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MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026

VOLUME 120 - ISSUE 39 Not officially associated with the University of Florida

Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida

Melrose residents threaten lawsuit against WildFlowers Music Park A LETTER TO THE ALACHUA COUNTY COMMISSION ALLEGED THE PARK VIOLATED ITS TEMPORARY USE PERMIT

By Logan McBride Alligator Staff Writer

Kaley Mantz // Alligator Staff

Michelle and Finnley Duncan read to Poppi during the Purrs and Tails event hosted by the Humane Society of North Central Florida, Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla. The event was meant to encourage kids to practice their reading skills and socialize with the cats. Read more on pg. 3.

A look into the contract of new UF president Stuart Bell BELL WILL EARN A MINIMUM $2 MILLION ANNUALLY ACROSS FIVE YEARS

By Swasthi Maharaj Alligator Staff Writer

The Florida Board of Governors approved an employment agreement for Stuart Bell, who was appointed as UF’s president at a July 1 special meeting. Bell’s contract outlines a five-

SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT

Election previewfinish with comma, Story description Meet pg# the candidates on the ballot this fall. Read more on pg. 5.

year term, a $2 million base salary and 20 performance metrics used to evaluate his performance, retention and potential contract extension. His appointment took effect July 1 and runs through June 30, 2031. Bell’s $2 million base salary matches that of current interim president Donald Landry, whose contract included the opportunity to earn up to $500,000 in performance incentives. Former

interim President Kent Fuchs earned approximately $1 million during his 12-month tenure leading the university Aug. 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. The agreement directs Bell to work with trustees to develop a university-wide strategic vision and execution plan while prioritizing the hiring of permanent leadership across the university. The contract specifically calls for the appointment of a permanent

SEE BELL, PAGE 4

In a five-page letter to the Alachua County Commission, a lawyer questioned on behalf of Melrose residents whether the new WildFlowers Music Park violated its temporary use permit. Melrose is an unincorporated community shared between Alachua, Bradford, Clay and Putnam Counties. It has no local government or official municipality. The park’s 270-acre event space required a temporary use permit, which allows for special events of up to three days long. Following a six-hour debate, the Alachua County Commission approved the temporary use permit in February with two conditions: WildFlowers must post no trespassing signs along boundaries of the park and no parking signs near private property on Northeast 35th Street. The WildFlowers Festival of Music and Dance was held March 13-15. Anthony Sabatini, a Lake City commissioner and lawyer for Sabatini Law Firm, said the dispute over the legality of the permit could grow if nothing changes. “Depending on what the county finds, if they’re not willing to revoke this or change the conditions or stop the abuse of the permit,

The Avenue: Food

DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers opens brick-and-mortar, pg. 6

then we’ll file a lawsuit,” Sabatini said. Alachua County commissioners have previously said this was a one-time permit. The letter outlined five major points: possible failure to comply with tent conditions specified in the permit, bypassing county permitting processes by constructing right-of-way improvements before approval, possible use of property outside its scope, a lack of an agricultural nexus and possible expansion beyond intended scope. An agricultural nexus refers to the park’s standing as an agricultural tourism destination. Sabatini said these patterns of noncompliance, paired with the out-of-control noise associated with the festival, have led residents to speak out. “They’re very angry because their quality of life is being destroyed by the park,” Sabatini said. Under the temporary use permit, the commission required permits be obtained one week prior to the event for tents exceeding 900 square feet. The letter said county records contained unresolved applications shortly before the event. The letter also pointed out a construction of right-of-way improvements — specifically a limerock driveway connecting to Northeast 255th Drive. County records indicated the permit application may have been submitted after construction had already begun, the letter said. Additionally, the document questioned whether the property

SEE WILDFLOWERS, PAGE 4

Anti-ICE petition

City, county under fire as new letter suggests a resolution could jeopardize funding, pg. 7

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