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Tuesday, August 26, 2025

The Avenue | Lifestyle

THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

The 2024 leap year reveals local traditions, celebrations and superstitions

Jazzlyn Harrell eagerly punched her number into the keypad in her elementary school lunch line over 20 years ago. More satisfying than the lunch she was served, she savored the ‘Happy birthday’ message that lit up on the screen. Unlike her classmates, she would have to wait another four years to see it again. Harrell, now a 31-year-old Alachua County elementary school counselor, is a ‘leapling,’ a person born Feb. 29. For her, the date brings memories of both small delights and mild frustrations.


Midtown bars are seen on University Avenue in Gainesville on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.
THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Stuck in traffic: Gainesville roads and rush hour pose serious problems for students, locals

Ongoing construction, irregular traffic lights, limited parking spaces and pedestrian pathways along certain roads raise questions of concern for Gainesville residents as they navigate the city. The presence of a public university and relentless residential communities within an approximately 64-square-mile space creates congestion in this college-town reminiscent of that in a big city. 


THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Gainesville’s beauty industry: Nailing customer service

There’s a familiar comfort that comes from sitting across the same trusty nail technician for a bi-weekly touch up. Their trusted hands and creative eyes have been there for every birthday, anniversary or other special occasion. These nail technicians, or nail techs, have unique skills and creativity as well as a dedication to their clients that have fostered lifelong relationships.



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