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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Gainesville, FL
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
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The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Gainesville, FL You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Gainesville, FL
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Gainesville, FL
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Gainesville, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Gainesville, FL
Indie Night packs High Dive full of music and music-lovers alike
Benjamin Millerhttps://www.alligator.org/article/2024/03/ndie-night-packs-high-dive-full-of-music-and-music-lovers-alike
On Saturday night, local bands Half Gone, Quail Hollow, Rohna and Madwoman energized a crowd of indie music fans in an exhilarating concert as part of the Indie Nights Florida tour.Indie Night, established in 2021 by Rohna bassist Andres Hernandez, seeks to bring local music together all across Florida.Hernandez, a 25-year-old University of South Florida alumnus, sought to revive the local music scene following the COVID-19 pandemic and its ...
On Saturday night, local bands Half Gone, Quail Hollow, Rohna and Madwoman energized a crowd of indie music fans in an exhilarating concert as part of the Indie Nights Florida tour.
Indie Night, established in 2021 by Rohna bassist Andres Hernandez, seeks to bring local music together all across Florida.
Hernandez, a 25-year-old University of South Florida alumnus, sought to revive the local music scene following the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the local music scene.
“As shows start to happen again around late 2021, early 2022,” Hernandez said. “My band was thinking of cool ways to bring the scene back together.”
Rohna could potentially achieve this by creating a series of indie-themed shows and booking Gainesville-based bands to perform across Florida, Hernandez added.
“Late 2021, we did our first official show as Indie Night,” Hernandez said. “And it did really well, so we started to grow it from there.”
Hernandez said he chose the High Dive to host this year’s Indie Night due to its capacity and tendency to source local acts. Through Indie Night, Hernandez said he aims to give back to community venues and give up-and-coming bands a platform to promote their music and perform live.
Madison Reedy, a 21-year-old USF public relations and advertising student, said Gainesville is part of the Indie Night Florida tour.
“In every single city Indie Night comes to,” Reedy said. “Each show is completely unique.”
Indie Night came to Intuition Ale Works in Jacksonville Sunday.
As the High Dive doors opened for the concert at 8 p.m, Half Gone began as the opening act at 8:30 p.m., filling the crowd with adrenaline with its song, "Melatonin," which can be listened to on Spotify.
As the night progressed, High Dive slowly attracted a diverse range of concert goers, some from outside of Gainesville.
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Troy Gagne, an 18-year-old University of Central Florida hospitality management student, came to Indie Night with several friends upon the week of their spring break.
Gagne said he had known about Indie Night before he even enrolled at UCF.
“When I was in high school two years ago, I had heard a lot from friends and the internet,” Gagne said. “I found out about their last show and subsequently found out about this show here in Gainesville.”
Following Quail Hollow, which was the second set of the night, Rohna went on to perform to a thunderous greeting from the crowd.
Nicholas Rovello, a 25-year-old lead vocalist of Rhona, said he’s performed with Hernandez since the two were eighth graders.
“I didn’t even sing or anything,” Rovello said. “It was just me playing guitar power chords. It was so bad.”
The time and effort expended to make shows like this happen is a difficult compromise, he added.
“I have to miss certain things, like spending time with my girlfriend or my family,” Rovello said. “It’s also a thing you love doing as well, but you feel guilty, so there’s some form of selfishness.”
The night concluded following Madwoman’s performance in addition to a small meet-and-greet with the performers at their respective merchandise tables.
Contact Benjamin Miller at bmiller@alligator.org. Follow him on X @men_mbiller.
Orlando weather: Cold front may bring strong storms to Central Florida this week
FOX 51 Gainesvillehttps://www.wogx.com/
From Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, temperatures will drop into the upper 60s. Wednesday will be partly to mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-80s inland but closer to 80 degrees along the beaches. ...
From Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, temperatures will drop into the upper 60s. Wednesday will be partly to mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid-80s inland but closer to 80 degrees along the beaches.
2 hours ago
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Florida Sweeps Ole Miss in Return to Gainesville
Florida Gatorshttps://floridagators.com/news/2024/3/22/mens-tennis-florida-sweeps-ole-miss-in-return-to-gainesville.aspx
How it Happened The Gators came out hot, initially leading all three doubles courts 2-1 after three games. Florida's court three duo Jeremy Jin/Henry Jefferson maintained that momentum, taking the first doubles set for the Gators, 6-2. No. 67 ...
How it Happened The Gators came out hot, initially leading all three doubles courts 2-1 after three games. Florida's court three duo Jeremy Jin/Henry Jefferson maintained that momentum, taking the first doubles set for the Gators, 6-2. No. 67 Nate Bonetto/Aidan Kim battled from behind to a tiebreak in their set on court one, and sealed the doubles point for Florida with their 7-6 (7-4) performance.
