- University of Florida freshmen moved onto campus as the new semester begins, prompting Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward to welcome them with local exploration assignments.
- Mayor Ward highlighted Depot Avenue, downtown Gainesville's Streatery project, and Shoppes at Thornebrook as top places for students to visit.
- Ward noted the return of students boosts local businesses financially and expressed optimism about the UF football season centered on player Jadan Baugh.
Freshman Gators spent a busy weekend moving onto campus and surrounding housing for the first time as the University of Florida ramps up to the start of its semester.
Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward said the rush of students means the city is about to hit full bloom. And for students in their first or final year, he issued the inaugural assignment: explore the city and surrounding areas.
Ward gave a top three (or more) recommendations as a launching point.
“This is my favorite time of year—always. I know some people don’t like when everything gets crowded again. I love it. It’s when Gainesville blooms,” Ward said
First, the mayor said students should walk down Depot Avenue (SW Fourth Avenue) to Gainesville’s 10-year-old Depot Park. He said the entire corridor is a pretty 13-block walk that showcases a lot of different aspects of the city.
Second, he said downtown Gainesville is a must-visit destination, and it’s currently under transformation with The Streatery project and new restaurants.
“Downtown Gainesville is about to be a foodie paradise,” Ward said. “There’s so many restaurants and so many different kinds. Come enjoy that.”
Third, for a destination few students ever visit, Ward said to check out Shoppes at Thornebrook (2441 NW 43rd St., Gainesville) and its slate of charming and sometimes quirky retail shops.
Quickly moving onto a fourth and fifth pick, he recommended Grove Street and its Monday farmers’ market along with the Fourth Avenue Food Park.
Ward said each student who attends UF becomes a part of Gainesville’s story. Whether they stay or move away, he wants that story to be a good one and to travel with them. The university is also part of Gainesville’s fabric.
“June and July are hard for a lot of small businesses, but as football season begins and students are back and everybody’s more focused on what they do, the money flows in our community,” Ward said. “That keeps small businesses alive and probably big businesses, too.”
As for the Gators football season, Ward said his hopes are lifted with Jadan Baugh in the running back position even as his excitement for football overall hits a low.
“I’m a huge Jadan Baugh fan,” he said. “So, if I can get excited about a player, I’ll be okay. And if they will give him the ball 25 or 30 times a game, then we’ll win 10 games.”
As for the mayor’s other alma mater, Eastside High School, Ward predicts an undefeated football season with a district championship title at the end.
