True Florida Stories
Right foot pulses. The red sign becomes my start and stop, an upside-down triangle beckoning into the circle. I enter, begin the counterclockwise dance between thousands of pounds and brains rebooting behind the wheel … Read moreNE 8th Ave by NE 9th St*
Enter a person, 29 (though they stopped counting after 25), in navy bottoms and a beige polo shirt. In their role as a bus driver, they have many scene partners but few lines, confined to pleasantries with the passengers rounding the stops … Read moreWords in motion
I think, but don’t say (because that would be embarrassing): "I’ll play mahjong with you, even though the tiles are confusing, and I hate feeling stupid. I’ll learn to drive, just like you wanted, even though I’m petrified I’ll accidentally hit someone." At this point, I’ll do anything if you wake up … Read moreSticky notes
Avin Posen, now 33, is a hairstylist who found their calling in providing gender-affirming haircuts in a state where gender-affirming healthcare is constantly under attack … Read moreMore than just a good hair day
Becky Goodman, 49, is a squirrel savior. As an animal rehabber based in Gainesville, she rescues injured squirrels, treats and cares for them in designated enclosures and releases them into the wilderness again … Read moreSquirrel salvation
You’ve seen Atrium on web — but have you seen it on paper? Our fourth issue is out in book stores, coffee shops and other locations all across Florida. But copies are limited, so if you haven’t snagged one yet, you can now enjoy it online, too.
I think, but don’t say (because that would be embarrassing): "I’ll play mahjong with you, even though the tiles are confusing, and I hate feeling stupid. I’ll learn to drive, just like you wanted, even though I’m petrified I’ll accidentally hit someone." At this point, I’ll do anything if you wake up … Read moreSticky notes
In 1954, a moonless night settled over a small college town in the swampy heart of Florida. The University of Florida campus in Gainesville was quiet, its dorm rooms mostly empty awaiting winter break’s end. But morning at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house brought a bloody discovery … Read moreMascot for cruelty
Ortiz had to wake up earlier than usual on the morning of his first event. He had played at many bazaars, markets and parties, but tonight was the first one with his name on it: JORDAY … Read moreNo slowing down
On a late fall morning, volunteer park ranger Mariela Mason navigates the turquoise waters of Gilchrist Blue Springs in an orange kayak. She paddles past canopies of trees and herds of swimmers in search of relief from the Florida heat … Read moreHealing waters
Laila Fakhoury co-founded the How Bazar two years ago. It has blossomed into a beacon of creativity in downtown Gainesville. Her watchful eye, careful preparation and unbreakable tranquility allow the business to run its locally loved markets. … Read moreA spark in the night
When Hope Dean first found the word asexual, she rejected it, even though it made sense. But through the years, she learned to find confidence in the term … Read moreThe angst of ace: How I came to terms with being asexual