PUBLIX, "WHERE SHOOTING IS A PLEASURE"
It blew my mind when I read that the Publix supermarkets were now allowing customers to carry and display guns in their stores. Don't we have enough problems without having to dodge gun-totin' cowboys and Proud Boys every time we run out of milk?
I've shopped there for years but that's ending today. Four hours ago I went inside the one on NW 43d Ave to speak with the manager. She told me Florida's new "open carry" state law requires them to allow good ol' boys with AR-15s to roam the vegetable aisle.
Woman hunting for broccoli
I pointed out that the new law does not allow guns in private businesses unless they allow it.
She admitted that last week "Publix corporate" decided to allow open carry and she had to follow their directive. Respectfully I told her I no longer feel safe in her store. I then walked around to have similar conversations with three assistant managers.
If you boycott Publix tell them, 1) Call the headquarters at 1 800 242-1227 or 2) Go to their website and send a "contact us" message, www.publix.com/contact/contact-us.
In G'ville you can shop at businesses that do not allow their customers to display weapons in their stores. These businesses include Aldi's, Winn-Dixie, Walmart, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, and Trader Joes.
It's hard to believe I'm writing this, that the deranged NRA has Republicans so tight in their grip. I believe they won't stop until every person over twelve is packing heat.
If you can't pry yourself from Publix at least speak to the store managers and express your displeasure. Complaining to the corporate office in Lakeland would be the next step and perhaps more effective.
Who wants to live in a world where the next mass shooting might be in a Publix shopping cart corral?
UPNA's FALL PICNIC
As we do twice a year, our University Park Neighborhood Assn. will be having its fall picnic on Sunday, October 26, on the basketball court behind Parker Ele., 1912 NW 5th Ave. (enter at 5th and NW 20th St.). Food and beverages will be served and Dave and Della promise to sing their favorite Italian arias.
FLYING PIG III
ART SHOW SUNDAY
Our annual "World's Littlest Art Show" will take place at the UCG church, 1624 NW 5 Ave, on Sunday, Oct; 26th, from 11a.m. to 1. Along with 18 other artists, I'll be selling birds and fish (but not the kind you eat). They're all made from the palm tree seed pods
that I find in your trash piles. It's a fun little show plus Francesca will be selling her fresh and delicious banana bread!
-THE RECENT PAST-
GT SHOW'S 'EM HOW
Last weekend I led a mask-making workshop at the
Gainesville Fine Arts Association's gallery on South Main. Visit them, its a very special place, a home for our art community for over a century!
Two of my satisfied customers
TRAVELING FAR
Francesca and I crossed the pond to visit Croatia last month.
At one point we were surrounded by waterfalls and later, in the Dubrovnik Cathedral, we encountered an ornate silver box containing Jesus' swaddling clothes.
There's many more stories and I'll share them when I can.
Croatia seems fine but our own country is falling apart so let's move on and praise something positive, our
NO KINGS II RALLY !
We had another incredible gathering of 1000+ Gainesvillians opposed to DJT's
destruction of our democracy. The energy was high and the signs, so clever!
My friends and I marched around with drums and puppets, doing our best to raise hell and the spirits of everyone there. I'm so looking forward to NO KINGS III !
No Kings II attracted both young and old.
That's it from NW 12th Road,
GT
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