| |
| |
|
Welcome to Gainesville
Gainesville At a Glance | Alachua County | History | Economy | Education | Transportation | Springs and Rivers |
Sports and Recreation | Nature Parks and Historic Sites | Retail Shopping Centers | Art Galleries and Museums |
The Performing Arts | Medical Facilities | Vehicle Registration and Licensing
 |
Welcome
Welcome to Gainesville, Florida, and Bosshardt Realty Services,
Inc. Bosshardt Realty stands
ready to make your relocation to this area as smooth as possible and will
make every effort to find the property
suitable for your particular needs and
lifestyle.
Gainesville is located in North
Central Florida, roughly halfway between
Orlando and Jacksonville, with
convenient Interstate 75 access. A lush
canopy of mature trees provides Gainesville
with a beautiful natural setting.
Gainesville has changing seasons with a mild
climate, and sparkling springs, rivers and lakes enhance
the many recreational centers of this naturally
beautiful part of the state.
Alachua County possesses a seemingly untouched
environment with residents committed to
attracting quality growth and preserving abundant
natural beauty. With excellent schools, from preschool
to graduate school, both Alachua County and the University of Florida are
among top leaders in education in the
South.
Gainesville has so much to offer it is difficult to include everything in this
welcome packet. So if you have interest
in a specific area, please let Bosshardt
Realty Services, Inc. know and we will be
happy to obtain information for you. We think you
will love Gainesville as much as we do!
Bosshardt Realty Services, Inc.
Your Home Team!
|
|
| |
Gainesville At a Glance
Home to Florida's largest and oldest university, Gainesville is one of the state's centers of education, medicine, cultural events and athletics.
The University of Florida and Shands Hospital at UF are the leading employers in Gainesville and
provide jobs for many residents.
Known for its preservation of historic buildings
and the beauty of its natural surroundings, Gainesville's parks, museums and lakes provide entertainment
to thousands.
It is easy to see why Gainesville is recognized as one of Florida’s most livable cities as it flourishes in the heart of beautiful North Central Florida.
Gainesville is proud to be the first designated "Gold Level Well City" in the nation. Announced in
April 2003 by the Wellness Council of America, this highest level achievement was realized after a threeyear campaign to challenge the trend of obesity.
Twenty-one area businesses and organizations (more than 50 percent of the total area workforce) assembled employee wellness teams responsible for planning and developing worksite wellness activitiesand programs.
The city of Gainesville is located in Alachua County, which includes 12 incorporated cities and has a total population of more than 220,000. (The Gainesville population tops 111,000.) As county seat, Gainesville serves as the commercial hub for the North Central Florida area.
Gainesville is situated on the I-75 corridor, 85 miles south of the Georgia border, 50 miles east of the Gulf of Mexico, and 67 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean.
Marking the northern border is the Santa Fe River, which is part of the freshwater system located in the area.
|
:
To establish residency, you may register to vote or file a Declaration of Domicile, which is an affidavit available at the County Administration building. Filing one copy with Circuit Court provides a record of your intention to make Florida your home; simply moving to the state does not guarantee this. For more information call 352-374-3645. |
|
Alachua County
Alachua County covers 965 square miles and includes the municipalities of Archer, Alachua, Cross Creek, Gainesville, Hawthorne, High Springs, LaCrosse, Melrose, Micanopy, Newberry, Waldo and Windsor. The county has an estimated year-round population of 191,000, including 40,000 University of Florida students.
The county's geographic location produces a comfortable year-round climate. Temperatures are moderated by the wind from the Gulf of Mexico, producing mild winters and relatively cool summer nights. The average temperature is 70.1 degrees.
With almost 65 percent of the county’s 965 square miles still wilderness dotted with scenic lakes, wetlands and trails, it is a delight for nature lovers of all ages. The area contains approximately 100 square miles of wetlands and scenic lakes, plus nearly 520 square miles of forests.
Alachua County contains four major highways: I-75, U.S. 301, S.R. 26 and U.S. 441. The cities of Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee and Jacksonville can be reached within a two-hour drive, while St. Augustine, Ocala, Lake City and Cedar Key are within a 90-minute drive.
|
| Almost 65 percent of Alachua County is still wilderness filled with scenic lakes, rivers and wetlands, making it one of the most naturally beautiful areas in the entire state of Florida. |
|
History
As early as 1529, the Spaniards explored Alachua County and were using the area to produce food. The balance of power shifted to Great Britain from 1763 to 1783, before Spain reoccupied Florida in 1783 and remained until the United States took control of the land in 1821.
