Immigration Attorneys in Gainesville, FL

Due to Tropical Storm Debby, which is forecasted to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, the University of Florida’s campus in Gainesville will be closed and classes are canceled for Monday, Aug. 5, including all academic and student-related activities, online classes and exams.

The university expects to make an announcement Monday, Aug. 5, on its plans to resume classes and normal campus operations.

Students living in campus residence halls should plan to stay in them. Students who live off campus should follow local and state guidance for preparing for a tropical storm or hurricane. Fresh Florida Dining will continue to provide services, with updates available at https://dineoncampus.com/UF/hurricane-hours.

Only essential university personnel should report for work on Monday, Aug. 5, and other personnel should not come to campus. Contact your supervisor if you have questions regarding your role as an essential employee. UF’s essential employee policy is available at https://policy.ufl.edu/policy/essential-employees/.

UF Health hospitals and the majority of its clinical practices will remain open; however, UF Health Archer Family Health Care, UF Health Family Medicine – Lake City, and UF Health Family Medicine – Old Town will be closed Monday. For up-to-date information about closures, visit UFHealth.org. UF/IFAS and other UF personnel outside of Alachua County should adhere to their county government closures and consult their supervisors.

P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School is also closed Monday, Aug. 5, and operating on the same schedule as the University of Florida. Should Tropical Storm Debby further impact the school schedule this week, communications will be sent to families via phone, email and text. Announcements will be posted on the website (http://pkyonge.ufl.edu) and shared via Facebook.

Supervisors, please ensure that all employees are informed of this closure. Notices of any scheduling changes can be found through a link on the UF home page or on the information line at 866-UF-FACTS or 866-833-2287. Time reporting information will be provided by UF Human Resources next week.

Bus and shuttle services will be dictated by wind and weather conditions. Please follow the City of Gainesville and RTS on Facebook for up-to-date information. Check go-rts.com for routes and schedules. Students who live on campus may keep their cars on campus. Students who live off campus should utilize their normal parking arrangements.

As always, students and employees in need of immediate assistance should dial 911. Students may also contact U Matter We Care at umatter@ufl.edu or by calling 352- 294-CARE (2273). Employees may call the Employee Assistance Program at 352-273-1765 or go to https://eap.ufl.edu/

These are the stories from election year 2024 — from local candidates in north central Florida to the state legislature, all the way to the battle for the White House.

WUFT | By WUFT News

In Alachua County, eight county and city-level offices face competitive primary or general elections this fall.

Our newsroom reached out to all 20 candidates in those contested races and asked if they would help us inform voters about the issues they care about, what motivated them to run and which agenda items they seek to pass if elected.

Florida's primary election is Aug. 20.

The deadline to change your voter registration for the general election is Oct. 7.

The general election is Nov. 5.

Scroll below to learn more about some of the candidates running for Gainesville City Commission District 1.

Desmon Duncan-Walker

Desmon Duncan-Walker is the incumbent city commissioner. She did not complete WUFT's survey, so we have pulled relevant information from her profile on the city of Gainesville's website.

Desmon Duncan-Walker is the daughter of Iris Duncan and George Walker, Jr., and the granddaughter of Collins and the late Gloria Chestnut-Duncan and the late George, Sr. and the late Alma McDonald-Walker. Her local family history points back to pioneer citizens of Gainesville, and can be traced back to both those who were enslaved at Haile Plantation, and those who escaped the massacre at Rosewood.

A proud product of the Alachua County Public School System, Desmon is a 1994 graduate of Buchholz High School where she was the first African American, female President of the Student Government Association.

In 1998, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications from Bethune-Cookman University (Daytona Beach, Florida), graduating with honors.

Shortly after graduation, Desmon moved to Miami, Florida where she pursued a career in administration of government programs and cultural institutions, including with Miami-Dade County’s Parks and Recreation Department. In 2008, she relocated to Orlando, Florida to pursue graduate studies, and received a Master of Science Degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University in 2010.

With Gainesville always in her heart and recalling the lifelong advice of her parents to, “Never forget the bridge that brought you over,” she returned to Gainesville in 2014 to assist at her family’s business and to give back to the community that she holds so dear.

Since returning home, she has been the founder of the Gainesville Alliance for Equitable Development, cultural coordinator at the A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center, a vice chair of the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area’s Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street Advisory Board, a member of the Alachua County Branch of the NAACP, talk show host, writer, and co-producer of “The Voice Radio Show,” and praise and worship leader at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, where she is a lifetime member. She considers it an honor and a privilege to add District 1 City Commissioner to the list.

