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UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

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Heydi Ortiz.

Heydi Ortiz

After being with the Spinnaker for almost three years and taking a year break, Heydi has decided to return. Heydi is a former Editor in Chief of Spinnaker and enjoys writing investigative news stories.

All content by Heydi Ortiz
UNF'S Counseling Center entrance

UNF’s Counseling Center: What’s new?

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor November 28, 2022

Attending classes, completing midterms and working a full-time or part-time job all while keeping up with family or friends can be potential stressors in one’s life. The University of North Florida’s...

Miranda Padilla holds her 11-month-old son Grayson Sanchez while marking her ballot at a polling center in the South Valley area of Albuquerque, N.M., Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)

Midterms 2022: How young voters did this time around

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor November 21, 2022

It’s no secret that younger generations are least likely to show up to the polls. In today’s world of technology, which constantly updates us about voter sites and educates us on how to vote, it’s...

Secret Service, K-9's and a VP candidate: How Spinnaker's editor in chief wound up covering the Biden/Harris campaign

Secret Service, K-9’s and a VP candidate: How Spinnaker’s editor in chief wound up covering the Biden/Harris campaign

Heydi Ortiz, Editor in Chief October 21, 2020

In my years of working with Spinnaker, I never imagined myself working alongside freelancers from the New York Times, Washington Post and other professionals in my field of work. What I also definitely...

Photo by Ronnie Rogers

Woman on the Street: Students react to burglaries at the Flats

Kaitlyn Bowers and Heydi Ortiz September 10, 2020

UNF students living at The Flats reacted to the two burglaries that occurred on the week of Sep.4. Many said they still felt safe despite the alert but have started to double check their doors to make...

BREAKING: Kappa Sigma Fraternity expelled from UNF's campus

BREAKING: Kappa Sigma Fraternity expelled from UNF’s campus

Heydi Ortiz, Editor in Chief August 27, 2020

“The gentlemen of Kappa Sigma have chosen to live their lives according to the principles of Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service” says the Fraternity’s Facebook page. But as of two weeks...

Anonymous UNF faculty members share what they think about Szymanski administration

Anonymous UNF faculty members share what they think about Szymanski administration

Heydi Ortiz, Editor in Chief August 26, 2020

Just hours after Faculty Association President John White and SG President Ally Schneider dropped a bombshell at a BOT meeting meant to determine whether or not President David Szymanski deserved his...

UNF ROTC student claims university mishandled sexual misconduct case

UNF ROTC student claims university mishandled sexual misconduct case

Heydi Ortiz, Courtney Green, and Zach Yearwood June 19, 2020

A student in the University of North Florida’s U.S. Army ROTC program alleges she was sexually harassed by the program’s Assistant Military Science Professor in October 2019. A female cadet claims...

Photo by Darvin Nelson

Letter from the Editor: In time

Heydi Ortiz, Editor in Chief June 3, 2020

“We allow our ignorance to prevail upon us and make us think we can survive alone, alone in patches, alone in groups, alone in races, even alone in genders.” -Maya Angelou It’s only the sixth...

photo of one dollar bills

UNF announce OPS and student employees may be able to receive unemployment benefits

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor March 27, 2020

OPS and student employees who have been unable to work from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for unemployment benefits, according to an administrative announcement sent out on Friday morning. To...

UNF Lend a Wing. Courtesy of Google

Lend-A-Wing provides grab bags for students in need

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor March 19, 2020

It’s a hard time for those who still remain on campus. In an effort to help aid students, Lend-A-Wing will be providing grab bags outside of the Student Union.  According to SG president John Aloszka,...

Lend-A-Wing provides food for student free and anonymously. Photo by Spinnaker Media

UNF creates UNF Student Emergency Relief Fund

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor March 18, 2020

Due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the University of North Florida has created a fund for enrolled students who remain on campus and are dealing with unfortunate housing situations, food insecurity,...

breaking news graphic

Housing and Residence Life update: COVID-19 housing request and possible refunds

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor March 18, 2020

The University of North Florida has sent out an email regarding the university's plan on how to deal with on-campus students who were asked to leave their dorms and relocate. The email answered many questions...

