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Monday, May 05, 2025

The Avenue

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

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. 


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

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. 


A publicity photo of Tom Miller’s movie, "Audience."
THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Stage play to screenplay: Local director set to debut new film

For Tom Miller, creativity has always been his solution to adversity. With multiple acting, performing and directing credits to his name, the 57-year-old continues to push artistic boundaries. The multidisciplinary performance artist is setting the stage to debut his newest film, “Audience.” Miller has kept the plot of the film under wraps to surprise audiences. 


THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

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

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.


Johnny Nguyen, an artist, is seen at the How Bazar’s Art Walk at First Magnitude Brewing Company on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. 
THE AVENUE  |  ART AND THEATER

UF artist finds a home in Gainesville’s local markets and school club

Johnny Nguyen found he enjoyed the comfort of a pencil in his hand from an early age while growing up in Urbana, Illinois. Now a recent graduate from UF in business management and economics, the 21-year-old artist still loves to work with his hands. Most of his paintings were studies of different artists, but lately, he’s been inspired by Franklin Booth’s illustrations and Studio Ghibli films because of the attention to detail and whimsical nature. 


Sublime Tacos is seen on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

Sublime Tacos announces relocation at the end of June

On May 9, Sublime Tacos announced its plans to close its 4th Ave Food Park location and move to a drive-thru-only location at 1818 NE Waldo Road in East Gainesville. The announcement gives hope to East Gainesville residents who are excited to see more food options moving to their side of town.


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