Good morning, Gainesville.

After UF cut $2.9M from bus funding on June 5, 2025, bus routes connecting UF to grocery stores were reduced + food shelters saw a surge in food assistance calls, raising transportation challenges for students, families and residents in low-income neighborhoods.

Duke Energy Florida will remove the storm cost recovery charge in February, giving residential customers about $33 less per 1,000 kWh compared to January (commercial and industrial bills will drop 9.6% to 15.8%).

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo houses two roseate spoonbills (Captain and Smee) that give visitors a unique glimpse of vibrant local wildlife.

The Alachua Planning and Zoning Board delayed a special exception permit for the Tara April project as board members required complete environmental tests before voting; the hearing will resume Jan.

20 (public comment and rebuttals will follow).

GHS senior Daniel Weber excels in weightlifting and academics as he finished first in his district and ranked in the state’s top 20, and he plans to major in engineering at UF; his coach said his strong work ethic inspires teammates (fueling a positive team culture).

Florida Gators’ Taylor Shumaker was named the nation’s best outfielder by D1 Softball and Softball America (she set freshman records last season) while three teammates, Jocelyn Erickson, Keagan Rothrock, and Ava Brown earned top-100 preseason rankings; the team will begin its season on Feb. 6 at the USF-Rawlings Invitational.

Florida basketball coach Todd Golden praised UF football coach Jon Sumrall during a podcast as he highlighted Sumrall’s aggressive transfer portal use and retention efforts to build a competitive roster (including return of key players).

Golden noted that Sumrall’s focus on winning adds fresh energy to the program.

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.

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.

Galentine’s at Raise Your Glass Wine Bar

7-9 p.m. — Raise Your Glass Wine Bar & Food — $ — Celebrate friendship and enjoy fabulous energy and wine with your best friends.

Bella Notte - A Valentine's Day Event

7-10 p.m. — Sweetwater Branch Inn — $20 deposit, $89 per person — Experience a romantic evening with Italian cuisine, fine wine, and live music for Valentine's Day.