On April 28, a fire severely damaged the multi-story blue-and-red building on Northwest Sixth Street that housed Outreach Thrift for 12 years, prompting a temporary relocation to 927 NW 13th St.
From style to personal wellness, some Black-owned businesses in Gainesville try to go a step further in caring for and improving locals’ wellbeing. As National Black Business Month comes to a close at August’s end, here’s some local spots to visit.
Over the past three months, five Gainesville restaurants have shut down after food inspections revealed high-priority violations, according to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. They have all since reopened.
Program cuts for Florida food assistance programs leave patrons with fewer options for fresh produce, impacting several farmers markets in Alachua County.
Although deRochemont wasn't a familiar face to all Gainesville residents, the weekly messages he left behind on National Vaccum’s marquee were. DeRochemont passed away on March 31 from liver cancer. He was 86.
The growing robotaxi industry is a cause for concern among ride-share drivers.
Every year, Gainesville businesses brace for a mass exodus as UF students leave for break, creating substantial barriers for those that can't adapt.
Jon DeCarmine, CEO of GRACE Marketplace, has resigned. He will be replaced by John Thomas beginning next year.
Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump don’t often agree, yet both have proposed eliminating the federal income tax on tips. Some tipped employees in Gainesville are supportive of the idea, while others remain unsure of the benefits.
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed all state arts and culture grants without warning July 12. Over $1 million was requested from Alachua County organizations alone, and though some applications were initially approved, all funds were later denied. The Hippodrome is one of 600 Florida organizations reeling from the cuts to funding they historically relied on.
Under a canopy on a warm day, about 30 attendees gathered to practice mindfulness, grounding and positive affirmations at a drag yoga session June 23.
In a Gainesville barbershop, colorful capes adorn each chair. Clippers buzz in the background of group conversations under a bright LED ceiling.
Costco Wholesale, beloved big-box warehouse chain and world’s largest organic food retailer, has 31 Florida locations. But Gainesville residents must drive two hours north to Jacksonville or two hours south to Orlando if they want to stock up on industrial-sized bags of coffee beans, browse free samples or feast on $1.50 hot dogs from the food court.
Another lawsuit was filed against a High Springs restaurant owner, who’s being sued for defaulting on mortgages of the Pink Flamingo Diner and Great Outdoors restaurants, Nov. 7.
After 12 years of business, The Rowdy Reptile and Fat Daddy’s — located at Midtown on the corner of University Avenue and Northwest 17th Street — announced Aug. 25 they will be closing their doors and reopening under new ownership.
Solutions by The State News
