Skip to Main Content
UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

Nathan Turoff

Nathan Turoff, Volunteer

Nathan is a theatre/english major at the University of North Florida. He is very interested in theatrical works and dramaturgy. His hobbies include building Lego sets, acting, and watching movies. He is an avid gamer, playing video games, board games, and role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons.

All content by Nathan Turoff
Mount Rushmore

Why doesn’t UNF have Presidents Day off?

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor February 21, 2022

Today is Presidents Day which is celebrated annually every third Monday of February. One of 11 Federal holidays throughout the year, most Federal agencies and employees have full paid leave for the day....

UNF’s core campus, screenshot taken from the official UNF digital map.

The “Founding Fathers” of UNF and their buildings

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor February 18, 2022

The University of North Florida undoubtedly has a large campus. When you remove the nature preserves from the total land owned by UNF, the area of usable space on-campus is just under 1000 acres. For reference,...

Strawberry Shortcake.

Strawberry Shortcake named official Florida dessert

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor February 15, 2022

Most states in the U.S. have their own symbols. These are often nicknames, animals, and foods that are chosen by each state’s government to represent their state. For example, Florida’s nickname is...

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.

“Encanto,” a spoiler-filled movie review

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor February 7, 2022

I had very low expectations going into this movie, as most of Disney’s recent films had been generic sequels to its cash-crop movies like “Frozen.” I was completely wrong. Upon first viewing,...

SG - Student Government

SG releases new Osprey Voice on Drink Cards

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor February 2, 2022

Student Government has released its monthly Osprey Voice survey. This edition of their questionnaire, besides the basic questions covering race, sex, and graduation year, the main intention is to ask students...

The official UNF seal, courtesy of UNF

The evolution of the UNF logo

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor February 2, 2022

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the University of North Florida. That’s 50 years of students, faculty, staff, and more. But there is one thing that might first come to mind when you think of...

Four police cars sit parked in the parking lot outside the UNF Thomas G. Carpenter Library.

Updated: Increased police presence at UNF Tuesday after reported threat, multiple events canceled

Nathan Turoff and Carter Mudgett February 1, 2022

(Updated 10:00 am Tuesday, Feb 1, with new information.) After the social media threat, UNF announced that the "Wear a Hijab" event as well as all fraternity and sorority events have been canceled Tuesday. Originally...

Graphic by Spinnaker Creative Services.

UNF COVID cases explode to highest number ever

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor January 18, 2022

COVID-19 cases among UNF students and employees have erupted to the highest levels ever recorded. Last week, Spinnaker reported how in the week prior to the start of the Spring semester, almost all COVID-19...

UFF-UNF logo. Courtesy of the UFF-UNF website.

Faculty raise concerns over COVID-19 in open letter to UNF Interim President Chally

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor January 13, 2022

A recurring theme from the last semester, UNF faculty again have major safety concerns regarding COVID-19 as the Spring semester begins, as detailed in an open letter to Interim President Chally. The Omicron...

Graphic by Spinnaker Creative Services.

UNF COVID cases surge as students return

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor January 10, 2022

For any students hoping for a completely COVID-free experience on-campus this semester, it would seem things are not shaping up to be that way. UNF has seen a massive increase in COVID cases as students...

UNF logo

What is staying open at UNF over winter break?

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor December 16, 2021

Finals week is almost done, which means that our official three-week winter break isn’t far away. Lasting until classes resume on Monday, January 10th, 2022, many students that aren’t from Jacksonville...

Osprey Fountains is one of the three on-campus housing communities eligible for room reassignment in the fall. (Photo courtesy of Housing and Residence Life)

Updated: UNF Osprey Fountains evacuated over ‘malfunctioning fire alarm’

Carter Mudgett and Nathan Turoff December 7, 2021

(Updated at 10:45 am on Dec. 7) According to the university, "the alarm this morning at Osprey Fountains was due to a malfunctioning fire alarm device." UNF reassures students that university maintenance...

