Florida heightens security for game

Despite the cancellation of the Dove World Outreach Center’s plans to burn copies of the Quran on Saturday, the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, University of Florida officials and law enforcement agencies continue to institute plans that will ensure fan safety at Saturday’s Florida-South Florida football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

No specific threats have been made against the university or the University Athletic Association, school officials said Thursday, but the university has heightened security for the game and is currently working with the UF and UPD, along with local, state and federal officials to monitor the situation.

On Thursday, the university issued a release urging fans at Saturday’s game to be cognizant of their surroundings, and to report any suspicious “packages or activities” to police. Due to heightened security, fans have also been asked to arrive at the game earlier than normal and pay particular attention to the list of prohibited items, which will be strictly enforced.

Gates will open at 10:45, and the “Gator Walk” will take place at 10:20, two hours prior to kickoff. 

The planned burning, which had been scheduled for Saturday 6 p.m., had gained significant national and international attention in recent days, and was met with a mixture of anger and outrage from local, national and international organizations.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called the plan “outrageous” and President Barrack Obama on Thursday urged Jones to “listen to those better angels” during an interview on Good Morning America, adding that the church’s objective is “completely contrary to our values as Americans. This country has been built on the notion of freedom and religious tolerance.”

But Thursday afternoon at the outreach center, Rev. Terry Jones, accompanied by Imam Muhammad Musri of the Islamic Society of Central Florida, announced that the event would be canceled and that he was flying to New York to meet with Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, who is behind the planned New York mosque near the site of the World Trade Center, where more than 3,000 people perished when two hijacked airliners, piloted by religious zealots, crashed into and brought down the Twin Towers and nearby buildings back on Sept. 11, 2001.

Rev. Jones said he agreed to cancel his event because Imam Rauf agreed to move the mosque, but Imam Rauf denied that there was any change in plans for the mosque and Islamic center, though Imam Musri said he personally believed that it should be moved while also stating that there was no offer from Imam Rauf to do that, though he hopes dialogue will provide a peaceful resolution for both sides.

IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER: The long-range weather forecast for Saturday’s game is for showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, with high temperatures in the low 90s and evening lows in the mid 70s. The forecast for kickoff at 12:21 p.m. is for sunny skies and 89 degrees (with a heat index of 99 degrees) but by 3 p.m. a front is expected to move in and bring with it showers and possible storms. Fans are urged to be aware of announcements both over the P.A. system and on the video screens if dangerous weather approaches.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE: Due to an expected high heat index for the early-season games, fans are encouraged to properly hydrate and to wear loose clothing and a hat to avoid heat exhaustion.

Sunscreen of at least 30 SPF is recommended, repeating the application several times over the course of the afternoon. Sunscreen should be applied while the skin is dry and four ounces is needed for adequate protection.

People should get out of the sun if dizzy and should drink plenty of fluids, such as water and Gatorade. Another key is to avoid excess alcohol, since it will compound heat problems. Spectators with G-1 respiratory or cardiac disease should be especially careful, and everyone should proceed immediately to an aid station if help is needed.

Guidelines for high-temperature days

● Wear loose fitting clothing and a hat

● Sunscreen of at least 30 SPF – repeat application

● Get out of the sun if dizzy

● Drink plenty of fluids – water and Gatorade

● Avoid excess alcohol – it will compound heat problems

● If you have G-1 respiratory or cardiac disease be especially careful

● Go immediately to an aid station if you need help

Relief from the heat

● Cool Misting Tents in the concourses of the north, south and west sides of the stadium

● Additional fans on east side concourse

● Gator hand fan giveaway at gates courtesy of UF and Shands

● Sunscreen giveaway at Verizon Wireless Gator FanFest outside Gate 2 of the O’Connell Center

● Cooling Hand Towel giveaway at Verizon Wireless Gator FanFest outside Gate 2 of the O’Connell Center

● Plastic cups with ice for free at concessions stands

● 12-ounce waters on sale at concessions stands for $1

● 100 water fountains operational in stadium

● Officers at gates looking out for fans in heat distress and directing to aid stations

● Stephen C. O’Connell Center via Gate 1 will be open for football fans during the second half of the contest with USF (9/11) to watch the game on the big screens and cool down (Spectators must have a football ticket for entrance)

VERIZON GATOR FAN FEST: Located just outside Gate 2 of the Stephen C. O’Connell Center starting at approximately 9 a.m. The first 5,000 fans will receive hand towels as part of the GatorShade Project (Skin Cancer Prevention Awareness). The first 15,000 fans entering the stadium will receive hand fans courtesy of the Florida Lottery.

Fans will have an opportunity to participate in interactive games, meet and receive autographs from Gator athletes, win free prizes and listen to the Gator Network pre-game radio show from 9 a.m. until kickoff.

HELP THE HUNGRY: Additionally, fans can participate in the Gators’ Canned Goods Challenge for Kids. Non-perishable food items will be collected by members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) outside of Gate 2 of the O’Donnell Center. The donations will benefit the Bread of the Mighty Food Bank in the five counties surrounding Gainesville. Suggested items include crackers, granola bars, raisins, peanut butter, canned juices and pudding cups. Canned items include fruit, pasta, soups, beans and vegetables. Boxed items include macaroni and cheese kits, dry pasta, rice, cereal, grits and oatmeal.

GAME 2: SOUTH FLORIDA AT FLORIDA

(Sept. 11, Gainesville, 12:21 p.m., SEC Network)

STORIES

1. Defending Daniels: The Gators know they may not be able to stop the USF quarterback, so they will hope to contain him. By Dugan Arnett

Click: https://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/defending_daniels/9811

2. Nixon Returns, Could Start: Florida’s offensive line gets a boost with the return of left tackle Xavier Nixon. By Dugan Arnett

Click: https://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/nixon_returns_could_start_against_usf/9815

3. UAA Initiatives for Game: Minister cancels burning but football fans are urged to be prudent about possible reaction and weather concerns on ninth anniversary of 9/11.

Click: https://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/university_heightening_stadium_security/9807

ANALYSIS/COMMENTARY

1. The Martin Chronicles: As Butch might have asked Sundance, “Who are those Gators?”

Click: https://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/who_are_these_gators_anyway/9820

2. The matchups: Our Dugan Arnett breaks down the Gators and Bulls offensively, defensively and on special teams.

Click: https://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/how_they_match_up_uf_south_florida/9808

3. For the Defense: Gator great Scot Brantley talks about it with Buddy Martin.

Click: https://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/gctv_scot_brantley_talks_defense/9812

4. On the Offense: Former All-America wide receiver Reidel Anthony reviews the first game.

Click: https://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/reidel_anthonys_offensive_analysis/9799

5. The Gator Country Top 25: After the first weekend of play, the Gators find themselves fourth.

Click: https://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/gc_top_25_week_2/9809

DATA CENTRAL

1. To see Florida schedule, depth chart, roster and stats for South Florida, click below:

https://www.gatorcountry.com/swampgas/showthread.php?t=163897

2. For South Florida schedule, depth chart, roster and statis, click below:

https://www.gatorcountry.com/swampgas/showthread.php?t=163899

3. How and where to see, hear and follow the game action, click below:

http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=18646

4. To see the Week 2 schedule of college games, click below:

https://www.gatorcountry.com/swampgas/showthread.php?t=164095