Our Town Mar/April 2026 (Gainesville)

IN THIS ISSUE

15

RECIPE WONDERS: CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE

An easy slow cooker corned beef and cabbage recipe, perfect for a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal at home.

>> WE CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF RENEWAL WITH VIBRANT SPRING GARDENS, IMMERSIVE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCES, INSPIRING COMMUNITY INITIATIVES, AND LOCAL BUSINESSES FLOURISHING ACROSS OUR AREA. FROM SIGNATURE EVENTS AND MEANINGFUL CAUSES TO FRESH FEATURES ON GROWTH, SUSTAINABILITY, AND CREATIVITY — EACH PAGE REFLECTS THE BEAUTY, RESILIENCE, AND CONNECTION BLOSSOMING THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY THIS SEASON.

61

SPECIAL FEATURE:

A showcase that lifts up the kind words in customer testimonials for local businesses and organizations.

50

WHAT’S BLOOMING AROUND TOWN?

A guided spring stroll through our community’s most beautiful seasonal blooms.

22 // WHERE SUPPORT MEETS UNDERSTANDING

Connecting families to resources, research, and community, UF CARD supports individuals with autism across our region.

26 // TAPAS

Bite-sized seasonal facts to savor this spring. From equinoxes, Earth Day, migration, and the traditions that make springtime shine.

28 // YOUNG WRITERS STORYTELLING CONTEST

Calling young storytellers! Enter our Spring Writing Contest and share your “Guiding Lights” story for publication.

31 // DIY BUNNY BUMS

Hop into Easter with this adorable DIY “bunny bum” craft — perfect for festive centerpieces and family fun.

35 // CLASSROOMS IN BLOOM

From caves to kitchens, local teachers transform learning through immersive, real-world experiences beyond the classroom.

45 // SPRING IN BLOOM

Discover Gainesville’s public gardens — from bamboo groves to community plots — and dig into spring.

88 // PLANT PEOPLE

From houseplants to heritage nurseries, meet the local plant lovers cultivating connection across our communities.

From Hello to Help, 211 is Here

Every day, clients contact 211 to access free and confidential crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veterans services, childcare and family services, and more.

No matter the situation, the specialists at 211 listen, identify underlying problems, and connect people in need with resources and services in their community that improve their lives. Help is just a phone call or text away.

Free. Confidential. Multilingual. Available 24/7.

Dial 2-1-1 or (352) 332-4636

Text your zip code to 898-211

PUBLISHER

Charlie Delatorre

PRODUCTION DIRECTORS

Kaloni Dunlap, Brian Knepp, Sandra Schultz

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ericka Winter Pauley editor@towerpublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Donna Bonnell, Dana Bryan, Summer Jarro, Cecilia Lemus, Peggy Macdonald, Dr. Kaytie Milliken, Crystal Smith, Joanna Grey Talbot, Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Jenni Bennett jenni@towerpublications.com

Terra LaFleur terra@towerpublications.com

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

If you would like us to publicize an event in the greater Gainesville area, send information by the 1st day of the month prior to the next issue. For example, submissions for the March/April issue are due by February 1. All submissions will be reviewed and every effort will be made to run qualified submissions if page space is available.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We want to hear from you. Send your letters to the attention of the editor at 4400 NW 36th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606 or editor@ towerpublications.com. Letters must be signed and include a phone number in the event we need to contact you. (Your phone number will not be published.)

SPRING BASEBALL LEAGUE

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY TOWER PUBLICATIONS, INC. REPRODUCTION BY ANY MEANS OF THE WHOLE OR PART OF OUR TOWN WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER IS PROHIBITED. VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE EDITORIAL PAGES DO NOT IMPLY OUR ENDORSEMENT. WE WELCOME YOUR PRODUCT NEWS. INCLUDE PRICES, PHOTOS AND DIGITAL FILES WITH YOUR PRESS RELEASE. PLEASE FORWARD PRODUCT SAMPLES AND MEDIA KITS TO REVIEWS EDITOR, OUR TOWN MAGAZINE, 4400 NW 36TH AVENUE, GAINESVILLE, FL 32606. WE CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR UNSOLICITED PRODUCT SAMPLES.

A Publication of Tower Publications, Inc. 4400 NW 36th Ave., Gainesville, Florida 32606 phone: 352-372-5468 fax: 352-373-9178

EDITOR’S LETTER

A Time to Bloom

There is something about spring that feels like an exhale. The birds return to our feeder with cheerful insistence, as if they’ve been waiting all winter to remind us they were never truly gone. The flowers begin their kaleidoscope performance — soft lavenders, buttery yellows, blush pinks and bold crimsons, each bloom unfolding like a quiet celebration. Even the air feels lighter. Possibility seems to hover just beneath the sunshine.

This season of renewal feels especially tender to me this year.

Recently, my daughter celebrated her 100th Day of School. The children were invited to wear festive shirts, and we decided to make ours by hand, gluing on 100 tiny flowers, or “blooms.” Across the front, it read: 100 Days of Blooming. It couldn’t have been more fitting, as she is in the Blossoms Classroom. But truthfully, the phrase describes her perfectly.

She herself is like a flower, each day unfolding a little more.

My husband and I often look at one another in quiet disbelief that we get the honor of witnessing her growth. The new words, the new questions, the independence budding alongside wonder. One of our favorite rituals is watching her stop to smell the flowers. She leans in with dramatic seriousness, squishes her mouth together, inhales deeply, and releases an exaggerated, joyful “Mmmmmmmhhhh.” It is over the top. It is wholehearted. And we absolutely love it.

In those small, theatrical moments, I am reminded of what spring asks of us: to pause, to notice, to delight in what is blooming right in front of us.

Within these pages, you’ll find stories that celebrate this most colorful and vibrant time of year. Our community offers such a feast for the eyes, with gardens bursting with life, traditions rooted in renewal, and people cultivating beauty in ways both large and small. Nature is generous this season. It produces abundance not just in petals and produce, but in connection and inspiration.

As you turn these pages, I hope you find yourself lingering, breathing deeply, noticing the colors, and perhaps even offering your own over-the-top “Mmmmmmmhhhh” to the simple joys around you.

Here’s to blooming at every age, in every season.

Ericka Winter Pauley, Editor-In-Chief

CONTRIBUTORS

DONNA BONNELL

became the author of her column, Embracing Life, more than 20 years ago. She shares her personal challenges and victories with the goal of inspiring her readers to analyze why things happen in their own lives. bonneldj@gmail.com

SUMMER JARRO

is a University of Florida graduate. Along with writing, she loves Disney, watching old films, going to the beach and traveling to new places. summerjarro@gmail.com

PEGGY MACDONALD

is a Gainesville native and an alumna of the University of Florida, where she received a PhD in history. She teaches AP Capstone Seminar and Research in the International Baccalaureate program at Eastside High School. peggymacdemos@gmail.com

CRYSTAL SMITH

is a freelance writer and columnist born and raised in West Texas. She received her B.S. in Journalism in 2006 from the University of Florida. She is in love with the Florida landscape. ces03k@gmail.com

CYNTHIA WONDERS WINTERROWD

is an award-winning writer who was raised in Illinois and lives in Jupiter, FL. She is proud to be a “Gator Mom” of three daughters, all UF graduates. Cynthia loves sharing family recipes that have been passed down in her mother’s handwritten cookbooks. recipewonders@gmail.com.

DANA BRYAN

is a journalism student at the University of Florida and a freelance writer. In her free time, she loves to read, write amateur code and watch television. itsdanabryan@gmail.com

CECILIA LEMUS

is a Florida born and raised freelance writer and photographer. In her spare time she enjoys traveling through the Florida coastlines and finding off the beaten paths. cecilia.lemuss@gmail.com

DR. KAYTIE MILLIKEN

is a dedicated education consultant empowering parents and teachers with practical, research-based strategies and resources. Born and raised in Alachua County, she is a proud UF graduate. kaytlynn.milliken@gmail.com

JOANNA GREY TALBOT

is the marketing director for the Matheson History Museum and the author of the blog “Florida Revealed: Dispatches from the Land of Publix, Citrus, and Alligators.” joannagtalbot@gmail.com

RECIPE WONDERS Cynthia Wonders Winterrowd’s

FOOD STYLING & PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ERICKA WINTER PAULEY

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE

THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS A CROCK POT® IN MY MOTHER’S KITCHEN.

Back in those days everything was done in a Dutch oven on top of the stove, carefully tended as she worked in her kitchen or finished some housework. Nowadays many homemakers are also breadwinners, requiring them to be away from their kitchens during the day while tending their careers. That doesn’t mean you have to give up home cooking, however. The invention of the slow cooker can bring the joys of home cooking back into your home with a relatively small amount of effort.

St. Patrick’s Day meals typically include corned beef and cabbage and that is a perfect meal to try out in your slow cooker. More than likely you have a Crock Pot® tucked away in the dark recesses of your kitchen cabinets or pantry. Search it out, dust it off—and try this recipe! You are going to love it!

But why is corned beef and cabbage always the meal of choice for this Irish holiday? According to irishcentral. com, corned beef is actually not an Irish national dish. Its popularity originated as part of the Irish-American culture, and this is where it became associated with St. Patrick’s Day. The Irish immigrants found the cost of corned beef in America much more affordable than in their native land, where it was considered a delicacy. In Ireland the usual dish was “bacon and cabbage,” but the bacon was quickly replaced by corned beef, since it was readily available in America.

And what does it mean, exactly, corned beef? Delish. com describes in its history of St. Patrick’s Day food, that the curing of

the beef is done with large-grained rock salt, also referred to as “corns” of salt. Beef that has been cured with salt often has a slight gray color, which you may notice when selecting your meat at the grocery store. This is perfectly normal. Most corned beef you purchase prepackaged from the grocery store will come with a small packet of seasonings. I only use half of the seasonings, but lay a few bay leaves on top of the meat. Chop up a clove of garlic into tiny pieces and sprinkle this onto the meat while it cooks as well. I like to use some “new potatoes,” which are small red potatoes, leaving on the skins and just removing the potato “eyes” with a paring knife.

In the morning, place the potatoes and onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. If you add carrots you may put them in at this time as well. The carrots should be skinned and cut into serving size pieces. Place the meat on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle the seasoning packet, bay leaves and the garlic on top of the meat. Add a cup of water to the pot, put on the lid and set heat for 8-10 hours. The slower you cook the meat, the more tender it will be.

When you return home and the time is nearly up, remove the meat and add the cabbage for the remaining 40 or 60 minutes. Replace the meat on top. The cabbage can also be done separately in a saucepan on top of your stove, which will take less time to cook. Use some of the broth from the crock pot to add flavor if you decide to cook the cabbage in a saucepan. You do not want to put the cabbage in the slow cooker all day, as it will get too mushy and not be the ideal result you are going for.

“Sure and begorrah!” There you have it—not very hard at all. Just add some green beer and a loaf of soda bread to the menu, and you’re Irish for a day (or as long as the leftovers last)!

CROCK POT® CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE

TIP: Cabbage can also be cooked separately in a saucepan on your stove. Add some broth from the Crock Pot® to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 corned beef brisket (3-4 pounds) with seasoning packet

• 1 onion, cut in thick wedges

• 1 bag petite red potatoes (can use less)

• 5 carrots, peeled and cut into serving pieces

• 1 clove garlic, chopped fine

• 1 cup water

• 1 head cabbage, cut in thick wedges

METHOD:

Prepare vegetables, excluding the cabbage, and place in bottom of the slow cooker. Place the corned beef on top and sprinkle seasonings on the meat. You can add some pepper if desired, but no salt. Since the beef has been cured with salt, you will not need to add more.

Pour the cup of water into the pot, replace the lid and set for 8-10 hours. The more slowly you cook the meat, the more tender it will be. 40-60 minutes before time is up, remove the meat and place the cabbage wedges on top of the vegetables. Replace the meat and lid to finish cooking.

TEACHER’S TOOLBOX

By Dr. Kaytie Milliken

I love plants. The hanging pothos in the boys’ room and the peace lily in the playroom are both mine. I chose them, I placed them there, I keep them alive. They brighten the space, make for a great Zoom background, and I truly enjoy caring for them. But recently, I thought, “Hold on—these plants live in Fin’s spaces, yet he has no part. What a missed opportunity!

Dirt Under Their Fingernails: Why Children Need Their Own Plants

DR. KAYTIE MILLIKEN IS A DEDICATED EDUCATION CONSULTANT EMPOWERING PARENTS AND TEACHERS WITH PRACTICAL, RESEARCH-BASED STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES. BORN AND RAISED IN ALACHUA COUNTY AND A PROUD UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GRADUATE, KAYTIE COMBINES HER PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE WITH HER PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS A MOTHER TO PROVIDE VALUABLE INSIGHTS AND SUPPORT. SHE INVITES YOU TO CONNECT WITH HER ON SOCIAL MEDIA @KAYMILLIKEN OR VIA EMAIL AT KAYTLYNN.MILLIKEN@GMAIL.COM.

Welcome to From The Teacher’s Toolbox: a recurring feature dedicated to empowering you with tools to support children’s growth and development. Each installment will offer practical, research-based techniques and resources to enhance your skills and confidence as a parent or teacher.

EARLY ELEMENTARY (K-2)

Let’s start with our littlest learners. At this age, success is more valuable than a challenge. At the garden center, ask for their most forgiving plants—the ones that bounce back from missed waterings and tolerate less-than-perfect conditions. You’ll also want to create a reminder system—such as adding stickers to a calendar every Monday or setting an Alexa reminder to check if the soil feels dry before breakfast.

What makes plant care work for young children is the sensory experience. They notice fuzzy leaves, smooth stems, and how the pot feels heavier after watering. We’re not trying to create a master gardener yet, but we are building the habit of noticing and caring for something alive.

Teacher Tip: Add photo examples of a healthy and unhealthy plant for your child to reference and compare with his/her observations.

Getting Started:

1. Choose a forgiving plant and a child-sized watering can.

2. Set up a visual calendar or chart.

3. Select one weekly water day and any additional tasks.

4. Teach and practice the plant care routine (i.e., on Mondays we water, but on Tuesdays we give a greeting—repeatedly).

ELEMENTARY (3-5)

At this age, children understand cause and effect and are ready for greater ownership. Choose plants that grow quickly, such as herbs and flowers, to provide the consistent feedback loop children need to stay interested.

They’re also starting to understand that plants need more than just water. Why does it need light? Does it have enough space? Some children even talk to their plants, which is lovely to see. The key here is letting them make real decisions. Where should this plant live? How can you tell when it needs water? Invite your child to flex their problem-solving muscles and go for it.

