Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
Good morning, Gainesville.
🏘️ Community
City of Alachua residents held a neighborhood meeting on Jan.7 to review plans for a private golf course project that would cover 200 acres (including a 160-acre course, clubhouse, and maintenance facility).
They provided community input on the proposed development.
🎭 Culture
Glenn Terry, who organized the Flying Pig Parade for three years, retired on Jan.
6 and hopes a new team will continue the downtown tradition. The parade on Jan. 3 brought joy to 2,000 locals with eclectic floats and creative costumes.
🏛️ Government
Alachua County Public Works Department will close a section of SW 24th Avenue (from SW 91st Street to SW 87th Way) starting Monday, Jan.
12 to repair a sinkhole beneath the pedestrian path. Drivers should follow posted detour signs and plan for delays.
Alachua County invites local artists to loan artwork for a three-month display at the County administration building at 12 SE 1st St in Gainesville as part of a new art initiative.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed by the Arts Council.
Florida’s Highway Safety Department reminds drivers to slow down and move over when they see stopped emergency, service, or disabled vehicles as part of Move Over Month.
The updated law now protects vehicles with hazard lights flashing (including disabled vehicles) and aims to keep responders and motorists safe.
🏥 Health
Gainesville nursing graduate Leorick Bell received the Flower Bud Award for compassionate care after he helped two visitors follow PPE guidelines during his clinical rotation at Lake City Hospital in October.
He will now return as a Registered Nurse to continue caring for patients.
The CDC reported high flu activity in Florida with cases rising by nearly 33% nationally, with 11 million infections and 5,000 deaths reported (data from late December), prompting Gainesville residents to get flu shots at local pharmacies.
The Florida Department of Health has not updated its reports since mid-December.
🏈 Sports
The Gators earned their first SEC win on Tuesday night at the O’Connell Center by defeating No. 18 Georgia 92 to 77.
Key players — Haugh, Condon and Chinyelu — boosted the win, and the team will face Tennessee Saturday at noon on ESPN.
EDGE rusher Jayden Woods, who entered the transfer portal on Jan.
2, will return to the Gators for 2026 after in-person and virtual meetings with team staff (a strong retention boost). He recorded 28 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2025.
🎉 Gainesville Events
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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.
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.
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.
Some Enchanted Evening
Jan 28, 2 PM — Hippodrome Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a romantic musical journey featuring timeless classics from beloved shows.
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.
Florida Indoor High School Championships
9 AM – 3 PM — Alachua County Sports & Event Center — Admission info not specified — Experience thrilling high school track and field events with heats and finals.
🏠 Gainesville Real Estate
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💼 Gainesville Job Board
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📣 Gainesville Announcements
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