True Florida Stories
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
Zechariah Blanchard grew up with one hand on a motor and the other in a toolbox. Ever since he was four he has been learning the ins and outs of mechanical work, and he has become an expert in vehicle diagnostics … Read moreNot perfect but his best
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
As 73-year-old Stephen Smith switches on the machine, a dirty gown swishes and spins inside, reminiscent of when its bride wore the dress for her first dance … Read moreYour stain, his gain
You’ve seen Atrium on web — but have you seen it on paper? Our third 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.
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
Malay Phimon has given her life to Bageland, helping her parents nourish the Gainesville community with fresh-baked bagels. But after nearly four decades of service, she awaits the impending day that Bageland’s doors close for good … Read moreBeyond Bageland