In December of 1817, the King of Spain granted 289,645 acres (which used a location in Paynes Prairie as a center point) to Don Fernando de la Mazza Arredondo and sons, who were merchants in Havana, Cuba.
The area of Paynes Prairie, which the Arredondo Grant covers, was the historic site of a Seminole Indian village named Alachua. The word Alachua has been said to mean “jug” or “sink,” which was probably in reference to a large sinkhole that transformed what was once a lake into Paynes Prairie.
The Arredondo Grant became void when Florida became a territory by treaty with Spain on February 22, 1819.
Alachua County was created in 1824 as the ninth county in the territory in Florida.
In 1853, county commissioners moved the country seat from Newnansville to Gainesville. The commissioners also speculated that the creation of the Cross-Florida Railroad would spur development of a significant business community in Gainesville.
Before Gainesville became the county seat, it was known as the Hogtown Creek Settlement.
Many settlers arrived after the Civil War, which prompted the incorporation of Gainesville as a city in 1869. Gainesville’s name was selected in honor of General Edmund Pendleton Gaines. Gaines commanded forces against the Indians during the Second Seminole War.
Gainesville’s Northeast Historic District preserves buildings built between 1880 and 1930 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Florida’s second-oldest town, Micanopy, is only 13 miles south of Gainesville and features antique, art and curio ships.
|
|
Economy
Through the years, education has played a major role in the economic development of the community. The University of Florida and Shands Hospital at UF are the two largest employers in Alachua County.
Health care is a strong second industry serving all of North Central Florida and beyond.
Other economic influences include high-tech research, environmental engineering and agriculture. A 2,000-acre research and technology campus was developed in 1991 just south of Alachua.
More than $50 million comes into the county each year from agricultural products such as beef, poultry, vegetables, timber and tobacco.
|
| The landmark Century Tower on the University of Florida campus was built in 1953 to commemorate the school’s centennial. Today enrollment exceeds 46,000 students, making UF the largest university in the Southeast, and sixth largest in the United States. |
|
Education
Public schools
(352) 955-7300
http://www.sbac.edu
The School Board of Alachua County governs the area's K-12 public schools. With 24 elementary schools, eight middle schools, seven high schools, and seven specialty centers, Alachua County has a current enrollment or more than 30,000 students For more information regarding the Alachua County School District, please contact the School Board Administration.
Private schools
Gainesville also has many private schools providing quality education, including INCAF Montessori, Vaishnava Academy, Jordan Glen School, B’nai Israel School, Brentwood School, Children’s Center South, Compassionate Outreach Ministries, Cornerstone Academy, Countryside Christian School, Gainesville Christian Academy, Gainesville Country Day School, Martha Manson Academy, Millhopper Montessori School, Oak Hall School, Queen of Peace Catholic Academy, The Rock School, St. Patrick Interparish School, Stepping Stones School, Trilogy School, and North Florida Seventh Day Adventist.
University of Florida
352-392-3261
http://www.ufl.edu
The University of Florida is the state's flagship university, and one of the leading research and instructional institutions in the nation. Current enrollment exceeds 46,000, making UF the sixth largest university in the country.
UF has an annual operating budget in excess of $1.5 billion. With a 2,000-acre campus and more than 4,000 distinguished faculty, UF is recognized internationally as a premiere research facility.
Santa Fe Community College
(352) 395-5000
http://www.santafe.cc.fl.us
Santa Fe Community College is a two-year community college offering Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees and training for technical and vocational specialities.
SFCC began in 1965 and is accredited by the Committee on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Nearly 600 faculty and four campus locations in the Gainesville area currently serve more than 28,000 area residents.
|
Rich Karlgaard’s “Life 2.0,” a 2005 book by the publisher of Forbes magazine that lists 150 of the most affordable places to live in the United States, calls Gainesville “younger and smarter than the average Florida town thanks to the University of Florida.” In 1995 Money magazine also ranked Gainesville the No. 1 place |
|
Transportation
An interconnecting web of state roads serve Alachua County and nearby counties, while Interstate 75 and US 441 and US 301 connect Gainesville to other major Florida cities and states.
The Gainesville Regional Airport is currently served by four airlines: Delta Connection/ASA, Continental Connection/Gulfstream International Airlines, Northwest Airlink/Pinnacle Airlines, and US Airways Express/Mesa Airlines.
