Monday, January 26th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 26th of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire at Depot Park ran from Jan. 24 to Jan. 25 and featured artisans selling crafts and live entertainment like armored combat and living chess matches. Limited parking was available, but free shuttles were offered from downtown garages (stops at Southwest Second Ave and SE Second Ave). The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Local Gainesville DJs connect generations through live DJ sets hosted at venues downtown and on campus. Young acts like Emilio & seasoned pros such as DJ Wax Atom mix diverse beats to spark community connections. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Three Venezuelan dining options are drawing locals' praise in Gainesville. Tinker Latin Restaurant awaits families on South Main with Latin dishes & hosts events, Stop Venezuela food truck offers hot dog combos on Northwest Eighth, and La Maracucha Restaurant & Creperie serves Maracaibo-style cuisine on West University Ave. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Gainesville is hosting the 39th annual Hoggetowne Medieval Fair that features armored combat, live music, artisans and period food for family-friendly fun. Local visitors can enjoy hands-on medieval experiences and celebrate history in a festive atmosphere. The Gainesville Sun
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UF Health Shands Hospital chief epidemiologist Nicole Iovine (featured on TV20) discussed Florida’s flu season, offering advice to residents as experts warn of a potential increase in cases. WCJB
- ➤ Millhopper Family Dentistry and the UF College of Dentistry will host free dental clinics this February in Gainesville. Millhopper will serve its first 100 walk-ins on Feb. 28 at 8 a.m. while UF offers exams and sealants for children on Feb. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ At UF, experts and researchers study how students use ChatGPT for mental health advice as fewer students attend in-person therapy. The UF Counseling and Wellness Center is drafting new guidelines to ensure AI tools supplement professional care+ address safety concerns. The Independent Florida Alligator
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Phase II of Woodland Park redevelopment is underway in southeast Gainesville; the $50 million project will add 144 modern residential units with a new clubhouse and fitness trail. Construction is scheduled to complete in early 2027. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Newberry Panther Cory Durden will play in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 with the Patriots against the Seahawks—Durden, signed from the practice squad, recorded 43 tackles this season and has overcome early career challenges. WCJB
- ➤ Florida center Rueben Chinyelu had a career-best season for the Gators with 11.9 points and 11 rebounds per game. He declared for the NBA draft in April (2025) and will return as the team travels to Columbia Wednesday at 9 p.m. to face South Carolina. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ The Gators secured their first SEC win against the Tigers on Jan. 16 at Exactech Arena, led by Reynolds, McGill and O’Neal. They will face LSU today at 8:00 p.m. at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center as they continue building on recent progress. The Independent Florida Alligator
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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.
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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.
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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.
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 cure for pain is in the pain.
~ Rumi
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