This month for Pride we will be celebrating past customers that are proud members of the LGBTQ community to share their stories and celebrate the diversity in Alachua County.

Kristen helped Arlene buy the lot and custom build her home 10 years ago, where she now lives with Marlin and the two kittens they just adopted. Marlin and Arlene love everything about their home, especially the space for entertaining, and the doors that open the living room to the beautifully landscaped backyard. They even have a dining table that converts into a pool table! Their home is designed for hosting all sorts of fun events, from intimate dinner parties to large family gatherings.

Arlene works in statistics for the University of Florida, and Marlin is a veterinarian; having a serene but proximal abode is important to their success and health. Their neighborhood is an oasis around a lake, just off a busy road and a short ride to downtown. It’s a surprise turning in and immediately being transported into a relaxing, slow-paced community centered around nature. Their neighborhood is a green community that prides itself on their low waste, recycling, anti-plastic practices. To Arlene and Marlin, this is one of the many aspects that makes them feel at home in their community.

To them, pride is showing the world that people are just people. It’s being fully accepted, and accepting, of who people are. We’ve come a long way from the beginning of Pride during the Stonewall riots, and it is incredible to live in a place that is so progressive and welcoming. Marlin and Arlene feel at home here, with people that share their ideals environmentally, politically, and socially. During the Gainesville Pride in October, Alachua County takes the time to celebrate its diversity and make others feel included, just as it should every day.  

Looking for a home in Gainesville, Newberry, Alachua, High Springs, Micanopy, or elsewhere? Rabell Realty Group has the HUSTLE & HEART to find you your dream home.

As we wrap up Pride Month and this series, we would like to take the time to express our deep gratitude for everyone that has allowed us to interview them about their homes, their thoughts on pride, and their experiences with Rabell. It has been a pleasure working with every last one of you, we look forward to watching your stories grow and continuing to share for years to come.

This month for Pride we will be celebrating past customers that are proud members of the LGBTQ community to share their stories and celebrate the diversity in Alachua County.

Driving through the winding roads of Turkey Creek, you’re greeted by waving neighbors, golfers, and the gorgeous home of Carlos and Nicholas. Their front door swings open to reveal an expertly curated space, exuding style and personality. They’ve officially lived there just a year, but the space looks as if it was always meant to be filled with their books and art collection. 

Carlos and Nicholas are social, friendly guys - this is their first home, they’re excited to finally be living in a space that’s large enough to host family dinners. The exposed beams on the ceiling and the wall to wall built in bookshelves play up the massive sectional that sprawls across their living room. They joked “we never want to leave, it’s a good thing and a bad thing.” They were brought in by the openness of the home, they saw the potential in the space, so they brightened it up with lighting and paint, and knew their luxurious sofa could fit!     

When asked about their neighborhood, I was blown away by how excited they were to be in the Turkey Creek community. What do they love about it so much? “Everything. The people, everyone’s been really warm and welcoming.” The neighbors left a rose on their doorstep when they moved in, bouquets of flowers, even a bottle of scotch. “And the waving! Everyone waves!” Coming from Miami and New Jersey, the friendliness, the dark sky at night, the serenity of the country - it’s a great change of pace for these busy professionals. Carlos is an acupuncture physician in town, and Nicholas works in quality assurance and logistics at a distribution center, so they love having a relaxing oasis to return to at the end of the day. 

Kristen Rabell, Broker/Owner at Rabell Realty Group, was their Agent. “We ran her around everywhere,” Carlos laughed. They appreciated her patience and perseverance in finding them their dream home, in a competitive market where homes were coming on and off the market in 2 or 3 days. She knew the history of the homes and armed them with information to make the tough decisions they needed to as potential home buyers.

To them, Pride is about the freedom to be exactly who you are. Not defined by sexuality, gender, or race, but rather what you do, how you treat people. They are so happy to be homeowners in Turkey Creek, business owners, friends, sons, uncles, brothers. Pride to them is a celebration of the freedom to be defined by their accomplishments and passions. They love living here because Alachua County is a community of like-minded people that want to grow. We care about the environment, we care about equality, and most importantly, we care about each other.

Looking for a home in Gainesville, Newberry, Alachua, High Springs, Micanopy, or elsewhere? Rabell Realty Group has the HUSTLE & HEART to find you your dream home.

