Good morning, Gainesville.

Gainesville Fire Rescue crews responded at 5:30 a.m. to a commercial building fire on SW 2nd Avenue & quickly brought the fire under control, preventing it from spreading further into the building.

There were no injuries, & GFR is investigating the incident amid an active burn ban in the area.

Xclusive Eats in Gainesville serves scratch-made soul food, seafood and daily specials at its new location on 1714 SE Hawthorne Road.

The restaurant opened on Feb. 2 and plans to add a call-in line for delivery as it revives local soul food traditions.

Over 50 locals attended Loosey's Pub last weekend for its third annual chili cook-off, sampling six distinct chilis and supporting National Women's Liberation with over $1,000 raised + local bands and a Gator basketball performance electrified the crowd.

Officers rescued an injured bald eagle (after a fight with a vulture) from a dumpster near Jiffy Lube on Southwest Archer Road Saturday at 1:30 p.m., and wildlife experts later transported the bird to UF Small Animal Hospital for treatment.

Cold weather hit Alachua County as temperatures dropped to 20 degrees on Feb.

1, causing utility issues at the UF campus. Officials opened cold night shelters at St. Francis House & GRACE Marketplace, with a freeze warning until Feb. 3 and another cold front expected later this week.

Florida women's basketball lost to No. 16 Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon — Vanderbilt's strong defense and rebounding led to an 82-59 defeat that dropped the Gators to 1-6 in SEC play and set the stage for a tough game with No. 4 Texas on Thursday.

Undefeated Gators gymnastics rose to No. 2 in the Road To Nationals Rankings after beating Arkansas last Friday at the O’Dome.

The team will face No. 7 Missouri in an SEC matchup this Friday at 9 p.m. — a key step toward nationals.

Florida basketball junior center Rueben Chinyelu was named Naismith Player of the Week on Feb.

2 by the Atlanta Tipoff Club after posting key double-doubles in wins against South Carolina and Alabama — his impressive rebounding ranks him high nationally.

The Florida Gators men's tennis team lost four to three against Florida State at the Alfred A.

Ring Tennis Complex as a crucial tiebreaker decided the match, and coach Andy Steinberg noted the team showed a spirited comeback despite the loss.

The Florida Gators will open their softball season Friday at 7 p.m. at USF Softball Stadium as they face Illinois State in the USF-Rawlings Invitational.

Senior catcher Jocelyn Erickson, junior pitcher Keagan Rothrock and sophomore Taylor Shumaker, all on the 2026 Preseason All-SEC Team, carry a top 10 preseason ranking.

Santa Fe Raiders, fresh off a third consecutive district title, will host the regional quarterfinal match against Suwannee Bulldogs Tuesday night.

The winner will meet the victor from Wolfson and South Walton on Feb. 10, and coach Dall’Acqua stressed that scoring goals is key to advancing.

Florida baseball shows promise this preseason as Gators practice in chilly conditions with Ethan Surowiec powering the bat—while Luke McNeillie struggles with control and Cade Kurland, coming off surgery, looks strong.

The team will practice for their series against UAB on Feb. 13.

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.

Thornebrook Spring Arts Festival

10 AM - 5 PM — Shoppes at Thornebrook — Free entry — Explore a vibrant collection of art and creativity in various mediums at this community festival.

Makaya McCraven Live Performance

9:30 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Check for ticket details — Experience the innovative sounds of drummer and composer Makaya McCraven blending jazz, hip-hop, and global traditions.