The Grove Guy: November 2026

"Living in Florida now feels like I flunked the 8th grade and am watching the rest of my class move on to high school" -seen on the 'net a few days ago

BLUE WAVE ROLLS DOWN SW 34TH ST.

In 1979 the state built a 1000-foot wall along SW 34th Street. It kept a golf course hill from spilling onto the busy thoroughfare.

That's when the battle began between Gainesville's graffiti artists and city workers who kept painting over the wall's colorful guerilla art. Twenty years later the city gave up and let the art boys keep painting their huge, colorful "tags" (graffiti artists' nick-names). Then things changed.

Two months ago, the fancy name guys had to give up their turf to angry activists who wanted to protest our government's increasing corruption.

Now there are over 30 panels with strong political messages (which are often painted over days later). Seeing and feeling the energy I went out myself to help the activists/artists during Halloween week.

Here are some of the recent additions. I'd like to think -in some small way- they helped November 3d's Blue Wave sweep through Gainesville.

"Gotti", house painter by day...

MAKE AMERICA STUPID CAMPAIGN IS WORKING

Trump & Company has done a remarkable job of hurting higher education and chasing away talented immigrants.

Last year my dentist introduced me to the "the best new assistants he'd ever had". They should be, the married couple had been dentists in Cuba before they moved here with their young son.

They were a delight to talk to, thrilled to be in a country with wealth and endless options.

Where my teeth get fixed

When I went to the office last week they were gone. Our government had refused to renew their one-year work visas. While they're still living in Gainesville, they are considering moving to Spain where talented professionals like them are welcome.

GAINESVILLE'S "SIGHLE" ON NETFLIX

You can see Gainesville's Sighle Williams' last day of work in a 21-minute award winning documentary on Netflix beginning Nov. 24th. Williams worked the take-out window at the NW 10th burger joint, Mac's Drive-Thru, for 37 years.

That day I saw cars lined up for three blocks to buy one last "double with cheese" from their dear departing friend.

All proceeds from the day's sales went to Shighle (pronounced "Sheila") as a send-off gift.Here's a link to the trailer,

https://blexmedia.com/netflixs-one-last-order-trailer/ .

BnB's BAD FOR OUR 'HOOD

More and more keep creeping in. How can you build a community when neighbors keep changing? Three houses down once had two parked cars.

Today there are seven.

Last month one of the houses was occupied by actor/comedian Russell Brand and his family.

The Trumper was found guilty of rape last Thursday. I 'spect we won't be seeing him for a while.

HALLOWEEN PARADE #7!

On Oct. 31st we had another outstanding neighborhood Halloween parade.

Over 200 kids and their parents showed up for this one.

When the band played, "When the Saints Go Marching In", the bees sang

"when the bees come flyin' in".

It was the place to bee and, another wonderful Florida Park event.

THE PIG FLIES AGAIN

We're making plans for the fourth annual Flying Pig Parade. We have new faces running the show. Three friends, Emily Robbins, Mariah Doran, and Caitlin Butler will make it happen.

We need more marchers and volunteers. Sign up at www.flyingpigparade.org.

NEW LITTLE PARADE IN G'VILLE!

On Wednesday, Nov. 11th, we're going to light up the night with a lantern procession in Florida Park. Forty of us will walk through Rattlesnake Woods at dusk to honor St. Martin, the patron saint of the poor, soldiers, and conscientious objectors. Photos will follow.

WILDFLOWERS MUSIC PARK FUNDRAISER