Anthony Stagnitta mugshot. Courtesy of Bradford County Sheriff's Office.

Former UNF student sentenced to prison for distributing child pornography

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor March 2, 2020

According to the U.S. state attorney’s office, former UNF student, Anthony Stagnitta was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison on Friday for distributing child sex-abuse videos through the...

UNF's Crisis Management Team monitoring Coronavirus amid pandemic concerns

UNF’s Crisis Management Team monitoring Coronavirus amid pandemic concerns

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor February 26, 2020

According to CNBC, the disease that has infected 80,000 people and killed at least 2,700 is now causing the CDC and U.S. officials to ask for the American public to cooperate and prepare for a possible...

jj daniels hall

University adds security to second floor of J.J. Daniel Hall (President’s Office)

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor February 20, 2020

A security measure that started yesterday will now require students to have an ID before accessing the second floor of Building 1. That's where the President's office is. According to the university,...

Closeup of mouth biting onto a long acrylic nail with text that says "Claws."

Black History Month: Morgan Dixon’s small nail business turns into hit TV show on TNT

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor February 18, 2020

She went from Jacksonville to New Orleans, and from being a broke college student to creating memorable nail looks for the hit TV show CLAWS on TNT. Morgan Dixon graduated from UNF in 2014 with an art...

Photo of Gunna performing on stage

Everything Gunna requested for backstage, everything he was denied, and more…

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor February 18, 2020

This year the Nest will be welcoming a popular artist by the name of Gunna to be the main act at Oz Fest. Student Government paid a whopping $125,000 for the artist to perform at UNF for a total of 60...

Picture of broom

Broomstick challenge declared to be nothing but a myth

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor February 12, 2020

You might’ve heard about a tweet that claimed NASA said Monday was the only day you could make your broom stand up due to the Earth’s gravitational pull. But, if you tried the challenge yourself and...

How to do Valentine's with the Galentine's

How to do Valentine’s with the Galentine’s

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor February 12, 2020

For most, Valentine's can be a day filled with love and appreciation for your significant other. For others, it’s a dreaded holiday to avoid. But if you’re flying solo on Valentine's day, why not make...

Genocide Awareness Project group to hold anti-abortion display on campus next week

Genocide Awareness Project group to hold anti-abortion display on campus next week

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor February 5, 2020

Every year an anti-abortion group by the name of "Created Equal" gathers around campus to display graphic images of unborn, aborted fetuses and to talk about abortion. This year a returning group is coming...

Email from UNF president

University releases statement regarding deceased student found in Fountains

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor February 5, 2020

A UNF student was found deceased in the Osprey Fountains residence hall on the morning of Feb. 3. According to an email the university sent out the day after the incident, there was no sign of foul...

Photo Courtesy of Unsplash.com

The tragedies on our island

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor January 21, 2020

**This story was written by Heydi Ortiz, Spinnaker’s managing editor. Heydi has family in Puerto Rico and personal ties to the tragedies that have occurred there.** “The non-stop earthquakes made...

Student's in class

College and the obsession with attendance

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor January 8, 2020

College students pay thousands of dollars to attend colleges and universities in hopes of obtaining a degree but students fill the seats of overcrowded lecture halls and turn their attention to the person...

photo of broken glass on the floor

Jacksonville sees its first ever ‘rage room’

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor December 10, 2019

Get ready to relieve some stress. Jacksonville is seeing it’s first ever 'rage room' called “Just Smash It” where you can rent out a room with a theme of your choice to smash things. You'll be...

UFF-UNF's fight for a raise in faculty salaries

UFF-UNF’s fight for a raise in faculty salaries

Heydi Ortiz and Courtney Green December 9, 2019

You might have noticed the signs near the Student Union: UNF faculty are being paid 17% less than the median salary range of faculty at other State University System institutions.  The UNF chapter...

photo of glow in the dark sign of instagram like

Instagram does the unexpected

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor November 14, 2019

The Instagram app has gone through many changes in recent years. From allowing users to archive their photos, to allowing users to post longer videos and multiple photos, and being able to switch their...

