @EvanD_Alligator edressel@alligator.org

Column

You can’t separate the art from the artist

et’s face it — we put artists on a pedestal. We view them as mystical beings who can transform their most private emotions into something beautiful. Their talent is a superpower, a craft that could never come from a human being. Their work is flawless, and so are they. Except artists are not godly or superior. They are humans who have flaws just like us. But people idolize artists so much they ignore criticism. Instead of admitting that some artists have a dark past, admirers choose to focus on their exceptional creations. As the saying goes: “Separate the art from the artist.” But to what extent? Throughout designer John Galliano’s illustrious career, he’s directed a multitude of dramatic and historical fashion shows showcasing his bold designs. He was one of the most innovative fashion designers of the ‘90s, pushing Dior into a postmodern direction. Design-

ers and admirers alike look up to him for his unique approach that has left a mark on the fashion world. Despite this influential career, his extensive background of antisemitic and racist incidents are hard to ignore. In 2011, he was arrested and fined in Paris for hurling racist and antisemitic insults at a bar. A video resurfaced of him in the same year declaring “I love Hitler” and other antisemitic statements, which ultimately got him fired from his role of creative director at Christian Dior. July 31, fashion icon Anna Wintour decided to honor her close friend Galliano with a 2027 exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, coinciding with the annual Met Gala. Despite being aware of his controversial background, Wintour has attempted to revive Galliano’s legacy, so the exhibit comes as no surprise. There were plans to address his incidents at the exhibit, although how or to what extent is

unknown. After the Met announced the decision, donors threatened to pull out their funds, and Jewish leaders criticized the celebration. The exhibit was canceled a month later. It can be easy to separate the art from the artist. But artists pour themselves and their beliefs into their creations. When we interact with their art, we are interacting with who they are as a person. There’s no way to completely ignore the artist when appreciating their art. We need to view artists in their totality. Creating incredible art doesn’t erase past behavior. It doesn’t make sense for us to ignore incidents that negatively impact a group of people. By doing so, it makes the behavior seem inconsequential. Honoring Galliano harms the group of people he offended because it conveys the idea his actions have a statute of limitations. Plus, Galliano, 65, is still alive and would have

profited off of the exhibit’s publicity. His work, while incredible, should be approached with the nuance of knowing his prior misdeeds. We can never Ella Finkelstein truly ignore an artopinions@alligator.org ist’s personal beliefs or past behavior because their art reflects who they are as a person. Art is the act of expressing oneself. If we are ignoring who created the art, aren’t we also ignoring its meaning? Appreciating art while also recognizing the artist is not perfect is possible. We can admire a masterful painting and still recognize the painter may not have a perfect track record. Recognizing an artist as a complicated person does not discredit their work but forces a more raw perspective. At the end of the day, artists are humans who should be held accountable for their actions — just like everyone else. @Ellamfink efinkelstein@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.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 www.alligator.org/section/sports

FOOTBALL

5 takeaways from Florida football’s rout of Campbell THE GATORS TOPPED THE CAMELS 52-3 IN THEIR SECOND CONTEST UNDER JON SUMRALL By Ava DiCecca Sports Writer

Following a 52-3 bashing of FCS opponent the Campbell Fighting Camels on Sept. 12 in The Swamp, Florida football is 2-0 for the first time since 2021. Behind another explosive offensive performance to kick off the Jon Sumrall era, the Gators coasted to a 40-plus-point victory for the second straight week. Here are five takeaways from Florida’s convincing win over Campbell. 1. Vernell Brown III is elite

Vernell Brown III has been a consistent force for the Gators since he arrived in Gainesville. But Sept. 12 marked a career night for the sophomore wide receiver as he etched his name in Florida program history. In the first half alone, he logged a programrecord 219 return yards, posting two punt return touchdowns — a 64-yarder and a 70-yarder — across five attempts. He became the first Gator since Jacquez Green in 1996 to have two punt return touchdowns in one game. “Anytime you score in special teams, the percentage of you winning the game goes way up. When you score twice, you almost have to screw it up to lose,” Sumrall said. “So that was fun to see VB make those plays and create that momentum for us.” His impact didn’t stop in the return game. Brown added a receiving touchdown on a 14yard pass from quarterback Aaron Philo to put Florida up 38-3. He finished with 43 yards and a touchdown on three receptions to go along with his impact on the ground. 2. Aaron Philo looks like the sure QB1

