Good morning, Gainesville.

The Alachua community honored volunteers Blake Oswalt and Rudy Rothseiden this past Saturday for decades of service to local youth and neighborhood programs.

Their dedication improved recreation offerings and built a strong sense of community locally.

Georgie, an orange cat living in a custom cabin off the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail (near Robinson Heights), serves as a local ambassador and is cared for by about five households while daily visitors stop by to leave small gifts.

UF students installed a new, energy-efficient wastewater pump in Nizhyn after Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward supported their UF Ukraine Rebuilding Initiative; the system cuts energy use (43% less) and lowers public health risks as the team plans to upgrade water testing equipment.

Community-made quilts at the Matheson History Museum honor 47 lynching victims (part of an ongoing remembrance project) and opened Wednesday, inviting visitors to reflect on local history.

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile visited downtown Alachua on Saturday, Jan.

10, drawing lively crowds at Market on Main. Shoppers enjoyed photos & Wiener Whistles from the team behind the iconic hot dog on wheels.

Captain D’s opened Jan.

19 at 209 NW 75th Street in Tower Center Shopping Mall near The Home Depot on Newberry Road. The fast-casual seafood restaurant features a drive-thru, seating for 36, and has created 60 local jobs.

Alachua County Arts Council invites local artists to propose a permanent art installation themed on Fire Rescue at the new Fire Rescue Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center (1125 NE 8th Ave. in Gainesville).

Questions are due by Feb. 8 and proposals by Feb. 18 with a $75K budget.

Boulware Springs Waterworks (3300 SE 15th St.), once central to Gainesville’s growth, is set for a $4.5m restoration that will preserve the historic building and add a new restroom and parking area, with construction bids expected later in 2026 and work starting this summer.

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire returns this weekend (after years of searching for a permanent home) as Depot Park hosts two days of medieval activities.

Barbara Brock, a science teacher at High Springs Community School was named the 2026 Alachua County Teacher of the Year at a ceremony held Thursday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville.

She will represent the county in the statewide Teacher of the Year program scheduled for late July.

The Alachua County School Board denied rumors that Hawthorne Middle/High will close as residents call for more funding and support.

A community engagement session is scheduled at the school on Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Today at Meadowbrook Elementary, Vehicle Day brought 700–800 students close to big vehicles and local experts who explained career options in trades and college fields.

The interactive event featured trucks, helicopters, and buses to spark interest in future jobs.

A rare live lesser nighthawk was spotted at Sweetwater Wetlands Park on Dec.

19, sparking guided bird walks (with 75 and 145 participants) where over 80 photos were uploaded to eBird. Experts said unusual weather may be altering migration patterns as the bird remains in the area.

Florida football added former Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein to the coaching staff under new head coach Jon Sumrall as part of a busy offseason; the coach, who volunteered at Gainesville High School in the past, discussed recruiting challenges with transfers and NIL.

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.

AM/FM Festival

1-10 p.m. — How Bazar — Free entry — Celebrate Gainesville’s music scene with a showcase of local artists from various genres.