Photo of someone taking a test

SAT and ACT: Is it coming to an end?

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor November 8, 2019

The dreaded SAT and ACT standardized tests that plagued our entire senior year of high school may no longer be a worry for upcoming generations seeking higher education. This is all due to the increasingly...

J.J Daniel Hall directory

Sitting down with UNF’s newest team: Meet the new provosts

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor October 30, 2019

The Szymanski administration has recently welcomed a new team.  New Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Simon Rhodes and Assoc. Provost, Daniel C. Moon--who has been involved in the...

UNF chemistry professor does office hours in an unconventional way

UNF chemistry professor does office hours in an unconventional way

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor October 21, 2019

There’s one thing we’re all too busy for: office hours. Yes, we understand it’s crucial to our success as college students but sometimes we just don’t have the time for it between classes and part-time...

UNF ospreys and Jax community Take Back the Night

UNF ospreys and Jax community Take Back the Night

Heydi Ortiz and Kaitlyn Bowers October 18, 2019

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HIiZeb3CjI[/embedyt]   Purple lights illuminated the trees in the Student Union Plaza as people waited for the arrival of the Ed Waters marching band....

FSCJ logo

FSCJ denies claims of alleged attacker on campus

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor October 10, 2019

Yesterday morning, a tweet about an FSCJ student who was allegedly attacked at Kent Campus was the topic of conversation for Jacksonville college students.  According to FSCJ, this incident never happened. The...

vegan burgers

A vegan guide to fast food

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor October 8, 2019

If you’re vegan, or have dairy or gluten intolerances, then you know that finding a fast food place you can eat at is a bit of a struggle. But there’s more the world of fast food has to offer than...

Protestors on the green at UNF

Students protest preachers on the Green

Heydi Ortiz and Brett Newia October 3, 2019

In the mid-afternoon heat of Oct. 2, upset students protested preachers on the Green who they said made them feel uncomfortable and made rude remarks toward others walking by. “ ‘We practice beastiality,’...

Young man vaping

What’s new about vaping?

Heydi Ortiz and Alex Bowman September 17, 2019

We’ve all heard countless stories about how vaping is bad for you, but what makes this story different? The effects of vaping are starting to show as six deaths have occurred from vaping devices or products....

There's a shortage on what?

There’s a shortage on what?

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor September 10, 2019

There may not be any laws when you’re drinking Claws but there are some flaws. First it was Popeye's Chicken Sandwich and now it’s one of the most recent, popular alcoholic drinks in America. Yes,...

UNF student employee minimum wage sees an increase

UNF student employee minimum wage sees an increase

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor September 6, 2019

Thanks to Student Government President John Aloszka and Student Government Treasurer Kenneth Smith, Ospreys who work for Student Government, the Student Union, Recreation and Wellness, and Spinnaker will...

Tropical Storm Dorian expected to head towards Florida

Tropical Storm Dorian expected to head towards Florida

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor August 27, 2019

It’s still hurricane season and now Tropical Storm Dorian is expected to head near Florida and past the Eastern Caribbean on Labor Day weekend. Hurricane watches have been issued for both Puerto Rico...

NARS Cosmetics' newest commercial renews an old question: does sex sell?

NARS Cosmetics’ newest commercial renews an old question: does sex sell?

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor August 26, 2019

If you’ve seen the newest NARS Comestics commercial, then you know sex sells. Or does it? Companies and corporations have long used sex as a means to attract their consumers. But why are we so attracted...

Girl licking ice cream tub

Dangerous social media trends: Will it get better?

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor August 22, 2019

Yeah, we’ve all seen them on Twitter. Videos of people licking pints of ice cream and sneakily placing them back in the fridge, a video of a young girl licking a tongue depressor in a doctor’s office...

Closeup of mouth biting onto a long acrylic nail with text that says "Claws."

UNF Alumni goes from art history degree and small nail business to hit TV show on TNT

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor August 21, 2019

She went from Jacksonville to New Orleans, and from being a broke college student to creating memorable nail looks for the hit TV show CLAWS on TNT.  Morgan Dixon graduated from UNF in 2014 with an...