Armed with their 1-0 lead, Florida commanded singles play and only dropped one set for the remainder of the match. Bonetto posted the most dominant performance, not trailing at any point in either set during his 6-4, 6-1 victory. The veteran Bonetto provided early stability in the match and a quick second point for the Gators.
Aidan Kim secured the third point for the Orange and Blue with his straight-sets victory on court two. The freshman battled from behind multiple times in his first set, going serve-for-serve with Ole Miss's John Hallquist Lithen, and finding himself in a tiebreaker of the first set, ultimately pulling out a 7-6 (7-4) advantage. With emotions high and momentum in his favor, Kim commanded the match the rest of the way, finishing off his opponent with a 6-3 second set.
No. 66 Jeremy Jin continued his spectacular freshman campaign with yet another victory on court one in conference play. Jin quickly jumped out to a commanding 6-3 first set, much like Bonetto, that kept him in the driver's seat for most of the match. Ole Miss's No. 62 Nikolas Slavic bested Jin in a heartbreaking 7-6 (7-4) tiebreaker, after Jin at one point led 3-0 in the final tiebreak point. Despite the painful shift in momentum, the freshman unleashed a sinister 6-1 set that lasted all of approximately ten minutes, and sealed another dual match win for Florida.
Florida also led on the two courts that didn't finish their singles matches, with Tanapatt Nirundorn taking his first set 6-4 before leaving his match unfinished in set two. Jefferson dominated to a quick 4-0 lead in his first set before play concluded.
Next Up The Gators continue their spat with the state of Mississippi, next taking on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the Ring Tennis Complex at 12 p.m. on Sunday.
From Head Coach Adam Steinberg On the match, his team's performance… I thought it was a well-deserved victory for the guys, I thought they came out with the right mentality in both [singles and doubles], I feel like we haven't really done that lately like we had wanted… It's not easy to play in [the indoor facility], but for some reason, it brings out the best in us. That tight environment has been great for our team, I thought we played the right way… Really happy for [the team]. They deserved this win.
12 Best Things To Do In Gainesville, Florida
Zoe Denenberghttps://www.southernliving.com/travel/florida/gainesville-fl
Gainesville, Florida, prides itself on being out of the ordinary. Sure, it's got the classic college campus and the picture-perfect trees dripping in Spanish moss, but those who call this city home will sooner tell you about the quirky, artsy undercurrent that runs through the local digs. Gainesville has an undeniable personality. So much so that the local stay, Sweetwater Branch Inn...
Gainesville, Florida, prides itself on being out of the ordinary. Sure, it's got the classic college campus and the picture-perfect trees dripping in Spanish moss, but those who call this city home will sooner tell you about the quirky, artsy undercurrent that runs through the local digs. Gainesville has an undeniable personality. So much so that the local stay, Sweetwater Branch Inn, gives itself the tagline, "Distinctively Gainesville."
What exactly makes Gainesville so unique? This town might be home to the University of Florida, but we also know this city is home to eight state parks with over 100 miles of biking, hiking, and birding trails. With an artsy spirit and laid-back vibe, Gainesville might just be the quiet Florida retreat you've been searching for. Here's what to do on your visit to Gainesville, Florida.
What To Do On Campus
A visit to Gainsville isn't complete without a walk around the University of Florida's pristine grounds. The 2,000-acre campus has much to discover, including several renowned museums. If you're an art lover, start with the Harn Museum of Art, which boasts 10 gallery spaces with regularly rotating exhibitions of the museum's diverse collections. Admission is free. Didn't get enough during the museum's regular business hours? Check out their special events like the Art After Dark series.
harn.ufl.edu, 3259 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32608
Across the campus's Cultural Plaza is the Florida Museum of Natural History, which ranks among the nation's top five natural history museums. After you've seen your fair share of fossils, head over to the museum's Butterfly Rainforest. This lush landscape is home to hundreds of free-flying butterflies and other animals from birds to turtles.
floridamuseum.ufl.edu, 3215 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32608
Don't miss the nightly emergence of bats at the UF Bat Houses, which have an estimated population of 500,000 bats. The bat houses can be found in an open field across from Lake Alice. Sit on one of the benches along the fence to enjoy the sunset before seeing the bats in action.
