A collection of interesting happenings and recent developments that contribute to the bright future of Greater Gainesville
Sweet Berries Renovates New Location
The popular eatery and frozen yogurt shop has relocated not too far away from its previous shop that closed in summer 2022. Renovations for the new SweetBerries include a new roof, a refinished countertop bar for seating, new interior walls with a built-in kitchen window and more.
The new location menu will be updated with replacements for the least popular items. As of press time, the opening date was scheduled for mid-February. SweetBerries will also be hosting a hiring fair for those 18 years and older.
Ruby Sunshine Set to Open in Butler Town Center
Butler Town Center welcomes a new Ruby Sunshine to their growing shopping and dining district.
This New Orleans–born brunch spot will open doors in mid-2023. The mimosa-minded canteen will be in good company as the neighbor to P.F. Chang’s and the Cheesecake Factory.
Described as the intersection of culture, community, cravings and cocktails, Ruby Sunshine focuses on the beloved golden hour between breakfast and lunch. This is the chain’s third location in Florida, the others being in Destin and Pensacola.
Crossroads Farm and Apiary U-Pick Strawberry Season Opens
Formerly known as Roger’s Farm, Crossroads hosted a soft launch to their strawberry picking season on Sunday, Jan. 8.
Crossroads started more than 30 years ago and quickly became a local hotspot. Their working apiary is open year-round for honey and bee sales, and pollination services.
Their U-Pick strawberry season has opened, along with wagon rides, desserts, honey and handmade crafts. The U-Pick schedule is updated on the events page of their website. Parking and admission are free.
Florida’s Mr. Football Award Winner
Creed Whittamore, Buchholz High School’s star quarterback, won this year’s Mr. Football award. It started in 1992, given to the top high school football player in Florida. This is the first time the award’s recipient has been an Alachua County student athlete.
Buchholz football finished second in the district, having gone 10-3 this season. Whittamore also took home the Scot Brantley trophy. As Mr. Football, the senior joins Daunte Culpepper, Anquan Boldin and Gator legend, Tim Tebow.
BHGRE Commercial Announces New Vacation Rentals
New Getaway Cabins are coming to High Springs to provide unplugged and reconnected vacations. These cabins are designed in true glamping style.
Gone are the days of sleeping bags and outhouses. Getaways have heat and air conditioning; private bathrooms; kitchens with mini fridges, stoves and dishware; and queen-sized beds.
Getaway also provides the classic accommodations that make camping fun. Each cabin has fire pits and grill grates for campfire cooking, as well as picnic tables and chairs. It is a way to get back to nature and the great outdoors without sacrificing peace and comfort.
UF Achieves No. 1 Ranking for Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
For the second year in a row, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Florida as the top institution in the country to offer an online bachelor’s degree. The rankings organization also named UF as the country’s number one university for veterans and active-duty service members to earn an online bachelor’s degree.
The ranking acknowledges UF’s tradition of supporting U.S. military members, many of whom pursue their degrees from around the world. “The recognition of the university’s online bachelor’s degree program is a tribute to the team that develops and delivers that program and the students who challenge the program to be the best,” said Andrew McCollough, UF associate provost and director of UF’s Office of Teaching and Technology.
UF Online consistently is recognized as among the top online bachelor’s degree programs in the country, offering 25 degrees from 10 colleges, with several academic specializations. The program provides pathways for traditional and non-traditional students, including veterans, mid-career professionals and people with a variety of life circumstances who benefit from the flexibility and access.
U.S. News also recognized several other outstanding online programs. UF’s bachelor’s in business administration ranked as the number one online business bachelor’s program in the nation, and the online bachelor’s degree program in psychology ranked number four.
By Harper Warner.