Mark Tumeo, the former dean of the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction. Courtesy of the University of North Florida

One last say in Tumeo case as closing arguments show both sides of the story

Heydi Ortiz and Courtney Green August 13, 2019

We now know the final arguments in the case for and against a former dean getting his job back at UNF.  Spinnaker obtained the closing written arguments in the Mark Tumeo vs. The Board of Trustees...

a couple holding hands on a date

10 unique date ideas for lovebirds in Jax

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor August 12, 2019

Are you and your Tinder date looking for somewhere to go? Are you tired of the cliche idea of going to the movies? Look no further. Here some date ideas that will for sure impress your date: 1.Take...

5 companies that can help you pay your way through college

5 companies that can help you pay your way through college

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor August 10, 2019

When applying for jobs, the main things on your mind may be the pay wage and how many hours they’re willing to give you, but if you’re a college student you may also want to consider working for companies...

The phenomenon of helicopter parenting: How students and their parents can work together to fix it

The phenomenon of helicopter parenting: How students and their parents can work together to fix it

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor August 9, 2019

The main goal for parents is to provide love and security to their children so that when they leave the nest they’re prepared to confront the real world on their own. But what happens when parents can’t...

The Student Union is home to a number of free events for UNF Students. Photo by Alexis Molinaro.

What to know if you’re stepping foot on UNF’s campus for the first time

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor August 6, 2019

Maybe you’re stepping foot on campus for the first time as a freshman or maybe for your first time as a transfer. Regardless, there are things that UNF students don’t know until they’re well into...

What's open during Summer intercession

What’s open during Summer intercession

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor August 5, 2019

  Intercession begins on Saturday, Aug. 3 and goes through Sunday, Aug. 18. If you’re wondering what’s open on campus and what’s closed then here are the special hours of operation and closures: Bookstore: ...

Photo by Camille Shaw

Update: Chally doesn’t buy Professor Thornton’s end-of-the-year “Aloha Party” story

Heydi Ortiz and Courtney Green August 1, 2019

Spinnaker has learned new information about a professor in trouble for an end of the year classroom booze party. We’ve now confirmed that Dr. Brian Thornton of the School of Communication has been suspended...

Childless Millennials and Disney World: Should they be banned?

Childless Millennials and Disney World: Should they be banned?

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor July 31, 2019

Walt Disney once said, “Laughter is timeless, Imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” But not everyone agrees with the creator of the “Happiest Place on Earth”. We’ve all heard twitter...

Photo of students standing outside during a fire alarm

Osprey Fountains residents awakened by two fire alarms

Heydi Ortiz, Managing Editor July 15, 2019

On the morning of July 15, at 4:00 a.m., residents at the Fountains rushed down the emergency exits of the North Tower in confusion, as the fire alarm continued to sound. This was the first of two fire...

UNF student on camera

How UNF students feel about the border crisis

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor July 5, 2019

A recent photo of a migrant father and his daughter laying deceased in the Rio Grande River after an attempt to cross the border from Mexico into the United States has become what others describe as...

Cup of dark coffee

Why scientists say coffee can help fight off obesity

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor July 2, 2019

Thinking about putting down that cup of coffee? Well, don’t. You’re probably thinking “Why won’t these people stop talking about coffee?”  It’s because we know how much college kids love...

Photo of a phone that says "Save money"

College student discounts and deals

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor July 1, 2019

We all know attending college while working and trying to maintain a safe budget is not the easiest task. Companies are aiming to make this easier for college students through discounts and deals. Here...

Dorm hallway leading to exit door

Roommate horror stories

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor June 19, 2019

Although some students find on-campus living to be a smooth transition from home life, others start out their college experiences with some unfortunate roommate horror stories. “She made comments...

Dr. Brent Mai, the new Thomas G. Carpenter Library Dean

UNF welcomes new dean of Thomas G. Carpenter Library

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor June 14, 2019

After a long search, Dr. Brent Mai, who currently serves a position as dean of libraries and university librarian at Fairfield University, has accepted UNF’s offer to become the new dean of the Thomas...

