Eastside High School Culinary Students Qualify for National Career Tech Competition
Two students from the Eastside High School Institute of Culinary Arts have qualified for the national SkillsUSA Championship in June, which is billed as the ‘premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students. Seniors Austin Rogers and Reagan Yrausquin both won Gold Medals at the recent SkillsUSA Florida State Leadership and...
Surcheros Franchisees Expand in Florida with New Tallahassee and Gainesville Locations
Surcheros franchisees Amy and Keith Cooksey know a winning formula when they see one, and their success in Tallahassee proves it. What began as a single restaurant has quickly grown into a thriving, family-run operation led by the Cooksey family, now joined by the Smith family. Together, the families are expanding with a third Tallahassee...
Gainesville Constructing New Fire Stations to Meet Growing Demand
Construction is set to begin on two major public safety projects that will strengthen fire and emergency response across the City of Gainesville. During the evening session of the Thursday, April 16 regular meeting, the Gainesville City Commission received project updates and approved guaranteed maximum price agreements for sitework construction at Fire Station #3 in...
Hands to Love Celebrates 26 Years of Empowerment at Annual “Hand Camp” in Starke, FL
Hands to Love (H2L), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children with upper limb differences, celebrated its 26th Annual Hand Camp, Which took place from April 10–12, 2026. Held at the Keystone Camp and Conference Center in Starke, Florida, this milestone event brought together families from across the United States for a transformative weekend designed...
Gainesville Regional Airport Welcomes Ferdinand Paul Mehrlich as CEO
The Gainesville Alachua County Regional Airport Authority (GACRAA) has announced the appointment of Ferdinand Paul Mehrlich, III as the new CEO of Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV). Mehrlich was most recently the executive director of aviation at Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK) where he has served since January 2020. He started in his new role at GNV...
University of Florida Among Forbes’ 2026 Public “The New Ivies” List
The University of Florida is among the 10 public universities on Forbes’ 2026 “The New Ivies” list, which was recently released and highlights institutions leading the nation in artificial intelligence adoption and preparing students for an AI-driven workforce. “This confirms that the University of Florida is focused on the right things – providing an outstanding...
Construction starts on The Streatery downtown
Road repair and renovations to SW First Avenue between South Main Street and SW Second Street – known as The Streatery – are underway. Construction is expected to continue through October. The project will transform this designated downtown corridor into a curbless, pedestrian-only street for hosting art and music festivals, farmers markets and other events....
Gainesville Launches Resource Fairs to Connect Contractors and Lenders with Incentive Program
The Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA) is seeking licensed contractors and area lenders to participate in upcoming resource fairs. The events are designed to connect them with property owners who are eligible to apply for funding through the 8th Avenue & Waldo Economic Development Incentive Program. The incentive program provides grants to assist homeowners, business...
Cheddar’s Opening May 11 + A New Boutique Is Coming
New retail and dining options are coming to Butler Shopping Center as Jane + Mercer and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, a concept from Darden Restaurants, prepare to open at their new locations. Jane + Mercer will occupy approximately 2,000 square feet of retail space at 3597 SW 32nd Court, Suite 20, while Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen will...