Getting Started:

1. Select an herb, flower, or vegetable that can begin from seed.

2. Provide a simple notebook or folder for observations.

3. Encourage weekly drawings, measurements, and notes.

4. Teach how to check soil moisture by touch.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle schoolers can handle genuine problem-solving and independent management. When leaves turn brown or yellow, they can research what might be wrong. At this age, many children experiment with moving plants to different spots or adjusting watering schedules. Some are interested in propagation—giving cuttings to friends to grow new plants.

Getting Started:

1. Set up a windowsill collection or small container garden (3-5 plants)

2. Provide basic supplies and written care instructions

3. Consider providing access to online plant care resources

4. Step back and let them manage independently

5. Support propagation experiments and sharing with friends

6. Acknowledge and encourage contributions (homegrown herbs for meals)

COMMON PITFALLS

Your child will likely forget to water. You will be tempted to quietly rescue and reassume responsibility. These moments are where the learning happens, but we need to handle them thoughtfully.

Interestingly, the most common killer of children’s plants isn’t neglect; it’s overwatering. Enthusiastic children water too frequently, and suddenly you’ve got a soggy, drooping plant. Instead of fixing it yourself, ask questions: “What do you notice about the soil? How does it feel compared to last week?” The same approach works for location issues. Before moving a struggling plant yourself, involve them in a problem-solving conversation.

If you notice the plant needs care (and your child hasn’t), it’s okay to remind them: “Hey, your plant looks thirsty. Want to check the soil?” You’re building awareness, not taking over. As children gain experience, reminders can fade, but at the beginning, gentle prompts are part of teaching.

A child who can keep a plant alive is practicing the same skills they’ll need to care for themselves.

Sometimes a plant will struggle despite best efforts— that’s true for new and experienced gardeners alike. Talk with your child about what works well, what went wrong, and what to try differently. The goal is building capability and confidence, not perfection!

QUICK QUESTIONS

“Is my child too young for plant responsibility?”

Even toddlers can participate in plant care with supervision—watering with help, touching leaves gently, and observing growth. True independent responsibility begins a few years later, but it varies by child.

“We don’t have outdoor space.”

Windowsills, shelves near windows, even bathroom counters with good light, can become perfect spots for container plants. Our Zone 9 climate means we can also use porches, balconies, or small patio spaces (nearly) yearround—perfect for apartment dwellers and those with limited yards.

“What if siblings fight over plant care?”

Prevention beats intervention! I’d give each child their own plant rather than sharing one. Shared responsibility at a young age often means no one feels truly responsible. Individual ownership eliminates the “my turn” arguments and allows each child to succeed.

“My child wants a garden, not just one plant.”

One well-grown plant teaches more than five poorly grown plants. Once the child has successfully maintained one plant for several weeks, consider adding another. Let them earn expanded responsibility through demonstrated consistency.

“What if my child loses interest after a few weeks?”

This happens often—and it’s normal! Rather than abandoning the plant or taking back the care routine, use it as a conversation: “This plant still needs care even when it’s not exciting anymore. What can we do to make it easier to remember?”

Sometimes simplifying the routine or moving the plant to a more visible spot helps. Sometimes the answer is choosing a different plant that better matches their current interests.

“What about classroom plants?”

Consider giving children ownership of classroom plants. Assign plant monitors who rotate weekly, or let children bring in small plants for décor around the room. The same principles apply—provide real responsibility, offer guidance when needed, and let natural consequences teach alongside you.

So, starting this week, that pothos belongs to Fin. I’ll guide and remind, but the responsibility is his. I want to see what he discovers in the process. Maybe you’re sitting on a similar opportunity? That plant already in your home could shift from yours to theirs. One plant, simple care, real ownership.

Dirt under a child’s fingernails might mean something is growing—the plant, and also the person caring for it.

WHERE SUPPORT MEETS UNDERSTANDING

How UF CARD Strengthens the Autism Community year-round

Across Florida, families affected by autism often search for support, resources, and community. For many in North Central Florida, that support begins with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). From the moment of diagnosis through the transitions of adolescence and adulthood, families often find themselves navigating complex care systems. CARD exists to help make that journey clearer, more connected, and less isolating.

Funded through Florida’s state department

oF education, card is one oF seven university-based centers serving all 67 counties across the state. Each center supports a designated region, working to increase public awareness and provide direct assistance to individuals with autism and related disabilities. The local CARD center, based at the University of Florida, serves 14 counties, including Alachua and its surrounding communities. Its location within a major research university enables it to bridge academic research and real-world applications for families.

One of CARD’s primary responsibilities is to increase public awareness of autism. Awareness is more than education — “it is about building community,” said Ann-Marie Orlando, director of UF CARD.

“There’s not a whole lot of awareness out there,” Orlando said. “One of our charges is to increase public awareness around autism.”

Public awareness, as Orlando describes it, goes beyond statistics and definitions. It includes helping educators better understand classroom strategies, supporting employers in creating inclusive workplaces, and ensuring neighbors, extended family members, and community members have the tools to be supportive and informed. Through workshops, trainings and community events, CARD helps foster understanding that reduces stigma and builds inclusion.

Autism Awareness Month, observed every April, aims to promote understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. For CARD, that mission extends throughout the entire year, reinforcing that awareness is not limited to a single month but is an ongoing commitment to education and inclusion.

Because CARD receives state funding, it can focus on strengthening support systems for individuals and families

at no cost to those it serves. That support extends across all age groups — from early childhood through adulthood — ensuring individuals at every stage of life can access resources. Families may seek help with early developmental concerns, school transitions, behavior strategies, independent living skills, or connections to local providers. CARD consultants work alongside families to identify needs and provide evidence-based guidance tailored to each individual.

While each of Florida’s seven CARD centers operates within a specific catchment area, the local center’s reach extends well beyond Gainesville. Families from across the 14 counties frequently participate in CARD programming and events. For rural communities where specialized services may be limited, CARD often becomes a vital link to information and referrals that might otherwise be difficult to access.

Although many activities are held in Gainesville, attendance regularly includes participants from surrounding counties. This regional approach allows families who may otherwise feel isolated to connect with a broader network of support. The opportunity to meet other parents, caregivers and individuals on the spectrum can be transformative. Shared experiences foster reassurance and create lasting relationships that extend beyond a single event.

“Our center serves people of all ages who have autism and related disabilities,” Orlando said.

One of CARD’s signature community gatherings, The Annual Stomp the Swamp for Autism, blends awareness, inclusion, and fun. As UF CARD’s primary fundraiser, the event plays a vital role in sustaining programs and expanding services throughout the region. At Stomp the Swamp, families who have a child with autism or a related disability, community members, and UF students, faculty and staff walk or run the stadium steps or around the stadium

Families, students, and community members come together at The Annual Stomp the Swamp for Autism, climbing stadium steps and circling the field in a powerful show of support. As UF CARD’s primary fundraiser, the event fuels essential programs while celebrating awareness, inclusion, and the strength of our community.

to raise funds for the UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). Donations directly support swimming lessons for children, child safety materials and information, employment training for young adults, and social learning programs for children and teens with autism and related disabilities.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Gate 7), 157 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville, FL. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m., with the event running from 2 to 4 p.m. Registration is $25 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. Participants can register online at card.ufl.edu or onsite on March 7.

Hosting the event inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium adds a sense of excitement and community pride. Families have the opportunity to gather in a space typically associated with major university events, transforming it into an inclusive environment centered on support and celebration. The structure of the afternoon encourages movement and participation at every comfort level, ensuring that individuals with varying sensory needs and abilities feel welcome.

The day typically includes a community warm-up and fitness activities, entertainment from university and community performers, a child-friendly environment with special guests and vendor booths featuring therapy providers, service organizations, and researchers. Informational tables provide families with tangible next steps, such as connecting with a speech therapist, learning about behavioral supports, or exploring recreational programs tailored to children and adults on the spectrum.

The event also creates opportunities for university researchers to connect with families interested in participating in autism studies across age groups. By bringing research into a community setting, CARD helps demystify the process and invites families to become active partners in advancing knowledge. This collaboration strengthens both

the research enterprise and the local services available.

“It’s a fun and safe place for people to take their children,” Orlando said. “Anyone can attend, whether you’re a person on the spectrum, a family member, or someone in the community who wants to learn more.”

Beyond programming and events, CARD functions as a hub for collaboration. By bringing together therapists, service providers, educators, and researchers, the center fosters an ecosystem of shared knowledge and support. Professionals often rely on CARD for training and consultation, strengthening services across schools and agencies throughout the region.

The research conducted at the University of Florida spans a wide range of age groups and developmental stages, ensuring that new findings can directly inform services provided to families in the region. This connection between research and practice allows CARD to remain responsive to evolving best practices and emerging needs within the autism community.

CARD creates a space where individuals with autism and their families feel seen and supported. In addition to large-scale events like Stomp the Swamp, smaller workshops, consultations, and support opportunities continue throughout the year, reinforcing that support is not limited to a single day or season.

For many families, navigating autism can feel overwhelming. Organizations like CARD help bridge the gap between diagnosis and long-term support. Through state funding, university partnerships, community engagement, and annual initiatives like Stomp the Swamp, CARD continues to expand public understanding while building a stronger, more inclusive community.

In a world where awareness is still growing, CARD’s work ensures that individuals with autism and related disabilities are not navigating that journey alone.

MARCH + APRIL

Seasonal Bites

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR

Spring doesn’t arrive all at once — it unfolds in layers. March and April bring longer days, brighter skies, meaningful observances, and plenty of reasons to step outside and celebrate. Here’s a collection of seasonal “tapas” to savor.

THE SPRING EQUINOX

Around March 20, day and night are nearly equal in length. According to NASA, the spring equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, creating nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness across the globe. The word equinox comes from Latin, meaning “equal night.”

Historically, many ancient cultures marked the equinox as a time of balance and planting, and modern spring festivals still echo that celebration of light’s return.

WHY WE WEAR GREEN

St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 was not always associated with green — it was originally linked with blue, according to historians at the National Museum

of Ireland. Green became popular in the 18th century, inspired by Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle,” and by the shamrock, which tradition holds St. Patrick used as a teaching symbol.

According to the City of Chicago, the Chicago River has been dyed green annually since 1962, turning the holiday into one of the country’s most recognizable celebrations.

BIRTH FLOWERS

Each month carries its own floral symbol, a tradition that dates back to Roman times, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

March: Daffodil — representing rebirth and new beginnings.

April: Daisy (and Sweet Pea) — symbolizing innocence and joyful energy.

The daffodil’s early bloom has made it a universal emblem of spring’s arrival.

EARTH DAY

Celebrated every April 22, Earth Day began in 1970 as a nationwide environmental teach-in, according to EarthDay.org. What started as a grassroots movement now involves more than a billion participants worldwide each year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that small actions — planting native species, conserving water, reducing waste — collectively contribute to long-term environmental health.

WHY THE EASTER BUNNY?

The Easter Bunny traces back to German folklore. According to the Library of Congress, German immigrants brought the tradition of the “Osterhase,” or egg-laying hare, to America in the 1700s. Eggs themselves have long symbolized new life in both pagan and Christian traditions.

The Guinness World Records reports that the largest Easter egg ever created stood more than 30 feet tall and weighed over 15,000 pounds.

APRIL SHOWERS

The phrase “April showers bring May flowers” dates back to a 16th-century English poem, according to the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations.

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service explain that spring storms can intensify as lingering cool air meets rising warm temperatures, creating the atmospheric instability that fuels seasonal rainfall.

MIGRATION SEASON

March and April mark peak migration months for many bird species. According to the National Audubon Society, birds rely on increasing daylight hours as a cue to begin their northward journeys, navigating by the sun, stars, and even Earth’s magnetic field.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology notes that male birds sing more frequently in spring to establish territory and attract mates, which is why birdsong becomes especially noticeable this time of year.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

We “spring forward” on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Daylight Saving Time was first widely adopted during World War I as an energy conservation strategy.

Research published by the National Institutes of Health suggests extended daylight exposure may positively influence mood and circadian rhythms, though the time shift itself can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns.

GARDENING GAINS

As soil temperatures rise in early spring, planting conditions improve. According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, soil warming accelerates seed germination and root development, making March and April prime planting months in many regions.

Longer daylight hours increase photosynthesis, supporting vigorous plant growth.

A SEASON OF MOMENTUM

Research published by the American Psychological Association suggests increased sunlight exposure may elevate serotonin levels, contributing to improved mood and energy during spring months.

March and April are transitional — balanced between cool breezes and warm afternoons, between reflection and forward movement. Science, tradition, and history all agree: this season represents renewal.

Here’s to savoring every bright, hopeful day of spring — informed, inspired, and in full bloom!

POETRY MONTH

April is National Poetry Month, launched in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets to celebrate poetry’s role in American culture. Spring has long inspired poets, who often use blooming landscapes and lengthening days as metaphors for renewal.

YOUNG WRITERS STORYTELLING

Do you love to write and tell stories? Have you ever dreamed of seeing your work in print? Now’s your chance!

In celebration oF the voices that shape our lives, our town magazine and tower publications invite young writers in grades 4–12 to enter our Spring Storytelling Contest! This year’s theme is “Guiding Lights” — a creative challenge to craft a story about a mentor, teacher, coach, grandparent, sibling, neighbor, or friend whose guidance helped shape the main character’s journey.

We know our community is filled with imaginative and thoughtful young storytellers, and we can’t wait to read your inspiring work! Teachers, this could be a meaningful classroom assignment — invite students to write and hold a class vote for standout submissions. Parents and mentors, if you know a young writer with a powerful story to tell, encourage them to enter!

Winning stories will be published in our upcoming issue, and a panel of professional writers will review submissions to select the most creative, compelling, and well-crafted entries.

This is your chance to celebrate the people who help us grow, dream, and discover who we’re meant to be. We can’t wait to read your stories!

STORY SUBMISSION CRITERIA

YOUNG WRITERS: GRADES 4-12

Deadline: April 6, 2026

Word Count: 500-1,000 words

Story Guidelines:

• The story must feature a mentor or guiding figure.

• The story must include a meaningful lesson or turning point.

• The main character must express thoughts or dialogue.

• Nature must play a symbolic role in the story (for example, a lighthouse, a storm, a garden, a sunrise, a river crossing).

• The story must have an uplifting theme or moral (Think Aesop’s Fables!).