The American flag on a flagpole

Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential election

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor June 13, 2019

Spinnaker is committed to the coverage of the 2020 presidential elections to better inform and notify all students and faculty about the issues that matter to them. Here is a list of democratic candidates...

Twenty One Pilots Bandito Tour

Twenty One Pilots makes a stop in Jacksonville

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor June 11, 2019

If you're a fan of their new album Trench then be sure to buy last minute tickets. Twenty One Pilots will perform at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena on June 14 as a part of their "Bandito" Tour. The...

A stack of books

How wealth influences college admissions

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor June 8, 2019

Recent scandals and data continue to fuel the belief that post-secondary education is rigged for the wealthy. With the recent college admissions scandal, involving prominent actresses Lori Loughlin and...

Apple announces the discontinuation of iTunes

Apple announces the discontinuation of iTunes

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor June 3, 2019

After it's long run in the company, Apple announced on Monday that iTunes will no longer be available. According to Bloomberg, the iTunes app has long been overshadowed by  Apple Music. The replacement?...

The Ogier Gardens had minor damage during the hurricane. Valeree Del Guidice

Herbal Tea@Ten

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor June 3, 2019

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaQr9pNSZ9c[/embedyt] On Friday morning, the workshop sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Wellness began with a tour of the Ogier Gardens which consisted...

The app that turns sleeping into a game

The app that turns sleeping into a game

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 30, 2019

On Tuesday, May 28, the CEO of the Pokémon Company announced at a Pokémon press conference that they would be releasing a game much like Pokémon Go, except this game doesn’t involve walking. It involves...

iFLY Jacksonville offers BOGO 50% off indoor skydiving for the summer

iFLY Jacksonville offers BOGO 50% off indoor skydiving for the summer

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 30, 2019

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to fly, then you’re in luck. Especially if you're on a budget. According to News4jax, iFLY Jacksonville is offering a buy one, get one 50% off of skydiving experience...

What is your struggle meal?

What is your struggle meal?

Heydi Ortiz, News editor May 29, 2019

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXbXaASbh-c[/embedyt]   It’s safe to say that with our busy lives we’ve made ramen noodle meals fancied up with sautéed vegetables or an egg, boxed...

UNF’s Ogier Gardens serves up the tea

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 28, 2019

The UNF Ogier Gardens is serving up an event called Herbal Tea @Ten. The event is meant to educate workshop attendees about how to dry, make and brew their own fresh herbal teas. The guided tour and...

Sunset over the Málaga skyline.

Near-record breaking temperatures expected this weekend

Heydi Ortiz, News editor May 25, 2019

Grab some some popsicles, ice cream, or a fresh tall glass of lemonade because Memorial Day will be the hottest day this weekend with temperatures expecting to reach 99 degrees on Monday. According...

Text box that reads "Man on the Street." Graphic by Lianna Norman.

How students feel about recent abortion legislation

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 23, 2019

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0xKdoqHzks[/embedyt] On Tuesday, May 14, Alabama passed a restrictive abortion ban law which banned all abortions except in cases where the mother’s health...

Lather on the real stuff

Lather on the real stuff

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 21, 2019

We hate to break it to you, but according to a recent study from the Brooks College of Health, that homemade sunscreen is not going to cut it. The study, conducted by an associate professor at UNF’s...

Sippers Coffeehouse on Gate Parkway has an assortment of tables and cubbies perfect for group studying or reading silently.Photo courtesy of Sippers Coffeehouse.

Why you might have the coffee poops

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 20, 2019

As college students it’s not uncommon to stop by Starbucks for your daily cup of coffee. After grabbing your iced caramel latte, you head straight to class. As you sit there, listening to your professor...

UNF student Zeph Kane targeted by an on-campus preacher

Free Speech vs. Inclusiveness: What college students think

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 17, 2019

  The first amendment has been the hot topic for universities nationwide as the debate on the limitations of free speech rage on, especially at UNF, where campus preachers seem to be a recurring...

Photo by Facebook.

UNF redesigns student IDs to function as voter IDs

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 16, 2019

NextGen Florida met with students, administrators, and student government, so you can now have the shot at voting with your student ID. According to Student Body President, John Aloska, the new ID’s...