“Oh Heaven forbid we don’t go to the World Series without Stillwell’s Toys!” From A League of Their Own

This is exactly the sentiment Susan felt last night when I came home wanting to update the hurricane/survival kit. I have to admit, my plans weren’t just to update it, but rather to stockpile it with an entire list of items I researched at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php .

One would think my hurricane preparedness would be just to update batteries and water. I mean, I’m a Floridian–born and raised–and even lived from 2001-early 2004 on the 110×40 mile island of Puerto Rico (and yes, that means I was here for Charley and Co. in 2004). As a Floridian, I KNOW Hurricane parties, flash flood warnings, random twisters, annihilated trailer parks, ponds turned to lakes, low rivers cresting, Pine trees bowing to 74+ mph winds, and referring storms by their first names (Andrew is not a good friend, it’s a terrible 1992 memory for most South Floridians). The importance of redneck neighbors with chainsaw, generators, and being aware of the abundance of snakes and lost pets after the storms is not lost on me. It can very well be a typical summer in Gainesville, Fl. and our plastic box hasn’t been updated since Francis.

But this is different. My son, Mason, is 15 months and Debby just barreled down on us leaving two gaping sinkholes in Tioga, one larger one next to Turnberry, and about 14 inches of rain in Gainesville, Fl and Alachua County. I won’t even mention the videos and pictures posted of Live Oak and Tampa and other areas of the state. Shoot, and we were worried the area Aquifers were low just 2 weeks ago. My newly ambitious packing standards are really more about the fact that Mason is my first child and I’m honestly scared. It’s the first time I have to take care of someone else other than me.

Luckily, I realize I’m in good hands with Susan. She’s a consummate camper and a mother of 18 years. This is not her first time in this rodeo. Her large plastic box is mentioned on the NOAA site for proper storage of disaster items (shore a point for Susan). She has about 14, albeit cheap, flashlights, a battery powered radio, half-used packages of batteries, a box of plastic sandwich bags, walkie-talkies, lighters, napkins, pliers, about 4 bottle openers (for beer, I presume), a Phillips screwdriver, and enormous bag of  tea light candles, hand sanitizer, and an assortment of first aid supplies. Other than the roach carcasses and expired aspirin, this box doesn’t look so bad.

I begin to think maybe I’m just over-reacting. It is kind of true that we really haven’t needed this since Ivan and Gainesville was spared by Katrina; but that was 7 years ago and we are just itching for another big one…or four. It’s the end of June so let’s just clean out and reload the old box. Some essentials I notice we don’t have or need to replace:

• Throw out broken flashlights and buy a few cheapies for the box. We noticed half were rotted. Also, don’t leave batteries in all of them (ie., the rot), just the ones you actually use–we keep 2-3 around the house and garage.
• Battery powered radio (with batteries left out so as not to rust like the current one in our box) and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert–apparently missing from this box.
• Moist towelettes and plastic bags. Now we know where to store extra Publix bags and the towelettes from Sonnys!
• Extra batteries that are up-to-date!
• Stock up on water—suggested amount is 3 gallons per person (this will help for 3 days, at least). My plan is to buy a gallon or two with each grocery visit and to leave them in the garage until storm season is over. I also assume you want to eventually use the water even if the storms don’t force their usage. 7 year old water really is 7 year old water. Gross.
• Emergency plan with a list of important numbers you may not know now that you Google the yellow pages and store all your numbers on a phone. Yea, I may know my mom’s house from 25 years of living there but I don’t know much else!
• Updated First Aid Kit with NEW Ibuprofen/acetaminophen and bandages.

The list can actually get extensive and you don’t have to have everything in the plastic box. It is advised to have a plan and readily available supplies with a list of ‘don’t forgets’ regardless of Mother Nature’s furious ways or Zombie attacks.

After a good cleanout and some updating, I realized we are way more prepared than I previously considered and no matter what, there will always be something we will still have to get (like gas–and we luckily have enough gas buckets to fill) when the time comes. It doesn’t hurt to be aware and prepared even if you don’t have everything already stockpiled for the impending disaster, whatever that may be.

This month for Pride we will be celebrating past customers that are proud members of the LGBTQ community to share their stories and celebrate the diversity in Alachua County.

