Every few years, I get back in Gainesville for one reason or another and try to work in an hour or two driving around looking at the changes. Even more than most places in Florida, Gainesville is transforming at an astonishing pace to accommodate more people and more intense development.
You are so right. My family homestead is there. My grandparents moved there in the early 20’s. My mom always talked about how much it changed from when she was a little girl, to when we moved (back) there in 1970. It has continued changing and growing more than any other place I’ve lived (8 cities/towns in 5 different states since leaving for college).
My siblings who are still there don’t understand it because it happens in real time for them. Oh, and the reason for the hour or two driving around is because that’s how long it takes to get through daily traffic there. So many lights. So many lanes. Every year there are so many changes. Still a cool place though, and will always feel like home anyway.