A Holiday themed display case in the Bookstore.

Top UNF gifts this holiday season

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor December 3, 2021

December has officially begun, and that means that we are reaching the peak of the shopping season in preparation for holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah. Parents love to celebrate the college of their...

A black cat is seen hiding behind students' bikes, photo by Nathan Turoff

Housing responds to feral cats at Osprey Fountains

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor December 2, 2021

Have you seen cats running around near Osprey Fountains? If so, you’re not alone. There has been a wide array of feral cats seen near the upper-classmen residence hall in recent years.  UNF is no...

Santa Claus holding glasses afraid and shocked with surprise and amazed expression, fear and excited face.

Spinnaker’s playlist of the best holiday songs

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor November 30, 2021

The holiday season is here, which can mean a lot of things. Colder Weather, Shorter days, Holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah, etc. One of the most iconic elements of the season is the plethora of music...

UNF logo

Water Advisory on UNF campus; Starbucks and Chick-fil-A closed

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor November 29, 2021

Last night, an alert was sent to UNF students via myWings notifying them that a water main had burst. This means that water taken from on-campus is not currently potable and should not be drunken by students...

The former Arena Walkway after the collision, with the road temporarily blocked off
Photo by Mark Judson

Will UNF ever see a return of the Arena Walkway?

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor November 12, 2021

To any student who started attending UNF in the past five years, they would have never known that there was once an elevated Arena Walkway connecting the Arena to the Arena Garage, safely above traffic....

Courtesy of SDS

SDS meets UNF Administration

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor November 12, 2021

In an update to our previous article covering the Students for a Democratic Society’s (SDS) letter of demands for the UNF Administration, they have actually already held a meeting together. Spinnaker...

SDS releases list of demands, UNF responds

SDS releases list of demands, UNF responds

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor November 10, 2021

(Editor’s Note: SDS has met UNF Administration) Following up on their Black Lives Matter Rally last month, the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) released a list of demands to the UNF Administration. In...

Photo by Timothy Eberly via Unsplash.

Why doesn’t UNF have the full week of Thanksgiving off?

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor November 9, 2021

Any and all students need breaks within the wind and grind of homework and jobs, but not all these breaks are created equal. For both the Spring and Fall semesters, there is a relatively large respite...

Photo courtesy of University of North Florida.

‘We’ve centralized the graduation experience’: understanding the timeline for the Winter 2021 graduation

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor November 8, 2021

We are only a few days into November, but the rest of this month will fly by quickly, and soon December will be here. For over one thousand students, that means graduation. Spinnaker met with Colin McKinney,...

Courtesy of NOAA/Unsplash

Florida under Tornado watch until 5 p.m.

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor October 28, 2021

Much of North and Central Florida is currently under a tornado watch. First issued at 9 a.m. this morning, The National Weather Service announced that dozens of Florida counties, including Duval, are currently...

Halloween Events happening at UNF

Halloween Events happening at UNF

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor October 26, 2021

Spooky Season has arrived in full force this week, with Halloween just around the corner. A hallmark of the holiday is costumes, candy, and scaring people. Many students are attending UNF from far away,...

Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen speaks during a hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security, on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Facebook and its effects on society; UNF professor elaborates

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor October 22, 2021

Facebook and its contemporaries have come under increased scrutiny from the government and general public over their questionable practices and frequent breaches of information. This comes after early...

A man stands close to the rubble of a collapsed building in Jeremie, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, four days after the city was struck by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Why does Haiti get so many earthquakes?

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor October 18, 2021

It should be no surprise that Haiti is a frequent victim of earthquakes. Just two months ago, Haiti was rocked by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, causing billions in property damage and left thousands dead....

SDS holds Black Lives Matter Rally on Campus

SDS holds Black Lives Matter Rally on Campus

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor October 14, 2021

(Updated 11:45 am Oct. 22 to include SDS statement) UNF Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) held our annual Black Lives Matter on October 11th, 2021. After a history of racist events on campus, such...

