In the News June
A collection of recent news and happenings this month in Greater Gainesville
Subsational
The Chicago-based sub shop, Potbelly Sandwich Works, announced it will be opening two locations in Greater Gainesville. The Potbelly Corporation partnered with Stellar Hospitality to open locations across Florida, with the hopes of exceeding 2,000 in the next 10 years.
Self-described as a first-class dive, Potbelly is excited to bring its toasty sandwiches, soups, salads, freshly baked cookies and hand-scooped milkshakes to GG. It’s the very best of fast-food: quicky, friendly and delicious.
It’s Coming Along Swimmingly
For 55 years, Westside Pool has been a summertime staple with its slide, diving boards and splash pad, however, for the past few months the pool has been closed due to a $2 million renovation. Now, just in time for summer, the H. Spurgeon Cherry Aquatics Center is open.
The entry corridor was given a new roof and was reconstructed, as were the two family bathrooms accessible from the pool deck. With touchless handwashing stations, digital lockers and private shower stalls, the pool is better and safer than ever.
Cheer Them On
The second annual “Cheer Them On Rally” was held at Metcalfe Elementary School Thursday May 11, before school. The rally, hosted by Gainesville For All Fatherhood Initiative, set out to encourage third graders to do well on their state tests.
Fathers also arrived at Lake Forest Elementary School on Thursday May 18, to cheer those kiddos on as well. Dads throughout Greater Gainesville were encouraged to participate. The Gainesville For All organization started in 2016 as a way to bridge racial and economic disparities in the community.
Fat is Back
The popular bar, Fat Tuesday, has returned to downtown Gainesville. Now next to The Bull, it is modern Gainesville’s second location –– after the one in Celebration Pointe.
Every day, starting
at 11:00 a.m., locals can enjoy the New Orleanian outpost.
With iconic souvenir cups available to bring home and famously delicious frozen cocktails, like the 190 Octane or the Cat 5 Hurricane, it is the perfect place to let loose and cool off for summer.
Give Peace Poetry A Chance
The 13th annual Peace Poetry Contest hosted by the Veterans For Peace Gainesville chapter was a success. Over 200 poems from students in grades K–12 were submitted but only 26 winners were invited to read at the event.
One of the winners, P.K. Younge senior Skylar Scott, will go on to read her poem at the 37th annual Veterans For Peace Winter Solstice Peace Concert later this year. The contest also awarded $1,500 scholarships to four of the contestants.
Shelter From the Storm
Growing up is always tough, but for children that do not have their own support systems, it is even tougher. The CDS Interface Youth Program is here to help. For children 10-17, the program
is designed to help by offering social skill development programs and counseling.
The CDS just broke ground on their new Interface Youth Shelter to further help children stay safe and get a little distance from unhealthy situations at home. The shelter hopes to be a life-changing place for both children and families.