Daily
Gainesville
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Great Outdoors restaurant in High Springs hosted its Firelight The Night New Year's Eve Party to support local children in need by partnering with Make-A-Wish, raising funds through auctions and raffles; organizers aim to reach $20,000 (with matching donations) for trips to Disney and Hawaii. WCJB
- ➤ Churches across North Central Florida held New Year’s Eve services and watch nights on Dec. 31 — the events welcomed community members as they celebrated the turn of the year. WCJB
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A report from UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research shows that Gainesville’s economy receives a boost during football season as fans spend more at local restaurants + merchandise stores when the Gators win. WUFT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Teacher Courtney Rees of Duval Early Learning Academy was named the Gainesville Sun Teacher of the Month for January; she was recognized for her commitment to early learning. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Lake City Police Department is marking the nation’s 250th anniversary by offering officers special badges they can purchase as keepsakes – each badge displays a relief of the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence along with the years 1776 and 2026 symbolizing enduring patriotism. WCJB
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A University of Florida study finds that more couples are choosing micro-weddings at smaller venues with fewer invitations. Instructor Rayven Crisafulli said pandemic limits sparked the trend, which continues to shape local wedding plans. WUFT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Dallas Wilson (a five-star recruit) re-signed with Florida on Dec. 31 for the 2026 season after a record-setting debut on Oct. 4 and a season-ending foot injury on Nov. 1. The freshman, who switched from Oregon in 2024, will help rebuild the Gators alongside Vernell Brown III and incoming receivers. The Independent Florida Alligator
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Meet and Greet Social
6-8 p.m. — Northwest Grille — $36 annual fee — Enjoy good conversation and a casual evening with fellow adventurers in Gainesville.
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The FTC Mary Andrews Marathon
1-7 p.m. — Gainesville Hawthorne Trail — Registration fees apply — Participate in this Boston Qualifier marathon, half-marathon, or a fun relay team event on a scenic course.
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Race for Rehab: Recovery Remix 5K
1-4 p.m. — 1104 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL — Registration fees support community outreach — Dash towards health in a fun, throwback-themed run for recovery.
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Some Enchanted Evening
Jan 28, 2 PM — Hippodrome Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a romantic musical journey featuring timeless classics from beloved shows.
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Alabama Crimson Tide at Florida Gators Basketball
6:59-10:59 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Ticket prices vary — Witness a thrilling college basketball showdown between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Florida Gators.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you seek is seeking you.
~ Rumi
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