Gainesville, Florida

Indeed small towns have their shortcomings, rather than explosions of light, energy, and music, they are mere murmurs of history, culture, and traditions. I would like to think that Gainesville's small size and obscurity, however, has created an atmosphere that is unparalleled by any other town. Delegated to the backdrop of much bigger, louder, and exciting cities in Florida like Miami or Orlando, Gainesville has nurtured things that outlive festive night clubs or theme parks, quiet, unspoken treasures like community, togetherness, and diversity.

Gainesville's population is an interesting dichotomy of college students and retired citizens. As a result, those of different ethnicities, ideologies, generations, and racial identities rub shoulders on a daily basis, fostering a social climate of tolerance and cultural exchange. The University of Florida, in its commitment to community outreach, serves a as conduit through which discourse, celebration, and enlightenment can flow into a town otherwise steeped in traditionalism.

Members of the Gainesville community also rally around the Florida Gators, and it is quite evident: no street, store, or home goes unflavored by colorful college team regalia in unbridled love and support for the Gators. The town's parade is the highlight of such town pride- the trail of orange and blue incites devotion from the most apathetic when it comes to sports.

In addition to the extreme diversity and fervent town pride, Gainesville is unique in its devotion to togetherness and service. The people are remarkably friendly and welcoming, and extend this civility to Gainesville members as well as to the larger family outside of our town. Deep, personal interaction is an important facet of our culture, and we stress the need for true cooperation and commitment when it comes to ensuring the security, prosperity, and happiness of all that live in Gainesville.

Gainesville is not just the pristine, quiet, tiny college town that is evident to almost everyone who visits. Rather, the true gems of our town go unsaid and unadvertised. The atmosphere that creates progressive, tolerant, and exposed people is rare and unrivaled, achieved only by the age-old and rare undercurrents distinctive to Gainesville. It holds both memories and promise, and thrives on this duality.

Candace M

Submitted: Tuesday 17th February 2004, 9:52 PM

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