Submissions must include:

Story Title

Writer’s Name, Age, School/Grade Contact Information

Send your submissions to: editor@towerpublications.com

A FESTIVE AND FUN EASTER CRAFT

DIY Bunny Bums

“HERE COMES PETER COTTONTAIL, HOPPIN’ DOWN THE BUNNY TRAIL, HIPPITY, HOPPITY, EASTER’S ON ITS WAY...”

With Easter on the horizon, try out this festively fun DIY bunny bum craft! What is that silly Peter Rabbit up to again? Getting into mischief, of course. Create the whimsical scene of Peter digging into Mr. McGregor’s garden yet again. Oh, he’ll be furious! But only if he catches Peter in the act, that is! How fast can this bunny hop away? That’s the question!

Follow these simple steps and you, too, can have a real ‘live’ Peter Rabbit dispay this Easter. A great craft to do with the kiddos and a perfect way to make a table centerpiece for Easter Sunday brunch. Create multiple bunny bums, add a pick to each one — and voilà! You have adorable place card holders, ushering each guest to their proper place setting.

Now, hop along — it’s time to make your own bunny bum this Easter!

Supplies:

• Small/mini Terra Cotta pots

• Artificial flowers/greenery

• Moss (to top your pot)

• Small styrofoam block (to poke your greenery into)

• Small and large white pom-poms

• Hot glue gun

• Scissors

• Felt (for the feet)

• Pink paint pen (to color in the toe pads)

• Easter eggs/carrots/chicks (to add to your garden pot)

STEP ONE:

Using your hot glue gun, attach the small pom-pom (bunny tail) to the large pom-pom (bunny bum). Set aside and allow time to dry.

STEP TWO:

Cut out your bunny feet from the felt sheet. Be sure they are approximately the same size.

STEP THREE:

Using your pink paint pen, paint toe pads onto your bunny feet (one large oval near the center and four tiny circles towards the top). Set aside and allow time to dry.

STEP FOUR:

Cut a small square (large enough to fill the base of your pot) out of the styrofoam block. Place in the bottom of your pot.

STEP FIVE:

Cut sprigs from your artificial greenery and shorten as needed to fit into your pot. Depending on your own taste, add more springs to create a fuller floral look. Poke the sprigs into the styrofoam block, which will secure the arrangement.

STEP SIX:

Place moss on the top of the styrofoam block to create the look of a garden. Add enough moss until it nearly hits the rim of the pot.

STEP SEVEN:

Using your hot glue gun, leave a line of glue on a small portion of the rim of your pot. Attach your bunny bum to the glue, bunny tail towards the front/top. Allow time to dry.

STEP EIGHT:

Attach your bunny feet to the rear of the bunny bum using the hot glue gun. Allow time to dry.

STEP NINE:

For the final touch, add mini Easter eggs, carrots and chicks to the garden display.

STEP TEN:

Display your Peter Rabbit bunny bum on your dining room table, work desk or in a china cabinet — the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. This craft would also make a wonderful gift, just remember to use an Easter basket instead of a regular gift bag!

Hoppy Easter, everybunny!

Embracing Life

BY DONNA BONNELL

SPRING STRABISMUS SURGERY

As spring arrives with its vibrant blossoms and the promise of renewal, many of us welcome the season by planning getaways or tackling long-overdue cleaning projects. This year, however, I am embracing spring with a special sense of hope—strabismus surgery.

Simply stated, strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. Though common, strabismus surgery was only recently introduced to me. While a bit apprehensive, I am thrilled at the possibility of resolving my lifelong struggle. This column is not medical advice, but my story. I share it to encourage others with similar symptoms to seek help early and often.

Since childhood, I found many physical activities overwhelming and often felt embarrassed by my inability to participate in sports. I quickly learned to avoid situations that required depth perception. The condition interfered with academics. Near the end of my elementary school career, I was moved to a low-level reading class. It was not due to poor comprehension, but because I could not keep up with the rigorous pace required. This was especially tough since reading had always been my strength.

In the 1960s, school vision screenings were very basic and did not catch my issues. My parents received a good report and never thought about taking me to an eye doctor. From a young age, I was labeled as clumsy, shy, and uncoordinated. I internalized those beliefs and carried them my entire life.

As an adult, my vision worsened and eventually negatively impacted my job performance. I began to search for answers. In my 20s, I was diagnosed with misaligned eyes and double vision. Despite being the oldest patient in a pediatric clinic, I underwent eye therapy. I can still vividly recall when I experienced 3D for the first time. Unfortunately, therapy only resulted in temporary improvement. Unsuccessful in finding other available medical options,

I developed strategies to compensate for my disabilities, and life went on.

Eventually, driving became my greatest source of anxiety. We lived in Miami. The relentless traffic and my struggles with depth perception made my daily commute to work arduous. This fear was so overwhelming that it led our family to relocate to Newberry in 1983.

Of course, Alachua County has grown tremendously since then, and much of that angst has returned, including judging the distance between cars, parallel parking, and making left turns without a traffic light. In addition, getting lost and being directionally challenged are related to this condition.

As I aged, my vision worsened. Even though the diagnosis of adult strabismus and diplopia may have hereditary roots, the issues were later compounded by the effects of Hashimoto’s, a thyroid disorder. By that point, my eyes were completely independent of each other. Wearing eyeglasses with strong prisms became a necessity. These specially made, very expensive glasses enabled my brain to merge two images into one. For decades, the high-powered prisms basically tricked my brain, became my crutch, and I adapted (again).

Fast forward to 2026. After several other eye surgeries and consultations with three doctors, I was referred to an ophthalmologist who specializes in treating cases like mine. After analyzing my 71-year history and a thorough examination, the recommendation is strabismus surgery in both eyes.

The procedure consists of a surgeon making a small cut in the eye tissue, creating a pathway to the eye muscles. The specialist then repositions the muscles, pointing the eyes in the same direction.

As I write this column, and while awaiting surgery, I am undergoing Prism Adaptation Testing (PAT). A temporary Fresnel prism (a thin plastic membrane) has been placed on the inside of my current prism glasses, doubling the diopter (a unit of measure for lens power). In a few weeks, an even stronger temporary prism will replace the current one. The purpose is to measure the muscle adjustment needed and to assess if surgery will be successful.

So far, my brain is cooperating with the PAT. Surgery looks promising. The goal is to realign my eye muscles and restore binocular vision. My hope is to eliminate or reduce my dependence on prisms and see in 3D.

After over 70 years, this will be the best spring ever!

TEACHERS USE IMMERSIVE LESSONS TO TRANSFORM STUDENTS’ LIVES

Classrooms in Bloom

WRITTEN BY PEGGY MACDONALD

ACCORDING TO THE NTL INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE, STUDENTS REMEMBER ONLY ABOUT 5% OF WHAT THEY HEAR DURING A LECTURE.

For this reason, some of the most memorable experiences students have with teachers often take place outside of the classroom.

Steven Doherty’s AP Environmental Science and IB Environmental Systems and Societies students at Eastside High School learn about the human impact on water by following it underground. The field trip begins at Sweetwater Branch in East Gainesville. Next, students stop at Sweetwater Wetlands Park, where they witness the removal of nitrogen and other pollutants from the water before it reaches the Alachua Sink at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Later, they crawl through caves in

search of the same water, emerging somewhere between Newberry and High Springs, covered in mud. At the end of their journey, they clean up in Poe Springs.

“It’s all the same water,” Doherty explained. This water gradually makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico, the site of the other pilgrimage Doherty’s students embark upon each year. For high school students, these field trips are transformative. “They’re much more aware of how unique North Florida is,” Doherty said.

Doherty’s environmental science students grapple with the complex challenges of the 21st century through experiential learning projects that enable them to observe and interact with nature. During one such project, students dig a hole large enough for the whole class to fit into, enabling them to study soil layers more closely than they could through a textbook alone. Students also dig down

to groundwater, measuring its depth from the Eastside tennis courts to the nearby cypress-tupelo wetland.

“After several years, we had annual groundwater depth records that we could relate to seasonal rainfall records and hurricanes,” Doherty said. “Students would get three days to dig, one day to measure, and one day to fill it in. It was quite the IB project – it took planning, teamwork, ingenuity, and determination.”

A Chicago native, Doherty completed a PhD in environmental engineering sciences at the University of Florida. He was Howard T. Odum’s last PhD student and published with the pioneering ecologist. “He was like a grandfather,” Doherty said. “He opened so many doors for me.”

Doherty taught in the graduate program in sustainable system science at Slippery Rock University in western Pennsylvania. “At the time, it was the only graduate program anywhere in the country with the word sustainable in it,”

Doherty said. However, after he taught there for five years, the graduate program closed. In need of a job, Doherty relocated his family to Gainesville, where he was hired to teach in the gifted science program at Howard Bishop Middle School. He loved it.

“I stayed at Bishop for a decade before the IB position opened up,” Doherty said. His predecessor at Eastside, Steve Everett, and his environmental science students discovered

over 100 dugout canoes at Lake Pithlachocco (Newnans Lake). The canoes were between 500 and 5,000 years old. Everett and Doherty were in graduate school together, and Everett recruited Doherty after he retired. Together, the teachers have inspired generations of Alachua County residents to care about the natural world.

Across town, at Buchholz High School, Wendy Rosché immerses students in the world of entrepreneurship, team competitions, and individual empowerment. Rosché utilizes roleplaying, games, and hands-on project management to promote student engagement in the Academy of Entrepreneurship. Rosché and Terry Hoffer, the Academy’s two teachers, routinely lead groups of 150 students on field trips to state and national entrepreneurship competitions through the school’s DECA chapter.

Doherty’s environmental science students grapple with the complex challenges of the 21st century through experiential learning projects that enable them to observe and interact with nature.

The teamwork Rosché and Hoffer enjoy promotes a sense of balance in the Academy, with Rosché focusing primarily on marketing and themes, while Hoffer provides guidance on the financial aspects of the program. Students explore real-life business examples through role plays and “design thinking,” in which students plan products and services that could become viable business models. “In their junior year, they put this preparation into practice by designing their own businesses,” Rosché explained.

In addition, students manage the Buchholz Spirit Spot, a retail store with apparel and a café. Located inside Buchholz High School, the Spirit Spot offers valuable marketing and business management opportunities to students in the Academy.

Rosché draws upon a wealth of professional experience that informs her teaching, including stints as a social worker, college professor, and school counselor, as well as positions in food service and hotel sales. She founded a career day at Williams Elementary School, where she had worked before starting at Buchholz. Now, she takes Junior Achievement students to Chiles Elementary School, where the high school students teach financial literacy to younger students. “I like kids to see how much joy they can be part of by participating in community giving,” Rosché said.

Real-world preparation is at the heart of the Academy

of Entrepreneurship. As a Career & Technical Education (CTE) program, the Academy focuses on vocational or certificate training. “By focusing on career readiness,” Rosché explained, “we expect our students to display work behaviors that go ‘above and beyond’ their peers.”

In addition, DECA competitions help students develop and refine professional communication skills that help with the college application and interview process. “We have a variety of students who have gone on to elite colleges like Wellesley, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania.” Rosché said.

Competition is also a driving force behind student success at the Institute of Culinary Arts at Eastside High School. Chef Pamela Bedford, director, was selected as the American Culinary Federation’s National Chef Educator of the Year in 2021. In 2023, Bedford received the American Culinary Federation’s Cutting Edge Award, which recognizes innovators who tirelessly nurture and mentor culinary students. Moreover, the Institute of Culinary Arts is ranked on the National Center for Hospitality Studies Elite 50 list, which recognizes high schools and tech centers that demonstrate excellence in the areas of culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and hospitality management.

While a student at Hawthorne High School, Bedford decided to pursue a culinary career. At the time, there were

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not many culinary arts programs available for high school students. Bedford’s father supported her career choice, and she graduated from the former Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach. “It was a lot of fun,” Bedford said. For 19 years, Bedford has shared her expertise with aspiring chefs in the culinary program at Eastside. Students in the culinary magnet gain practical experience at the Hungry Ram restaurant, which features a large dining room, a coffee shop managed entirely by students, and a commercial kitchen. “It is organized chaos,” Bedford said. “There’s always a lot going on. You hand them knives and fire and hope for the best. But it’s fun.”

Bedford and her colleague, Chef Richard Vaughn, emphasize labs over lectures. “You learn better by doing,” Bedford explained. “We prepare students for jobs in the food industry and hospitality service.”

Students complete CTEs in areas that make them highly employable after graduation. Students interested in pursuing careers in hospitality focus on customer service, guest interactions, and all aspects of business management, including food costs, scheduling, and supervision. When Bedford won Educator of the Year in 2021, she took her students to Orlando to work at the convention. “They leave here with certifications that make them more employable than anyone else,” Bedford said, making it easy to secure a high-paying job with flexible hours while they complete college or pursue a career in the culinary or hospitality industry.

Several graduates of Eastside’s Institute for Culinary Arts have opened their own businesses. Chef Noam Bilitzer was selected as a finalist for the James Beard award in 2025 and was a semifinalist in 2026. “He was a freshman the first year I taught at Eastside,” Bedford said. As a Mother’s Day present a few years ago, Bedford’s husband, Jake, took her to Louisville, Ky., to visit Bilitzer at his restaurant, MeeshMeesh Mediterranean.

Another Eastside culinary alumna, Peyton Agliata, opened Bushel & Peck in Gainesville in January. Megan MacDonald worked as a pastry chef and kitchen sous chef at Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille and is now head butcher at Mitchell’s Chop Shop in King, N.C. Other program graduates have become chefs at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Like master gardeners, Chef Pam Bedford, Wendy Rosché, and Steven Doherty bring their respective subjects to life for their students in East and West Gainesville. In the kitchen, at state and national competitions, and even underground, these Alachua County school teachers are building a living legacy.

The Our Town Home & Garden Show will connect you to our area’s best remodelers, builders, and design professionals.

For one weekend only, the brand new Sports & Event Center in Celebration Pointe will be filled with wall-to-wall displays and exhibits.

Learn the latest trends in design, product offerings, maintenance tips, and more on everything to do with kitchen and bath remodeling, roofing, flooring, home security, water conditioning, insulation, windows, landscaping and so much more!

Speak with the pros and receive the advice and inspiration you need to turn your home or other home improvement project into a reality!

Naked Salsa

BY CRYSTAL SMITH

AND JUST LIKE THAT

When I first started writing this column, I was a young, fresh-faced, newly married 20-something with dreams of being a writer. One day at happy hour with my editor, Pat, I worked up the courage to ask if she’d consider letting me have a column in the magazine. I thought she’d give me a laundry list of quests to complete before I was allowed to unleash my thoughts on the world. But she took a long sip of her margarita and said, “Sure!” Twenty years later, here I am. An older, nighttime-moisturizer face, newly divorced 40-something — still baffled she said yes.

