The Avenue

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THE AVENUE

UF PhD student discovers record-breaking number of sea turtle nests at Disney Conservation

By Jared Teitel | Sep. 11

For the past six months, Rachel Smith and her team of conservationists at Disney Conservation loaded into their ATVs at first light and ventured along the scruffy sands and past the warm waters of the Disney Vero Beach Resort. As she travels further down the 5-mile stretch, she closely watches for footprints left behind by sea turtles in the peak of their nesting season. 

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THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

The Traveler Bar and Brasserie hosts its opening wine tasting event

By Molly Seghi | Sep. 7

The Traveler Wine Bar and Brasserie, which has taken inspiration from previous projects, has opened a new location downtown. While similar in its offerings, the Traveler differentiates itself with a new goal: a more expansive food menu with a more intimate feel.

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THE AVENUE  |  FASHION

Repurpose Project cultivates ‘weird, messy, beautiful’ community

By Bonny Matejowsky | Sep. 6

The Repurpose Project is hard to miss. The yard is scattered with hand-painted signage, old furniture surrounded by foliage and meticulously organized scraps of materials, displaying an artistic touch unseen in chain thrift stores.

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THE AVENUE

Gainesville locals utilize the “Waffle House Index” to measure a hurricane’s strength

By Molly Seghi | Sep. 6

The term “Waffle House Index'' was coined by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate in 2011. Fugate, who had previously worked as Emergency Management Director in Florida, recognized Waffle House’s reputation for rapid disaster preparedness.

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THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

Corn Dogs by Mr. Cow brings Korean corn dogs to Gainesville

By Alexandra Burns | Sep. 5

Fruity Pebbles, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and crispy potato fries are not typically the first toppings that come to mind when ordering a corn dog. However, the new local food truck Corn Dogs by Mr. Cow has reinvented the traditional idea of a corn dog, taking inspiration from South Korea through its sweet and savory combination of sugar-coated and spicy toppings with chewy fresh dough, beef and stringy mozzarella. 

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THE AVENUE

Gainesville residents gather for Welcoming Week International Festival kick-off

By Nicole Beltran and Bonny Matejowsky | Sep. 3

In the heart of downtown Gainesville, the sweet aroma of Afro-fusion dishes and layered rhythms of a Japanese drumming ensemble filled the air. A crowd of festival goers quickly emerged, eager to immerse themselves in the multicultural celebration of unity. The Greater Gainesville International Center hosted its annual Welcoming Week International Festival at Bo Diddley Plaza Sept. 2. 

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THE AVENUE  |  ART AND THEATER

Gainesville community celebrates the second annual National Cinema Day

By Alexandra Burns | Aug. 28

Gainesville’s three movie theaters — Regal Celebration Pointe, Royal Park and Butler Town Center — celebrated National Cinema Day Sunday with $4 tickets for all movies and showtimes and discounted snack prices. The theaters even brought back several classic films for the day, such as the award-winning “Lady Bird,” “Jurassic Park,” “Coraline” and “American Graffiti.” 

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THE AVENUE  |  ART AND THEATER

From UF to Broadway: A look into the lives of theatre-student success stories

By Jared Teitel | Aug. 28

Bachelor’s and master’s students alike, UF has produced prosperous performers credited for projects such as “Be More Chill,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “West Side Story,” “Hamilton” and “Hadestown.” 

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Pop punk bands perform for Gainesville crowds ahead of Fest 21

By Bea Lunardini | Aug. 28

The Fest preview concert Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. was The Real You’s first time on a stage where all five members could spread out, and Pfeiffer took advantage of the newfound room. 

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THE AVENUE  |  NIGHTLIFE

How Bazar’s Block Party brings together community, culture in Gainesville

By Bonny Matejowsky | Aug. 27

The How Bazar's organization’s third-ever Block Party extended across the exteriors of several buildings surrounding its official location. The event attracted crowds of people eager to immerse themselves in a community experience rarely seen in Gainesville. 

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

From bedroom to center stage: The local indie band 'Honorable Mentions' breaks into the Gainesville music scene

By Molly Seghi | Aug. 23

UF students Gavan Duffy and Jack Glickstein began recording their music around early February, beginning the band now known as Honorable Mentions. The band, which has added more student members, will be playing all original songs at their next live show alongside the band Sigs Inside at High Dive on Sept. 1.

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THE AVENUE  |  FOOD

‘A good glizzy’: The College Dog becomes latest off-campus hotspot

By Alexandra Burns | Aug. 23

The College Dog, a pop-up hot dog stand in Gainesville, attracts students strolling the streets or stumbling from Midtown with a hot dog suit and beer broiled hot dogs. 

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Gainesville’s Latin community keeps the passion for soccer alive during FIFA Women’s World Cup

Aug. 23

Fans sported jerseys from teams and countries around the world in the Reitz Union auditorium Monday at 6 a.m. to watch Spain face England during the FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

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THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Gainesville musician makes his mark with debut album: ‘Men as Trees Walking’

By Jared Teitel | Aug. 23

Ben White has become a rising star in the Gainesville community as he sets out to release an Americana-folk-inspired album three years in the making. He sets to release his debut album Aug. 25, “Men as Trees Walking,” which serves as a critique of his Christian upbringing. 

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THE AVENUE  |  FASHION

Gainesville’s beauty industry: hairstyling with a twist

By Aubrey Bocalan | Aug. 7

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. 

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Summer housing crisis leaves students temporarily homeless

By Leia Ulrich | Aug. 7

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. 

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Florida increases penalty for release of non-native venomous reptiles

By Valentina Sarmiento | July 31

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.

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THE AVENUE  |  LIFESTYLE

Florida Legislature proposes amendment to preserve hunting and fishing rights

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 31

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.

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THE AVENUE  |  MOVIES AND TV

Generations of Barbie fans wear pink for Gainesville early screening

By Valentina Sarmiento | July 24

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.”

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THE AVENUE  |  ART AND THEATER

“Kinky Boots” Receives Standing Ovation Opening Night

By Leia Ulrich | July 24

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.