Inside Osprey Life and Productions

Inside Osprey Life and Productions

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor October 12, 2021

If you have attended any events on-campus, such as during Week of Welcome, drive-in movies, or the recent Battle of the Bands, you've probably noticed that most of these events have one major thing in...

Water Fountain inequality on campus

Water Fountain inequality on campus

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor October 5, 2021

Introduced to UNF back in 2013, anyone who has been on campus has probably seen these unique water fountains.  These are Elkay EZ H20 purified water refillers. Often attached to a traditional water...

Announcement of Hamilton’s rescheduled performances, courtesy of FSCJ.

Hamilton finally arrives in Jacksonville

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor October 4, 2021

After a delay of over a year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the beloved and much anticipated musical Hamilton is finally coming to Jacksonville. This iconic hip-hop rap musical was a hit with audiences...

The Thomas G. Carpenter library.  Photo by Colin McCann

UNF library celebrates Banned Books week

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor September 28, 2021

The UNF library started celebrating banned books week on Monday, Sep. 27. This week-long celebration brings attention to the countless books that are often banned from local libraries for a multitude of...

The Search for Sgt. Quackers

The Search for Sgt. Quackers

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor September 27, 2021

If you live on-campus this semester, you've probably been to the Library. If you've been to the library, you've probably also seen a certain large floating goldfish in the nearby lake. That is Colonel...

UNF's new pool complex officially opens

UNF’s new pool complex officially opens

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor September 22, 2021

Recently, UNF's new official pool complex opened to the public. After a high-profile ceremony held in the Field House, the site of the old Pool almost 10 years ago, the ribbon was cut for the new pool. The...

People attend an abortion access rally in front of the San Pedro Playhouse in San Antonio, Texas, USA on September 1, 2021. The rally is in response to SB8, a new Texas state law that bans abortion after as early as six weeks into pregnancy.

UNF Professor elaborates on abortion law passed in Texas

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor September 20, 2021

Earlier this month, Texas's new abortion law went into effect after the Supreme Court declined to block it. This is, as of writing, the most restrictive abortion law currently in effect in the country....

Stacking milk crates: pleasing or perilous?

Stacking milk crates: pleasing or perilous?

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor September 16, 2021

Last month, The milk crate challenge became very popular on TikTok, but for all the wrong reasons. Reckless people dangerously climbing pyramids of milk crates sent several people to the hospital.  The...

Graphic by Spinnaker Creative Services.

UNF COVID-19 cases see significant decrease

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor September 13, 2021

UNF has seen a significant decrease in overall COVID cases for the first full week of September. Compared to last week, the number of cases decreased by over 60 percent. Visualization of Cases, compiled...

Screenshot of the Master Plan Grand map, courtesy of UNF

UNF Master Plan Explained; What changes can students expect in the next few years?

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor September 13, 2021

Every 10 years, state-funded Universities like UNF are required to craft a master plan to submit to the Board of Governors (BOG). This master plan covers many proposed improvements and changes to UNF’s...

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

What are the most common Emotional Support Animals among UNF students?

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor September 9, 2021

Studies have shown that our generation is far more likely than other generations to suffer from anxiety and depression. This cannot be attributed to one singular source, but it is alarming for our future. While...

What is Labor Day?

What is Labor Day?

Carter Mudgett and Nathan Turoff September 6, 2021

Another year has passed and Labor Day has given students their long-awaited three-day weekend, but what is this holiday and why do we celebrate it? First off, it’s a federally recognized holiday, meaning...

Flowers are placed at the star of late actor Edward Asner on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Los Angeles. Edward Asner, who became a star in middle age as the gruff but lovable newsman Lou Grant in both the television comedy "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and the drama "Lou Grant," died on Sunday at 91. (Ringo Chiu via AP)

Ed Asner passes away, UNF students respond

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor September 1, 2021

Last Sunday, beloved actor Ed Asner passed away at the age of 91. He was known for his roles in Cobra Kai, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Up. Outside of acting, he was also a prominent activist. Spinnaker...