Driving through the winding roads and canopy of Marilyn and Susie’s neighborhood, you’re transported into an oasis, escaping the heat of the Florida sun. Signs scatter the yards declaring “No matter where you are from, we're glad you're our neighbor." in three languages: Spanish, English, and Arabic. The inclusivity of the neighborhood, where people actually smile and wave to you, is one of their favorite aspects of living in Gainesville. People are jogging, walking their dogs, gathering for community events, and hanging out by the Olympic sized swimming pool in the center of the community. When they first moved in, they were greeted with multiple deliveries of roses and wine to their doorstep. This place immediately felt like home.

Trey Anderson, REALTOR® sold their previous home for them - going above and beyond to paint their kitchen, the bright purple hue was a detractor for more traditional buyers. She then found them this perfect home, shaded, spacious, and going QUICK. They saw it and bid on the same day, competing with four other buyers to secure their perfect home.

Two years later, Susie and Marilyn, as well as their adorable pups Ace and Hershey, love their home more than ever. Changing their space changed their life, they live in a peaceful harmony altogether, enjoying their shady yard and colorfully decorated interior. Their space is finally large enough to entertain, hosting surprise parties and Thanksgivings with 25 + guests. They live in an area that fully supports their ethics and values, commitment to the environment, and believes in giving back to the community.

Susie is a 911 operator, and her most prideful memory of Gainesville was during the visit from Richard Spencer in late 2017. What could have been a violent, tragic event, was a moment the Gainesville community banded together to show each other love and acceptance. Susie was on duty listening to the chants of students that drowned out the hate speech being performed on stage. 

To Susie and Marilyn, pride is a privilege. It’s patriotism in the truest form, as they are proud to be free to be exactly who they are, and say what they want to say. Pride is about visibility. It’s about gratitude for how far we have come as a society and community. It’s about celebrating rights and freedoms, and hope that we will continue to accept and encourage the diverse landscape of our great nation.

Looking for a home in Gainesville, Newberry, Alachua, High Springs, Micanopy, or elsewhere? Rabell Realty Group has the HUSTLE & HEART to find you your dream home.

This month for Pride we will be celebrating past customers that are proud members of the LGBTQ community to share their stories and celebrate the diversity in Alachua County.

When you walk into the home of Craig and Jack, you’re greeted by a gorgeous grey toned wood floor and the 11-month-old dalmatian puppy, Tucker. Chewy the Shih Tzu and Annabelle the poodle are in tow, leading you in their spacious great room, which was once a Pepto Bismol inspired pinky-beige, now a cool modern blue toned grey. One of their favorite parts of their home search was working with Kristen to see the potential of the space, this place best fit their vision.

Craig and Jack are warm, they gush about the neighborhood - which is truly a “front porch community” where neighbors know each other’s names and hang out for community picnics. Their home is perfectly decorated, with an emphasis on bringing the lush outdoors in - their front porch and sunroom are key features of the home. They extend the space into the outdoors while preserving the style and comfort of their home. To them, this home represents “New Beginnings,” their favorite memories there thus far are moving day and New Years 2018.

When discussing their thoughts on pride, they remarked on how they are proud to be a homeowner in Alachua county, because it is a progressive area where they feel accepted and understood. Pride to them is about equality, acceptance, and living without fear of judgment. It’s the freedom to be exactly who you are, and whoever you someday hope to be. 

Looking for a home in Gainesville, Newberry, Alachua, High Springs, Micanopy, or elsewhere? Rabell Realty Group has the HUSTLE & HEART to find you your dream home.

The Thomas Center located in the heart of the Duckpond Neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1910, the “Sunkist Villa,” this building was once a Mediterranean Revival-style hotel, is now restored and surrounded by the Thomas Center Garden.

It is Gainesville’s cultural center, offering art galleries, 1920 period rooms, performance spaces, local history exhibits, and more. It is a diverse space for weddings, gatherings, community classes such as Waltz and Swing Dancing, and poetry readings. 

Walk through the center 8:00 - 5:00 Monday through Friday, and 1:00 - 4:00 on Saturdays to check out the historical rooms and art exhibits.

Welcome to the Duckpond!

A charmingly preserved slice of Old Florida, the historic Duckpond is a popular neighborhood for families and young professionals. Architecturally speaking, the neighborhood features a variety of colonial historic style homes and Victorians, some of which have been converted into multiple apartments!

Old Florida charm, walkability, peace and quiet, and proximity to downtown are just a few of the qualities that make the Duckpond a desirable place to live. Lovingly maintained homes are situated along cozy streets shaded by live oaks. 