Michael Perkins

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district or jurisdiction?

One of the most pressing issues is citizens of Gainesville regaining governance of our local utilities. Another pressing issue is that gun violence in our community is out of control. The third most pressing issue we are facing is Gainesville's ever-growing homeless population.

Your suggested solution for top problem:

Staff from both Gainesville Regional Utilities and the City of Gainesville have a proposed plan that will restore profitability, and although the plan will require tweaks along the way, I fully support the plan that has been laid before us.

Your suggested solution for problem two:

I fully support the City's efforts in addressing gun violence. I also plan to work with our faith-based organizations to continue to foster a mindset that we are our brother and our sister's keeper. I want to coordinate efforts that cross all generation, ethnicity, and cultural issues to have a united front in addressing gun violence.

Your suggested solution for problem three:

It is vitally important that we address the needs and concerns of our homeless population. I plan to bring homeless individuals into the discussion as to how we can best address their needs and concerns.

Where do you stand on the GRU Authority ballot measure?

The basis of our Country being established is the fundamental rights of citizens have a voice in their governance. I fully support the ballot referendum that returns GRU Authority to the City of Gainesville.

What are the environmental issues you believe the city should address?

The environmental issues facing Gainesville include preserving our tree canopy in the age of an ever-growing demand for housing and construction. Responding to the threat of climate change by reenforcing our commitment to clean, renewable electricity. Reaffirming our commitment to a zero-waste initiative with policies, systems, programs, and infrastructure to reduce waste and improve diversion opportunities.

Since declaring gun violence a public health crisis, how do you feel the city has managed gun violence? What steps would you take as city commissioner to further prevent gun violence?

I believe the city has done a great job in putting for initiatives to address gun violence. I believe that gun violence is people problem not a governance issue. Therefore, all people and organizations should come together to better address the issue. All parties include our faith-based community, for profit companies, and not-for-profit organizations.

Welcome to Gainesville, home of the University of Florida Gators! If you’re heading to town to catch some Florida Gators football, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:

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WHERE TO STAY IN GAINESVILLE

There are a wide variety of options for places to stay in Gainesville, ranging from traditional bed and breakfasts to comfortably appointed modern spaces.

Sweetwater Branch Inn

625 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 373-6760

Complete with cozy cottages and homemade breakfast, Sweetwater Branch Inn is an idyllic spot to stay in Gainesville. Plus, it sits just a few blocks from the University of Florida. You can even book getaway packages for some post-game fun, including a dinner for two from a private chef, a wellness retreat, or a kayaking excursion.

AC Hotel Gainesville

151 NW 14th Street, Gainesville, FL 32603 • (352) 792-1151

Located in Midtown, you’ll be able to hear the roar from the stadium from AC Hotel Gainesville — you’re that close to the scene! Inside your room, plenty of fantastic amenities keep you comfortable, including a smart TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more.

Hilton University of Florida Conference Center

1714 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL 32607 • (352) 371-3600

Hilton University of Florida is conveniently situated on the University of Florida campus, just two miles from Ben Griffin Stadium. The hotel also boasts an outdoor pool, two on-site restaurants, and a bar.

DoubleTree by Hilton

3726 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608 • (352) 375-2400

Located in Gainesville’s retail district, the DoubleTree by Hilton is a stone’s throw from campus and offers UF spirit galore! Take a dip in the resort-style outdoor pool, and challenge your friends to cornhole or a game on the hotel’s custom Gator ping pong table.

We are grateful to all our sponsors:

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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN GAINESVILLE

If you’re looking for a bite to eat ahead of the game or items to pick up for your tailgate (including adult beverages, of course), here are some of your best bets located near campus.

Flaco’s Cuban Bakery

200 West University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 371-2000

You can’t be in Florida and miss the opportunity for good Cuban food. Flaco’s Cuban Bakery is the place to go in Gainesville for delicious sandwiches or fresh pastries.

Gator Beverage

1126 West University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 336-6128

Gator Beverage Inc. has been a premier location for wine, beer, liquor, and kegs for over 30 years. Head here for all your alcohol needs on game day.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

1680 W University Ave Ste 20, Gainesville, FL 32603 • (352) 448-2562

Raising Cane’s is raising the bar everywhere, with new locations popping up all over the South — including one in Gainesville! Stop in for chicken, chicken, and more chicken. Oh, and crinkle-cut fries and Texas toast.