From the very first column I wrote, I was plagued with the pressure of writing something anyone would want to read. As a writer, people constantly tell me they’ve been wanting to write a book, as if I can relate. In all my 20-something years of writing, I’ve honestly never thought I had anything to say that was so groundbreaking that other people would want to read it. I’ve honestly struggled to even consider myself a “real” writer.

But for 20 years, I’ve somehow found something to hammer out on this keyboard. Well, not this keyboard. I started this thing on a chunky desktop I bought at Best Buy and forgot to send in the rebate. I wish I didn’t think about that $250 as much as I do.

For the first 10 years of my career, I spent countless late nights trying to find inspiration — and my writing voice — in the glow of that old PC.

I was a recovering advertising major who quickly pivoted to journalism when I realized demographics bored me. But even in J school, I felt like a fraud. I was in class with some of the most brilliant broadcast and print reporters we’ve got working today. But I knew I didn’t belong in their ranks. I had a face for radio and a writing style for fluff pieces. I wasn’t a “real” journalist any more than I was a “real”

Finding your writing voice is one of the first lessons I remember in my undergrad classes. But honestly, as an infant baby in

college, what even was “my” voice? I was still developing who I was as a person. Hell, I was still developing my prefrontal cortex.

Over time, I must have developed something because my friends and family tell me they can hear “me” in my writing. Even now that I’ve swung full circle back into a career in advertising, my cadence hasn’t changed. People at work tell me they can hear me in an ad.

Now that I get a regular paycheck, and my job title as a copywriter actually has the word in it — I guess I can finally say I’m a writer. Even with my wonky path through freelancing, a stint in project management, some PR work, and a bounce back to newspapers before I landed here, I could probably be convinced that I’ve made a career out of this keyboard.

Now that my infant baby daughter is halfway through her junior year of high school, she’s starting to explore what her career path might look like, and she’s asked about mine.

I remember having the stereotypical dream of being a writer in New York City. But I met her dad in college, and his career took us to the bustling town of Columbus, Indiana — far away from my original plans.

But really, I only became a writer because I literally didn’t know what else to do with my life. I barely passed “Baby Bio” and “Math for Non-Majors” in college. So that knocked out any STEM careers. I figured I’d just look at my report card and see what classes didn’t have an F. English/Language Arts it is.

My kid, on the other hand, has a much wider path to explore because her gifts shine a lot brighter than mine did, and she doesn’t center men. She’s decided on a path toward occupational therapy, and she’s eyeing the University of Florida as her top pick. She’s like me and not like me in the best ways.

Knowing that college is on the horizon, I’ve been soaking in as much of her as possible. Our nightly ritual after dinner is to cozy up on the couch and binge-watch trash. We started with Pen15 (by the way, if you were ever a girl in the 90s, you need to turn it on now). Then, on vacation, we stumbled upon Sex and the City on the hotel TV. I hadn’t seen that in probably 20 years.

We’re now on season three, and somewhere in season two, Sunny said, “Oh my god, Mom, this is you.”

There was Carrie Bradshaw, contorted in her chair in front of her chunky desktop, with her wavy blonde hair, pondering at her keyboard.

And just like that, I realized the voice I’d been using all these years was, in fact, a fabulous single girl living her biggest dreams. And I should probably get over it and admit that I’m a writer.

AWAKEN TO A HEALTHIER WAY OF LIVING

At Awaken Chiropractic in Gainesville, they want you to be FREE from pain and illness. Focused on improving the health and wellness of the entire community, their mission is to not only provide you chiropractic care, but also the tools you need to improve your overall health and wellness - for a lifetime.

The highly trained and professional staff at Awaken Chiropractic work around a fundamental value – to care for patients the way they would their own family. From a thorough and complete physical and neurological examination to an open and honest approach towards an individualized plan for care, the team is committed to involving you in the roadmap to good health.

The chiropractic adjustments you receive at Awaken Chiropractic are safe and effective, and people of all ages, from infant to senior, can benefit from spinal re-alignments. With a long history of chiropractic care constantly improving, Awaken uses only the latest technology, techniques and approaches to assist in treatment. For example, the Torque Release Technique (TRT) is the most specific, targeted, and gentlest application adjustment available. By using a special instrument called an integrator in the process of applying targeted and specific adjustments to the spine – TRT allows for a more comfortable overall experience, without having to use the traditional cracking and popping found in most other chiropractic centers. This focused approach delivers

pinpoint accuracy to help re-align the spinal column and re-establish impaired neurological imbalances.

Hundreds of Five Star reviews detail assistance with neck & back pain, digestive issues, anxiety, migraines & headaches and numbness or tingling, however they are also uniquely specialized in the areas of pediatric and maternal care. They’ve helped hundreds of expecting mothers suffer less discomfort and enjoy a healthier overall pregnancy and post-partum recovery.

“Seeing our patients improve their health is what we’re most passionate about”

“Seeing our patients improve their health is what we’re most passionate about,” said Drs. Shane and Brittany Semegon, owners of Awaken Chiropractic. “We want to help make an impact in the health of our patients and our community.”

To learn more about Awaken Chiropractic, their incredible staff, and the many ways they can help you live your healthiest life, call the office or visit their website for additional information.

DISCOVER THE PUBLIC GARDENS BLOOMING WITH BEAUTY AND COMMUNITY EACH SPRING

Spring in Bloom

WRITTEN BY DANA BRYAN

Say goodbye to heated blankets and hot chocolate in your warmest, fuzziest socks, and say hello to tank tops, popsicles, leisurely strolls outside, and perfect weather. Spring has officially arrived. One of the best ways to welcome this season is to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in one of Gainesville’s thriving public gardens. Embrace the warm environment and blossoming trees and flowers. Eat fresh, organic fruits and veggies harvested by hand. A little dirt never hurts! Continue reading to learn more about the vibrant public gardens to enjoy in and near our communities.

DREAMERS’ GARDEN - GROVE STREET NEIGHBORHOOD

920 NW 4th St.

Dreamers’ Garden in the Grove Street neighborhood has been a staple for over two decades. It first opened to

the community in 2002. Founded by Maria Huff Edwards, the Dreamers’ Garden is known for hosting annual events and being a hub for community engagement, art, and literature. In December 2025, a new sculpture was unveiled in the garden. The sculpture, titled “NOMMO” by artist and blacksmith Yaw Owusu Shangofemi, honors the Gullah Geechee culture of West Africa. Nommo are ancestral spirits in Dogon mythology (from the country of Mali) who brought civilization, water, and life to Earth. They are often depicted as fish-like creatures and are considered “Masters of the Water.” The garden is open from sunrise to sunset and has many edible groves for everyone to enjoy, including persimmons, herbs, papayas, and sour citrus rootstock. With picnic tables and a built-in chessboard, it is an ideal place for some quiet time.

KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDENS

4700 SW 58th Dr.

Gorgeous and harmonious, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a treasured Gainesville gem. With the state’s largest public display of bamboo, floating lily pads, peaceful ponds, brilliantly colored flowers, and an inviting picnic area, when you enter the botanical gardens, you are transported into a world you will not want to leave. There are plenty of sections to explore or to simply sit and enjoy the moment. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, water, and a hat, as it can get very hot on sunny days. It is a lovely place for an outdoor adventure for a plant or garden enthusiast. The various areas within the gardens are impeccably maintained. Walking around and along the paths, it is inevitable that you will feel refreshed, renewed, and inspired for the remainder of your day. The cost is reasonable at $12 (+ tax) for adults and $7 (+ tax) for children. Bring your kids, your spouse, and everyone in your family to enjoy a nice day out at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.

FRED CONE PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN

2801 E University Ave

Fred Cone Park Community Garden is a neighborhood garden that provides fresh, organic fruits and vegetables for local residents, with a focus on supporting families and seniors. The community garden is located beside a new eight-lane competition track, an interior field, and a shaded playground with swings. Perfect for families, students, and seniors, make sure to visit the many other features of the park while visiting the garden. The park has the first publicly open track-and-field facility in the tri-county area. It even has field event areas, including pole vault, shot put, high jump, and long jump. There are

also two basketball courts, a picnic area, and additional parking. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. For quiet time, go early; afternoons are often used by practicing track teams.

GREEN ACRES PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN

643 SW 40th St.

Peaceful and serene, Green Acres Park Community Garden is a charming space located within Green Acres Park for residents to enjoy. It features fresh vegetables and flowers. The park includes a mix of outdoor activities, including a playground, a grassy field, and walking trails through the park’s live oak hammock. The park and garden can provide a relaxing day of fun and a chance to reconnect with nature and family. It is a city-managed space that protects a portion of the Hogtown Creek floodplain (a 20-square-mile watershed prone to flooding). Visitors might encounter a wide array of wildlife, including many bird species. Bring a book or just yourself, and enjoy a casual day grounded in nature. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed. Parking is at the dead end of SW 40th Street, just south of SW Sixth Place.

MCRORIE COMMUNITY GARDEN

615 SE 4th Ave.

McRorie Community Garden is one of the five community gardens in Gainesville recognized by the USDA as part of the People’s Garden Initiative. The People’s Garden Initiative is a part of the USDA’s broader efforts to support local and regional food systems and encourage the use of conservation and climate-smart practices. Residents of the community can rent a patch of land for free and plant whatever they choose. Visitors are welcome to admire the many flowers, fruits, and vegetables growing in the

garden, but are not allowed to harvest plants. Items are the property of the owner of each plot. Volunteers to help clear weeds and pour mulch onto the paths are welcome. The community has workdays for volunteers and do-gooders to lend a hand. Share your knowledge of gardening practices and pick up a few tips from long-time gardeners. See McRorie Community Garden’s Instagram for dates and times.

These are gardens in and around Gainesville for families, students, the elderly, and every individual to enjoy. Lend a hand and become an active part of your community. Go outside and garden! There’s so much to learn and so much to do. It can be a hobby that helps you feel centered or one that allows your mind to wander. Whether it’s a distraction or profoundly centering, it’ll be worth it. Challenge the elements, grow your patience, and find joy in the simplicity of a wonderful beginning to spring.

FARM TALES From Mother Hen

BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

“BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED” IS AN OLD EXPRESSION I OFTEN HEARD GROWING UP AS A FARMER’S DAUGHTER.

Maybe it isn’t as familiar now as it was back in the 1950’s and 60’s, so the younger generation might not have heard it before. I grew up in the country where expressions like this were often doled out from our elders as sage advice. Of course, being a kid back then, I probably rolled my eyes and didn’t give it much consideration at the time. Ironically, I eventually became the perfect example of this expression.

I spent the first 23 years of my life growing up in Central Illinois farm country. The first nine years of those 23 years, I lived in a small cottage tucked back in the woods. My playmates were my pets, or woodland critters that we found orphaned or injured.

My mother shared her love of animals with me and her experience taking care of them. She knew just what to do when a woodland animal needed help. She would put food and water out every day during the freezing winter weather so that they could survive until springtime. She always came to the rescue whenever a baby bunny, kitten, duckling, or wild creature needed special attention or healing care.

The year I turned nine, my dad took over my grandfather’s farm after he retired. My grandparents then moved into the nearby town, and my family moved into the large farmhouse they vacated. I never imagined being anything but a Midwestern girl. My roots were firmly planted in the rich and fertile Illinois farm ground.

Life is full of surprises, however, and in the 70s I married “the boy next door,” as my mother called him. He didn’t live next door, of course, because we lived in the country and he lived in the nearby town. However, we did go to the same high school, which pleased my parents because they knew his family and assumed we would probably settle down in a nearby

location. I was their only child, so that was what my mother hoped for.

A few months after our wedding, my husband was given an opportunity for a position in his chosen career. Unbelievably, that position was located in Miami, Florida! When he got the offer, it was the middle of a frigid Midwest winter. Snow and ice were everywhere, and the temperature was below zero. The offer was a good one, made even more amazing because it happened in the middle of winter. We were beyond excited at the image of sunshine and swimsuits every day of the year.

Then reality set in. Could we do this? Could we uproot ourselves and everything we know…everyone we know? After some deep soul searching, we decided we had to try it. We told ourselves we could always come back. I have to say that the day we said our goodbyes to our parents and drove away on our new adventure (sigh) it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

That monumental moment occurred in April of 1974. Every spring in Florida since then, when the tropical plants are blooming, and the birds are singing, those memories come flooding back to me in a bittersweet way.

It took me some time before my roots grew into the sandy soil I found here in Florida. I still considered myself a Farmer’s daughter for a long time, just an uprooted one. However, I found out that the skills I learned from my mother still could be useful here as

well. I contented myself rescuing baby birds, ducklings, and other critters whenever I had the opportunity. As the years passed, I noticed I was becoming more and more comfortable as a Florida girl. Just a transplanted one, blooming where I was now planted.

I never imagined being anything but a Midwestern girl. My roots were firmly planted in the rich and fertile Illinois farm ground.

I have to say that whoever told me to “bloom where you are planted” was absolutely right. Today, my roots are firmly planted in Florida’s sandy soil. My children are Florida girls, but I keep reminding them that they are Farmer’s Granddaughters too. And when I hug my granddaughters tight, I tell them that they are Farmer’s Great-granddaughters as well.

It is now 53 years since I set foot on Florida soil as a resident of this fine state. The soil isn’t the rich dark soil I grew up on, but it is rich with opportunity. The decision my husband and I made to uproot everything we were familiar with that day long ago has been a good one.

I’m blooming right here where I am transplanted, and thankful for the path that brought me here.

WHAT’S BLOOMING AROUND TOWN?

A Seasonal Guide to the Wildflowers and Garden Favorites Painting the Community in Color

Is there beauty that can compete with a blossoming flower on a spring day? Perhaps only the satisfaction of knowing its name, its origins, and why it thrives so vividly in our local soil. Join us as we explore some of the blooms that define this vibrant season.

WRITTEN BY DANA BRYAN

Imagine you are walking along a long path with each small step , excitement burns in your belly . Time passes, but no one can keep track. The clear blue skies, shining sun, and occasional gust of wind create the perfect weather, and although you might look up at a low-pitched call or squawk from a few passing blue jays, the majority of your focus is down below on the ground.

Peeking out of the dry soil are Florida greeneyes (Berlandiera subacaulis) with bright yellow petals and nutrient-rich green centers. They have not fully matured, but there is the faint lingering smell of chocolate. The sweet aroma floats to your nose, tingling your senses. Who needs to stop and smell roses when you can smell chocolate?