The Thomas Center is the crown jewel of the Duck Pond district. Set in an elegantly cultivated park, the beautifully restored Renaissance-revival hotel serves the needs of local businesses and plays hosts to events. It’s also a popular place to picnic, walk the dog and bump into your neighbors.

What's It Like Living in the Duckpond?

The Duckpond is a friendly, safe neighborhood where folks smile and wave at each other, children play outside, and people bike to and from downtown. 

It's a traditional suburban residential neighborhood in the sense that you have to get in the car or hop on your bike for most trips. On the other hand, the Duckpond is super close to the Downtown district to the west and the Grove Street area to the northwest. Between these two adjacent neighborhoods you have tons of options for dining, drinks, shops, and convenience stores. The Grove Street farmer's market (which absorbed many vendors after the pandemic shut down the farmer's market at Bo Diddley plaza) happens every Monday between 4 and 7.

Celebration Pointe is the newest SW Gainesville destination. A unique mixed-use development, Celebration Pointe is a place to live, shop, eat, and work - a city within the city. It is a pedestrian-centric destination with community events such as “Jazz in the Park,” as well as a movie theatre, and high-end shopping. Celebration Pointe is a place to live, eat, relax, and enjoy - to celebrate the finer things in life.

Now they also have open container rules, that allow of age citizens to walk around and enjoy adult beverages in the Celebration Pointe Area!

We can’t wait to see how this area continues to develop!

It's no secret that climate change is affecting the extremes in weather, storms are getting stronger and more frequent every year. In order to help Floridians before there's a disaster, there is a tax-free week from 5/31 to 6/9 during which you can gather all the necessary gear to protect you and your home for storm season.

Items eligible for the tax break from May 31 through June 6 are:

• Reusable ice that costs $10 or less;
• Self-powered light sources, $20 or less;
• Gas or diesel fuel tanks, $25 or less;
• Nonelectric food storage coolers, $30 or less;
• Packs of AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries, $30 or less;
• Self-powered radios, two-way radios, or weather-band radios, $50 or less;
• Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting, $50 or less;
• Tie-down kits, $50 or less;
• Portable generators, $750 or less.

It’s Memorial Day weekend in Gainesville, and we’ve done our weekly roundup to help you celebrate all weekend long.

1.Free Fridays Concert Series

May 24 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Bo Diddley Plaza

The series includes a diverse selection of musical genres, with a mix of returning audience favorites and bands new to the series.

2.Sally B.’s Dashing Revue – Live Music Burlesque

May 24 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

High Dive

Fancy Dress Encouraged!

Tickets available online, Hear Again Records ($1 FEE), & at the High Dive Box Office (NO FEES!).

$15 Adv, $20 Doors

This one of a kind show features dazzling burlesque performances by local and touring artists with live music by local jazz sensation Swing Theory.

3.Meet @ the Cade Inventor Series: UF Linguistics

May 25 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Meet the UF Department of Linguistics @ the Cade Saturday, May 25th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and learn all about language!

4.Dudley Farm Historic Park Tour

May 25 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Join us and discover an authentic working farm owned by the Dudleys from post Civil War to mid-1940s. Follow a park staff or docent in period clothing as they talk about the homestead consisting of eighteen restored buildings, farm animals, gardens and local history.

5.James Bond Movie Trivia

May 25 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Blackadder Brewing Company

James Bond fans, this one’s for you! Sixty questions all related to the Bond films! Themed prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners! Food truck Bubba Luigi’s Roadtrip!

6.Cocktails & Classics: North By Northwest by Alfred Hitchcock

May 25 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Our May installment of Cocktails & Classics in brought to you by Alfred Hitchcock because we are showing North By Northwest! There will be a reception at 7 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, and the price of a ticket will also include one of our custom made cocktails!

7.Free admission to veterans May 27!

May 27 @ 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

The Florida Museum of Natural History

The Florida Museum of Natural History is offering free admission to the “Butterfly Rainforest” and “CROCS” exhibits for veterans on Memorial Day. Valid forms of identification include a military ID, DD Form 214, VA card or driver’s license.

8.Kulaqua’s River Ranch Water Park Community Day

May 27 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Kulaqua’s River Ranch is open to the public on select days over the summer!

9.Tango Dance Class

May 27 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Rena’s Ballroom

This all-levels course will focus on the foundations of social tango including embrace, connection, and walking.