Despite edging out Tramell Jones Jr. for the starting quarterback role less than two weeks before the season opener, Philo has looked like the sure starting quarterback for the Gators. Playing mainly just the first half against Campbell, he finished the half 14-of-17 passing for 222 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also added Florida’s opening touchdown, a 3-yard rush up the middle. In his short bit of action in the back half of the contest, he went 2 of 4 for 20 yards before backup Jones took over. His visible confidence is likely boosted by his familiarity with offensive coordinator Buster Faulker’s system, and it’s been an offensive masterclass from the Gators with Philo in the pocket. 3. Florida’s defense smoothed things out

After Sumrall criticized Florida’s defensive performance against Florida Atlantic, the Gators got off to a tough start against the Camels.

Bayden Armstrong // Alligator Staff

Florida quarterback Aaron Philo (12) loads to throw in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Campbell, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla. In Campbell’s opening 7-play, 63-yard drive, it breezed into field goal range, clocking a 24-yard gain on its opening play. However, Brad White’s crew quickly righted the ship, holding the Camels scoreless for the rest of the contest. Florida’s defense allowed just 210 yards of total offense — including 62 on the ground. “The defense did a better job once we settled into the rhythm of the game,” Sumrall said. “I thought our guys settled in and played with more confidence at times in the back end.” Jayden Woods and Myles Graham stood out. Graham was coming off his career-high 10-tackle performance against FAU, and he found similar success in Week 2. They each logged five total tackles in the first half alone, with Graham adding a tackle for loss and Woods recording 0.5 sacks. Graham added two tackles in the back half of the contest before heading to the sideline. Jeramiah McCloud also had a standout night. He added four tackles, 0.5 sack and a pass breakup in the first half. Defensive lineman DK Kalu also forced a fumble in the second quarter, which was re-

covered by inside linebacker Aaron Chiles. The effort led to a 40-yard touchdown for Dallas Wilson that put Florida up 31-3 with 9:06 to go in the half. 4. Tight ends are putting in the work

Amir Jackson is putting in some of the most work on the offense despite it not showing on the stat sheet. Jackson was one player Sumrall noted after FAU as needing more time on the field, and the same was true in the Gators’ second game. The junior has been elite in the blocking game, opening lanes for Brown in backto-back plays in the back half of the second quarter. Luke Harpring also flashed at times. In the second half, quarterback Aaron Philo found him up the middle for 22 yards, giving the Gators the first down. Harpring finished with three receptions for 33 yards. 5. Bailey Stockton deserves a bigger role

Tech transfer Bailey Stockton has been getting a little too buried among the elite group. His connection with Philo dates back to high school, and it has shown on the field in Florida’s opening contests. Against FAU, he grabbed all three of his targets for 20 yards and a touchdown. He was just as reliable with the Camels in town, grabbing both his first-half targets for 35 yards. He finished the game catching all four of his targets for 41 yards. Stockton also had his hand in blocking throughout the game. His block for Brown on a punt return with two minutes to go in the second quarter gave Brown the go-ahead to pick up a few more yards. "Credit to my blockers, that was amazing, especially Bailey Stockton at the end," Brown said. "I'm so grateful for those guys and appreciate them blocking for me." The Gators face their first road test of the season against SEC foe Auburn on Sept. 19 at Jordan-Hare Stadium at 7 p.m.

Headlined by Brown and Wilson, Florida’s wide receiver corps is stacked. But Georgia

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 ALLIGATOR 11

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Noah Lantor // Alligator Staff

The Florida Gators student section celebrates during a basketball game against the Auburn Tigers in the Final Four round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.

‘I’m pretty pumped’: UF students share excitement for men’s basketball team THE GATORS HAD THEIR FIRST OPEN PRACTICE SEPT. 5 By Jeffrey Serber Sports Writers

With less than two months until the Florida Gators’ season opener against the Miami Hurricanes in Tampa Nov. 2, UF students can feel the excitement building for the men’s basketball team. Students and fans got a taste of Gators basketball when the team hosted its first open practice at the O'Connell Center before Florida football’s first game against Florida Atlantic Sept. 5. An early favorite for the 2027 national championship title, expectations are through the roof as the Gators enter this season. James DeMaio, an 18-year-old finance freshman, said this upcoming season could be a national championship or bust for the Gators. “I’m pretty pumped,” DeMaio said. “I obviously watched March Madness. It was dope when they won, so I’m pretty hyped trying to run that back.” The 18-year-old said one player he’s looking forward to seeing hit the court is senior forward Thomas Haugh. Haugh is fresh off a 2025-26 season where he averaged a team-leading 17.1 points and 6.1 boards per game. He finished his junior campaign with All-SEC first team honors before declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft. But after announcing his return to Gainesville on April 21, Haugh is expected to be one of the best small forwards in the nation. He’s got “good athleticism,” and he is a

