Good morning, Gainesville.

Close to 400 people gathered at Chabad UF on Wednesday for a Holocaust Remembrance event where 84-year-old survivor Sora Vigorito shared her experiences of enduring Nazi experiments at Auschwitz.

The ceremony featured prayers led by Rabbi Aharon Notik and musical performances by local artists.

The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire kicks off today at Depot Park and runs until 6 p.m. tomorrow.

Artisans and entertainers will offer medieval-themed crafts and live shows with free shuttles from downtown parking garages.

A quilt exhibit memorializing lynching victims (organized by the Alachua County Community Remembrance Project) was unveiled at the Matheson History Museum on Jan.

21, with over 100 community members in attendance.

Enrollment for Newberry Community School will open Feb.

1 as the new elementary school prepares to welcome its first students. Families with children at Newberry Elementary are guaranteed a seat if parents formally accept the placement during enrollment (visit ncsedu.org for details).

UF's new institutional neutrality policy spurred a discussion among about 70 retired faculty Wednesday as constitutional law scholar Lidsky explained that leaders' political expressions remain limited to safeguard academic freedom (faculty will retain individual rights to speak on topics outside official capacity). UF will soon offer additional guidance through FAQs.

High Springs Community School science teacher Barbara Brock was named Teacher of the Year on Jan.

22 at the Robert W. Hughes Program at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville. Since 2003, Brock (once owned a science toy store) will represent county schools at the state program later this year.

The Gainesville City Commission allocated $1.4 million on Jan.

15 for new affordable housing in Heartwood off SE 8th Ave using a community land trust (CLT) model to keep homes permanently affordable. Developers have begun applying, with construction on 16 city lots set for completion by Sept. 2028.

Alachua County commissioners will evaluate multiple lease options Tuesday, Jan.

27 at 11:30 a.m. to relocate the overcapacity animal services building near UF’s vet school (or its county-owned property), and community input will help shape the shelter’s future.

Florida’s men’s basketball team hosts Auburn at 4 p.m. today at the Stephen C.

O’Connell Center. The game airs on ESPN (with viewing available on the ESPN app and Fubo) and continues a storied rivalry (Florida last lost at home in Gainesville in 1996).

Florida coach Todd Golden criticized a judge’s ruling that let Alabama center Charles Bediako rejoin the Crimson Tide, saying he disagreed.

The No. 16 Gators will host the Crimson Tide on Feb. 1 at the O’Connell Center.

Three Florida softball stars — catcher Joeclyn Erickson, outfielder Taylor Shumaker, and pitcher Keegan Rothrock — have been placed on the 2026 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year watch list as the team readies its bid to return to the Women’s College World Series.

Florida Gators gymnastics won against Auburn Friday night with strong routines on bars, floor and beam despite a poor vault rotation that injured one gymnast and caused another to stumble.

The undefeated team will drop to third in the Race to Nationals rankings and face Arkansas on Jan. 30 at 7:15 p.m.

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.

2026 Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium

Feb 23-25 — Best Western Gateway Grand — Cost varies — Explore cutting-edge strategies in dairy and beef cattle nutrition at this premier symposium.