What is Gainesville Homegrown?

Gainesville, Florida is a unique city. According to the city website's demographics, our 2008 population was around 125,000. Of those, around 50,000 are students at University of Florida. Almost 17,000 are Santa Fe College students.

As a result, one can assume that our population turns over about every 4 years with graduation. Of course, many students stay longer than 4 years, so that's just a rough estimate. There are many (like me!) who just can't stay away and come back for advanced degrees. But regardless, it's safe to say that our average population is younger than most. Again, according the city website, our average age is 27. Other Florida cities:

• Miami: 38
• Orlando: 33
• Tampa: 35
• Naples: 61 (wow)

Because our population is so transitory, new things are happening all the time: new restaurants, new bars, new bands. Gainesville has developed a reputation for great food and great music, and a big factor in that reputation is the fact that our local population is creating new things all the time right here in Gainesville. Of course, we enjoy some nationally owned chains, but with so many local options to choose from, why would anyone need to look elsewhere?

That's the focus of this blog. I hope to highlight all the ways you can support your local businesses right here in Gainesville. I'm looking for local produce, locally owned restaurants, bars and shops, and local bands. I will highlight the features of these right here for your viewing pleasure. So, feel free to give me suggestions! I hope to highlight one new example of Gainesville Homegrown goodness each week. Thanks for checking it out, and I hope we can discover some of the many reasons why we are so proud to call Gainesville our home.