These vibrant wildflowers, endemic to Florida, are among the earliest to bloom in North Central Florida and are key indicators of the start of one of the best seasons of the year, spring. Emerging from winter, these drought-tolerant flowers thrive thanks to thick, tuberous taproots that store enough water to sustain them through the dry season. Gainesville’s high humidity, intense sunlight, and sandy soil are ideal for the low-maintenance plant. Buzzing bees pollinate each flower, and graceful butterflies do the same. It is a nice representation of Gainesville’s dedication to creating, expanding, and enhancing pollinator-friendly habitats as an official Bee City USA affiliate. Gainesville would not be Gainesville without all the bees, wasps, butterflies, and other pollinators. With a whisper of a thank you to Florida greeneyes for its contribution, you continue your way.

Farther down the path is a bush with possibly one of the best flower

names, yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (Brunsfelsia grandiflora). The brilliance of nature at its finest, this shrub changes colors every day. You seem to have caught the flowers on day two of their journey, when they are a pale shade of lavender. The day before, the flowers were a dazzling amethyst-like purple, hard to find in nature. Tomorrow, the flowers will be a striking white, like a bride on her wedding day or a baby in her baptismal dress. Yesterdaytoday-and-tomorrow plants do best when planted in a place where they can get the shining morning sun but also protective afternoon shade. Gainesville lies within USDA Hardiness Zones 9a/9b, which are regions with rarely freezing temperatures, long summers, and short, relatively mild winters. This provides the warm, humid, subtropical climate necessary for the growth of yesterday-today-and-tomorrows. The intoxicating scent of the flowers hits you as you approach. It is a heady mixture of spicy clove, vanilla, and jasmine. Mentally, you take note to come back at night when the smell will undoubtedly be stronger and even more irresistible.

A symbol of hope, resilience, and endurance, the African Iris is commonly used in local landscaping.

Jogging now, you do a double-take on one of Gainesville’s most iconic plants, the white fringetree, also known as the Old Man’s Beard (Chionanthus virginicus). This slow-growing plant is well known. Towering over many, typically reaching twelve to twenty feet, it produces delicate, white, and fluffy-looking flowers that resemble an old man’s beard. They are often a spring focal point. We are not the first to associate the flower with spring. It has a rich historical background. Thomas Jefferson requested seeds of this plant for his estate in the 1700s, and George Washington is said to have planted it at Mount Vernon. The indigenous peoples used the bark and roots to treat skin inflammation, sores, and wounds. These trees are easy to care for and have a high tolerance for

pollution. They are highly adaptable to different soil types and drought-tolerant once established. You can find them anywhere and everywhere around Gainesville, and during the spring is when they truly thrive, attracting many pollinators, including bats. Gorgeous and timeless, the Old Man’s Beard is even featured in local folklore.

Inexplicably, you are drawn to a dense clump of greenery that is at least half the size of you. It is the African Iris (Dietes iridoides), also known as the fortnight lily and morea iris. It is an evergreen perennial that grows in clumps of green, pointy, and stiff foliage. White flowers with yellow and purple markings bloom atop the spiky foliage, creating a fun and delicate display that adds texture to any garden. The African Iris is drought-tolerant and can thrive in various conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Each bloom is short-lived, only lasting one to two days, but, living up to its name as the fortnight lily, the plant blooms profusely every two weeks.

A symbol of hope, resilience, and endurance, the African Iris is commonly used in local landscaping. It can be found in public, commercial, and residential gardens. It is low-maintenance and can be easily divided at the roots (rhizomes) or grown from seeds. In some cultures, the rhizome is used to clear bad luck. You can’t help but reach out to touch the plant, hoping some of its good luck and resilience seeps into your skin for the beginning of spring.

There is no better way to welcome in this bright new season than by feasting your eyes on vibrant flowers and feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Go outside and enjoy the sweet delights of a sunny day — you never know where the magic of nature will end up taking you.

Join us for the first annual Swing Fore New Futures Golf Tournament benefiting St. Francis House!

Enjoy a day on the course while supporting women, families, and children experiencing homelessness in Gainesville and Alachua County.

Proceeds raised during this event provide safe shelter and critical services that help families in our community rebuild stability and Create New Futures.

Player registration and sponsorship opportunities available at: stfrancishousegnv.com/events Friday, April 24, 2026 Tee Time: 8:00 am Turkey Creek Golf Course 11400 Turkey Creek Blvd, Alachua

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

MARCH/APRIL 2026

Sunday, March 1 at 2:30 p.m. Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

18TH ANNUAL SPRING YOUTH CONCERT FEATURING “HANSEL & GRETEL”

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GAINESVILLE – Sun Country Dance Theatre presents their 18th Annual Spring Youth Concert, featuring an encore of “Hansel and Gretel,” an original story ballet choreographed by Artistic Director Judy Benton. This enchanting adaptation follows Hansel and Gretel as they get lost in a mysterious forest, meet whimsical characters, and face the eccentric Cotton Candy Witch, who plans to turn them into scrumptious confections. With cleverness and courage, the siblings outsmart the witch and break her magical spell. This fun, family-friendly performance is filled with lively choreography, colorful costumes, drama, and plenty of humor. performingarts.ufl.edu

FAMILY DAY AT THE DAIRY FARM

Saturday, March 7 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

UF IFAS Dairy Unit, 13200 NW 59 Dr.

GAINESVILLE – Join us on March 7th from 9:00am - 2:00pm at the UF/IFAS Family Day at the Dairy Farm! This free event welcomes you and your family to join us for a fun-filled and educational experience at the UF Dairy. ifas.ufl.edu

FOOD & MUSIC NIGHT FESTIVAL

Saturday, March 7 from 6 – 10 p.m.

Celebration Pointe, 5001 Celebration Pointe Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Get ready for a night full of flavor, rhythm and fun! Enjoy delicious eats from food trucks and street food vendors. Listen to live music by Jamie Allen Band and Second Chance Band. Shop local at our pop-up market. There will be games and entertainment for everyone. Grab your friends, bring the family, and come ready to Eat – Music – Shop – Repeat. We can’t wait to see you there! celebrationpointe.com/events

TASTE OF THE BAYOU

LOVE & FOOD FEST

Saturday, March 14 from 12 – 6 p.m. Oaks Mall, 6419 W Newberry Rd.

GAINESVILLE - Get ready to laissez les bons temps rouler at Oaks Mall. This ain’t your average Saturday – it’s a full-blown bayou celebration with the best Cajun and Creole eats, live music that’ll have you two-stepping in the parking lot, and vibes so good you’ll think you teleported straight to Bourbon Street. Whether you’re craving étouffée, po’boys loaded to the heavens, or beignets that’ll change your life - we got you covered! Plus, free entry means more money for all the food. saturdayshoppes.com/events

SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL

March 21 & 22 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr.

GAINESVILLE – Browse over 100 booths offering plants, landscape displays, food and more at the region’s premier horticultural event. The festival has a stage featuring live local entertainers on Sunday. kanapaha.org/spring-garden-festival

SPRING PLANT SWAP & SALE

Saturday, March 28 from 12 – 4 p.m. Swamp Head Brewery, 3650 SW 42nd Ave.

GAINESVILLE - Join us for an afternoon full of plants, community and good beer. Our annual Plant Swap & Sale brings together local growers, collectors and plant lovers for one of our favorite events of the year. You’ll find everything from easy starter houseplants to rare and collector plants, carnivorous, natives, succulents and more. Every plant at this event comes from our local community. There will be food trucks on site. swamphead.com

HOGTOWN CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

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STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL AT THE BRYER PATCH

Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Bryer Patch, 5700 SW 250th St. NEWBERRY - Come join us for our Annual Strawberry Festival at The Bryer Patch. Our 2nd Strawberry Festival will be Saturday, March 14th, 2026, from 10:00am-4:00pm. There will be live music, strawberry picking, strawberry shortcake, strawberry cobbler, strawberry milkshakes & strawberry kabobs. Admission tickets are available upon arrival. Friendly reminder we are a farm so please be prepared for dirt, bugs, sun, rain, uneven terrain, etc. Closed toe shoes highly recommended. Please no pets. thebryerpatchfarm.com

Saturday, March 28 from 1 – 5 p.m. North Central Florida Community Center, 5201 NW 34th Blvd.

GAINESVILLE - Join us at the North Central Florida Community Center (previously known as the YMCA) where amazing craft beer, mead, and ciders will be available from local and regional breweries for you to sample. Best of all this benefits your local community by helping our charity partners. This annual festival is sure to sell out just like it has in past years. hogtownbeerfest.com

EQUALITY FLORIDA’S 2026

GAINESVILLE GALA

Saturday, March 28 from 7 – 10 p.m. Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, 1714 SW 34th St.

GAINESVILLE - This year’s gala will feature great food, entertainment, open bars, a silent auction and an inspiring message from Equality Florida’s executive staff. Also, during the evening, we’ll recognize local individuals who have made outstanding contributions to LGBTQ equality. Cocktail attire is suggested. eqfl.org/GreaterGainesvilleGala

SWAN LAKE WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

Wednesday, April 1 at 7 p.m.

Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE - The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, as fate and magic entwine in a timeless battle between good and evil. Performing with a Live Orchestra, and featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-crafted sets, this spellbinding ballet captures every heart-pounding moment – from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés, and every pirouette in between. performingarts.ufl.edu

HEARTWOOD MUSIC FEST X

April 4 & 5 at 1 p.m.

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St.

GAINESVILLE – To celebrate ten years of Heartwood Music Fest, this year we will sprinkle moments of intergenerational highlights and collabs throughout the festival. This might look like a kid or an elder joining a band to sing along on a song or take a solo, artists covering the song of an elder who inspired their music or an emerging young artist that excites them, cameos from local youth music programs, or a high school marching band taking the stage. Featured artists include SOOZA, Dionysus, Dirty Chai, The Shambles, Purple Kloud, Michael Klaytor, Ella Norris, We Rock Gainesville and many more! Tickets can be purchased online. Kids 12 & under enter for free. Student and group discounts are available.

heartwoodsoundstage.com

BAT APPRECIATION DAY

Saturday, April 18 from 12 – 4 p.m. Blackadder Brewing Company, 618 NW 60th St.

GAINESVILLE – We’re excited to share that Lubee Bat Conservancy is the charity partner at Blackadder Brewing Company for the entire month of April! That means multiple ways to celebrate bats, support conservation, and enjoy a great local brewery all month long. Kick off Bat Appreciation Day with the Guano Run 5K, a fun run-or-walk race benefiting Lubee Bat Conservancy. After, guests can come back to Blackadder for a free family-friendly event including bat-inspired crafts and activities, local vendors and food trucks, a chat with bat experts and meeting Lubee’s education ambassador bats. blackadderbrewing.com

FLOWER FRENZY FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Bryer Patch, 5700 SW 250th St.

NEWBERRY – Join us for a day filled with fresh blooms, sweet fragrances and local charm. Admission includes access to flower

fields, access to u-pick flower patches, hayride to see cows and ducks, farm animal petting, access to play paddock, photo ops and much more. Friendly reminder we are a farm so please be prepared for dirt, bugs, sun, rain, uneven terrain, etc. Closed toe shoes highly recommended. Please no pets. thebryerpatchfarm.com

RECURRING EVENTS

HAILE EQUESTRIAN RIDE & WINE

First Fridays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Haile Equestrian, 7680 SW 46th Blvd.

GAINESVILLE – Enjoy an adults-only evening of horseback riding, wine, charcuterie and great conversations with us. All riding levels welcome. Tickets are $75 per-person. haileequestrian.com/events

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CARIBBEAN FEST

GAINESVILLE

Saturday, April 11 from 12 – 6 p.m. Oaks Mall, 6419 W Newberry Rd.

GAINESVILLE - Saturday Shoppes presents Taste of the Islands: Caribbean Fest — where jerk chicken meets steel drums, and every bite tells a story from Jamaica to Trinidad, Barbados to Haiti. This isn’t just another market — it’s a full-blown Caribbean takeover. We’re bringing the heat with food trucks serving up authentic island flavors: jerk everything, curry goat, doubles, plantains fried to perfection, rum cake that’ll make you weak, and tropical drinks that taste like vacation in a cup. Live music? We got that steel pan groove, reggae vibes, and Afrobeats bumping while you shop from local vendors slinging everything from handmade jewelry to island-inspired art. saturdayshoppes.com/events

5TH AVENUE ARTS FESTIVAL

April 24 – 26, varying times Santa Fe College Blount Center, 530 W University Ave.

GAINESVILLE – The Fifth Avenue Arts Festival, organized annually by the Cultural Arts Coalition in Gainesville, Florida is a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community. Held in the historic Fifth Avenue neighborhood, this event highlights the rich cultural heritage of the area through a diverse showcase of artistic expression. The festival features a variety of activities including art exhibit and live demonstrations by local regional artists, music and dance performances, food vendors, workshops and educational sessions and activities for children. culturalartscoalition.org/annual-5th-ave-arts-festival

PIONEER DAYS

April 25 & 26 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 23517 NW 185th Rd

HIGH SPRINGS - The 49th Annual High Springs Pioneer Day Festival Days Festival will be held on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. There will be craft vendors, food vendors, kid’s coral, music, as well as activities for everyone to enjoy. highsprings.com

GUIDED WALK AT KANAPAHA

First Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr.

GAINESVILLE – Enjoy a guided tour through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens starting at 10 am the first Saturday of every month. Regular admission price applies for non-members. kanapaha.org

JAZZ ON THE GREEN

Second Saturdays from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Celebration Pointe, 5001 Celebration Pointe Ave. Suite 140

GAINESVILLE – Join Celebration Point every second Saturday of the month for live music, food, drinks and more! Spread a blanket under the setting sun, and catch some beautiful music on the green. celebrationpointe.com

BIRDS AND BREWS

First Sundays from 4:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St.

GAINESVILLE – A guided bird walk through Depot Park guided by the Alachua County Audubon Society and hosted by First Magnitude Brewing Company. Tour begins at The First Magnitude Warehouse and begins walking to Depot Park at 5 p.m. fmbrewing.com/fmevents/

GAINESVILLE

CARS & COFFEE

First Saturdays & Second Sundays from 9 – 11 a.m.

Whole Foods Market, 3490 SW Archer Rd.

GAINESVILLE – A gathering for automotive enthusiasts of all types from exotics and classics to imports and jalopies. The meet is free to attend; coffee will be provided to attendees, as well as breakfast items for sale. gainesvillecarsandcoffee.com

FUN WITH FLOWERS

Third Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Gainesville Garden Club, 1350 NW 75th St.

