Shaq's back in GNV, New Lot Sizes, New Spots Opening

October 04, 2024

It’s finally Friday, Gainesville!

Hope everyone’s had a great week. Let’s get you ready for your weekend - and Go Gators!

🌡️ Thursday: High is 90°F and Low is 71° with 25% chance of rain ☔️ , Friday: High is 88°, low of 71° with 40% chance of rain ⛈️ 

📰 The General Scoop:

  • Big (literally) News for GNV Holiday Parade Gainesville is about to get a whole lot…taller! NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has been named grand marshal of this year's A Very GNV Holiday Parade on December 7th. You may remember Shaq's surprise street basketball game with local kids back in 2016 (check it out on YouTube!)—now he's returning to spread some holiday cheer. Shaw’s daughter plays for UF's Women’s Basketball team, said he’s excited to reunite with the community. The parade kicks off at noon on December 7th. Registration for the parade is open until October 25th.

  • 🏘️ Lot sizes shrink, sparks debate The Gainesville City Commission just approved new, smaller home lot sizes, consolidating all single-family zoning into one district. The vote? 5-1, with Commissioner Reina Saco not on board and Commissioner Casey Willits not present. The move allows minimum lot sizes of 3,500 square feet, with homes restricted to a max of 1,500 square feet on the smallest lots. The idea is to create more affordable starter homes (and downsizing options for seniors). But not everyone is happy—Commissioner Saco thinks we’re overcomplicating things.

  • 🍣 One Opens, One Closes Gainesville’s getting a new Japanese concept in the old Ruby Tuesday’s location in the Oaks Mall called Edo Japanese Steakhouse serving a variety of Japanese dishes including an expansive sushi menu. According to Google reviews, people are digging it so far! In BBQ news, the Top Hog in Jonesville officially closed its doors, but fear not - if you really enjoyed Top Hog, you can still get it at the Oaks Mall location.

🌀 Relief and Donation Details for Helene:

  • Yankeetown and Cedar Key still seeking volunteers If you’re able to make the trip over to CK, home and business owners are searching for volunteers to assist with clean up. There is a volunteer station set up at City Hall (809 6th Street Cedar Key, FL) where you should go to be assigned as a volunteer

  • Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund This has been activated by the state and is privately funded. The funds directly assist the Florida communities impacted by disaster.

🏅 Sports News:

  • 🏈 Florida’s best receiver Eugene Wilson III hasn’t played in 2 games, and remains questionable for the game Saturday. Hope to see #3 out there again soon!

  • 🎾 Mens and Women’s tennis are in action this weekend, but away from Gainesville. The women play at FGCU and the men play at the Big 12 Tournament

  • Some big time home match ups against the Longhorns coming up for soccer and volleyball:

    • ⚽️ Soccer takes on #22 Texas on Friday at 7 PM

    • 🏐 Volleyball takes on #7 ranked Texas Sunday at 1 PM in the O’Dome

📆 Things to Do:

Friday, October 4th

🥪 Grand Opening of Boss Subs @ Midpoint Eatery A brand new, locally owned sub spot is doing a grand opening event. Go out and support our local businesses!

🐸 Frogs and Friends Friday @ Morningside Nature Center (2 PM - 3 PM)
Bring the kiddos for a fun, educational session to meet the critters that slither, hop, and fly around Gainesville.

⚽️ Florida Gators Soccer vs. Texas @ Donald R. Dizney Stadium (7 PM)
Catch history as the #22 ranked Texas Longhorns make their Gainesville debut as SEC members.

😆 Standup Comedy @ Sequential Artists Workshop (7 PM - 10 PM)
Need a laugh? Check out this hilarious night of stand-up comedy at Sequential Artists Workshop. Tickets are $10, and it’s guaranteed to be a good time.

🎼 The Gainesville Orchestra presents: Les Preludes @ Santa Fe College (7:30 PM - 9:30 PM) Join the Gainesville Orchestra for a musical adventure featuring Wagner’s “Flying Dutchman” and more! Tickets range from $20–$40.

Saturday, October 5th

🎃 Halloween Costume Sale @ Pofahl Studios (9 AM - 3 PM)
Looking for the perfect Halloween costume? Dance Alive National Ballet is hosting their annual sale, so swing by and find a spooktacular outfit.

🪴 Guided Walks @ Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (10 AM)
Explore the beautiful Kanapaha Botanical Gardens with a guided tour. Admission is $5–$10, and the fall blooms are sure to be stunning.

☕️ Lowbar Launch Party & Grove Street Block Party @ 220 NW 8th Ave (11 AM - 5 PM) Celebrate the launch of Lowbar Coffee Truck with free espresso, cold brew, and beer for 21+! There’s also a skateboard contest and vinyl DJ set for a full day of fun.

🍁 Fall Wreath Workshop @ Serpentine (1 PM - 3 PM)
Get into the fall spirit by crafting your own wreath with the help of Iron & Clay. Tickets are $85–$150.

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Have a great week,
Lauren
Swamptown Scoop