The 2,000-acre airport also includes general aviation facilities for private and corporate aircrafts. For more information call (352) 373-0249, or visit http://flygainesville.com
The Greyhound-Trailways Bus Lines provides continuous interconnecting bus service from Gainesville to all major cities in the United States. For schedules and reservations, call 1-800-229-9424, or visit: http://www.greyhound.com
The Regional Transit System (RTS) provides local bus service in Gainesville and its urban areas. To acquire a schedule or for more information, contact (352) 334-2600 or http://www.go-rts.com
Amtrak provides nearby rail passenger service from its ticket office downtown at the Regional Transit System’s Bethel transfer station at the corner of SE 1st Avenue and SE 1st Street.
The office is open daily. Call 1-800-USARAIL or visit http://www.amtrak.com
|
| Ginnie Springs north of High Springs is a popular escape from the summer heat thanks to its 72-degree water temperature that remains. |
|
Springs and Rivers
Ichetucknee River
US 27 north of Fort White; (352) 935-1085
http://www.ichetuckneeriver.com
Fed by nine springs, the Ichetucknee is the cleanest and most popular Florida river for tubing. Its shores are lined with ancient cypress and mixed hardwood forests, which are home to many species of rare birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Blue Springs
Off CR 340 near High Springs; (386) 454-1369
http://tfn.net/springs/SantaFeBlue.htm
This is a delightful spot for swimmers and snorkelers. A playground, picnic area, camping/RV site, bathhouse and concession store are available, but scuba diving is not allowed.
Ginnie Springs
7300 NE Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs (386) 454-7188
http://www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com/index.html
Ginnie Springs is a set of several different springs that allows for excellent scuba diving and snorkeling. The water is a steady 72 degrees year round and offers excellent visibility. There are campsites, bathhouses, and RV hook-ups.
Hart Springs
SR 344 near Trenton and Bell; (352) 463-3444
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/springs/locator/hart.htm
This family-oriented recreation area boasts one of the largest swimming facilities with its two spring pools and a half-mile boardwalk through pristine cypress hammocks.
Blue Grotto
ALT US 27, 2 miles west of Williston (352) 528-3344
http://www.divebluegrotto.com
With a depth of 100 feet, Blue Grotto has the largest clear water cavern diving in Florida. The springs cater almost exclusively to scuba divers, through there is a small area for snorkeling.
Alexander Springs
SR 445 in the Ocala National Forest
(352) 625-7470 or (352) 669-3522
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/springs/locator/alexander.htm
Alexander Springs in neighboring Marion County is known for its wide, sandy beachfront and its crystal clear water. The spring pumps 80 million gallons of water a day that flows into a pool that is 200-feet across.
|
The state of Florida has no state personal income tax, no state inheritance tax, no franchise tax, and no inventory tax. The sales tax is mandated at 6 percent; however, food and medicine are non-taxable. Homeowners enjoy a $25,000 homestead exemption from property taxes for the home they occupy. For more information, call the Florida Department of Revenue at 1-800-352-3671. |
|
Sports and Recreation
The Gainesville area has a number of excellent 18-hole golf courses, including these seven:
Gainesville Golf & Country Club
(352) 372-0961; 6,900 yards, Par 72
Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club
(352) 335-0055; 6,455 yards, Par 72
Plantation Oaks Golf Club
(386) 462-4655; 6,570 yards, Par 72
Ironwood Golf Course
(352) 334-3120; 6,465 yards, Par 72
Meadowbrook Golf Club
(352) 332-0577; 6,287 yards, Par 72
West End Golf Club
(352) 332-2721; 3,940 yards, Par 60
University Golf Course
(352) 375-4866; 6,239 yards, Par 70
Other Local Sports
The University of Florida offers Division I sports for men and women, including football, basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, track and field, swimming, diving, soccer, and volleyball.
Drag Racing
Drag racing fans by the tens of thousands flock to the NHRA Gatornationals, held for four days each March at the Gainesville Raceway.
Professional Teams
Florida is home to the Miami Dolphins, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Orlando Magic, the Miami Heat, The Florida Marlin, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Florida Panthers.
|
| The 62-acre Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is home to one of the largest public displays of bamboo stands and herb gardens in the Southeastern United States. |
|
Nature Parks and Historic Sites
Devil’s Millhopper State Geological Site
4732 NW 53rd Avenue; (352) 955-2008
http://www.floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper
This large sinkhole formed when an underground cavern roof collapsed. It is 120 feet deep and 500 feet in diameter. Many species of plantlife and wildlife can be explored from the boardwalks and nature trail that follows the rim.
San Felasco Hammock State Preserve Park
Millhopper Road/CR 232; (352) 462-7905
http://www.floridastateparks.org/sanfelascohammock
Dotted with sinkholes, steep headsprings, ponds and small lakes, this 6,900-acre state preserve stands as one of the finest examples of historic hammocks remaining in Florida.
