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Sunday, October 26, 2025

A glance at reality for Gainesville City Commissioner-at-Large Reina Saco

Reina Saco and her family immigrated from Cuba to the United States when she was 4. They were held in a refugee camp for about a year before being paroled. Today, she is a Gainesville city commissioner-at-large -- a highly educated woman who strives to assist low-income and immigrant community members while maintaining the city's safety. Saco recently gave birth to her first child, Jojo. She works with her husband, Adam, to balance motherhood and government all at once. Holding a powerful position as a woman, immigrant and mother puts her in uncomfortable and dangerous situations daily, yet she remains brave and bold in her actions, words and lifestyle. 


Madilyn Gemme

Madilyn Gemme is the Spring 2025 Multimedia Editor and a second-year specializing in visual journalism. You might recognize her work for several other organizations, including the UAA, Strike Magazine, WUFT and SG. In her free time she enjoys traveling, watching new movies and running her business, Gemme Photography.

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Gainesville's first Great Pumpkin Bash attracted about 200 visitors of all ages on Oct. 11. Families walked around the plaza, pushing strollers and walking dogs. Vendors sold food, drinks and clothes, while tablers offered information about their organizations. The inaugural fall festival also featured face painting, a scavenger hunt and musical chairs with polka renditions of pop songs.

The First Annual Great Pumpkin Bash

Gainesville's first Great Pumpkin Bash attracted about 200 visitors of all ages on Oct. 11. Families walked around the plaza, pushing strollers and walking dogs. Vendors sold food, drinks and clothes, while tablers offered information about their organizations. The inaugural fall festival also featured face painting, a scavenger hunt and musical chairs with polka renditions of pop songs.


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