Where To Have Outdoor Adventures
One if by land, two if by sea. Whichever way you like to get outside, Gainesville has an outdoor adventure waiting for you. Bike, hike, or walk the scenic 16 miles of the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, a historic railway-turned-greenway. The trail travels through several local and state conservation lands including Boulware Springs Park and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
floridastateparks.org, 3400 S.E. 15th St, Gainesville FL 32641
When the weather's warm, break out the kayak or inner tube and float down the spring-fed Ichetucknee River. Your time on the water will be well-spent surrounded by lush green canopies and spectacular wildlife. Be sure to pack your swim gear to enjoy the swimming holes along the way.
floridastateparks.org, 12087 S.W. U.S. Highway 27, Fort White FL 32038
Florida may be known for its beaches, but the cool, clear water of its springs is second to none. "North Florida is home to over 1,000 freshwater springs and the largest collection of First Magnitude freshwater springs in the United States," writes Visit Gainesville. Dip in the crystal-clear, temperate springs at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park or Ginnie Springs, where an underwater cave network makes a perfect scuba diver's playground.
Where To Eat And Drink
Start your morning right with coffee at CYM Coffee Co, a charming community coffeehouse. Grab a stool out on the front porch or sit on the porch swing and sip a specialty drink made with locally roasted beans. Or swing by local favorite Maude's, an artsy café that offers signature sweets to accompany your favorite coffee drink.
cymplify.com, 5404 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32605
Keep the weekend vibes going and head to brunch at Afternoon, a casual counter-order spot that sources its fresh ingredients from local farm partners. Skip the mimosa in favor of a glass of natural wine from its sister shop Serpentine Plants & Provisions (which also offers a natural wine club).
afternoonrestaurant.com, 231 NW 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
For a laid-back dinner experience, duck into neighborhood tavern Public and General. Get to know the local crowd at Gainesville staple Satchel's Pizza, a quirky joint with house-made stained-glass windows and a gift shop. Or opt for dinner in downtown Gainesville at The Top, where you can build your own burger or choose from one of their no-substitution mainstays, like the Widow Maker, which features a patty with a chili-espresso rub. Cap it all off with a Cuban pastry at Flaco's, a restaurant and bakery whose late-night hours satisfy any 2 a.m. craving for empanadas or guava pastries.
Get a taste of the craft beer scene at Cypress and Grove Brewing Co., a brewery that doubles as a neighborhood gathering space. Visit the tasting room at Swamp Head Beer to sample their offerings, and stay for live music and food trucks. Drop by First Magnitude Brewing Company, the first carbon-neutral brewery in the southeast, to see what’s on tap, or choose from cider and wine. If wine is more your thing, pick up a bottle of blueberry wine at Bluefield Estate Winery. Plan to also visit the family-owned winery’s you-pick blueberry farm.
What To Do Downtown
Downtown Gainesville is a hub for shopping, food, and fun. Visit Union Street Station to browse new and used albums at Hear Again Records. Or find one-of-a-kind pottery, jewelry, and paintings at Artisans’ Guild Gallery.
Discover the Arcade Plex, home to three stories of arcade games, at the corner of Main Street and University. There you'll find two arcade bars: Arcade Bar North and Arcade Bar South. Arcade Bar North is a family-friendly spot that welcomes all ages until 8 p.m. when it transitions to a 21 and older venue like its southern counterpart.
thearcadeplex.com, 6 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Experts work to manage invasive species across Florida
Kylie Williams March 25https://www.alligator.org/article/2024/03/experts-wok-to-manage-invasive-species-across-florida
Florida is experiencing a boom in new residents, but it’s not just humans moving to the Sunshine State.The state is home to roughly 500 non-native species, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida’s subtropical climate, multiple ports of entry and rampant animal trade makes the state a global hotspot for invasives, the FWC reports.UF researchers are monitoring some of the most high-profile ...
Florida is experiencing a boom in new residents, but it’s not just humans moving to the Sunshine State.
The state is home to roughly 500 non-native species, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida’s subtropical climate, multiple ports of entry and rampant animal trade makes the state a global hotspot for invasives, the FWC reports.
UF researchers are monitoring some of the most high-profile non-natives, especially those that could be harmful to Florida. However, some Floridians find benefits in their new neighbors, and have advocated for certain species to stay.
Silver Springs Monkeys
In the 1930s, a commercial boat captain named Colonel Tooey released about six rhesus macaque monkeys on an island in Silver Springs. The Colonel’s goal was to draw more tourists to the area, as macaques were considered an exotic oddity. However, macaques are also excellent swimmers — soon after their release, the monkeys swam off the original island and began to breed.
Now, there could be up to 400 macaques in Silver Springs, UF Wildlife Ecology and Conservation professor Steve Johnson estimates. Johnson has closely studied the macaques for almost a decade, in an effort to gauge the species’ potential impact on the environment.
Macaques eat native plant species and could be a threat to native birds, Johnson said. Macaques are also carriers of the Herpes B virus, which can be fatal to humans. Contracting the disease from a macaque is unlikely, Johnson said, but the repercussions would be severe.
“It’s very low risk, but potentially very high consequences,” he added.
