A Brief History of Gainesville

We thought it would be fun this week to do some digging into the history of Gainesville, FL. The town has a rich and ongoing tradition, and it is important to know where one came from to move forward.

Here it goes:

1. In 1824 Florida is annexed to the United States and Alachua County was created. Newnansville, at the time, was deemed the county seat.
2. When the Florida Railroad was proposed the county voted to create a new county seat, and in 1853 Gainesville was founded.
3. Following the Civil War, Gainesville saw pushes in cotton production and education, with Gainesville Academy and the Union Academy being two new schools in the local area.
4. In 1906 the University of Florida began operating outside of the town, and subsequently the population grew and economy improved. 
5. After World War 2, Gainesville saw a large amount of expansion, including the growth of the University, the installation of new businesses, and the building of a new Courthouse and other public buildings.
6. Moving beyond the 1970's a large push to preserve the original nature of the town succeeded in the creation of the historic district and efforts in this light continue.

There is plenty more to discuss, and plenty of local knowledge to learn from. If you have more to add, we urge you to write your experience or knowledge in a comment below!

Fuel Saving Tips to Make Your Wallet Happy and Tank Full

With the push for fuel efficiency in Honda vehicles, it is important to be aware of habits that you have as a driver that may hinder the full capability of your vehicle. Check out this awesome graphic to get some good pointers and help save on gas.

To find the Honda with the right gas mileage for your needs, browse our selection at our website: Honda of Gainesville

Diana Nyad dodges sharks, swims 110 miles, and lands herself in the record books

Swimming 110 miles from Cuba to Key West, FL sounds hard enough within itself, even for a young-gun athlete. Add in the danger of sharks, dehydration, and the solitary nature of swimming in a vast ocean and the task becomes even more daunting.

This, however, did not phase Diana Nyad (64), who after 4 previous attempts has accomplished her goal of completing the swim without protective caging. She began on Saturday in the waters outside of Havana, Cuba and ended her journey two days later in Key West, Fl. Diana is the first person to complete the swim unaided by a protective shark cage, making the accomplishment that much more impressive. 

Diana is quoted by the New York Times as having said along the beach shortly after the swim, "I have three messages. One is we should never, ever give up. Two is you never are too old to chase your dreams. Three is it looks like a solitary sport, but it takes a team."

A big congratulations to Diana and all involved in the accomplishment. It is not often that one learns of a 64 year old who is doing the kind of activities that Diana is, and she is a true inspiration.

For more about the swim click here.

From the entire team at Honda of Gainesville, congratulations to Diana on her accomplishments!

Labor Daze Fest 2013 in Gainesville, FL

In honor of Labor Day 2013 the city of Gainesville will play host to the third annual Labor Daze Festival. The family friendly event offers local music, vendors, food, children’s activities, and is in honor of the workers of Gainesville.

Trisha Ingle, the event organizer, is quoted by The Gainesville Sun as saying, “This is by locals, for locals and about locals [..] We don't have anything like it that caters specifically to locals and the people that make this city run, the workers.”

This provides the perfect opportunity to get the family out of the house and celebrate along with the local population. Events such as this one drive the heart of a successful community, as it provides a singular forum for open discussion, and to celebrate recent successes.

Take part in the fun and drive the family out in your Honda vehicle to save on gas. Hope all goes well and that your enjoy the festivities.

For additional information, the following links may help:

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110901/ARTICLES/110839963

https://www.facebook.com/events/192055634191981/

Enjoy the Great Outdoors With Your Honda

Looking to get out of the house and spend some quality time with your Honda?  Why not take a drive down one of Florida's best reserved natural, historical, and scenic regions?  Scenic US 441 Corridor along with SR 331 offer miles of country roads with beautiful lakes and prairies interspersed with rural homesteads.  Get out there and enjoy the beauty of our state in your Honda!

Visit www.HondaofGainesville.com for all of your Honda needs.