There is a little girl squirming in the salon chair. She’s been there for several hours. Every few minutes she asks to go to the bathroom while a half-empty can of soda waits on a table nearby. The room smells of hair gel and shampoo.
UF student Taylor Bornstein left his apartment at The Standard for the last time July 31. The 21-year-old UF political science senior packed most of his things and was left with just the essentials to get him through the day.
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.
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 Barbie Blowout Party took place at the Regal Celebration Pointe 10 & RPX theater July 19. The Gainesville theater was one of the select theaters to host a celebration for the early screening. Staff set up the display weeks prior for guests to take photos commemorating Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.”
The sold-out crowd of more than 200 people laughed, cried and cheered during the opening night of “Kinky Boots” on Friday. The eclectic production will be running until Aug. 13 at the Gainesville Community Playhouse.
The High Springs community lined up for public comment at the City Commission meeting July 13. The item on the docket is the latest local love story: the bond between High Springs and the Priest Theatre. The theater closed down during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained closed ever since, losing its structural integrity with each passing day. But its community refuses to let it die.
The feature crept up in the form of a summer-themed production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The show, presented by Glory Days & Frankie and The Pretenders, will be held at the High Dive, located at 210 SW 2nd Ave, until Aug. 2. The stage, adorned with pool noodles and dildos, hosts the stilettos-wearing cast while the original 1975 picture plays behind them. The troupe puts on its Rocky “Super Wet Supersoaker Summer Extravaganza” throughout July and early August each year.
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.
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.
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.
When the High Dive doors opened July 6, people ran to jump, twirl and scream to the music as multi-colored strobe lights pierced through the smoke. About 100 Swifties of all different levels of devotion came to High Dive on the eve of the “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” release to celebrate the re-release of the 2010 album. The entire night, the venue played songs from Swift’s discography.
Celine Song dazzles in her directorial debut, “Past Lives.” The movie made its premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival Jan. 21. It expanded to a nationwide release June 30. Song masterfully tells a story about two childhood friends who reconnect periodically as they move through different chapters of their lives.
Author Richard Gartee talked to about 100 people about the Hippodrome Theatre’s impact on the community during a July 8 Matheson History Museum event. In his talk, he presented his latest book, “The Hippodrome Theatre First 50 Years.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Solutions by The State News
