The Avenue | Lifestyle - The Independent Florida Alligator

The red tegu is seen at the Gator City Reptiles store on Friday, July 28, 2023.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Florida increases penalty for release of non-native venomous reptiles

By Valentina Sarmiento | July 31, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis approved HB 1161, a bill revising the penalties for released or escaped non-native venomous reptiles. The bill increased the previous penalty for dealing with venomous reptiles without a license issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission from a criminal misdemeanor to a felony charge.

Ron Johnson, 55, spends his afternoon fishing at Newnans Lake on Saturday, July 29, 2023.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Florida Legislature proposes amendment to preserve hunting and fishing rights

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 31, 2023

On April 28, the Florida Senate passed House Bill 1157, a bill that protects the rights of hunters and fishers by adding an amendment to the Florida Constitution. The proposed amendment will be added to the November 2024 state ballot. If Florida voters pass the bill, it will be added to the Florida Constitution.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville’s beauty industry: Nailing customer service

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 17, 2023

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.

The interior of Liberty Street Pub is seen at 1718 W University Ave.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

New Midtown pub to replace Grog House Bar & Grill

By Leia Ulrich | July 17, 2023

When Grog House Bar & Grill officially closed its doors in May, students wondered if this was the beginning of the end for Midtown. They didn’t yet know something new was coming. In its place, Liberty Street Pub will be opening Aug. 11 at 1718 W University Ave.

Customers gather around the "bud bar," a round table showcasing dozens of cannabis strains at Cookies on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Popular chain dispensary opens on 13th Street

By Alexia Paz | July 10, 2023

A line of about 50 cannabis lovers wrapped around the side of the new Cookies dispensary awaiting its grand opening, some of them even camping out overnight.

Joey Alfonso, 24, is seen at the UF Bat Houses in his bat suit on Monday, May 29, 2023.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville residents bring superheroes to life

By Gracey Davis | July 6, 2023

What started as a simple walk down Newberry Road in a Batman suit for a 24-year-old Gainesville resident has turned into an opportunity to share joy with the local community. Joey Alfonso has spent the past four months sporting his Batman cosplay in Gainesville and neighboring cities, sharing positivity associated with the character he loves.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Weekend in the Swamp: An itinerary for new and returning gators

By Valentina Sarmiento | July 3, 2023

Students coming to the swamp for Summer B classes are preparing for the course load that awaits them. To avoid getting bogged down, the Avenue created a weekend itinerary for students looking to balance academics with back-to-school fun.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

The Avenue Roundtable: What to do the first week back

By Avenue Staff | July 3, 2023

If your summer classes already have you stressed out, take a look at The Avenue’s list of fun things to do this week. Whether you want something lively or relaxed, we’ve got you covered.

Besides the natural springs, visitors can explore several local restaurants at High Springs' main street.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

High Springs: A splash of small-town community charm

By Leia Ulrich | July 3, 2023

When visiting local springs, most students miss is the small town located just six miles from the nature spot: High Springs, Florida. With a population of about 6,500 people, High Springs is a small, tight-knit community. The town has a rich history and plenty of activities despite its small size.

Terri Bailey, activist and owner of Bailey Learning and Arts Collective, explains her range of services to visitors at the Cora. P. Roberson park on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Local organizations uplift the community as harmful LGBTQ legislation goes into effect

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 3, 2023

Joyful Resistance was both a protest and a resistance against the harmful legislation that went into effect July 1. Its goal was to fight against the fear and hardships resulting from new legislation on abortion, education, concealed weapons and LGBTQ issues by providing a place where people can feel safe to have fun and be themselves.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville residents and students give tips on how to stay cool for the summer

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 3, 2023

As the “Sunshine State,” Florida is no stranger to busy summers. Every year, millions of people come to Florida for its amusement parks and beaches.

