The Avenue

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Gainesville’s Florida Man Reptiles opens doors

By Noor Sukkar | July 22

In the swampy outskirts of Gainesville, the iconic alligator may steal the show among the reptilian ecosystem. But on Southwest Archer Road, Florida Man Reptiles showcases its very own population of nearly 100 reptiles and amphibians. On July 1, its doors opened to the public to shop from a selection of snakes, bearded dragons, turtles, frogs and more. 

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Rain won’t stop the rage: punk metal show moved to How Bazaar after rain-out

By Sabrina Castro | July 22

After landing in Gainesville three years ago, 24-year-old Christian “Cloud” Casey quickly discovered two things: the collaborative community of musicians in Gainesville and the opportunity to grow the city’s goth metal music scene. 

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THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

A Cannes-do attitude: Why you don’t need a music degree to make music

By Noor Sukkar | July 15

It’s 2003. John Fulford’s bachelor’s degree in finance stares back at the phone that never got a call back for a second interview at the bank. He instead tunes his guitar, scrabbles some more lyrics and burns another CD. It’s 2006. His master's degree in international business is itching to make it out of Gainesville. Instead of waiting on that phone to ring, he rings TV producers in Los Angeles pitching his abundant cache of music.  It’s 2024. Comedy-drama film “Anora” wins the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival — the Palme d’Or. His music is in the soundtrack, and his career is at its peak.

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Latino community celebrates first ceviche and beer festival

By Jose Carmona | July 15

Members of the Gainesville Latino community gathered July 13 to promote small businesses and Hispanic musical talent at the “Ceviche and Beer Festival.”

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THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

Gainesville hunts for golden babies at The Top’s 24th anniversary event

By Ben Nielsen | July 15

The Top filled with balloons July 13 as a crowd of people waited outside to be let in for the 24th anniversary of the restaurant’s opening.

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THE AVENUE  |  ART AND THEATER

From skulls to sage: whimsical small business Onyx and Iris arrives in Gainesville

By Noor Sukkar | July 8

With suncatchers peeking through the window and color oozing from the inside, Onyx and Iris opened its doors at noon July 6.Housing the creations of 15 different artists, the store offers an array of unique pieces: animal bone art, watercolor, crochet, crystals, upcycled fashion, jewelry, candles, incense and more.

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THE AVENUE

Countywide Fourth of July events bring spectacular fireworks, mixed patriotism

By Carlos Alemany and Bonny Matejowsky | July 8

Patriotic festivities spanned across the week of July 4 in Alachua County, bringing a host of people with differing backgrounds and opinions.

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THE AVENUE

Elderly community cat Precious potentially ‘cat-napped’

By Bonny Matejowsky | July 5

Precious, a brown and white striped community cat who has resided in UF’s College of Public Health and Health Professions since 2008, went missing from the area July 2.  

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THE AVENUE  |  NIGHTLIFE

MacDinton’s opening night wakes up summer nightlife

By Sydney Johnson | July 3

MacDinton’s Gainesville wants to make one thing clear: It is nothing like its predecessor. Adorned with Guinness on tap and a painting of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” featuring Gainesville icons, Macdinton’s is distinct. 

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Gainesville celebrates the end of Pride month with downtown event

By Jose Carmona | July 1

On June 29, downtown Gainesville became a vibrant gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community with the third annual Pride Street Party at The Bull. The event, which took place from 6 to 11 p.m. and was free of charge, featured a variety of performances for all audiences.

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THE AVENUE  |  ART AND THEATER

Clowns and LGBTQ+ identity: An intersection of art and expression

By Carlos Alemany | July 1

To some, however, within the vibrant world of clowns lies a profound connection to self-expression and identity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. The fusion of flamboyant makeup and performance art can offer a unique avenue for exploring and celebrating queer identities. 

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THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

UF alumni win Best Comedy award for debut film, ‘The Lemonade Files’

By Sabrina Castro | July 1

After three years of production, the film premiered June 18 at Regal LA Live and was awarded the Best Comedy award for the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival this year. 

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Rate and review: ‘BRAT’ by Charli XCX

By Bonny Matejowsky | June 17

Whether it’s the chart-topping queer pop of Chappell Roan or the catchy songwriting of Sabrina Carpenter, it’s safe to say this summer has proved that pop is in good hands. But a certain lime green album shines above the rest.

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

‘Tha Cookout’ promises inclusivity, ‘vibes’ for Gainesville

By Sabrina Castro | June 17

Throughout the tranquil greenery of Cynthia Moore Chestnut Park and Clark Butler Nature Preserve, laughter and camaraderie echoed through the trees as Gainesville locals gathered for "Tha Cookout," a vibrant celebration organized by Ashlei and Malcom Askew. The June 16 afternoon event marked not only a celebration of Juneteenth but also a tribute to fatherhood and community spirit.

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Club de Escucha+ in Gainesville connects Hispanic community through shared experiences

By Eneida Escobar | June 10

In the heart of Gainesville, Estefanía Pinto Ruiz, a Colombian passionate about culture, has transformed her love for podcasts into a community movement. In January 2023, she founded Club de Escucha+, a place where Spanish speakers can practice Spanish, share experiences and discuss episodes of NPR's Radio Ambulante podcast.

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Equine therapy: A path to healing for children with special conditions

By Jose Carmona | June 10

Horses and humans have always been connected, and this special bond has given rise to equine therapy, an alternative therapy that uses horses to treat various disabilities, improving the physical, mental and emotional health of children.

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Books to Burlesque: Gainesville’s guide to pride

By Noor Sukkar | June 10

Though the first week of Pride Month flew by, Gainesville is still jam-packed with festive activities throughout the rest of June. Here’s a guide to five events throughout the city to celebrate Pride Month. 

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THE AVENUE  |  ART AND THEATER

The Hippodrome presents ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

By Sydney Johnson | June 10

Directed by Stephanie Lynge, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” follows a group of young spellers navigating the titular Putnam County Bee. Transforming the Hippodrome’s thrust stage into a realistic school gymnasium, The Bee was then thrust into the hearts of the Gainesville community. 

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Science Up Close: Insects and interactive research in the Florida Museum

By Carlos Alemany | June 3

Through engaging displays, colorful visuals and one-on-one interactions with scientists, visitors of The Florida Museum of Natural History can dive into the realm of insects and discover their impact on human culture, the environment and health and wellness.

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

DIY venue The Roadhouse closes after four years

By Ben Nielsen | June 3

The venue, located in Grove Street, announced in an Instagram post it will host its final show this summer, July 27. The decision to close arrived when its owners, event coordinator Bri Reed and their husband Justin Reed, decided to move away from Gainesville.