Daily
Gainesville
Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Gavin Mosley, Garrett Emanuel and Noah Riddling are fundraising in North Central Florida for Night to Shine, a prom for people with special needs hosted by the Tim Tebow Foundation. They will raise money for suits, dinner and a car ride for the event in Jacksonville on Friday, Feb. 13. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 4, Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo cared for two Sandhill cranes, Garett and Celine, as part of a Wildlife Wednesday program + showcasing the college’s role in animal rehabilitation. WCJB
- ➤ New zoning proposals by Alachua County Public Schools may force Brookfield families to send children from Hidden Oak Elementary to Meadowbrook Elementary (2.5 miles away), sparking concerns over longer walks and loss of local benefits. The final plan will be voted on March 12 with input sessions starting Feb. 4 at local schools. WCJB
- ➤ The City and University of Florida Literacy Institute partnered in Fall to embed six work-study tutors into afterschool programs at Massey (Albert Ray Massey Recreation Center), Eastside, and Porters Community Centers to boost early reading skills. UFLI named the program a best practice and tutoring will continue into Spring. City of Gainesville
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ HCA Florida North Florida Hospital is offering $99 lung cancer screenings (using low-dose computed tomography) at its outpatient imaging center starting in February and continuing in May, August, and November. A physician referral is required to schedule an appointment at 6605 NW 9th Blvd. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ Costco recalled mini beignets with caramel that were inadvertently packaged with chocolate hazelnut versions (posing a risk for customers with nut allergies) sold in Florida between Jan. 16 and Jan. 30. Customers are advised to return the product for a full refund. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida softball begins its season Friday at 7 p.m. at the USF-Rawlings Invitational against Illinois State. The Gators, fresh off a Women’s College World Series appearance, are buoyed by new transfers including catcher Ella Wesolowski as coach Tim Walton aims for a national championship. WRUF
- ➤ Former Gators golfer Billy Horschel restored his form in the TGL after a tough 2023 Memorial Tournament, leading the Atlanta Drive with top singles points this season—he and his team will play a doubleheader on Feb. 23 against Boston and Los Angeles. WRUF
- ➤ Florida’s Gators football will face Florida Atlantic at the Swamp in just over 30 weeks. Head coach Jon Sumrall is building a new winning culture by adding coordinators Brad White (defense) and Buster Faulkner (offense) for the upcoming season. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Gators basketball continues to rise after back-to-back wins that propelled them into higher bracket projections. Multiple polls now list the team as a 3- or 4-seed with upcoming matchups set in Tampa + a promising college tournament outlook. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Florida baseball right-hander Liam Peterson was named Preseason SEC Pitcher of the Year by Baseball America and placed on the College Pitcher of the Year Watch List; he must refine fastball control for the Gators to boost his draft stock. WRUF
- ➤ The Gators' 2026-27 roster is nearly half new with 50 players joining—29 transfers, 20 high school recruits and one junior college recruit—while 62 veterans return. Coach Sumrall said competition will be fierce, especially for the quarterback spots as players earn their roles. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Santa Fe High School defeated Suwannee 2-1 Tuesday night in a Class 3A Regional semifinal at home. The Raiders will host South Walton Seahawks next week to seek redemption. WRUF
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Comedian Angelo Colina Live
7-11 p.m. — The Wooly — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughs with Venezuelan comedian Angelo Colina as he brings his stand-up in Spanish to Gainesville.
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
If you want to remember something, write it down. If you want to understand something, explain it to someone else.
~ Richard Feynman
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