GAINESVILLE – Make beautiful floral arrangements to take home! Social gathering with coffee and refreshments starts at 9:30 a.m. and guided session with a local florist begins at 10 a.m. ggcfl.org

BIRD WALKS AT THE WETLANDS

Wednesdays from 8:30 – 11 a.m.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 SW Williston Rd.

GAINESVILLE – Discover the rich diversity of birds at one of north central Florida’s premier birding hotspots during a 2-3-hour guided walking tour. Join us to see why Sweetwater Wetlands Park is the most popular birding destination in the Gainesville area. Walks are free with park admission fee ($5/vehicle) and are offered every Wednesday morning from September 1st though the end of May. alachuaaudubon.org

WED STORY TIME AT THE ZOO

Third Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 NW 83rd St.

GAINESVILLE – Join the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo and the Alachua County Library every 3rd Wednesday of the month for Story Time at the Zoo! Story time is held in front of the zoo on the lawn and is free for all to attend. If you’d like to visit the zoo after story time, tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 4-12, seniors over 60 and UF student and staff with Gator 1 card; and free for children 3 and under. Zoo Members and Santa Fe College students, staff and faculty with SF ID are free. sfcollege.edu/zoo

PLAYLIST AT THE POINTE

Fourth Fridays from 7 – 9 p.m. Celebration Pointe, 5001 Celebration Pointe Ave.

GAINESVILLE – A music event that offers an eclectic mix of music from a variety of genres – country, rock, soul and more. celebrationpointe.com

TOT TROT

Tuesdays from 9 – 10:45 a.m. Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Rd.

GAINESVILLE – Get your toddler excited about science and natural history! Join Discovery Zone nature ambassadors for an exciting and interactive nature walk. Each program highlights an outdoor area and encourages exploration with a closer look at nature and museum objects. This program promotes sensory experiences, investigation and exploration with a focus on science. Recommended for children ages 2-5 years old (child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone). Tickets are $6 for members and $7 for non-members. floridamuseum.ufl.edu

LIVE JAZZ AT COVEY KITCHEN + COCKTAILS

Wednesdays and Sundays from 6 – 8 p.m. Covey Kitchen + Cocktails, 1514 SW 14th St.

GAINESVILLE – Enjoy the live music while dining or enjoying hand-crafted cocktails. Dining reservations can be made through OpenTable. “The Oak Trio” includes pianist Howard Wapner, upright bassist Rafael Abdalla from Brazil and drummer Eddie Fields from Daytona Beach with occasional guest appearances, creating an even more memorable evening. hoteleleo.com/dining

GNV MARKET AT HEARTWOOD

Thursdays from 4 – 7 p.m.

Heartwood Soundstage, 619 South Main St.

GAINESVILLE – The GNV Market is Gainesville’s Downtown farmers market every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Featuring over 40 vendors, fresh produce, live music and craft beer. gnvmarket.com

HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET

Fridays from 3 – 7 p.m. 23517 NW 185th Rd.

HIGH SPRINGS – Florida grown fruit, vegetables, dairy and meats as well as honey, handmade treats and more. The Farmers Market is produced by The City of High Springs. highsprings.gov/farmers

PARKRUN 5K AT DEPOT PARK

Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.

Depot Park, 200 SE Depot Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5K at Depot Park. Participants can walk, jog or run. The community is encouraged to get active at their fitness and ability level. Parkrun is a global movement that started in the UK and quickly spread across the world. Every Saturday over 1,700 events occur with more than 150,000 participants globally. parkrun.us/depotpark

ALACHUA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 5920 NW 13th St.

GAINESVILLE – Don’t forget to bring shopping bags, your grocery list, and plenty of small bills. This market prides itself on being a grower’s only market – meaning the vendors selling produce, plants and other products must have grown the items themselves. 441market.com

HAILE FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Haile Plantation Village

GAINESVILLE – Take a stroll down the tree-lined streets of the Haile Village Center to browse for groceries, prepared food and handmade gifts then continue on for more shopping or brunching at the Village Center’s locally-owned shows and restaurants. hailefarmersmarket.com

FREE YOGA AT THE PLAZA

Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E University Ave.

GAINESVILLE – Free weekday morning and evening yoga instruction at Bo Diddley Plaza. Please bring supplies including a yoga mat and water. gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory

ONE LOVE MARKET

Tuesdays from 4 – 7 p.m. Magnolia Parke, 4989 NW 40th Pl.

GAINESVILLE - Our Farmers Market is the perfect place to connect with your community and support local vendors all while picking up all your favorite fresh and handmade goods. Whether you’re looking for seasonal produce, high-quality meats, or just some delicious treats, we’ve got something for everyone!

onelovecafegainesville.com

STITCH & CHAT

Fridays from 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Alachua Branch Library, 14913 NW 140 St.

ALACHUA – Throw some supplies in a bag and come stitch with us. If you are into needlework – sewing, embroidery, crossstitch, knitting, and/or crocheting – you are welcome. Hang out and chat while you work on your current project or start a new one. You will get to meet like-minded people and end up trading tips, advice, or ideas. We are welcoming to anyone who wants to learn a new skill. We offer advice and a sewing machine you can use. attend.aclib.us/events

DRAG BINGO

Last Thursdays from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St.

GAINESVILLE – Grab your friends and enjoy a game of bingo fit for a Qween with Drag Bingo in the Beer Garden. The Pride Center of North Central Florida will be selling bingo cards ($2 each of 3 for $5) and you’ll have the opportunity to win some awesome prizes and have the best time! Bingo will run from 7:00-9:00 pm in the beer garden featuring a special drag performance from our queen Emma Gration plus some special guests towards the end of the night. Arrive early to get a table and to get settled. fmbrewing. com/fmevents

SWING DANCING AT ROSA B. WILLIAMS CENTER

Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Rosa B. Williams Center, 524 NW 1st St.

GAINESVILLE – Join Gainesville Swing Dancing for free swing dancing every Thursday in a beautiful, air-conditioned, historic dance hall with hardwood floors. Join us for an evening filled with music and dancing in a welcoming and inclusive environment. No partner or experience needed! gainesvilleswingdancing.square.site

ART WALK NIGHT

Last Fridays from 6 – 9 p.m. First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St.

GAINESVILLE – First Magnitude Brewing Company brings back Art Walk nights – a curated gathering of local artists and makers, live music, food trucks, and that unmistakable Gainesville energy. Join the last Friday of the month as part of Gainesville’s self-guided art experience and celebrate the return of one of their favorite ways to support local creativity. Enjoy a rotation of food trucks every week, as well as live acoustic music. fmbrewing.com/fmevents

Please note that the event dates and details are subject to change. It is recommended to check the official event websites or contact the organizers for the most up-to-date information.

in Our Town

GOOD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU CELEBRATE KIND WORDS…

The purpose of this special section is to build community, appreciation and hope. In the following pages you’ll find words of encouragement. These are testimonials from local people sharing what they love about the people and places that support our community and need your support.

We hope you’ll find some places you love, and encourage them too ;)

At Bangkok Square we are proud to be recognized as Our Town Magazine’s Favorite Thai Restaurant for 6 years running. We offer Thai cuisine, blended with the best herbs; garlic, basil, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal root, chili and more. blended with the finest; fish sauce, shrimp paste, and coconut milk. Specializing in vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. All of our foods will be prepared to your satisfaction with mild, medium, hot or Thai Hot. We can Cater any event. Last order must be made 15 minutes before closing.

“We love Bangkok Square! The pad thai is a favorite! The vegetarian options are yummy. The veggies are nicely cooked and big beautiful chunks. The people are so kind and respectful.” — S. Vani

“I had a great experience here. The servers are very polite and food was full of savory umami flavor. I had the chicken pad thai and crab meat soup for lunch. Lunch came with crunchy egg rolls and food came out hot and yummy. The price is extremely reasonable.” — Song N.

“The only place I get Red Curry from. Always tastes great. The atmosphere there is really relaxing as well. Good place to have a small get together. They also have outside seating!” — S. Mariee Family-Owned Serving the Best Authentic Thai Cuisine

Alachua Blinds and More is excellence in action for all of your window blind and shade needs. With an array of option in a variety of colors and styles, they have been serving our area for over 17 years and operate their business with an attention to detail and work to make your buying experience second to none. Locally owned and operated allows them to offer discounted rates to members of our military, veterans and first responders. Call today or visit their website to request your free, no obligation estimate.

“I highly recommend Alachua Blinds & More. Very professional, excellent product & workmanship, and met our mutually agreed installation date. I would definitely use them and refer Alachua Blinds & More to my family and friends.” — Nicholas Zembillas

Covering all your windows needs

“We would recommend Matt 100%! I love our new shutters and he did an amazing job even though our window was not square... But he made it perfect.” — Jennie Beazlie

“Matt did an incredible job with the motorized sun screen for my patio. His prices can’t be beat and he was responsive throughout the entire process. I would recommend him to anyone.” — Johnny Nguyen

Little Pine Pediatrics consists of experienced, compassionate pediatricians and friendly, nurturing staff members who take pride in giving their young patients the personalized pediatric care they deserve. They look forward to showing you how they differ from other practices. All of their providers are highly educated professionals who have undergone rigorous academic and clinical training in pediatrics. Little Pine believes in a team approach to your child’s health and well being which allows the doctors to collaborate with parents to provide the highest level of care.

Lifelong Partners in Your Child’s Health

Little Pine Pediatrics 15551 NW Hwy 441 Suite 40, Alachua 386-518-0102

“Wonderful staff! they treated my son like he was their own. They’ll work with you for even same day appointment… I have not one negative thing to say.” — Kellye G.

“Everything was perfect. The staff were amazing, so nice. The doctor was so sweet to my girls, and I felt that he was extremely knowledgeable “and did not leave out a single detail. The nurse was very kind and welcoming. You could tell that this is a great place! Loved our visit!” — Tonya D.

Available 6 days

“First rate service - Something for everyone - great prices, great service, friendly and family drivendefinitely the raiser of standards and the breaker of the stereotypical mold - not your typical pawnshop - friendly and family oriented. Be expected to be impressed!” — Jay M. Hometown Local Business

“I’ve been a customer for 15 years, YES 15 yearsand never a regret, always treated well, you can’t find better deals and the owner goes above and beyond on every transaction.” — John C.

“Great place. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Chris is sincere and a real professional.” — Bill M.

Creating a beautiful and functional space in one’s home does not always come easy. Home renovations can feel extremely taxing between hiring contractors, and designers, buying materials, staying on budget, and staying sane. Kaelyn Schmidt, the owner of Kaelyn Schmidt Design believes that thoughtful home development comes from practicality and functionality. This North Florida-based business brings together the services of contracting and design to create a seamless home renovation process.

Let’s Design A Home You Will Love And Be Proud To Show Off

Kaelyn Schmidt Design

3528 NW 97th Blvd. Gainesville, Fl 32606

352-607-8355

“I can’t say enough great things about Kaelyn. I’d give her 100 stars if I could. There are very few spaces in our home that Kaelyn and her team haven’t touched. Kaelyn and her lead designer, Sarah, helped us figure out our style and made everything come together so perfectly. I will never be able to thank them enough for everything they’ve done for us. Walking through your home and loving every inch of it, not wishing for a single thing to change is an amazing feeling. If you need a designer, call Kaelyn ASAP. You will not be disappointed.” — Nicci G.

“Kaelyn is exceptional! She is very detail oriented, friendly and professional. Kaelyn created for us our dream kitchen and helped monitor other projects in our home. She also did these things on a pretty tight deadline. You won’t regret going with Kaelyn! 1000000/10!”

— Kara E

The Newberry Floor Store is a full-service flooring center that has been serving area customers since 2001. With the largest selection of inventory in the area, they are certain that you will find the right style, design and budget to fit your home. The Newberry Floor Store is a family friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The sales staff is non-commissioned and offer years of experience striving to serve each customer with a personal touch. We serve Newberry, Alachua, High Springs, Chiefland, Archer, Cedar Key, Steinhatchee and the greater Gainesville area.

Quality Flooring for Every Room

“Everyone at this flooring store from the sales person to the installer were A+. Customer service was so great and so friendly and you just don’t see that anymore. Even the installers that came to the house were so friendly and did such an amazing job. Work was great and they cleaned up after themselves. If I have flooring to be done anywhere near Newberry or Gainesville, there’s only one number I will call . I rarely do reviews but I’m just blown away by the service I received here. Thank You!” — Bryant S.

“Great people. Very helpful with any projects that you may be working on.” — Kerry B.

Alachua Animal Hospital is your local family owned and operated source for top quality, personalized pet care. From general wellness checks to surgical procedures, we offer a wide range of services. Our team is patient and caring, so you can be sure your pet will be in great hands. We offer complimentary exams for all new patients, so give us a call today! We’re located right on the corner of Main Street and 441 in downtown Alachua!

“This place is run by honest and kind people.” — Carlos M

“I just took my pup here to get him established somewhere since moving. It was BY FAR the BEST vet visit I’ve ever had taking any dog I’ve ever had to the vet. I left wondering if people ever tip vets-because I would tip them. It was THAT good. Your cherished furry family members will be more than well cared for here. Their staff is amazing!” — Stephanie C

“Great place to take your fur babes! Staff is attentive, caring, accommodating and the office is affordable. It’s a bit of a drive for me, but the care and kindness that all of the staff offer is top notch!” — Tanya T

Founded in 1991 and family owned, Adams Homes has built a legacy of quality craftsmanship and lasting value across the Southeast. We are honored to introduce our brand new community Kirkland Farms to the Alachua community. This neighborhood offers open floor plans, abundant natural light, and carefully selected features designed for comfort and durability. Located just across from Legacy Park with convenient access to I-75 and U.S. 441, residents will enjoy a quiet setting with easy access to community parks, events and recreation for all.

“From start to finish, our experience with Adams Homes was outstanding. The customer service team kept us informed every step of the way, and the quality of our new home exceeded our expectations. You can truly see the craftsmanship in every detail. We felt supported throughout the entire process and couldn’t be happier with our decision. Thank you, Adams Homes, for making our dream home a reality!” — Sandy K.

“Adams Homes made buying our new construction home such an easy experience. Amazing customer service and beautiful quality we couldn’t be happier!” — Ashley M.

STORMS HAPPEN. We can’t prevent them, but we can help protect you through them. Our Energy Roofing Team takes your protection seriously and we want you to experience our commitment. We are dedicated to roofing excellence and our team of experts are seasoned with decades of industry experience and best practices. We have roofing solutions for any budget. We look forward to earning the priveledge to be chosen as your Roofing Contractor.

product.