Graphic by Spinnaker Creative Services.

UNF sees large increase in COVID Cases

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 30, 2021

UNF has seen a massive increase in COVID cases. Last week, there were over twice as many cases compared to the previous week.  There was an increase in cases among off-campus students, on-campus...

What's with all the campus construction?

What’s with all the campus construction?

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 27, 2021

UNF students, whether they were living on campus last year or are returning to campus for the first time in over a year due to COVID, will find a few things have changed since they were last here, and...

A student listens to the teacher's instructions at iPrep Academy on the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, in Miami. Schools in Miami-Dade County opened Monday with a strict mask mandate to guard against coronavirus infections. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

‘Demoralized and helpless,’ UNF faculty afraid to return to campus, feel the university is not doing enough

Nathan Turoff and Carter Mudgett August 25, 2021

The fall semester has officially started and UNF is attempting to make a return to normalcy. The University has set a “strong expectation” for students to wear masks indoors but has fallen short of...

Photo by UNF spinnaker

Freshmen Guide to Parking at UNF

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 23, 2021

To an incoming Freshman, driving and parking on campus here at UNF can seem overwhelming. What is a gray lot? What is a blue lot? Do I need to place a permit hanging in my car? Spinnaker is here to help...

Homes lay in ruins along an earthquake-damaged road in Rampe, Haiti, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, four days after 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the southwestern part of the country. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

UNF Black Student Union president speaks out on crises in Haiti

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 20, 2021

To say that Haiti is having a rough time would be an absolute understatement. Last Saturday, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the island nation. Over a thousand people have died from this earthquake,...

UNF Professor provides insight on how to create a new major

UNF Professor provides insight on how to create a new major

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 19, 2021

Earlier this month, Spinnaker sent out a poll asking students what majors and degrees they wish were offered here at UNF. While the desired majors and degrees were very diverse, there was a lot of total...

Graphic by Spinnaker Creative Services.

UNF Sees slight decrease in COVID cases

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 17, 2021

Classes resume next Monday, and Students are beginning to move in for the fall semester. Many students, such as RA’s and summer students, have already been on campus for weeks or even longer.  This...

Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels.

Tropical Depression Fred nears Cuba, heading towards Florida

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 13, 2021

Tropical Depression Fred appears to be off the Northeast coast of Cuba, at the time of writing, and is heading straight for the Gulf Coast of Florida. Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect...

Pamela Chally, photo courtesy of UNF

UNF Board of Trustees Appoints Pamela Chally as Interim President

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 12, 2021

This morning, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved Pamela Chally as the interim president. She is replacing President Szymanski, who will be leaving his position to become the CEO of MedNexus....

Swoop Troupe's new logo referencing the show

Swoop Troupe Announces “Lightning Thief” as their next Musical

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 12, 2021

The writer is a member of Swoop Troupe. Last week, UNF’s premiere theatre group, the Swoop Troupe Theatre Corporation, announced “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” as its musical...

UNF logo

UNF releases statement setting ‘strong expectation’ for mask wearing

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 10, 2021

UNF just announced that "effective immediately," all people on UNF property are strongly encouraged to wear masks indoors, vaccinated or not. Screenshot of release. This carefully worded statement...

Photo by Justin Nedrow

UNF students share what degrees and programs they wish UNF offered

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 6, 2021

It's not a controversial statement to say that UNF does not have every major someone could want. Among several different Colleges, there are numerous programs, degrees, and majors that are noticeably absent. But...

UNF logo

University releases statement on rising COVID-19 cases

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 4, 2021

COVID cases are rising throughout Florida, which comes as UNF is preparing to fully reopen in the fall semester.  UNF itself is seeing a large increase in COVID-19 cases to their highest levels in...

Photo by Justin Nedrow

UNF sees significant increase in COVID cases

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor August 2, 2021

It would seem that COVID cases continue to rise at UNF. Compared to the previous week, overall COVID-19 cases have risen to a total of 22 cases among students, and nine among employees. Compared...