In the early 2000s, hundreds of rhesus macaques were removed from Silver Springs and sold to biomedical research facilities. The removal sparked public controversy and was ended in 2012, leaving the species mostly unmanaged.
At Silver Springs State Park, visitors are advised to keep their distance from the monkeys. Public areas in the park are sometimes closed if a macaque is spotted, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Press Secretary Nikki Clifton wrote in an email statement.
“The Florida Park Service posts signs and flyers to educate visitors about wildlife and reminds them to keep a safe distance and not to feed them or try to touch or capture them,” Clifton said.
Captain Rob Manley, who offers boat tours of the Silver River, said he often sees rhesus macaques on his charters. For many tourists, the possibility of seeing the monkeys is the whole reason they come to Silver Springs, Manley said.
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Removing the monkeys from Silver Springs would negatively impact Manley’s business, he said. However, his reasons for wanting to protect the macaques goes beyond that. Monkeys have become synonymous with Silver Springs, Manley said, and are a part of the park’s landscape.
“I fell in love with this place, and I don’t want to hurt it,” he added. “The monkeys are part of it. And I don’t want to hurt them either.”
Redbay Ambrosia Beetle
The redbay ambrosia beetle is tiny, at only two millimeters long. Yet the miniscule insect could threaten Florida’s multi-million dollar avocado industry. The beetle was first detected in Florida two decades ago, UF Forest Entomology professor Jiri Hulcr said.
The beetle is a vector for a disease called laurel wilt, which has decimated the population of native redbay trees in Florida. Redbay trees are important for Florida’s environment, Hulcr said, and their loss could create a cascade of damage.
Avocado trees are in the same family as redbays, and are also susceptible to laurel wilt. Once the beetle infects a redbay tree with laurel wilt, native insects can then spread the disease to avocado trees. In Florida, more than 300,000 avocado trees have already been lost to laurel wilt.
One of Hulcr’s main concerns is the possibility that the redbay ambrosia beetle — and laurel wilt disease — could spread to other parts of the world.
The number of avocados grown in Florida is small compared to the amount grown in Mexico, where avocados are often called “green gold.” If the beetle reaches Mexico, Hulcr said, a multi-billion dollar industry could be decimated.
“Our interest is to help our friends in these other countries to be educated about this disease and to do surveillance for potential invasions,” Hulcr said. “We really need to work across the border on this.”
At UF’s Tropical Research and Education Center, Entomology and Nematology professor Daniel Carillo works with local avocado farmers nearly every day. Trying to maintain an avocado grove infected with laurel wilt is expensive, Carillo said, and some growers have left the industry to switch to a new crop.
Laurel wilt is the most pressing concern to the industry, Carillo said, but there’s hope growers will be able to adapt to the disease. Experts and farmers have gotten better at detecting laurel wilt early on, and have developed tactics to reduce its spread.
“[Farmers] feel more comfortable in their ability to manage the disease,” Carillo said. “They are certainly committed to avocado production.”
Snook in Cedar Key
Captain Jason Clark caught his first snook as a teenager in Cedar Key. In the 1990s, seeing a snook in Cedar Key was possible but uncommon. The popular sportfish usually keeps to the warmer waters off the coast of South Florida, as it is sensitive to water below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, snook have become a common fixture in Cedar Key and are commonly caught in the waters around the Big Bend region. Some fishermen in the area now specialize in snook, Clark said, and the fish has brought more business to fishing guides.
“Ten years ago, people wouldn’t call a Cedar Key guide to just solely go after snook,” Clark said.
Snook have moved northward over the past decade because of climate change, director of the UF Nature Coast Biological Station Mike Allen said. Along with other state and local government agencies, Allen and his team study the snook’s changing patterns.
Due to climate change, water temperatures in North Florida aren’t as cold in the winter and are more hospitable to snook, Allen said. The snook has fully established itself in the Cedar Key region, making it a “neo-native,” or a species that moves beyond its historical region.
Some neo-native species don’t cause direct harm to the environment, while others can become invasive. The snook’s impact isn’t clear yet, Allen said, but the fish could potentially create steeper competition for space and food.
Snook aren't the only neo-native species to emerge over the past decade. As the globe continues to warm, it’s likely more species will begin to change their behavior, Allen said. Especially in Florida’s changing climate, there’s potential for additional neo-native species to emerge.
“We know the temperatures are warming… and the animals are changing their habitats accordingly,” Allen said. “This is a phenomenon that is literally affecting all types of species.”
Contact Kylie Williams at kyliewilliams@alligator.org. Follow her on X @KylieWilliams99.
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Kylie Williams
Kylie Williams is a second-year journalism major and a sustainability minor. This is her second semester as the environmental enterprise reporter. Outside of the newsroom, she can be found reading, baking or watching reality TV.
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