Aumenta la actividad de serpientes a medida que sube la temperatura

A medida que las temperaturas aumentan en el norte central de Florida, más serpientes están comenzando a aparecer en patios, aceras y en algunos casos, dentro de las casas. Pero antes de entrar en pánico, expertos aseguran que la mayoría de estos encuentros no representan un peligro.“Las serpientes son los animales menos confrontacionales que vas a encontrar”, dijo Joseph Valle, un experimentado reubicador de serpientes que ha trabajado con ellas por más de una década. “No quieren tener nada que...

Snake activity rises as weather warms

As temperatures rise across North Central Florida, more snakes are starting to appear in backyards, sidewalks and sometimes even inside homes. But before panic sets in, experts say most of these encounters are nothing to fear.“Snakes are the least confrontational animals you’ll ever come across,” said Joseph Valle, an experienced snake relocator who has spent more than a decade working with them. “They don’t want anything to do with anybody.”With spring settling in, snakes are becoming more acti...

Lowell Correctional Institution takes first place in statewide culinary competition

Editor's note: During Wednesday's event, a communications official from the Florida Department of Corrections requested that WUFT not include the first names of the inmates participating in the competition due to concern for the victims of the crimes for which they were convicted. It is WUFT's editorial policy that as a measure of audience trust, first and last names of subjects are used in a story when known, with few exceptions. This is not one of them.For inmate Tierra Lewis, stepping into th...

Tips from experts if you encounter indecent exposure

As reports of indecent exposure surge in Alachua County, experts say knowing how to respond in the moment can help people protect themselves and support law enforcement.Indecent exposure occurs when someone intentionally exposes his genitals in public, sometimes while performing a sexual act, without the other person’s consent.These cases are considered a form of sexual violence because they violate a person’s sense of safety and autonomy, said Megan Cutter, chief of victim services at RAINN, a...

Police report increase in indecent exposure cases in Gainesville

What began as a quiet evening in her apartment near sorority row on the east edge of the University of Florida campus turned unsettling for Sofia Varon after she stepped outside and came face to face with a man exposing himself.Varon, 21, a public relations senior, said she was leaving with a friend when she turned a corner along a dirt path. The man had been standing naked outside the window touching himself, she said.“No shoes, no shirt, no pants,” Varon said. “He was holding his you-know-what...

Celebrating love comes at higher cost this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is approaching and Alejandro Velez is already preparing, searching for the perfect gift for his girlfriend.The University of Florida student said he decided to buy chocolates this year because he knows his girlfriend loves truffles, even though she usually prefers flowers.“I know she likes her truffles, so I got (her) this mini little package from this chocolatier place,” Velez said.The couple has been together for two years and, although they celebrated differently last year, Ve...

Bowie Pizza celebrates grand opening in Gainesville

Bowie Pizza, a new eatery in Gainesville, is showcasing a two-day fermented dough process and Brazilian-inspired flavors that set it apart from other pizza restaurants in the area. The restaurant, located at 1522 NW 13th St., hosted its grand opening on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. offering samples of several pizzas, including Traditional Four Cheese, Pepperoni, Mushroom & Ricotta, and other varieties.

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire returns to Depot Park for one weekend

Gainesville is preparing to step back in time this weekend with the return of the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, which is celebrating its 39th year.The fair, which is free and open to the public, will take place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Depot Park. Although the fair traditionally runs for three weekends, since its relocation in 2024, it has been condensed to a single weekend, a change that has brought both opportunities and challenges for organizers, artists, participants and ven...

“Honrando a los que Partieron”: una ceremonia para quienes murieron sin ser reclamados

Bajo la sombra de los árboles del Cementerio Evergreen, los nombres de 33 residentes del condado de Alachua resonaron en el aire. Eran personas que murieron sin que sus cuerpos fueran reclamadas, pero que no fueron olvidadas. La comunidad se reunió el miércoles para participar en la ceremonia anual “Honrando a los que Partieron”, un evento que busca ofrecer dignidad y memoria a quienes fueron enterrados a expensas públicas.

Hispanic and Latino student groups usher in new school year at UF - The Independent Florida Alligator

The Hispanic community at the University of Florida represents the largest minority group. To offer a space for students who want to feel connected to their heritage, student organizations host activities and programs that celebrate Latin culture, promote connection and help new and returning students find their place on campus.
In Fall 2024, 21.9% of undergraduate students at the University of Florida identified as Hispanic or Latino, making it the second most represented ethnic group on campus...

Health fair provides free medical services to Gainesville community - The Independent Florida Alligator

Lined up outside Parkview Baptist Church, several families sought essential medical services with no cost, no insurance or documents required. 
Along with free transportation and meals, attendees received pediatric and adult consultations, school physicals, gynecology checkups, colon and cervical cancer screenings, and tests for diabetes, blood pressure, anemia and cholesterol.

‘See Something, Say Something’: Gainesville rally promotes safety ahead of school year - The Independent Florida Alligator

The Stop the Violence Back to School Rally returned to the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center July 26 for its 26th year. Organized by People Against Violence Enterprises, the event provided 1,500 free backpacks filled with school supplies to local students, offering families a message of peace before the new school year begins Aug. 11.

Exalumnos de la Universidad de Florida se reúnen en la conferencia NAHJ 2025

Durante 4 días, periodistas de todo el país se reunieron en la ciudad de Chicago para asistir a la conferencia y exposición de la Asociación Nacional de Periodistas Hispanos, NAHJ por sus siglas en inglés. Esta fue la 41.ª edición de la conferencia que llevaba por lema ‘Más fuertes juntos: el periodismo, la comunidad y el poder de la verdad’.

The Language Exchange Party Bonanza: A party to practice languages and make friends - The Independent Florida Alligator

On July 3, around 15 people gathered at The Boxcar Wine & Beer Garden to practice languages, laugh at common mistakes and celebrate different cultures during the Language Exchange Party Bonanza, a free and open meetup for anyone, regardless of language or fluency level.
Since 2020, the event has grown steadily thanks to León Icaza, 48, a language instructor and one of its main organizers.

“People who are truly passionate about a language work really hard to learn...

‘Tha Cookout’ honors Black fatherhood with food, community and connection - The Independent Florida Alligator

Throughout Cynthia Chesnut Park, laughter and conversation echoed through the trees as Gainesville residents gathered for “Tha Cookout” Sunday afternoon. The event marked not only a tribute to Juneteenth but an opportunity to honor Black fatherhood and strengthen community ties. 
The park was alive with activities. Volunteers served hot food and cold drinks, kids bounced on inflatables and teens played casual games of basketball and soccer.
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