Faye Williams, a 66-year-old Gainesville social justice activist, founded M.A.M.A.'s Club in 2017. The center, which stands for music, arts, movement and action, is a gathering place for people in East Gainesville to celebrate Black history and attend community events.
![Gainesville Nissan customer Larry Katz found a sanitizer bottle with the racist message, "Chinese Kung-flu Killer" written in black ink in the dealership storeroom. [Photo courtesy of Larry Katz.]](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/ufa/aff0d62b-c48b-4f1e-b171-27ab54025312.sized-1000x1000.jpg?w=1500&ar=4%3A3&fit=crop&crop=faces&facepad=3&auto=format)
Larry Katz went to the Gainesville Nissan dealership Saturday to get his airbags changed when he found a clear hand sanitizer bottle with a racist slur for the COVID-19 virus written across it in black ink, according to a photo posted on Facebook.
Small business owners are struggling to bring back former employees, and others face small applicant pools of mostly inexperienced workers. The shortages come as COVID-19 vaccines enable Americans to return to public spaces — only to find them understaffed.
Founded in 1939, Fisher Farms, a fifth-generation Black-owned farm, supplies produce to North Florida cities. The farm, which grows fruit and seasonal veggies, sells its produce weekly at the 441 Alachua County Farmers’ Market and the GNV Market at Heartwood Soundstage.
In the past year, Gainesville residents dined for the last time at staple eateries like Larry’s Giant Subs, Francesca’s Trattoria, Daybreak Pleasant Street, Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria, Leonardo’s By the Slice, Civilization and Taco Del Mar.
The store offers delivery to the College Park neighborhood, university campus and surrounding areas until 1 a.m. or 3 a.m. depending on the day.
The machine’s opening comes as Thomas celebrates the anniversary of her business, Gurl U Cute Inc. Hair Boutique, in Jacksonville, which she opened after struggling to purchase wigs in the past.
![Lisa Blum and Jenice Bushnell stand in front of Gator Mania with their 12-foot fiberglass alligator. [Photo courtesy of Lisa Blum]](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/ufa/030d181d-991e-4c6e-85cd-195ee5129aac.sized-1000x1000.jpg?w=1500&ar=4%3A3&fit=crop&crop=faces&facepad=3&auto=format)
Gator Mania was one of the last local family-owned UF merchandise stores in Gainesville. In the last year, the city has seen the closing of many other staple businesses near the university, such as The Swamp restaurant and Daybreak Pleasant Street.
The building that houses The Social at Midtown is on the market. The popular restaurant and bar is on University Avenue across the street from UF's campus.
Southwestern Advantage, which sells textbooks, has been the subject of scrutiny by students. The company recruits at UF career fairs and at the Reitz Union, working closely with the UF Career Connections Center. Students say the program is misleading, predatory and unethical.
This year’s county inspection violation rate has decreased about 23%, according to data from the Department of Business & Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Hotels and Restaurants, which oversees public food service establishments.
Multiple reports of mold came from residents living in different buildings on the West 20 property. It is unknown how widespread the issue is.
Half of the money from the Christmas tree sales will go to help children in countries such as Guatemala and Cambodia.
With limited trick-or-treat options, Gainesville residents found other activities to celebrate Halloween
The markets are expected to be open on a month-by-month basis
StreateryGNV allows restaurants to expand their dining outside
Residents who cannot get out of their lease agreements have had to compromise or make costly decisions
Issues include no wifi, power outages, no cellular service and unresponsive management
Many students have been forced to keep their leases for the Fall despite a majority of classes being held online.
Where to celebrate International Sushi Day in Gainesville
Solutions by The State News