5 stars!”— Patrick L.

“Energy Roofing completed a full roof replacement for us and it was one of the most seamless experiences I’ve ever had. I simply cannot recommend Energy Roofing enough!” — Justin S.

Energy Roofing

507 NW 60th St suite C, Gainesville 855-766-3852 energyroofingco.com

“I needed a fairly complicated roof repair and Energy Roofing was able to help from the very beginning. There’s NO need to look further!”

— John H.

We are a family-owned business, originally from the coasts of Southern California, & brought our love for Mexican cuisine to the wonderful community of Newberry, Florida in 2013. We think you of, our patrons, as FAMILIA, & our goal is to always make you feel welcome and satisfied each time. We pride ourselves in the quality, freshness, & vibrant flavors of our food. Our meats are never frozen, and every meal is prepared fresh and made to order. From our fresh Pico de Gallo to our hand-smashed guacamole, you will savor the mouthwatering flavors.

“Cilantro Tacos in Alachua raises the bar every time we go there. Their food is absolutely amazing and the service is incredible! We just had them cater an event and their food was all people could talk about. Highly recommend this place if you’re passing through and need to eat.” — R. McClellan

“This place is amazing. The food is delicious and the people that own it and work there are absolutely awesome. Our meals (giant burritos) were huge and fabulous. Holy smoke we waddled out of there promising to return. Don’t short yourselves people, go eat there. You won’t be disappointed.” — B. Jordan

“Awesome fresh food, fast service great family owned business with wonderful staff. Great experience every time, a family favorite.” — K. Jester

The ford franchise in Alachua was purchased from Symder Ford in 1988 by John Waitcus and was renamed Santa Fe Ford. Greg Waitcus was appointed vice president and general manager and has successfully managed Santa Fe Ford for 36 years. Santa Fe Ford now offers Mobile service at your home or work locations. We have four mobile units operated by trained technicians, managed by Morgan Waitcus. Our quicklane will be opening soon.

Where low overhead guarantees the lowest price

“We have trusted Sante Fe Ford’s service department to keep our aging fleet on the road, and their reliability and expertise earned our business when it was time to add a new vehicle. Morgan and Jason made the entire sales process seamless, and we’re confident in our continued partnership with Sante Fe Ford for all our fleet needs.” — Derek

“Santa Fe Ford is the best of the best. They have a huge lot full of inventory with multiple options for each vehicle model. We have purchased multiple trucks to use as delivery vehicles for our Powersports dealership, Polaris of Gainesville. We have also purchased our personal vehicles from there as well. No one beats their customer service or pricing.”— Jennie & Jared Schneider

THE RIVERS END EXPERIENCE

Step beyond the expected and into RiversEnd — an intimate four-course chef’s table experience at The Great Outdoors in the heart of High Springs. This exclusive VIP evening showcases refined seasonal cuisine, thoughtfully paired wines, and personal hospitality in a warmly styled, ambient-lit setting designed for conversation and connection. With limited seating, RiversEnd offers a private, immersive dining experience where every detail is curated and every course tells a story. Book your table for a uniquely crafted Easter Sunday experience — April 5th at 6PM.

Great Outdoors Restaurant RiversEnd

65 N Main St, High Springs 386-454-1288

www.gohighsprings.com/riversend

“I had the privilege to experience the Rivers End High Dining at the Great Outdoors Restaurant. Wow! This four course meal – Butternut Velouté, Seared Diver Scallops, Braised Beef Short Rib (from the chef’s family recipe) and Spice Pear Tart – was exceptional. The wine pairings were suburb, even for someone like me who is by no means a wine connoisseur. I now I understand the importance of proper pairings. Our party was seated on the patio by the stage at one of their newly updated booths, which now include heaters for those cold winter evenings. I was toasty despite the dropping temperatures. Everything was exceptional and I highly recommend the High Dining at the Great Outdoors Restaurant.” — Albert

Mooi Medical Spa and Laser Center LLC is a medical aesthetics practice that offers a variety of services for both men and women who are looking to feel refreshed and renewed. Owned and operated by Dr. Tracey Botha, MD., Winners of 5 Our Town Favorite Awards in 2024, services at Mooi Medical Spa and Laser Center include botox, fillers, IPL laser, Instalift® threads, tattoo removal, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), weightloss tools, awake liposuction, Renuvion®, genital enhancement procedures, incontinence treatment, and more!

“Dr. Botha is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! She takes the time to really explain everything she’s doing and recommending. I truly feel like I can trust her and I know that she is recommending only the things that are necessary”. — S. Boukari

“I came here for laser services, and I was very nervous at first. Dr. Botha and all of her staff were extremely helpful and made every effort to put me at ease. This is a personal, comfortable experience.” — C. Crooms

“First I just want to say I absolutely love Dr. Botha, her bedside manner is impeccable. So much so I followed her from her previous medical office. Her attention to detail is unmatched.” — M. Kreuger

The Masters Lawn Care is focused on delivering top-notch lawn care services while putting the needs of the customer first. Their team consists of certified and experienced professionals who are passionate about lawn care. They take pride in our work and believe that a well-manicured lawn not only enhances the look of your property but also has a positive impact on the environment. Their services range from routine lawn maintenance to full-scale landscaping projects, and use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure the job is done right.

The leader in high quality landscape and maintenance

“We recently hired The Master’s Lawn Care to remove a significant portion of our grass and incorporate new beds with our existing ones. Our experience with the team was great from the beginning to the end.”

— A. Hanssen

“We are very happy with service we received from The Masters Lawn Care sod installation crew. We found D’Shaun particularly enjoyable to work with. They showed up on time, were very courteous and respectful of us and our property.”

— A. Bernard

“The Master’s Lawn Care always goes above and beyond for our company (Scorpio Construction). I would recommend them to anyone!”

— Alex H.

At Celebrate Primary Care we offer affordable and personal health care. We are Gainesville’s premier direct primary care medical practice serving businesses and individuals with offices in Gainesville and surrounding areas. Ultimately, that means you or your employees get excellent medical care, when you need it, without having to jump through the hoops of a traditional medical practice. Because we have taken insurance companies out of the primary care equation, costs come down. Imagine a healthcare provider that knows you, and is only an email or text away.

Personal Relationship with your Medical Provider

“Celebrate Primary Care gives me peace of mind knowing help is always just a call or text away.

Having direct access to my provider without long wait times has been life-changing. The team’s professionalism, kindness, and expertise make me feel genuinely cared for — not rushed or overlooked. This is how healthcare should be.” — Carlos Sessler

“My wife and I have been members at Celebrate Primary Care for several years. It’s refreshing to know that there are still healthcare providers who care about you as well as being able to get an appointment on a short notice!”

— Dr. Charles Tucker

The quality of real wood furniture offered at our store guarantees that your choice will look good and function beautifully for years to come. Looking for real heirloom quality you can see and true freedom to choose the style, size and colors that are right for your home? Then you’re looking for real wood unfinished furniture. Wood You has the best selection and lowest prices on ready-to finish furniture. Custom furniture is now available for the home office, media / entertainment room, bedroom, bookcases and wall groupings. If we don’t have it, we can get it!

Quality Furniture Made with Real Wood

“Wood You Gainesville was able to design a custom built entertainment center for me. They were able to take the ideas I had in my head and create a great piece for my home. They did great work and I love what they created for me.” — B. Krall

“Wonderful staff, very friendly and helpful. Nice selection of solid unfinished wood furniture with professional finishing available. Purchased Dressers and Desk for Student housing and so far we are extremely happy with the products.” — N. Moore

“My wife and I love Wood You. They were super helpful helping us choose a new dining room table and did an incredible job finishing it! We have a table big enough for our large family and one that will be with us for our grandchildren. Thank you!.” — J.Mitchell

The mission of St. Francis House is to create new futures for women and families with children experiencing homelessness in our community by providing safe shelter, support, and connections to the resources they need to obtain stable housing. Since 2020, St. Francis House has assisted over 250 families and 575 children through our programs, ultimately helping them achieve self-sufficiency and secure permanent housing. For more information on St. Francis House, follow us online at @sfhgnv and visit our website at stfrancishousegnv.com.

Creating New Futures for Children and Families

St. Francis House, Inc.

413 South Main Street (352)-378-9079

“St. Francis House truly changed our lives. When we had nowhere else to turn, they welcomed us with open arms and offered us the shelter and support we desperately needed. With their help and compassion, we were able to find stable housing and regain hope for our future. We will always be thankful for the second chance they gave us!” — Former St. Francis House guest

“Before coming to St. Francis House, I felt like my family was stuck in a never-ending cycle of struggle. Their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support transformed our lives. Today, our family is excited and grateful that we have a new place to call home, all thanks to the incredible team at St. Francis House. Thank you all!” — Former St. Francis House guest

“Everything was top notch from the initial estimate with Emery to when they drove away with my yard looking immaculate. Emory was professional and friendly and they performed the work flawlessly. I had several trees removed, dead limbs removed from other trees, and the canopy raised throughout the yard. I would not hesitate to use them again and I definitely will recommend their service to anyone who asks.” — Paul Manning

“They did a fantastic job of removing two dead palm trees and trimming the remaining three palms for us. Would definately recommend you call them for your tree maintenance needs.” — Duane Tully

Gentle Dental Care has been a leader in the Gainesville dental community since 1978. They take great satisfaction in helping you maintain optimal dental health. Devoted to comprehensive and preventive patient care, the staff at Gentle Dental Care believe their patients should have as much information as possible in order to make important, informed decisions regarding their dental health and treatment options. The most important member of their team will always be you! Stop by today and meet the family at Gentle Dental Care.

Your health and safety are our greatest concerns!

Gentle Dental Care 3655 SW 2nd Avenue 352-378-2555

Drs. Patti and Jordan Webb GainesvilleDentist.com

“Dr. Webb will treat you like family.” — Rod S.

“Always smiling and always a pleasant experience which is weird when you consider that it is the dentist. Love Dr. Jordan and Dr. Patti.” — Tony M.

“The Gentle Dental Care staff were very friendly, kind, and concerned about my welfare. I would definitely recommend them if you are looking for a new dental professional to take care of you!” — Michelle G.

The End. Or is it really just the beginning?

Now it’s up to you to say something nice or share a positive experience.

We encourage you to take a moment and tell us what you love about these or other local businesses. Words matter – and what we say can have a meaningful impact.

Share The Love by posting on our Facebook page and telling us more about the people and places you LOVE.

in

Get Full At The Bull — Bienvenido! Welcome! We are a family owned and family friendly business. We have been serving our guests high quality fresh food for over 28 years. We welcome our guests with our Award Winning Salsa and warm homemade chips, add some fresh guacamole and our homemade white queso and you have a great start to a great meal! Try our Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Fajitas, Aaron’s Overstuffed Burrito, Nachos Supreme or one of our Daily Specials, we have something everyone will enjoy! We serve Lunch 7 days a week till 4 P.M. and our Kids Meals come with a drink and dessert. Check out our menu on our website. Our outdoor patio is perfect for “Para Cenar Afuera”. So, won’t you please come join us and Get Full At The Bull! See you there!

15202 NW 147 Drive, Suite 1100, Alachua (Rolling Oaks Plaza)

Monday – Sat 11:00am – 9:00pm

386-418-1039  www.eltorogainesville.com

Bangkok Square

Authentic Thai Cuisine — At Bangkok Square we are proud to be recognized as Our Town Magazine’s Favorite Thai Restaurant for 6 years running. We offer Thai cuisine, blended with the best herbs; garlic, basil, ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal root, chili and more. blended with the finest; fish sauce, shrimp paste, and coconut milk. Specializing in vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. All of our foods will be prepared to your satisfaction with mild, medium, hot or Thai Hot. We can Cater any event. Last order must be made 15 minutes before closing.

Two Gainesville Locations: 6500 SW Archer Road & 8181 NW 39th Ave. Archer-W,TH, Friday 11:00am-3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm 38th Ln.-T,W,TH, Friday 11:00am-3:00pm • Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5:00pm-9:00pm • Friday-Saturday 5:00pm-9:30pm

Dave and Busters

Where fun is had by all — Discover the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts, foodies, and arcade aficionados - Dave and Buster’s! entertainment hub offers an unrivaled experience that caters to a diverse range of interests. Whether you’re in search of an exceptional sports bar near you, a delightful restaurant, or simply looking for fun-filled family entertainment like our huge arcade. Our fresh lineup is stacked with 100+ crave-worthy classics, including fan favorites like Smokehouse BBQ Ribs & Wings, the Million Dollar ‘Rita, and so much more. We have everything to create the ultimate fun. We even host Corporate Parties, Birthday Parties and Girls Night Out. Contact our Event Planner to schedule your next adventure.

3023 SW 45th St. (Celebration Pointe)

Sun - Tue: 11:00 AM - Midnight

Wed - Fri: 11:00 AM - 01:00 AM Sat: 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM

352-448-2900  daveandbusters.com

Cilantro Tacos

Cali-Mex Street Food — This family-owned restaurant that was founded through a passion for great food and hosting dinner parties with friends. Originally from Southern California, their love for Mexican food moved to the wonderful community of Newberry in 2013. They take pride in the quality, freshness, and vibrant flavors of their food — with meats that are never frozen and everything prepared fresh and made-to-order. Enjoy the tastefully marinated meats and savor the mild, spicy, and mouthwatering salsas that are created from scratch. They feel their purpose is to spread happiness, make contributions to the community and create lasting memories of fun, laughter, and great times. When you eat with us, you’re family. So come on in!

Tioga Town Center - 12921 SW 1 Rd Suite #103 352-472-1300

Alachua - 15551 NW US HWY 441 Unit# 50 352-660-3262

Monday - Saturday from 11:00am to 9:00pm

eatcilantrotacos.com

Leonardo’s Pizza

Mouth Watering — Family friendly and locally-owned-and-operated pizza joint with a unique, nostalgic atmosphere that is as distinctive as our delicious food. Chicago-style pizzas, hand tied garlic knots, and Italian baked dinners and salad bar, we know you’ll be back for more. Come and see why Gainesville loves our signature deep dish pizza pie, the Big Leo. Since 1976 Gainesville has grown up on pizza from Leonardo’s Millhopper and we are still going strong! Our dedicated staff (many have been with us for 15-20 years) knows how important it is to treat you properly. We take great pride in our welcoming atmosphere. We can’t wait to make you part of our family.

