University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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Paying for a parking fine, Jaime Murrell demonstrates the unfortunate conse- quence of parking illegally. While one ticket was seen by most as a minor nuisance, several tickets could result in a having a boot put on car or suspended parking priveleges. What do you dread most about the parking situation on the University of Florida campus? 1 A: Every Sunday night, I have to make the long trip to Hume Parking ga- rage to park my car, Sue Kelly, Freshman Brad Chibnik collects parking tickets side of Beaty Towers. With the glaring absence of available parking spots, many students chose simply to park illegally and risk the consequences, which in- cluded tickets, towing, boots and of course the dreaded suspension of parking privileges.. Waiting patiently for the bus, freshmen Matt Holt and Chad Kersting discuss the days events. Early in the spring semes- ter, Gainesville buses were free for UF students, a trial period intended to in- crease bus ridership. There was talk of making the change permanent. Student Life 13

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Are you leaving? Students walking to their car were often stalked by desperate drivers who were looking for a parking spot before their classes began. Whether they drove a car or not, ery student felt it. The futility, the anger, the tragedy – and then, in a small clearing of asphalt, the glory. Parking has a long and rious history in the lives of UF students. Generations of students have known the same horror, and so the legend is passed on. Rarely, if ever, does a student escape Gainesville without suffering the sequences of Gainesville parking lems – a ticket, a towed car, and for the fortunate few, the always fashionable and cosmetic boot. Many students had their own ideas about how to remedy the parking lems in Gainesville, both on and off campus. When asked if she found parking in Gainesville friendly, senior Jen Hickman replied in angst, No, it sucks. I hate it. Her solution? Build more parking garages, I guess. Parking garages, I guess. Parking garages seemed to be a love affair for UF dents, who commonly expressed the need for more. Yet others found more creative, if not practical, solutions to the parking quandary facing UF students. Senior Mindy McCumber said, Most people would give up half the sex they ' re having for better parking. Although speaking entirely for herself, students like McCumber represented the sheer desperation of most UF students regarding parking. Every student feared the ticket man and often tried to outsmart him by making checks on their illegally- parked car. Or who could forget the forever blinking hazards lights of cars lined up along the bike lines. Story by Sean Kane Slaving through another day, UF official Arthur Jones serves a ticket to an illegally-parked car. Despite the fine, illegally parking on campus was actually more cost effective than elsewhere in the city, where tow trucks put a painful dent in students ' wallets. 12 Student Life

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The cheerleaders are always an exciting part of the show. Gator Growl 1997 fea- tured a combined performance of the leaders and the Dazzlers. The cheerleaders performed many tosses and stunts along with familiar cheers and dance routines. Sister Hazel, a local band whose album went platinum, was one of the highlights of Gator Growl 1997. A surprise perfor- mance brought the Gator fans in atten- dance to their feet. Sister Hazel performed Happy and All for You. Theatre Strike Force performed their Seniors Taras Ross, Wylie Ritch, Elijah parady Helium at Gator Growl 1997. Williams and Mike Moten stand with The group earned their coveted spot in Coach Steve Spurrier as he introduces the show by winning the Homecoming them and the rest of the seniors to the skit competition earlier in the year. Gator faithful. Spurrier and the captains thanked the fans for their support throughout a rough year. What was the best • part of Gator Growl 1998? A: I really liked all the live performances this year - it made it more exciting. Sunshine Trueman 4JH 14 Student Life