Spinnaker Poll: How many students are vaccinated?; UNF student thoughts on getting the vaccine

Spinnaker Poll: How many students are vaccinated?; UNF student thoughts on getting the vaccine

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor July 29, 2021

The number of COVID cases is rising again among communities as vaccinations stagger. Several different demographics are recording lower vaccination rates than normal, and one of them is young adults.  Vaccination...

SG - Student Government

Students’ thoughts on Student Government

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor July 27, 2021

Between the recent resignation of former Senate President Rachel Saunders, the release of the disparaging group chats, and many other factors, Student Government has been the center of a lot of controversy. But...

An Emmy statuette is seen on set during the virtual 73rd Emmy Awards Nominations Announcements via live streaming on Emmys.com from ShowPro Live Studios on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images)

2021 Emmy nominations announced

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor July 16, 2021

On Tuesday afternoon, the list of nominees for the 73rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards was announced. The Emmys are the pinnacle awards ceremony dedicated to the best of television programming and serve...

Greenland Shark, photo by NOAA Ocean Explorer.

Shark Week: ‘shark’ species you may not know

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor July 14, 2021

This week is the annual Television tradition of Shark Week. That means large amounts of shark coverage and shark programming, courtesy of the Discovery Channel.   However, as Spinnaker learned...

Screenshot of the alert

“Fatal Traffic Accident” occurs on UNF Campus

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor July 11, 2021

This afternoon, Ospreys received a push alert that a traffic accident occurred on UNF property.    Very little is known at this time, but the accident has resulted in a death, with someone...

This satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Hurricane Elsa moving through the Caribbean, over Barbados, Tuesday, July 2, 2021, at 12:00 Z (8am a.m. ET). Elsa was expected to pass near the southern coast of Hispaniola on Saturday and to move near Jamaica and portions of eastern Cuba on Sunday. (NOAA/NESDIS/STAR GOES via AP)

Tropical Storm Elsa hitting Florida Keys

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor July 6, 2021

As of 11 a.m. Tuesday morning, Tropical Storm Elsa has left Cuba, and is now over the Florida Keys, according to the National Hurricane Center.   Moving northwest at a slow speed of 10 mph,...

The common LGBT Flag, created by Gilbert Baker.

A guide to some of the flags of the LGBTQIA+ community

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor June 21, 2021

Every year, Pride Month is celebrated in June. Everyone knows of the iconic rainbow flag, but what many may not know is that there are other pride flags with their own specific meanings as well. LGBTQ+...

Photo by Discovery

The Controversial History of Shark Week

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor June 17, 2021

Shark Week is an iconic part of American television culture. Shark Week has been going strong on Discovery for over thirty years. However, in recent years, Shark Week has received a lot of backlash from...

A statue of former Vice President John C. Calhoun, a South Carolina native, stands in the lobby of the Statehouse on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. Republican South Carolina legislative leaders are unlikely this year to give permission to local governments or colleges who want to take down Confederate statues or rename buildings honoring segregationists. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

UNF students’ thoughts on renaming high schools named after Confederates

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor June 4, 2021

In recent years, statues, monuments, and other things celebrating Confederate leaders have been facing increasing scrutiny. This also includes things explicitly and intentionally named after them, like...

Gulf Coast v East Coast

Gulf Coast v East Coast

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor June 3, 2021

Florida is often viewed as the quintessential vacation destination for the entire country. This is primarily due to 2 factors: Its large number of tourist destinations, such as Disney and Universal, and...

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis leaves the site of an appearance, Thursday, May 6, 2021, in West Palm Beach, Fla.  DeSantis has signed a sweeping elections bill into law that he and other Republicans said would place guardrails against fraud, even though there were no signs of voter irregularities in the November presidential election.  (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

UNF professor explains Florida’s new voting law

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor May 26, 2021

On the heels of Georgia's infamous new voting law, Florida Republicans introduced their own voting law, and it was quickly passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. Desantis. UNF Political Professor...