New updates coming to UNF Wi-Fi

New updates coming to UNF Wi-Fi

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 15, 2019

You might see a change in the UNF wi-fi as  UNF's ITS Help Desk says additional updates to the “UNF- Wireless” network are  being applied this week. Students and employees may be asked to accept...

 Graphic by Kaitlin Sinardi.

Get your paddles with summer kayaking lessons

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 13, 2019

Thanks to UNF’s Division of Continuing Education, you can now check learning how to kayak off your bucket-list. You can now learn the different types of kayaking, equipment, safety, the rules and regulations,...

Walmart raises minimum smoking age to 21

Walmart raises minimum smoking age to 21

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 13, 2019

If you’re 18 and planning on buying tobacco related products, then Walmart and Sam’s Club aren't the places to go. Starting July 1, the company will no longer sell tobacco products or e-cigarettes...

Summer A hours on campus

Summer A hours on campus

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 13, 2019

  If you’re on campus and wondering what’s open or deciding between things to do, look no further. Here’s a list of Summer A hours: Bookstore: Monday, May 13 to Wednesday, May 15:...

UNFPD police cars. Photo by Lili Weinstein

Florida’s new texting and driving ban awaits approval

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 12, 2019

Though texting and driving is technically illegal in the state of Florida, there hasn’t been a law put in place to allow police officers to enforce it. For years, we’ve heard countless stories of car...

UNF Student, Jesse Martinez, was arrested on April 9.

Martinez sentenced to 6 years in prison

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 10, 2019

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYLxobEoIu0[/embedyt] 23-year-old, Jesse Martinez, was described by his mother as a “bundle of joy” and by the rest of his family and friends as a “quiet”...

UNFPD responds to reports of a deceased employee on the third floor of the Student Union West.

Police Beat: Tent vs. car, stolen phone and stolen athletic gear

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 9, 2019

Tent vs. Car UNFPD was dispatched to parking lot 18 on May 4 in response to a damaged vehicle. The complainant stated that unknown individuals set up a tent behind his car which had caused damage to...

Photo by Courtney Stringfellow

Deciding between a higher education or the next meal

Heydi Ortiz, News editor May 7, 2019

Let’s be honest, we’ve all had to compose a struggle meal at least once in the duration of our college careers. Some may say It’s the price we pay for a higher education. But exactly when do we look...

Why universities are the main target in phishing emails

Why universities are the main target in phishing emails

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 3, 2019

For years, college students and universities have been the target of common spam and phishing emails, which universities warn their students and faculty about. UNF sent out an Osprey update on Tuesday,...

The Student Union. Courtesy of UNF.

UNF ranks 207th safest university in the nation

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 2, 2019

Every year parents send their kids off to college with the hopes that they’ll be in safe hands. With college comes studying, meeting new people and maybe even going to a party or two. What better...

Shelley Purser, director of Health Promotions, said the tobacco-free initiative at UNF will require the campus community to encourage each other to keep the university smoke-free.
Photo by Morgan Purvis

Florida Senate approves bill to raise minimum smoking age

Heydi Ortiz, News Editor May 2, 2019

There are a lot of things you can do once you turn 18. You can purchase lottery tickets, you can vote, you can smoke - or perhaps not anymore. Lawmakers in Florida have approved a bill that will make smoking...

Photo by Camille Shaw

UNFPD reports a missing student

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter April 28, 2019

UNFPD was dispatched to The Fountains on April 21, in response to an allegedly missing student, Marisela Analis Myers Vasquez. Upon arrival, police met with Vasquez’s mother who said she last saw her...

Courtesy of St. Lawrence University

The canning of UNFs philosophy graduate program

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter April 24, 2019

Visit the UNF philosophy program graduate page and what will you find? “We are not accepting applications at this time.” Why? After a year of consideration, UNF is canning their philosophy graduate...

 Graphic  by Rachelle Keller

Police Beat: Vandalism, possible animal cruelty, and suspicious photography

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter April 24, 2019

Freehanded art UNF police were dispatched to the Student Union on April 13 in response to a call about two subjects who were spray painting the 3rd floor concrete floor. According to the incident report,...

