In the News Greater Gainesville – November
A New Chapter for the Books
Butler Enterprises announced that Barnes & Noble will be coming to Gainesville. The original Barnes & Noble location in Gainesville closed in December 2013. However, this new location is expected to open in early 2024 at Butler Central. This location will offer books, arts and crafts, toys, puzzles and music. Additionally, the store will host author events, book club meetups and other story time programming. Shoppers can also enjoy beverages from the Barnes & Noble Café.
Barnes & Noble currently has roughly 600 stores across all 50 states. They strive to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone, expand the reach of book lovers and serve the community.
Rise and Dine
The breakfast chain First Watch is opening a new location in Gainesville at Butler Plaza West, expected to open sometime next summer. The restaurant will feature indoor and outdoor dining with an indoor-outdoor bar, serving its signature brunch and cocktail items. Upon entering the dining room, customers will be met with an Urban Farm feel, which can be defined as a rustic farmhouse blended with urban loft elements.
Since its inception in Bradenton, the chain has expanded to more than 290 locations across 29 states. With a revolving seasonal menu that changes five times a year, First Watch offers a variety of brunch items that are made from quality ingredients based on the season. First Watch has also earned a place as the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S.
A Chillin’ Good Time
The Florida Museum of Natural History has added a new Antarctic Dinosaurs exhibit to its museum experience. This display offers museumgoers the opportunity to get hands-on knowledge of history dating as far back as 200 million years ago. With five rooms filled with interactive touch screens, more than 60 fossils and life-size dinosaur replicas, the Antarctic Dinosaur experience creates excitement that caters to all ages.
The Antarctic Dinosaur exhibit is one of the largest exhibits hosted at the museum and features bilingual interactive features. The exhibit is expected to stay open until April 21, 2024.
Semiconductor Overload
The University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering recently announced the establishment of the Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI). The institute is a campus and statewide effort, dedicated to providing intellectual and technological leadership for semiconductors. It is also part of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act passed by Congress in 2022 to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States.
The FSI will boost Florida’s research and development capabilities and sustain a semiconductor workforce in the state. It currently includes participation from more than 60 faculty within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, as well as the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In addition to these faculty members, FSI also includes private industry partners and academic partners from other universities across Florida.
Literally, A Perfect Score for Parks and Rec
The city of Gainesville announced that its Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA) received a perfect score on its reaccreditation. This is the first time that the PRCA has ever received a perfect score. These accreditation standards are for management and administration regarding programs, services, facilities and lands.
PRCA met all 154 reaccreditation standards set by the National Recreation and Park Association and the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies. PRCA received its first accreditation in 2013 and has maintained its status ever since. In addition to overseeing 90 parks and over 3,000 acres of different land, PRCA also hosts the annual Downtown Festival and Art Show, the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire and the Free Friday Concert Series.
We Flame to Please
The Micanopy Fire Department has officially transitioned to the Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR). The transition comes from an Interlocal Agreement, made in May between Micanopy and Alachua County. The ACFR will now serve Micanopy residents and property in a 25-square mile area. Station 64, ACFR’s 16th station, will be staffed with a three-person crew operating an advanced life support engine 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The addition of the ACFR in Micanopy will advance the town’s ability to provide critical emergency services to its residents.