The Magic Kingdom Park and Monorail / Photo by Nathan Turoff

Disney and Universal update their mask guidelines

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor May 19, 2021

Last week the CDC announced updated mask guidelines, including the anticipated recommendation that vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask outside. Following this announcement, the two most iconic...

Photo by Zach Vessels on Unsplash

CDC announces that vaccinated people don’t need masks indoors or outdoors

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor May 13, 2021

This afternoon, the CDC updated its guidance on mask-wearing, saying that fully vaccinated people may take off their masks both indoors and outdoors.  This is a big deal, and it officially allows us...

Update on the New “Anti-Mob” bill

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor May 10, 2021

Last winter, Spinnaker covered a story of how Florida Governor Ron Desantis had introduced a controversial bill aimed at curbing mob violence in response to the nationwide protests last summer after the...

May the Fourth: Star Wars Day

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor May 5, 2021

Yesterday, May 4, you may have heard some people use the phrase, “May the Fourth be with you.” May 4 is the official unofficial Star Wars Day. Ever since the first movie premiered in 1977, Star Wars...

The Ozfest Poster, courtesy of Osprey Life and Productions.

Ozfest to happen tomorrow

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor April 7, 2021

To celebrate the end of the school year, Osprey Life and Productions is holding its annual Ozfest this Thursday, April 8, featuring Diplo and MAX. Diplo is an American DJ famous for songs such as “Where...

Credit to Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash.

A guide to de-escalating roommate fights

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor April 5, 2021

When living with someone, fights and conflicts are inevitable. Suppressing anger and discontent with your roommate, or significant other, allows the repressed feelings to build up and eventually explode....

UNF's plans for transitioning from Spring to Summer

UNF’s plans for transitioning from Spring to Summer

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor March 30, 2021

In emails sent to all students over myWings in the past few weeks, the University has announced its plans to have all students living on-campus move out at the end of the semester, and all summer students...

Screenshot of a portion of the email announcement.

UNF announces plans to fully re-open in fall semester

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor March 16, 2021

Last week, UNF announced that it plans to return to “pre-COVID ” university operations in the fall semester. An email was sent out to all students by the university’s marketing team. This...

UNF’s overall rankings, screenshot taken from Rate My Professors.

How does UNF hold up on Rate My Professor?

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor February 25, 2021

According to a recent poll conducted by Spinnaker, many students feel as if UNF offers bad advising, which is detrimental to the overall graduation rate of its students. While it still hasn’t been determined ...

Detail view of Super Bowl LV logo on the field from an elevated position before Super Bowl 55 NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021 in Tampa, Fla. (Ric Tapia via AP)

The history of American football

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor February 21, 2021

Less than two weeks ago, The Tampa Buccaneers beat the Kansas City Chiefs and won Super Bowl LV. Football is seen as a quintessential mainstay of American Culture, and it has been for decades, but why?...

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock (10495280a)
Golden Globe statues appear on stage at the nominations for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills, Calif. The 77th annual Golden Globe Awards will be held on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020
77th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Nominations, Beverly Hills, USA - 09 Dec 2019

Golden Globe Nominees announced

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor February 3, 2021

The nominations for the annual Golden Globe Awards were announced today, Feb. 3. The 2021 Golden Globes recognize the greatest achievements in both television and film over the year of 2020, a year marked...

Update on UNF's pool construction

Update on UNF’s pool construction

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor January 28, 2021

One of the most interesting sights to behold post winter break for returning students was the large fence tarps and construction behind the Wellness Center adjacent to the Field House. For the hundreds...

The now halved Game Room, Photo by Darvin Nelson

Game Room re-opens today

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor January 19, 2021

After what felt like an eternity, the UNF Game Room re-opens this week. Almost a year and a half after Student Government announced its controversial decision to bisect the Game Room’s space to make...

Farewell to Howard the Duck

Farewell to Howard the Duck

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor January 15, 2021

 As an avid Howard fan, and the former Critter Columnist, writing this is easily the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever had to write about. I had been putting it off for months, keeping optimistic that...

