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Friday, March 20, 2026

The Avenue

Florida Museum of Natural History, at 3215 Hull Road, debuts its first bilingual aquatic exhibit, Water Shapes Florida, on March 23, 2024.
The Avenue

Florida Museum of Natural History’s opens first freshwater exhibit 

Saturday morning, the Florida Museum of Natural History opened its new permanent exhibit, Water Shapes Florida. The exhibit is centered on Florida freshwater and its shape on human life over time. The exhibit, with interactive projector screens and physical replicas of underwater wildlife, aims to illustrate the evolution of the state's aquifers, rivers and most famous springs just north of the museum’s location in Gainesville.


Customers gather at Barnes & Noble at Butler Plaza during its opening day on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
The Avenue

Barnes & Noble hosts grand opening at Butler Plaza

Generations of book enthusiasts lined up down the block outside Barnes & Noble on Wednesday morning, some jumping for joy in anticipation. As the clock struck 9 a.m. and the ribbon was cut, more than 100 people rushed into the brand-new store and got lost in the rows of crisp, colorful books for sale.


Bella Rootz pictured at the Hector Gallery on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024.
The Avenue

Gainesville art scene pushes for more outreach to underserved communities

Arts and culture are present in Gainesville through museums, exhibits and music venues scattered around the city. Further developments like a cultural arts center in East Gainesville could continue catering to the expansion, providing people with a place to turn to for support. Community members are concerned more outreach needs to be done to fully immerse underserved communities into art outlets. There are opportunities for people to seek support through the arts, but the accessibility can vary.



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