Gifts, costumes, groggers, and above all: hamantaschen. All of these items commemorate the jolly Jewish holiday Purim. Each year, it is celebrated on the 14th day of the Hebrew month “Adar,” which falls between late winter and early spring each year. For 2023, the holiday begins Monday, with celebrations set …
Read More »Senior Valentine’s Day Ball hosts friends and couples of all ages in High Springs
More than 40 North Central Florida residents of all ages attended the Annual Senior Citizens Valentine’s Day Ball organized by Deeper Purpose Community Church in High Springs.
Read More »Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches – and so is spending
A beautiful rose bouquet. The warmth from a fresh candle. The captivating smell of sweet pastries. Valentine’s Day is the time for each of these things – and the ultimate promotion. Feb. 14 is highly anticipated in retail environments each year, and Gainesville’s local economy is ready to reap the …
Read More »University of Florida Chinese Students and Scholars Association hosts Lunar New Year celebration
The University of Florida Chinese Students and Scholars Association celebrated Chinese New Year during their Spring Festival by inviting students to participate in a variety of traditional Chinese activities and share food on the second floor of the J. Wayne Reitz Union on Sunday, Jan. 29. UF students from various …
Read More »Florida airports expected to set records during holidays
ORLANDO, Fla. — The holiday travel season this year is expected to rival the busiest seasons before the pandemic at Florida’s two most bustling airports, which will see millions of travelers passing through them, officials said. Orlando International Airport, the state’s busiest airport and the seventh busiest airport in the …
Read More »‘The red suit picks you’: Santa Clauses prepare for the renewed holiday crush
Seven-year-old Ranessamae Rinehart could not contain her excitement after sitting on Santa’s lap at the Ocala Town Square gazebo recently. She asked Santa for Legos bricks and sparkly shoes with bows on them. As several other families waited in line for their turn to meet the old man with the …
Read More »A new Newberry Christmas tradition transforms its downtown into a gingerbread village
The city of Newberry has worked tirelessly to put together its first annual Gingerbread Village holiday celebration.
Read More »This RTS driver tries to spread holiday joy — every day — via his bus header
For one Gainesville bus driver, it’s the holiday season year-round. January through December, Steven Sowders displays “happy holidays” on his bus header to celebrate a national holiday, big or small, every day. Sowders has worked for the Gainesville Regional Transit System for nearly eight years. For most of that time, …
Read More »UF Environmental and Horticulture Club is holding its poinsettia sale Dec. 8 and 9
The University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Club is holding its 26th Annual Poinsettia Sale. The club carries over 4,000 plants and offers a variety of more than 40 types of poinsettias in its greenhouse. Located at the greenhouse behind Fifield Hall at 2475 Memorial Road on UF’s campus, the sale …
Read More »Food banks in Alachua County facing new barriers this season
Food banks and pantries in Alachua County are facing more challenges than usual this season thanks to a rise in the price of groceries, the aftermath of Hurricane Ian and an increase in demand.
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