4131 NW 16th Blvd (Millhopper)

Sunday - Thursday: 11:00am - 9:30pm Friday - Saturday: 11:00am - 10:30pm

Seafood Dock

Seafood Party in your Mouth— Seafood Dock opened its doors in 2021 offering a cozy atmosphere and friendly service. They have an impressive lunch menu, with "boils" including two sides for under $10 and Happy Hour specials. The restaurant is known for its delicious seafood, create your own combo. From Blue Crab, Lobster, Crawfish, even Chicken Fried Rice and Fried Dumplings. Additionally, the restaurant's leftover sauce has been used creatively in ramen broth, indicating the versatility of the flavors. The service is superb, with attentive and courteous staff, and the environment is relaxing and clean. The portions are generous, and the food is fresh, hot, and delicious.

6791 W. Newberry Road (Oak Mall Plaza)

Sunday – Thursday 12pm – 10pm Friday and Saturday 12pm – 11pm

The Paper Bag

Tower Road Location- 209 NW 75th Street, Suite 30

Magnolia Park- 4780 NW 39th Avenue, Suite 9

Monday -Friday Hours 6am - 3pm OPEN EARLY FOR BREAKFAST

Saturday 10am-3pm • Closed Sunday

Downtown Location- 11 SE 1st Ave

Monday - Thursday 10am - 3pm • Friday 10am -8pm

Saturday 10am - 3pm • Sunday 10am-2pm

Deli and Catering — The Paper Bag now has three convenient locations to grab a freshly baked artisan sandwich, wrap, and salad, along your favorite local or domestic beer. Serving Premium Boar’s Head Meat and Cheese we have something to make every appetite happy. We offer “grab an go” options or order a hot option from our friendly staff. Check out our breakfast hours and catering options. (352) 451-4972  thepaperbagdeli.com

Pepperoni’s Pizzeria

Pizzeria — Since its establishment in 2000, Pepperoni’s Pizzeria has been serving up some of the best pizzas, calzones, entrees, wings and salads in town using premium mozzarella and other top ingredients. We also have great lunch specials starting at only $6.99. All of our specialty pizzas are loaded with toppings. Pepperoni’s is locally owned and operated and is proud to serve the High Springs Community and surrounding areas. We are located on U.S. Highway 441 in Mills Plaza.

19975 NW 244 Street, High Springs (located in Mills Plaza) Monday- Sunday: 11:00am - 9pm

One Love Café

Patio Dining and Live Music — One Love Café is located in the heart of Magnolia Park Plaza in NW Gainesville. This outdoor patio café is a home to musicians, artists, local vendors and the Gainesville community. Find fresh, local American cuisine featuring handhelds, burgers, salads, drinks, and curated specials in a unique park setting. Hosting live music, brunch on weekends, and numerous community events throughout the year. One Love Café is dedicated to welcome everyone regardless of nationality, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, expression, creed, or belief — a place to come together as ONE community.

4989 NW 40th Place, Gainesville. Magnolia Parke

Tuesday - Friday: 11am - 9pm

Saturday: 11am - 2pm + 4pm - 9pm

Sunday 10am - 4pm • Closed Mondays

SweetBerries Eatery

Sandwiches and Frozen Custard Ice Cream — Sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps, and hand scooped frozen custard ice cream. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner in our comfortable dining room or outside on our shaded patio. Paintings by local artists and lively conversations always create a vibrant, local, and friendly atmosphere. Sip a craft beer while you munch on one of our toasty sandwiches or famous chicken salad. Our broccoli salad is a local favorite, We make and serve fresh frozen custard every day including a flavor of the day. We have a large selection of toppings for creating your own sundae or concrete. You haven’t had ice cream until you’ve had frozen custard! Feeding a crowd? We offer Catering as well.

619 NW 5th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 11am to 8pm Daily

352-378-4972 sweetberries.com

Mi Apá Latin Café

Cuban — When it comes to authentic Cuban cooking, you cannot go wrong with Mi Apá Latin Cafe. Featuring authentic ingredients and classic Cuban recipes, such as Pollo Asado, Croquetas de Jamon, and the best Cuban sandwiches in Alachua County. With three locations, you’re never far from the best Cuban coffee and Cuban pastries. Visit us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, seven days a week. Whether you’re dining in, driving through, or picking up your online order, your food will always be hot, fresh, and full of Latin flavor! And don’t forget our daily Happy Hour with half-off iced coffee and Kids Eat Free every Wednesday from 4:00-9:00pm

Alachua – 15634 US Highway 441 (386-418-0838) Gainesville - 114 SW 34th ST (352-376-7020) Jonesville - 14209 W Newberry RD NOW OPEN! (352-545-4430)

Northwest Grille

Amazing Fresh Dining — Chef Chris Fennell has been serving up fresh homemade food since 1996. Offering up amazing $13.99 Light Lunch Specials, such as: Soup and Salad, Fried Pollack Basket, NWG BLT, St. Augustine Shrimp Basket, Patty Melt and Soup and Sandwich. These can be paired with their $5 Lunch Cocktails. They also have gluten free and vegan options. You will not want to miss their Weekend Brunch from 10am - 3pm sipping on the Award Winning Ultimate Bloody Mary or specially selected wines, and local brewed beer.

5115 NW 39th Ave

Monday - Thursday: 11am- 9pm Friday: 11am - 9:30pm Saturday: 10am - 9:30pm • Sunday: 10am - 9pm

Dr. Amir Akhavan has built a reputation for using state-of-the-art orthodontic technology including Invisalign® clear aligners, InBrace Smartwire™ hidden behind the teeth, modern metal and ceramic braces, digital impressions, and more!

Dr. Akhavan embraces creativity and innovation by putting new ideas and sound technology into practice to help his patient receive the best outcome possible.

Visit online or call to set up a complimentary consultation.

Providing orthodontic services to Gainesville, Tioga, Newberry, Alachua and surrounding areas.

PLANT PEOPLE

Local

Plant Shop Owners and Nursery Professionals Grow Knowledge, Creativity, and Connection

People don’t choose the plant life. The plant life chooses them.

And such is the case for many plant shops and plant nursery owners in the Gainesville area.

The community is home to a variety of plant stops, with owners and employees who share one thing: a love of growing and caring for plants.

“I find it really, really calming,” said Bren Strickland, director of Plantstay in Gainesville.

“In my personal house, I have over 100 plants indoors, and I just find it improves the space so much.”

WRITTEN BY SUMMER JARRO

Along with plantstay, gainesville also has a variety oF other plant shops, including roots Plant Studio. Alachua County is also home to a variety of plant nurseries, such as Garden Gate Nursery, where people can find popular flowers, shrubs, and locally grown perennials.

PLANTSTAY

Plants have always been part of Strickland’s life in one way or another.

“It’s been something I always grew up with,” she said. Her father liked taking care of edible landscapes, and her mother had a slew of house plants and instilled that love in her.

Strickland worked for a landscaping company for about 10 years before realizing she wanted to change careers and make a living from her passion for houseplants.

In September 2020, she opened Plantstay, located at 3735 W University Ave. in Gainesville, which sells a broad array of houseplants, cacti, succulents, easy-care plants, low-light plants, and pet-friendly plants.

“We restock the shop every week,” Strickland said. “We bring in new plants, and we hand-pick all of the plants that come into our shop. Originally, I thought I’d be able to grow all of my plants, but it is a lot more demanding than I was able to keep up with. We do still hand-pick every plant, which is really nice.”

All the plants are Florida-grown from the Central Florida area to as far south as Miami.

Strickland put together her business to also connect with other people and help them get better at understanding plants, taking care of them, and gaining a passion for them as she does.

“There was nowhere that you could go and talk to a real human and ask them questions about, ‘Hey, is this plant right for my living room, and how do I care for it here in Gainesville?’” Strickland said. “So, we wanted to be able to provide that kind of service.”

That has been the highlight for her the last couple of years.

“We’re really lucky that our staff are dedicated plant people who also love sharing that,” Strickland said. “I see people walk in, and sometimes it’ll be someone who walks in and [they say] ‘Hey, I kill everything that I touch,’ and I hear that, and I think: challenge accepted. I really do think that I can teach anyone to keep a plant alive.”

Strickland also loves growing an edible landscape and hopes to expand it and create an outdoor area to grow edible plants.

She has her own landscape at home, with some edible plants. She enjoys growing ginger and turmeric, but especially cranberry hibiscus.

“It’s such a pretty plant,” Strickland said. “It’s a really pretty burgundy color. The leaves are edible, and they’re great in salads. In your yard, it looks stunning, so those are the kind of plants we like to add.”

ROOTS PLANT STUDIO

Alana Gurley started Roots Plant Studio because she was ready to do something new with her life after being a stay-at-home mom for 15 years.

That new thing was opening a plant business, and in 2021, she became the owner of Roots Plant Studio.

Gurley chose the plant business because growing and caring for plants was a popular hobby at the time, and she wanted to be part of it. She also grew up watching her grandmother and mother care for plants and gardens.

“It’s just something I grew up learning about,” Gurley said.

Roots Plant Studio sells house plants, fresh flowers, and terrariums, with a terrarium bar where customers can build their own terrarium or planter. Customers can also come in and paint pots to then place their plants in and visit the gift shop area with earrings, totes, and other trinkets.

“It’s a little bit of something for everyone,” Gurley said. “It’s not just a place to shop.”

She brings in new flowers and plants to match the season, and in March, the store sells many more daffodils and tulips.

Her favorites to sell are the flowers, and for her, working with plants has become a way to disconnect.

“Anytime you’re working with your hands, doing any kind of art and craft, it just kind of is there,” Gurley said. “I find it very therapeutic, and it’s just a way for people to kind of disconnect with their phones and connect with each other.”

The business moved to Haile Plantation at 2725 SW 91st St., Suite 150, in February to help increase customer foot traffic.

GARDEN GATE NURSERY

Mike Purcell may not be the owner of Garden Gate Nursery, a plant nursery at 2406 NW 43rd St. in Gainesville, but as floor and sales manager, he still gets to be surrounded by one of his biggest passions: plants.

Purcell has been interested in horticulture since he was a child, and when he turned 15, he started his own plant ventures, such as caring for bonsai and working at

Garden Gate Nursery.

“I enjoy the challenge,” he said. “I enjoy the fact that it’s never-ending. There’s an infinite line of information and skill set to absorb. I’m working with nature and not against it. I find it extremely helpful to know the tricks that the old farmers knew and what the new generation is bringing to the table. You learn something new every single day.”

Purcell’s parents inspired the life he lives now with plants. His parents grew much of their own food, and some of Purcell’s first jobs were working on farms, handling hay, or preparing plants for sale.

Purcell has his own hydroponic chamber where he grows herbs and leafy greens, and he also takes care of hybrid plants.

“One of my passions is finding aberrant mutations, and then trying to nurture that and decide if it’s going to survive and keep on propagating,” Purcell said. “I have a handful of hybrids that I’ve made myself, a handful of plants that I found in the nursery trade [that are] one of a kind, late mutations or form mutations, shrubs to African violets. I’ve got that as a hobby and passion.”

Garden Gate Nursery, established in 1976, sells everything from organic herbs and vegetables to locally grown perennials, fruit trees, and ornamental trees, as well as pollinators and environmentally conscious selections.

The business is still doing well 50 years after opening, thanks in part to the knowledge of staff members like Purcell, who want to help anyone who walks through the door, whether they know what they are looking for or not.

“We have people on staff who are ready, willing, and excited to help customers purchase the correct plant for their yard,” Purcell said. “We have a diverse range of specialties.”

These shops and nurseries offer more than greenery — they offer guidance, creativity and connection. Whether someone is nurturing their very first houseplant or cultivating a backyard oasis, the passion behind the counter is always the same. Across our communities, it’s clear: when people care for plants, they’re also cultivating deeper connections with one another.

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Reading Corner

“THE

VIPER” by Brad Meltzer

C.2025 WM. MORROW $32.00 400 PAGES

IF YOU HAD TO, YEAH, WELL, OKAY.

You’ll admit, the scales are pretty, lined up so precisely in a way that makes you marvel at nature. It’s what those scales are on that makes you gulp: a snake, and that’s a big nope. About a third of the world’s humans are scared of snakes, but here’s something to think about: as in the new novel, “The Viper” by Brad Meltzer, even a reptile changes its skin now and then.

Jim “Zig” Zigarowski didn’t really want to deal with Roddy LaPointe.

Roddy was kind of an oddball – nice, just a little off - but when Roddy called with the news that he thought he’d found his mother’s killer, Zig had no choice. He’d always felt protective about Roddy and, by extension, Roddy’s twin sister, Nola. Years ago, Nola had saved Zig’s daughter’s life, and Zig never forgot it.

Nola, too, was different, the result of years of abuse by an adoptive father; even higher-ups in the military recognized the psychological scars she’d suffered. They said it was common for kids in bad situations to become highly observant, and her superiors used it, and Nola’s drawing skills, to their advantage.

She was fine with that, and her solitary life after her military discharge. She really didn’t want anything to do with Roddy or Zig – until Roddy called to say that he knew who’d killed their mother. A mother Nola barely remembered, so she barely cared - except that Roddy was up to something, and she didn’t like it.

For most of his working life, Zig had dealt with the dead, reconstructing soldiers’ bodies for the government, for their families. He really didn’t have time for Roddy’s nonsense, but he couldn’t step aside, either. Roddy claimed that a man who’d been stabbed and shot in a seedy Maryland motel knew his mother and her killer. He just needed someone to help prove it.

Problem was, as Zig knew, solving a murder could lead to murder…

So life has finally slowed down since the holidays, and you’re ready now for a good, multi-layered thriller. You won’t be sorry if you catch “The Viper.”

Set in a relatively small area and touching upon years of backstory, author Brad Meltzer takes readers through what seems like several mysteries at once, which means there’s a lot going on here. You may, in fact, become somewhat befuddled sometimes because of a multitude of characters and threads, so you’ll want to relax into the story. Chill. Let yourself get acquainted with two of Meltzer’s best recurring characters, becoming privy to the deepest parts of their pasts. Doing so serves two purposes: to keep you guessing about the security of the edge of your seat now, and to make you eager for the next wild thrill ride.

This is a great read for your book club; there’s lots of violence here, but no profanity or bedroom scenes. It’s just one thrill after another, so grab “The Viper and let the shivers slither down your spine. TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER HAS BEEN READING SINCE SHE WAS 3 YEARS OLD AND SHE NEVER GOES ANYWHERE WITHOUT A BOOK. SHE LIVES WITH HER TWO DOGS AND 11,000 BOOKS. HER BOOK REVIEWS ARE PUBLISHED IN