Step-by-step guide to moving in on campus

Step-by-step guide to moving in on campus

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor January 5, 2021

Spring semester starts tomorrow and there may be a great deal of confusion and misinformation about the protocols in place regarding the required testing. Spinnaker has created a step-by-step guide to...

Image courtesy of Google Chrome

Netlix’s ‘The Prom’ review

Nathan Turoff, Student Government Reporter January 4, 2021

Netflix’s “The Prom” shines with pizazz and the Broadway style, but it held short of greatness by a few glaring flaws. The movie musical is based on the Broadway musical of the same name and stars...

Photo from CDC

Top three COVID-19 areas in Duval

Nathan Turoff, Student Government Reporter December 18, 2020

Duval County, which includes UNF, is one of the most populous counties in Florida. As such, one would assume that they would have a high number of COVID-19 infections, and that would be correct. But where...

Photo from CDC

Dr. Perez explains Post-COVID Syndrome

Nathan Turoff, Student Government Reporter December 14, 2020

What comes after COVID-19? For some people, that answer is Post-COVID Syndrome. That is when milder symptoms of COVID-19 persist for any amount of time after you have had the virus. Dr. Doreen Perez, Student...

Hanukkah begins tonight

Nathan Turoff, Student Government Reporter December 10, 2020

Today marks the first day of the Jewish Festival of Hanukkah. Hanukkah is often viewed as the Jewish equivalent to Christmas, as they occur near the same time and involve a similar gift exchange. However,...

Some of the holiday celebrations you may not know about

Nathan Turoff, Student Government Reporter December 4, 2020

December truly is the holiday season. From Christmas festivities alone, December is often thought of as the most festive month of the year. Just about everyone knows about Christmas, arguably the most...

Gov. Desantis’ new “Anti-mob” bill

Nathan Turoff, Student Government Reporter December 2, 2020

A few weeks ago, Florida Governor Ron Desantis proposed a change to the state’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law as part of his “anti-mob” legislation in response to the civil unrest following...

Image Courtesy of St. Augustine Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program.

Shipwreck unearthed at St. Augustine

Nathan Turoff, Student Government Reporter November 30, 2020

Earlier this month, an 1800’s shipwreck was uncovered at Crescent Beach in St. Augustine. Beach erosion and changing tides led to the discovery of the wreck. The St. Augustine Lighthouse Archaeological...

SG - Student Government

New SG senators sworn in; Senate unanimously passes bill condemning sexual assault

Nathan Turoff, Student Government Reporter November 25, 2020

After almost an entire month since the end of the Student Government Elections, after almost a dozen complaints, the UNF election season is finally over. The Senate also finally passed their resolution...

What's up with parking tickets? SG gives insight into the process

What’s up with parking tickets? SG gives insight into the process

Nathan Turoff, Student Government Reporter November 20, 2020

Parking is seen as one of the most daunting and challenging aspects of campus life by many students. Even with a lower number of on-campus residents, finding parking and not getting ticketed still proves...

Alligator or dinosaur?

Alligator or dinosaur?

Nathan Turoff, Government Reporter November 19, 2020

This is not Jurassic Park, dinosaurs do not roam amongst us. Last week an enormous alligator was seen strutting his scales on a Florida golf course. However, according to Assistant Biology Professor, and...

SG - Student Government

Whatever happened to SG elections?

Nathan Turoff, Student Government Reporter November 12, 2020

The main talk of the last two weeks has been the presidential election, but whatever happened in the UNF Student Government Elections? It has been three weeks now since the election was finished, and the...

Photo courtesy of CNN

Can President Trump really stop votes from being counted?

Nathan Turoff, Student Government Reporter November 5, 2020

Donald Trump appears to be losing this election. As of writing, Joe Biden has a large electoral lead over Trump, with a few swing states still counting votes. Trump’s path to victory is inarguably narrowing....

Load More Stories