PHOTO GALLERY: Gainesville is mix of Gator football, Southern culture

On a spring day in March, students flood Turlington Plaza at the center of the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Fla. Like much of the campus, Turlington Plaza is built of red brick and draped in Spanish moss — an eerie, flimsy plant that grows in the wind and hangs from trees in the southern U.S. During school hours, Turlington Plaza sees more foot traffic than the gates of Disney World.   |  Anthony Schick

Century Tower is a landmark on the campus in Gainesville. The 157-foot tower in the center of campus, next to the bustling Turlington Plaza, was built in 1953 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the university's Kingsbury Academy in Ocala, Fla. It also serves as a memorial for students killed in World War I and World War II.   |  Anthony Schick

University of Florida freshman Dante Frisiello pounds his way up the steps at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the home of the Florida Gators and known to locals as "The Swamp." The stadium remains open to the public nearly every day of the year, and students often exercise or eat lunch there.   |  Anthony Schick

Eight weekends per year, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, hosts the roar of a crowd that rivals the population of Gainesville, Fla. Since 1990, the Gators have the winningest program in Division I NCAA football, including two recent national championships in 2006 and 2008.   |  Anthony Schick

A painter launches into a new project as part of "Art Walk," a festival held at the end of every month in downtown Gainesville. Joining him is a group of musicians and various folks snared by the moment, dancing, dining, hula hooping and watching the artists at work.   |  Anthony Schick

At the steps of the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville, Fla., photographers showcase work for sale and the local Humane Society showcases dogs available for adoption. The converted post office hosts film screenings, art galleries, plays and 10 different festivals each year.   |  Anthony Schick

A cyclist winds his way down a trail in late March in the wildlife area of Lake Alice in Gainesville. The lake is a sanctuary within the city for many types of wildlife including birds, bats and alligators.   |  Anthony Schick

A family visiting Gainesville, Fla., takes pictures of the alligators at Lake Alice, a swampy expanse on the University of Florida campus. Lake Alice is a favorite of many in Gainesville, from its bat house and wildlife area to the small chapel in the background where many alumni get married.   |  Anthony Schick

An alligator rests against the bank at one of the many scenic bluffs at Lake Alice where visitors can view wildlife. Half a dozen gators lurked in the water around the bluff.   |  Anthony Schick