The Avenue - The Independent Florida Alligator

The Priest Theatre is seen at 15 NW 1st St. in High Springs on Sunday, July 23, 2023.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Community members support rebuilding local movie theater

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 24

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.

It came from outer space and settled on a small stage in Gainesville. 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.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

The cast of Gainesville’s Rocky Horror Picture Show leaves summer audiences ‘shivering with anticipation’

By Valentina Sarmiento | July 17

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.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville’s beauty industry: Nailing customer service

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 17

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.

The interior of Liberty Street Pub is seen at 1718 W University Ave.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

New Midtown pub to replace Grog House Bar & Grill

By Leia Ulrich | July 17

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.

Customers gather around the "bud bar," a round table showcasing dozens of cannabis strains at Cookies on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Popular chain dispensary opens on 13th Street

By Alexia Paz | July 10

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.

From ballads to bangers, audience members dance to Taylor Swift's discography at the High Dive on Thursday, June 6, 2023.

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Swifties ‘enchanted’ with “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)”

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 10

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.

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

Rate and Review: ‘Past Lives’ is fresh take on love and destiny

By Jackson Reyes | July 10

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 discusses his book "The Hippodrome Theatre First 50 Years" at the Matheson History Museum on Saturday, July 8, 2023.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Actors, patrons and subscribers celebrate 50 years of Hippodrome memories

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 10

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.”

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

By Gracey Davis | July 6

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.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Weekend in the Swamp: An itinerary for new and returning gators

By Valentina Sarmiento | July 3

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.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

The Avenue Roundtable: What to do the first week back

By Avenue Staff | July 3

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.

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

By Leia Ulrich | July 3

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.

Terri Bailey, activist and owner of Bailey Learning and Arts Collective, explains her range of services to visitors at the Cora. P. Roberson park on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Local organizations uplift the community as harmful LGBTQ legislation goes into effect

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 3

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.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville residents and students give tips on how to stay cool for the summer

By Aubrey Bocalan | July 3

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.

Market attendees explore the work of local artists at 4th Ave Food Park on Monday, June 19, 2023.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Juneteenth market at 4th Ave Food Park highlights local Black-owned businesses

By Leia Ulrich | June 22

Food trucks, art vendors and members of the UF Black Student Union gathered at the food park June 19. The annual Juneteenth event brought together about 100 locals.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville’s beauty industry: The power of a nice haircut

By Aubrey Bocalan | June 19

Whether it’s giving a nice haircut that builds confidence or providing a listening ear, barbers are one group in the beauty industry who contribute to the community around them. These barbers also facilitate personal connections with their clients that can span their entire lives and move through generations.

The new Raising Cane’s restaurant is seen on 1680 W University Ave. on Tuesday, June 13, 2023

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Raising Cane’s delights students with Gator decor

By Alexia Paz | June 19

Hungry with anticipation, students have eagerly waited for the opening of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers for months.

The Pride Community Center of North Central Florida tabled at the Museum Night offering Pride flags among other items on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

The Harn Museum Nights: Art + Pride celebrates LGBTQ artists and local community

By Leia Ulrich | June 12

This month, the Harn Museum chose “Art + Pride” as the theme for its monthly nighttime community event, Museum Nights. Organizations supporting women, people of color and LGBTQ people were invited to educate and connect with the museum-goers.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

The Boheme Coven casts a spell over Gainesville’s drag scene

By Valentina Sarmiento | June 12

The Coven doubles as a drag family and a group of entertainers based in North Central Florida. Rachel Boheme, mother and Supreme of the Coven, founded the group in 2016. The Coven hosts its weekly show Sinister Sundays at the University Club, Gainesville’s first and only gay club located at 18 East University Ave.

Starting from bottom left, clockwise: Carlos Zaragoza, Dreamer Knight, The Curious Sheyzé, Lilith Dahlia, Marisol Lords, Emma Gration and Aurora Whorealis. Drag performers, makeup artists and coordinators for Beyond the Binary work together to host extravaganzas and raise awareness about the LGBTQ community.

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Beyond the Binary expands drag to nonbinary performers

By Leia Ulrich | June 5

The Curious Sheyzé, Sydney Lee and Carlos Zaragoza founded Beyond the Binary to provide a safe environment they felt was missing for people of color and nonbinary individuals within the drag community.