Gracey Davis

Avenue Writer

Gracey Davis is a UF journalism junior and Avenue staff writer. Gracey is a self-described girl boss, secretary for FMSA and a passionate Philly sports fan. If you're looking for her, try the Marston basement, where she often pretends she's a STEM major.

Joey Alfonso, 24, is seen at the UF Bat Houses in his bat suit on Monday, May 29, 2023.

Courtesy of Skyler Bradshaw

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.

A publicity photo of Tom Miller’s movie, "Audience."

Courtesy to The Alligator

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

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

By Gracey Davis | May 30

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.

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

Courtesy to The Alligator

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

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

By Gracey Davis | May 22

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.

Chloe Hyde

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Sublime Tacos announces relocation at the end of June

By Gracey Davis | May 15

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.

Rae Chan

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Gainesville native rockstar Laura Jane Grace returns to her roots

By Gracey Davis | Apr. 20

A full house of punk-rockers dressed in their best black tank tops, skinny jeans and fishnet tights met Laura Jane Grace’s heavily anticipated return to Gainesville.

Courtesy to The Alligator

NEWS

Mother, musician Debra Fetzer continues to create in a changing Gainesville

By Gracey Davis | Mar. 24

Debra Fetzer’s typical uniform for her performances is purple lipstick — to match her purple hair — frilly tops and bottoms, and old cowboy boots. Watching her perform, you can expect a high kick — or two.

Satchel's Pizza, located at 1800 NW 23rd Ave., celebrates 20 years of making pizza in Gainesville March 7.

Kamryn Bailey

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Gainesville staple Satchel’s Pizza celebrates 20th anniversary

By Gracey Davis | Mar. 6

Satchel’s Pizza, founded and owned by 55-year-old Satchel Raye, is celebrating its 20th anniversary March 7.

Minca Davis

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Sunshine Records store set to open in Gainesville

By Gracey Davis | Mar. 6

When Daniel Halal was 12 years old, he bought his first record — “Pinups” by David Bowie — from the dollar bin at Off the Record in Ormond Beach, Florida. From there, he became an avid collector and seller.

Jeffrey Meldon (left), Jim Forsman, Bill DeYoung, Albert Teebagy, and John Moran discuss Moran’s pictures displayed at the Matheson History Museum Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.

Gabriella Aulisio

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Matheson History Museum exhibit offers flashback to Gainesville music in the ‘70s

By Gracey Davis | Feb. 28

“Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall,” focuses on the first four years of the music hall, 1974 to 1978, when founders Meldon and Forsman were directly involved, and features photographs from the 1974-1976 house photographer, John Moran.

The P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School in Gainesville Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022.

Sophia Abolfathi

THE AVENUE

P.K. Yonge’s Black Student Union hosts annual event for Black History Month

By Gracey Davis | Feb. 25

The annual Black History Month event hosted by the P.K. Yonge BSU will be hosted at the school’s Performing Arts Center Feb. 27. The theme will be BSU Awards: A Celebration of Black History, Black Culture, and Black Excellence.