Daily
Gainesville
Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Adoptable pets including Keebler, Napoleon Dynamite, and Dawn are waiting for new families at Alachua County Animal Resources at 3400 Northeast 53rd Avenue. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and visits can be scheduled via email & phone. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At the Gainesville Folk Festival this weekend at Heartwood Soundstage, bassist Brian Turk will perform with Wild Shiners on Saturday evening and with Uncle Mosie on Sunday—joining local acts including Vowls and Short Stack to celebrate folk music traditions. The festival showcases diverse folk and rock influences in community events. The Independent Florida Alligator
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Kim A. Barton announced three $1,200 scholarships for full-time juniors or seniors studying political science, public or business administration or journalism/mass communications. Applications will be accepted until March 6 for county review and interviews. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ The Gainesville Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center earned APPLE accreditation (Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment Accreditation) and a Florida Department of Education gold seal, showing its high quality in preschool education. Operating for two years, the center is now one of only 40 accredited sites in Alachua County. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County launched a year-long food waste composting pilot on Jan. 3 for residents to drop off scraps at Rural Collection Centers (open Mon, Tue, Fri, and Sat) and process them into compost for local use; the program will run through Dec. 31. Alachua County Today
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County leaders are hosting the first of three public meetings to collect input on a new housing assistance plan—residents are welcome to share ideas that will shape the program. WCJB
- ➤ Kevin Mangan, High Springs’ Public Information Officer, earned the 2025 PIO of the Year award when he accepted his plaque at the Florida Fire & EMS Conference in Orlando on Wednesday. This is the first time an Alachua County PIO has been honored, marking a state-wide first for the region. Mainstreet Daily News
- ➤ Alachua County Veteran Service Office provided free, accredited help with filing VA claims including disability compensation, pensions, and healthcare enrollment for veterans, surviving spouses, and military families as of Jan. 8. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (352-264-6740) for personalized guidance. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ Marshall Rawson announced January 8 he collected 1,146 petition signatures, qualifying for the House District 10 ballot as the first candidate in five counties (including Columbia). His campaign will focus on lowering living costs and defending local liberties. Alachua Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After two seasons with the Gators + facing a challenging season with injuries, quarterback DJ Lagway announced his transfer to Baylor on Jan. 8 to join his father’s alma mater. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Florida football edge rusher Jayden Woods, who earned All-SEC honors as a freshman last season, announced on Jan. 8 he will return to UF after exploring his transfer options — his decision followed a meeting with coach Jon Sumrall in Shawnee. The Gainesville Sun
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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.
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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.
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Reverend Horton Heat Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Experience a high-energy mix of rockabilly, country, and punk in a vibrant live performance.
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
To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.
~ Chinese Proverb
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