Paynes Prairie State Preserve
Micanopy; (352) 466-3397
http://www.floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie
Paynes Prairie is a 21,000-acre state preserve and wildlife sanctuary with provisions for bird
watching, fishing, cycling, camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding and boating.
Bivens Arms Nature Park
3650 S. Main Street; (352) 334-2056
Enjoy 57 acres of oak hammocks and marsh from the safety of a 1,200 foot promenade.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
4700 SW 58th Drive; (352) 372-4981
http://www.kanapaha.org
This 62-acre facility offers one of the largest public displays of bamboo stands and herb gardens in the Southeastern United States.
Morningside Nature Center
3540 E. University Avenue; (352) 334-2170
http://www.natureoperations.org/Pages/Parks/MNC.html
Visitors can enjoy feeding barnyard animals and exploring an 1840s cabin at the Living History Farm.
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail /
Boulware Springs Park
3500 SE 15th Street; (352) 466-3397
http://www.floridastateparks.org/gainesville-hawthorne
The abandoned railway turned recreational trail stretches 16 miles from Gainesville’s Boulware Springs Park though Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area.
Alfred A. Ring Park
2424 NW 23rd Boulevard; (352) 334-2197
http://www.natureoperations.org/Pages/Parks/RingPark.html
Located in the midst of a northwest Gainesville residential neighborhood, the park has a mile-long trail that meanders along the banks of Hogtown Creek.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
State Historic Site and Museum
18700 S. CR 352, Cross Creek; (352) 466-3672
http://www.floridastateparks.org/marjoriekinnanrawlings
Visit the “place of enchantment” where Pulitzer Prize winner Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote books about Florida life in the early years of the 20th century, including “The Yearling.” Cross Creek is south of Micanopy near the Alachua- Marion County line and is an easy, picturesque ride from Gainesville.
|
If you are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age, and a legal resident of Florida in Alachua County, you are eligible to vote. To register in person, visit the Supervisor of Elections office in the Alachua County Administration Building. You may also mailin your registration; forms are available in many government offices and other locations. For more information call (352) 374- 5252. |
|
Retail Shopping Centers
Gainesville is the retail hub of North Central Florida. Its 45 distinctive shopping centers lure shoppers from 13 counties.
A major attraction is the Oaks Mall at I-75, which has five anchoring department stores — Macy’s, JCPenney, Sears, Dillard’s and Belks, plus 150 other shops, boutiques, and services.
The Gainesville area shopping experience is wide in scope. It includes such other fine centers as Butler Plaza, the area's new "shopping mecca" on Archer Road; the Gainesville Shopping Center on North Main Street; Newberry Crossing and Newberry Square; Hunters Crossing; Thornebrook Shopping Center; and the Tower Center.
|
| Each November the central business district is filled with music, food, and thousands of people who come from all over for the region for the annual Downtown Arts Festival, which has become one of the premier shows and competitions in the Southeast. |
|
Art Galleries and Museums
Florida Museum of Natural History
University of Florida; (352) 846-2000
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu
The Florida Museum of Natural History is the largest history museum in the Southeast and even features a butterfly rainforest. Hours are from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 pm on Sundays and holidays. Admission is free.
Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
SW 34th Street and Hull Road; (352) 392-9826
http://www.harn.ufl.edu
This contemporary 62,000 square-foot building houses collections from various cultures of the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe. The Harn Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 1 to 5 pm. The Museum is closed on Mondays and state holidays.
The Thomas Center
302 NE 6th Avenue; (352) 334-5064
http://www.visitgainesville.net/photogallery/thomascenter.htm
The Thomas Center was first built as a private residence in 1906, then converted into a hotel in 1928. This Mediterranean-style center is the site of a variety of art exhibits and events.
Santa Fe Gallery
3000 NW 83rd Street; (352) 395-5621
http://inst.sfcc.edu/~vpa/gallery
The Santa Fe Gallery is a teaching and learning resource for SFCC students and the Gainesville community. It was the first community college gallery to be approved by the National Gallery of Art and Smithsonian Institution for high-security exhibits. It is open 10 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday; 2 to 4 pm on Saturday. Admission is free.
|
The Alachua County Library District has 10 locations throughout the county. Adult residents of the state of Florida (age 18 and over) may get a borrower’s card for themselves and/or their minor children (age 17 and under) upon presentation of picture ID, proof of current Florida residency, and their signature. |
|
The Performing Arts
Curtis M. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
SW 34th Street and Hull Road; (352) 392-1900
http://www.cpa.ufl.edu
The Center for the Performing Arts is an 1,800-seat facility featuring state-of-the-art acoustics. Each year it hosts a wide array of Broadway touring companies, operas, symphony orchestras, and internationally acclaimed performers.
