Monday, January 19th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 19th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today the MLK Commission of Florida marks its 42nd anniversary—beginning at 11 a.m. with a ribbon cutting at MLK Memorial Gardens, followed by the National Holiday Parade at noon to the MLK Center where community leaders honor local advocates. WCJB
- ➤ A Celebration of Life is set for Wednesday (Jan. 21) in Gainesville to honor two Citrus County teen best friends who died in a sandpit collapse accident. WCJB
- ➤ Cave experts are working to rescue Zoey the cat who fell into a 20-foot sinkhole outside a Newberry home. Divers set a trap with food, water, and blankets — a plan spurred by a call for help on a local Facebook group. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Gainesville Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center earned APPLE Accreditation and received a $5,625 grant from First Federal Bank to support low-income families at its Metcalfe Elementary School center. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Quarterback DJ Lagway left the Gators after two challenging seasons and will officially sign with Baylor days after his transfer portal closed Jan. 18 — his move brings fresh focus on a younger quarterback room for Florida in 2026. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ The Florida Gators men's tennis team won a 4-3 season opener over USF on their home court, with Henry Jefferson scoring the final winning point + the team will play at ITA Kick-Off Weekend in Columbia, New York on Saturday and Sunday. WRUF
- ➤ Florida football is rebuilding its 2026 roster under first-year coach Jon Sumrall by adding new commits and relying on returning starters. More than 20 players entered the transfer portal — a move that aims to strengthen the team ahead of the upcoming season. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ On Sunday, Florida women's basketball earned its first SEC win by defeating Missouri Tigers 89-71 at the O'Connell Center, with Liv McGill scoring 28 points. The team snapped a five-game SEC losing streak and will face LSU on Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. WRUF
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Roy Book Binder with Corey Hall
7-9 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy storytelling blues and a blend of musical styles from Roy Book Binder.
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
The grass is greener where you water it.
~ Neil Barringham
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