Paper View Monday: The Independent Florida Alligator
By William M. Hartnett on Feb 4, 2008 in newspaper buildings
The Independent Florida Alligator, the student-run newspaper at the University of Florida, and the place where I spent the better part of four years in the late 1990s. I also obtained a college degree, if not quite an education, at the end of that period, though I honestly can’t recall all but the barest details of having squeezed that bit in. Be sure to check out the “I’m an Alligator Alum” group on Facebook if, you know, you’re an Alligator alum. And on Facebook. Mash your mouse on the picture below to map-fiddle at your own speed.
And here’s the view, facing north, with which true Alligator folks are probably more familiar. Doesn’t look like things have changed much in the past decade, and I’m guessing that probably goes for the inside of the building, too.
Danny Sanchez | Feb 4, 2008 | Reply
Yup, it’s still a dump. But it’s OUR dump!
William M. Hartnett | Feb 4, 2008 | Reply
That reminds me of the great, and 100 percent true, “rotting rat in the ceiling” incident of ‘97, during which … well, it sort of speaks for itself, I guess.
G.A. | Feb 5, 2008 | Reply
I’m pretty sure that’s Heston on the roof.
William M. Hartnett | Feb 6, 2008 | Reply
And I believe that’s also a bottle of Captain Morgan Silver Spiced, vintage 1995, I see up there.
GJH | Feb 6, 2008 | Reply
As long as they don’t find all the bodies burried in the back parking lot, I’m OK …
GJH | Feb 6, 2008 | Reply
Or “buried” — I obviously still need my copygirls …
Ed Barber | Apr 11, 2008 | Reply
Obviously, with all the greenery, I would guess this photo was taken during early spring (because the pecan tree in front is not leafed) and on a late Sunday afternoon during a spring break, given the directions of the shadows. I’m guessing that because the front parking area and traffic is very sparse. Also, even on Saturday and Sunday except during break, there is always someone in the back parking lot due to surrounding residents; visitors to nearby eateries. It is also fairly recent, since the building to the west shows its renovation.
As far as the bulding being a dump. I have lived in it for 27 years and I agree, but as bad as it is, “you shoulda seed da utter guy…” the office before. Just ask Tom Julin or Dennis Kneale and others from those olden times.
Maybe someday we can raise money through alligator alumni to reinovate. We’ve had the plans designed to not only try to refreshen (and eliminate rats…there have been more), make it safer, but actually give the newsroom a great deal more space…for more than 15 years. Since we have become independent we have been donated around (40k), but we are not yet legally allowed to solicit donations, only to accept them as a tax-deductable 501 (c) (3).
In the meantime UF has raised 100s of millions and the College of JM, 10s of millions. Bitter? Jealous? No way. You guys know me better than that. But most alligator alumni actually praise the hard work, terrible hours, low (or no) pay…life-long friends made (as well as some finding spouses) and best prepartion and “education” of their youth. Yet, the staff following them still have to put up with rags and bones.
If I won the lotto tomorrow, after taxes, The Alligator would receive all we needed. But since the odds are something like six million to one, I think that unlikely.
And, although I have never told others before, yes, I have put my money where my mouth is. I have loaned (with no interest charged) and given a lot of money to the paper through the years. If I was still GM, I wouldn’t tell you even now.
Please consider also joining the Alligator Alumni group on the UF Alumni Association site. You will find folks who aren’t here.
Please forgive me for my rant.
Take care,
Ed