The Hippodrome Theater
25 SE 2nd Place; (352) 375-4477
http://www.thehipp.org
Designated as a state theater in 1982 by the Florida Legislature, this diversified cultural institution presents more than 400 events annually.
Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 NW 16th Boulevard; (352) 376-4949
http://www.gcplayhouse.org
Producing its first show in 1927, the Gainesville Community Playhouse is one of the oldest community theaters in Florida.
Acrosstown Repertory Theater
(352) 375-1321
http://www.acrosstown.org
Other Performing Groups:
In addition to the professional and amateur theater groups mentioned at left, Gainesville is home to many highly talented performing artists, including several theater, dance and musical companies. The following are some examples of Gainesville’s cultural community:
Acrosstown Repertory Theater
352-375-1321
http://www.acrosstown.org
Dance Alive!
352-373-1166
http://www.dancealive.org
Dance Theater of Santa Fe
352-395-5296
http://inst.sfcc.edu/%7Evpa/theatre
Danscompany of Gainesville
352-371-0761
http://danscompanyofgainesville.org/news
Florida Players
352-392-2038
Gainesville Ballet Theater
352-372-9898
http://www.gainesvilleballettheatre.org
Gainesville Chamber Orchestra
352-336-5448
Gainesville Civic Chorus
352-378-1598
http://www.afn.org/~gchorus
|
| Gainesville has four outstanding hospitals to serve the residents of North Central Florida, including the world-renowned Shands Teaching Hospital, above, which is affiliated with the UF College of Medicine. |
|
Medical Facilities
Shands at the University of Florida
1600 SW Archer Road; (352) 265-0111
http://www.shands.org/hospitals/uf
Shands HealthCare is one of the premier health systems in the Southeast. It offers advanced diagnostic and medical services and sophisticated treatments that draw patients nationally for highly specialized, complex care.
Shands at Alachua General Hospital
801 SW 2nd Avenue; (352) 338-2140
http://www.shands.org/hospitals/agh
Shands at AGH is a 367-bed hospital with a strong focus on sleep disorders, heart care, cancer care, women’s health and emergency medicine. It is the only hospital in Florida that is affiliated with Planetree, a non-profit organization committed to the development of patient-focused care.
North Florida Regional Medical Center
6500 Newberry Road; (352) 333-4000
http://www.nfrmc.com
NFRMC is a full-service 278-bed, medical and surgical acute care referral center serving 14 counties. Selected as one of the “Top 100” hospitals in America for six years, North Florida offers a full spectrum of care ranging from comprehensive heart care to cancer care, women’s health, diabetes care, and neuromusculoskeletal services.
Veteran’s Administration Medical Center
1601 Archer Road; (352) 376-1611
The VAMC is part of the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, a comprehensive and integrated health care system for veterans. The system includes two hospitals, three satellite clinics, and several community-based outpatient clinics.
|
The total population of Gainesville is 117,000
The median age in Alachua County is 29
The number of households is 39,000
The median household income is $27,900
8,700 are high school graduates
4,500 hold an associate degrees
10,500 are college graduates
11,246 hold graduate degrees
|
|
Vehicle Registration and Licensing
Drivers license
(352) 374-5266
http://www.hsmv.fl.us/html/dlnew.html
A Florida driver license is required for anyone who establishes residency in the state, is employed in the state, or registers a child for public school in the state. In order to obtain a driver license, Florida law requires proof of birth date and a valid Social Security number (if issued).
Department of Motor Vehicles
(352) 374-5266
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/titlinf.html
A motor vehicle must be registered within 30 days of the owner either becoming employed, placing children in public school, or establishing residency. Proof of ownership, Florida insurance, previous out-of-town state title or registration, the vehicle identification number, odometer reading, and driver’s license must be provided. In addition, each person listed on the title must be present.
Hunting and fishing licenses
(386) 758-0525
http://myfwc.com/license
Non-residents must have a saltwater fishing license when fishing from either a boat or land.
Florida residents between the ages of 10 and 65 must have a saltwater fishing license when fishing from a boat only.
A freshwater fishing license is required for residents and non-residents.
Hunting licenses allow for hunting of any animal or bird in season, except on game reserves and posted private property
Please contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation for more information.
|
Gainesville At a Glance | Alachua County | History | Economy | Education | Transportation | Springs and Rivers |
Sports and Recreation | Nature Parks and Historic Sites | Retail Shopping Centers | Art Galleries and Museums |
The Performing Arts | Medical Facilities | Vehicle Registration and Licensing
|
|
|
 |
|
|