Satchel’s Pizza

1800 NE 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609 • (352) 335-7272

A quirky pizzeria in downtown Gainesville, Satchel’s Pizza is extra fun, thanks to the atmosphere and unique food. They cater, too, if you want to enjoy pizza at your tailgate!

We are grateful to all our sponsors:

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BARS IN GAINESVILLE

If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.

The Dime Bar

4 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601

Right in the heart of downtown, you can snag signature and classic cocktails at The Dime, a speakeasy-style bar. Happy hour is until 7 p.m.

Salty Dog Saloon

1712 West University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32603 • (352) 375-6969

Enjoy beer from around the globe at Salty Dog Saloon. The bar also offers daily happy hour specials until 7 p.m.

Arcade Bar

6 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601

Fun and vibrant, the Arcade Bar offers everything from arcade games to beer, cocktails, and three (three!) levels of retro video games like pinball and Skee Ball. Plus, there’s outdoor seating!

The Bull

18 SW 1st Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 • (352) 672-6266

The Bull offers the ultimate artsy bar experience with craft beer, wine, and live music. They offer light snacks in case you get hungry, too. Did we mention they also have an open mic night?

We are grateful to all our sponsors:

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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN GAINESVILLE

You can play your luck and look for space in a parking lot to set up a tent. You can also reserve a spot so you know you’ll have some ground to set up your tailgate on game day — even if you’re a bit late. Check out REVELxp, too, for your convenient tailgating needs. Purchase a package, and all you have to do is show up!

SB TIP: If you’re a former Gator, you can attend Emerson Alumni Hall for a pregame tailgate with fellow alums. For more information, click HERE!

Go Gators!

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How to Choose a Moving Company in Gainesville

When choosing the ideal moving company for your relocation within or away from Gainesville, it’s important not to base your decision solely on pricing. Consider these other factors to help you in selecting the perfect team of movers, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience during the process of packing and moving.

Naturally, the distance you’re traveling will significantly influence the total cost of your move. Relocating from Gainesville to a neighboring town or city will typically cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars less than a cross-country move.

The peak time for moving typically spans from April to October each year, largely due to ideal weather conditions across most of the U.S. If you schedule your move during this period, it’s possible that your costs may be higher compared to relocating during an off-peak month, such as December or January.

In Gainesville, moving companies are required to have a valid Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. If the company conducts any out-of-state moves, it must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It’s important to ensure that your chosen mover is properly licensed and insured to safeguard your belongings during the move. Fortunately, all this crucial information is readily available online, making it easy to access and verify.

As with many of the purchasing decisions we make, ratings and reviews should play a significant role in determining which moving company you go with. Evaluating a moving company’s history in the industry, and how it has been rated by previous customers, can offer valuable insights. Before making your choice, you should check platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, Google, Facebook and Yelp to read reviews and better gauge the company’s reputation and track record.

The degree to which service area coverage matters will vary depending on your specific move. Regardless, it’s valuable information to consider when selecting a moving company. If your move keeps you within the Gainesville metro area, a local moving company can provide the assistance that you need. However, for more extensive moves to or from Gainesville spanning across the state or the entire nation, your chosen Gainesville moving company will need to offer long-distance moving services.

While at the very least, a moving company can move you, numerous movers provide additional services beyond that. These can include packing and unpacking services at an extra charge, specialized moving for items such as pianos, antique cars and valuable art, as well as storage services for the long-term security of your possessions. It’s important to evaluate the specifics of your move and determine which supplementary services align with your needs, alongside the standard moving services.

Ultimately, the overall cost will play a crucial role in your decision when hiring a moving company. It’s important to gather price estimates from multiple movers before making your final choice.

Certain companies may require in-person or video consultations before presenting a final quote, and while this may involve extra effort, it is usually beneficial. Transparency in pricing is essential to prevent any unexpected hidden charges that might come up once your move is completed. To contribute to this transparency, it’s important to provide a comprehensive, itemized list of items that you’ll need to move, to guarantee the most precise and reliable quote.

Regarding insurance, it’s important to be aware of the coverage options offered by each company that you’re considering. If your possessions are particularly fragile and valuable, it might be smart to opt for a more expensive, yet comprehensive, insurance plan. Then, to determine the appropriate size of the moving truck for your needs, you can consult our moving calculator.

The size of a moving company is an important factor to consider as it often reflects the business’s level of experience. For instance, larger companies are generally better equipped to handle more substantial moves and may offer a broader range of insurance options. Additionally, larger companies typically have better availability than smaller ones.