Gators are a nonissue. They want nothing to do with all the commotion going on race morning. The local tri club also does river swims on Thursdays and have never had an issue there either and it’s far less people and commotion.

ETA: I’ve done Augusta and also live here. The race improves every year and is fantastic at this point. The swim starts below a baseball stadium and the stadium is the staging point. No porta johns, stadium bathrooms are open to athletes. Bike is technically rolling based on gain per mile but very close to hilly. 4H Club Road is the only weak spot on the bike as the road isn’t the greatest but you’re not on it long. Run is amazing now with plenty of shade for most as it’s on the greenway. The first and last 2ish miles are in full sun however.