UNFPD responds to battery call in Crossings

Heydi Ortiz, Police reporter April 16, 2019

On April 11, UNF police responded to a battery call in Crossings, Bldg. S. According to the police report, the victim and the suspect began arguing over the smelly food in the trash can that he had thrown...

UNF Women’s Center hosts Walk In a Woman’s Shoes

UNF Women’s Center hosts Walk In a Woman’s Shoes

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter April 9, 2019

Men strutted their stuff in high heels on Tuesday in the Osprey Plaza, in an attempt to support and understand trials and challenges faced by women. The Walk in a Woman’s Shoes event, hosted by the Women’s...

Courtesy of Lane Pittman's Twitter account.

Does the “Florida Man” trend have anything to do with mental health?

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter April 9, 2019

There seems to be a new challenge circulating throughout social media every week. The most recent twitter craze is the Florida Man challenge. The trend has sparked debate about its role in exploiting mental...

Rae Sremmurd takes over UNF Arena for OzFest Concert

Rae Sremmurd takes over UNF Arena for OzFest Concert

Heydi Ortiz April 8, 2019

Saturday night, long lines formed as UNF students waited to enter the arena to see Bryce Vine, Whethan, and Rae Sremmurd. As time began winding down for the doors to open, students were able to sign up...

photo taken by Heydi Ortiz

UNF opens the Pre[serve] Art Exhibit

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter March 30, 2019

The opening of the Pre[serve] art gallery was filled with people wanting to get a glimpse of the art created by student artists and inspired by a place close to home. The Sawmill Slough Preserve is a 382-...

Graphic by Rachelle Keller

Police Beat: A stolen textbook, large amounts of money and a stolen skateboard

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter March 22, 2019

College student nightmare On March 11, UNFPD was dispatched to the UPD building in response to a stolen textbook. According to the report, the student placed her textbook she had gotten from the UNF...

Crossings Door

Dorm doors failing to close

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter March 21, 2019

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex_y8iYRsaU[/embedyt] In February, police reported to a burglary at the Crossings where the students were away for a weekend. Last week, a student had $500 stolen...

The Atlantic Ocean

Six things to do in Jacksonville during Spring Break

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter March 18, 2019

As spring break approaches many head down to Miami or decide to take a cruise through the Caribbean. Dreams of having a luxurious or wild spring break may, at first glance, seem shattered and being stuck...

A box outside of Osprey Hall was taken by UPD after concerns from students were raised.

Suspicious box outside of Osprey Hall causes confusion among students

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter March 14, 2019

*UPDATED: 4:05 p.m. The University of North Florida Police Department responded to a call about a suspicious box located near a trash can located outside of Osprey Hall Monday afternoon. UNFPD found...

Courtesy of College of Computing. Engineering, and Construction.

Emmy nominated host speaks at fifth annual Women Leaders in STEM Conference

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter March 7, 2019

Tuesday morning commenced the start of the fifth annual Women Leaders In STEM Conference with Emmy nominated host, executive producer of “Xploration Outer Space”, Aerospace Engineer and keynote speaker...

Jason Ford. Photo courtesy of the Dothan Eagle.

Imposter softball coach sentenced to 15 years

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter March 5, 2019

Jason Ford pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children back in November of last year, and last week, U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom sentenced Ford to 15 years in prison. Ford was accused of impersonating...

As a part of the Barnes Initiative, they post a picture and profile of a women in STEM every month in female restrooms.

Women in STEM at UNF

Heydi Ortiz March 3, 2019

The majority of college graduates and master’s level degrees are women and 40 percent of the workforce in the United states are also women, according to the Girl Scout Research Institute. Yet, women...

 Graphic  by Rachelle Keller

Police Beat: A cat fight, dating violence and felony amounts of marijuana

Heydi Ortiz, Police Reporter February 28, 2019

Cat fight On Feb. 23, UNFPD responded to a call near UNF drive and Alumni drive about a physical altercation between two females. According to the report the altercation started because one of the females...

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