Market attendees explore the work of local artists at 4th Ave Food Park on Monday, June 19, 2023.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Juneteenth market at 4th Ave Food Park highlights local Black-owned businesses

By Leia Ulrich | June 22, 2023

Food trucks, art vendors and members of the UF Black Student Union gathered at the food park June 19. The annual Juneteenth event brought together about 100 locals.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville’s beauty industry: The power of a nice haircut

By Aubrey Bocalan | June 19, 2023

Whether it’s giving a nice haircut that builds confidence or providing a listening ear, barbers are one group in the beauty industry who contribute to the community around them. These barbers also facilitate personal connections with their clients that can span their entire lives and move through generations.

Starting from bottom left, clockwise: Carlos Zaragoza, Dreamer Knight, The Curious Sheyzé, Lilith Dahlia, Marisol Lords, Emma Gration and Aurora Whorealis. Drag performers, makeup artists and coordinators for Beyond the Binary work together to host extravaganzas and raise awareness about the LGBTQ community.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Beyond the Binary expands drag to nonbinary performers

By Leia Ulrich | June 5, 2023

The Curious Sheyzé, Sydney Lee and Carlos Zaragoza founded Beyond the Binary to provide a safe environment they felt was missing for people of color and nonbinary individuals within the drag community.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Asian supermarkets, restaurants and boba businesses are popping in ‘Gainesville’s Chinatown’

By Aubrey Bocalan | May 22, 2023

The sound of people speaking Chinese, Japanese or Tagalog layer over K-pop harmonies. The smell of Indian spices floats in from next door. It’s the sight, sound and smell of home. Located on the corner of Southwest 34th Street and Archer Road and nicknamed “Gainesville’s Chinatown” by some for its high concentration of Asian restaurants, there are more than 15 Asian businesses within a mile of each other.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Sobriety movement aided by alternative herbal joints, mocktails

By Xenia Teju | Feb. 6, 2023

Jade and Pearl, owned by 80-year-old self-described hippie Gloria Star, pioneered the natural product and smoking alternatives industry from her headquarters in Hawthorne, a city of 1,500 residents about 16 miles east of Gainesville.

Victor Souza, lead vocalist in Maca Reggae Samba, gets the crowd ready for the live music and dance at Heartwood Soundstage Saturday Jan. 23, 2023.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Brazilfest returns to Gainesville after 3-year hiatus

By Ana Clara Mattiuzzi Martins | Jan. 24, 2023

Brazilfest, which lasted from 4-10 p.m., aimed to expose Gainesville residents to Brazilian art, cuisine, music, fashion and style.

Author and anesthesiologist Dr. Euliano holds her books "Fatal Intent" and "Misfire," the newest of the Kate Downey medical mystery Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

UF professor, doctor releases second medical thriller novel

By Zarin Ismail | Jan. 23, 2023

Dr. Tammy Euliano, a 56-year-old UF professor of anesthesiology, anesthesiologist and author released her second medical thriller novel Jan. 3: “Misfire,” the sequel to “Fatal Intent.”

Juliette Walrath (left), 5, Brianna Derrick (middle), 7, and Isabelle Derrick (right), 5, pick their favorite postcards from Atlanta artist Dymond Phillips’ booth at the Gainesville Downtown Festival & Art Show Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville celebrates 41st Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show

By Halima Attah | Nov. 21, 2022

Located on the streets surrounding Bo Diddley Plaza, this year’s festival ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Lizzie Jenkins, the 84-year-old founder and president of the Real Rosewood Foundation, Inc., is passing on the opportunity for representation to a new generation with her upcoming children’s book titled “Lizzie’s Rosewood Race.” The book’s publication is scheduled for early 2023 to align with the centennial of the Rosewood massacre.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Rosewood descendant ‘Miss Lizzie’ shares her story with next generation

By Averi Kremposky | Nov. 21, 2022

The publication of Lizzie Jenkins’ book follows statewide debates on book banning, age-appropriate class materials and race-related instruction in classrooms. In April, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law banning educators from teaching critical race theory, an academic concept that addresses systemic racism.