“good two-way player,” DeMaio said. “It’s kind of a perfect fit.” Seniors Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu round out Florida’s starting frontcourt, which was among the best in the nation last season in regard to rebounding. Like Haugh, the two declared for the draft but chose to return for their senior seasons. Condon entered the 2025-26 season as an Associated Press All-American and was Florida’s starting power forward. The 6-foot-11 Australian finished the season averaging 15.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He earned All-SEC third team honors despite shooting just 17% from beyond the arc. “Whenever he’s on in the post, nobody can really stop him,” said sport management junior Cody Barrentine. “If he really focuses on the post moves, I feel like he can really be unstoppable for us.” Chinyelu is the reigning Naismith, SEC and National Association of Basketball Coaches Defensive Player of the Year. He finished the season averaging 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. The stat line made Chinyelu the first Gator since Bob Smyth, in the 1975-76 season, to finish a season averaging double-digit rebounds. The Nigerian also set a single-season program record with 137 offensive rebounds. Annalysa Pommells, a 20-year-old education sciences junior, had a sociology class with Chinyelu during her freshman year. “That’s probably the only person I recognize, so it’s cool seeing him actually play,” Pommells said. Beyond the frontcourt, Will Curran, a 20-year-old biology junior, said he looks forward to watching fifth-year guard Denzel Ab-

erdeen. Aberdeen spent his first three seasons at Florida and played an important role off the Gators' bench, averaging 7.7 points per game and helping UF win its 2025 national championship. He then transferred to the University of Kentucky for his senior season, where he averaged 13.6 points and 3.4 assists per game, starting 35 of 36 games for the Wildcats. On April 10, Aberdeen announced his transfer back to UF, but he’s currently ineligible as he seeks a fifth year. On Sept. 11, Aberdeen filed for a temporary injunction against the NCAA. If he’s cleared to play, Aberdeen is expected to replace former Gator Xaivian Lee as Florida’s starting shooting guard. “He can bring a lot more spacing to the team, especially as a guard,” Curran said. “I’m really happy Xaivian Lee’s gone … I think Denzel is a little bit more patient and more used to SEC-style of play than Xaivian was.” Students are equally eager to see how Florida's bench fares this season. Monet Anton, a 19-year-old chemical engineering sophomore, mentioned he’s excited to see reigning SEC Sixth-Man of the Year Urban Klavžar. “The fact that we were able to retain a sixth-man of the year — he didn’t transfer somewhere else — I feel like that’s pretty rare to see a guy stay loyal to a team,” Anton said. The Slovenian senior guard averaged 9.6 points per game on 40.6% shooting from 3-point range last season. He recorded double-digit points in 18 games, including a career-high 20-point game Nov. 27, 2025, against Texas Christian University. Josiah Haglund, a 21-year-old politics, phi-

losophy, economics and law senior, said he played against Florida’s sophomore forward CJ Ingram in high school, who spent three of his four high school seasons at Hawthorne Middle/High School in Alachua County. Haglund, who played at Newberry High School, faced Ingram in district and state championship games, and Ingram won each game with a buzzer-beater. Haglund said he is excited to see Ingram take on a much larger role. Last season, Ingram played in 21 of Florida’s 34 games, averaging 5.4 minutes per appearance. After Micah Handlogten’s transfer to Ole Miss, Ingram is expected to be a core member of Florida’s eight-man rotation. “I want to see him excel and succeed and play a big role,” Haglund said. “I know he’s going to be great. He’s definitely packed down a few pounds since we played him in high school, so it’s really good to see where he’s come.” For 18-year-old architecture freshman Madison Loudon, the buzz surrounding this year’s team has made her a fan. Loudon grew up a Florida State fan because her dad went to school there, she said, but once she arrived in Gainesville, she secured season tickets for the men’s basketball games after hearing their expected success this season. “It’s hard to keep a great-standing team in any sport, but I have high expectations,” Loudon said. “I think we’ll be good this year. I think we will make it to March Madness.” @JeffreySerber jserber@alligator.org

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