Good morning, Gainesville.

Residents observed MLK Day on Jan.

19 with a march and a ribbon-cutting at the redesigned MLK Memorial Gardens. Leaders including the MLKCOF president and Mayor Ward honored Dr. King’s legacy and presented awards during the ceremony.

Rotary Club of Gainesville members will soon announce the recipient of the 2026 ethics in business award that has honored local professionals for integrity and fairness since 2011.

Florida Animal Friend announced that the 2026 grant application process for free and low-cost spay/neuter services opened yesterday in Alachua County and statewide.

Local organizations can apply for funding backed by revenue from specialty license plates.

Jorge Villalobos, owner of The Best Restoration LLC, was named the Rotary Club of Gainesville's 2026 Ethics in Business Award winner on Jan.

20 + the award honors ethical business practices among local companies.

UF is hosting virtual listening sessions for its presidential search and an online stakeholder survey open until Jan.

30. Sessions run on Jan. 26 at 10:00 a.m., Jan. 27 at 4:00 p.m., and Feb. 3 at 2:00 p.m. (community members can share their input on the proposed criteria).

On Jan. 20, Governor DeSantis awarded more than $20 million in LINE funding for nursing programs, including $645,000 to Santa Fe College.

The investment, part of Florida’s $485 million plan since 2022, supports scholarships, faculty recruitment, and equipment purchases to strengthen the healthcare workforce.

Tuesday at the Stephen C.

O’Connell Center, Rueben Chinyelu recorded his fourth consecutive double-double with 15 points and a career-high 21 rebounds as Florida beat LSU 79-61. The Gators will face Auburn at home on Saturday at 4 p.m.

At the Savannah Hockey Classic over Friday and Saturday, the Florida Ice Hockey Club lost to the South Carolina Gamecock Club after a comeback win against the Tennessee Ice Vols — the Gators will face Boston College on Jan.

23 at 7 p.m. at the Community First Igloo in Jacksonville.

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.

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.