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MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024

VOLUME 118 - ISSUE 29 Not officially associated with the University of Florida

Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida

Approval of Florida recreational marijuana ballot initiative draws mixed opinions from state residents THE AMENDMENT WILL APPEAR ON THE NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT

By Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp Alligator Staff Writer

Framed by a neon array of the latest hemp, CBD and nicotine products neatly arranged in glass display cases, business partners Pedro Soler and Justin Mendoza paused when asked if there was a downside to the authorization of recreational marijuana in Florida. They operate Miami Vice Mobile, their smoke shop on wheels, out of a van parked in the center of a bustling downtown night market. Despite the commotion, their silence hung heavy. Soler cast his eyes down and lowered his voice solemnly, nodding a “yes” to the recorder. “There will be a mass murdering

of Doritos,” he said. The pair broke character, chuckling as they returned to their customers. The Florida Supreme Court approved Amendment 3 to appear on the November general election ballot April 1, an initiative that would authorize recreational marijuana for adults 21 years of age and over if approved by 60% of Florida voters. Statewide advocacy groups along with local residents, students and businesses expressed varying opinions on the potential amendment to the Florida constitution. The ballot initiative was proposed by Smart & Safe Florida, a political committee and pro-marijuana advocacy group, and over $39 million in funding was provided by Trulieve, one of Florida’s largest medical marijuana distributors. “We look forward to supporting

Ashley C. Hicks // Alligator Staff

Activists in support of abortion rights pictured across from Gainesville City Hall on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Read more online at alligator.org.

SEE WEED, PAGE 5

Furry friends or dangerous foes? A look at the caterpillars swarming UF campus

Inconclusive search for Continuum of Care leadership threatens Florida homeless service funding Tussock moth caterpillars population booms this Spring By Annie Wang Alligator Staff Writer

Taylor Boyd was waiting for class to start when she saw something that made her heart drop. On her arm was a red-headed caterpillar with spiky white fur, one of the numerous caterpillars swarming Gainesville. “I hate them so much,” the 19-year-old UF economics soph-

omore said. “Now I’m scared of them [and] watching my every step,” she said. The caterpillars spotted across UF's campus are known as tussock moth caterpillars. They’re native to North America and typically emerge in North central Florida during the spring. In Florida, there are three different species of tussock moth caterpillars: the fir tussock moth

caterpillar, the white-marked tussock moth caterpillar and the definite tussock moth caterpillar. They have many shared characteristics, such as protruding hairs and spines, but can be visually distinguished by color. Although the caterpillars may appear soft and fluffy to the touch, UF assistant entomology professor Adam Dale advises

SEE CATERPILLARS, PAGE 5

SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT

State elections

Positivity pushes Ian Gilligan forward. Read more on pg. 11.

The Avenue: Field to fork

Men's golf Story description finish with comma, pg#

MILLIONS IN FEDERAL FUNDING THREATENED BY LACK OF PROPOSALS FOR LEAD AGENCY ROLE

By Diego Perdomo Alligator Staff Writer

North Central Florida counties are at risk of losing over $1 million of federal funding for homeless service providers if a replacement lead agency is not appointed by June.

Candidates gear up for Florida House Seat 22 election, pg. 4

Local farmers markets offer alternative shopping experiences, pg. 7

Keys to Home is a Continuum of Care — a coalition of homeless service providers — representing Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Putnam counties. To obtain federal funding for new and existing programs, the coalition is required to have one representative agency coordinate a proposal for annual funding cycles. After the current representative, or lead agency, United Way of North

SEE HOMELESS, PAGE 4

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