True Florida Stories
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
Gymnastics is not for the faint of heart. The sport pushes gymnasts to their limits and forces them to reimagine their ideas of pressure. But for Leah Clapper, it’s been her whole life. … Read moreBalancing act
For years, Chris DiScenza was a teacher and children’s science outreach coordinator. But when the COVID-19 pandemic forced him outside the classroom and inside his own home, he started to turn his science into an art business instead … Read moreWhen science becomes art
Carl Van Ness is “a walking UF encyclopedia” and the “Tom Brady of all archivists,” according to his colleagues. But the UF historian will retire in June, leaving behind an almost 40-year legacy … Read more“Preserving something for posterity”