Noor Sukkar - The Independent Florida Alligator

A reptile sits on decor in a terrarium at Florida Man Reptiles on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

Gabriella Aulisio

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville’s Florida Man Reptiles opens doors

By Noor Sukkar | July 22

In the swampy outskirts of Gainesville, the iconic alligator may steal the show among the reptilian ecosystem. But on Southwest Archer Road, Florida Man Reptiles showcases its very own population of nearly 100 reptiles and amphibians. On July 1, its doors opened to the public to shop from a selection of snakes, bearded dragons, turtles, frogs and more.

Nicole Borman

THE AVENUE | MOVIES AND TV

A Cannes-do attitude: Why you don’t need a music degree to make music

By Noor Sukkar | July 15

It’s 2003. John Fulford’s bachelor’s degree in finance stares back at the phone that never got a call back for a second interview at the bank. He instead tunes his guitar, scrabbles some more lyrics and burns another CD. It’s 2006. His master's degree in international business is itching to make it out of Gainesville. Instead of waiting on that phone to ring, he rings TV producers in Los Angeles pitching his abundant cache of music. It’s 2024. Comedy-drama film “Anora” wins the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival — the Palme d’Or. His music is in the soundtrack, and his career is at its peak.

Guests converse during the opening of Onyx and Iris on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

Armand Raichandani

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

From skulls to sage: whimsical small business Onyx and Iris arrives in Gainesville

By Noor Sukkar | July 8

With suncatchers peeking through the window and color oozing from the inside, Onyx and Iris opened its doors at noon July 6.Housing the creations of 15 different artists, the store offers an array of unique pieces: animal bone art, watercolor, crochet, crystals, upcycled fashion, jewelry, candles, incense and more.

Armand Raichandani

SPANISH

De calaveras a salvia: llega a Gainesville el negocio pequeño peculiar Onyx and Iris

By Noor Sukkar and Jose Carmona | July 8

Con atrapasoles asomándose por la ventana y color emanando desde el interior, Onyx and Iris abrió sus puertas al mediodía del 6 de julio.

Madison McClelland

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Books to Burlesque: Gainesville’s guide to pride

By Noor Sukkar | June 10

Though the first week of Pride Month flew by, Gainesville is still jam-packed with festive activities throughout the rest of June. Here’s a guide to five events throughout the city to celebrate Pride Month.

Venue-goers attend the La Selva event at Curia on the Drag on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Armand Raichandani

SPANISH

Los jóvenes de Gainesville experimentan y expresan sus puntos de vista a través de la muestra de arte de fin de año

By Eneida Escobar and Noor Sukkar | May 28

La cafetería Curia On The Drag se llenó de risas y charlas el jueves por la noche mientras los niños corrían por su espacio de galería mostrando sus creaciones. Collages, autorretratos, cuadernos de bocetos y pequeñas revistas, todas hechas a mano por artistas de entre 8 y 14 años, marcaron la culminación de su programa extracurricular con La Selva Art Studios.

Armand Raichandani

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Gainesville youth experiment, express views through end-of-year art show

By Noor Sukkar | May 28

Coffee shop Curia On The Drag filled with laughter and chatter Thursday evening as kids ran around its gallery space showcasing their creations.

SPANISH

Recién salido del horno: la historia cerámica de una artista colorida nacida en Colombia

By Eneida Escobar and Noor Sukkar | May 20

En las afueras de Gainesville, la homogeneidad suburbana tiende a disfrazar las vidas de quienes alberga. Da un par de giros a la derecha, y no te perderás la casa colorida y ecléctica de Soraya Sus.

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Fresh out of the kiln: the ceramic story of a colorful Colombian-born artist

By Noor Sukkar | May 20

On the outskirts of Gainesville, the homogeneous blur of suburbia can tend to disguise the lives of those it houses. Take a couple of right turns, and you won’t miss the teal, eclectic home of Soraya Sus.

Coterie Market pictured on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Gabriella Aulisio

SPANISH

Coterie Market está "feliz de anunciar" el cierre de la tienda casi un año después de su apertura

By Noor Sukkar and Jose Carmona | May 13

Coterie Market anunció el cierre de su tienda física en su Instagram, sumándose a la lista de negocios pequeños que Gainesville perderá este mes. Sin embargo, a diferencia de otros cierres, este es un anuncio feliz, dijo Coterie.