Good morning, Gainesville.

DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers will open its first brick-and-mortar location in March (at 5141 NW 43rd St., Suite 106) while its food truck continues serving Gainesville seven days a week.

DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go is set to open on Thursday, Feb.

19 — just across from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The event features an 11 a.m. pasta cutting, giveaways, and photo opportunities with special guest Tony Rigatoni.

Alachua County Public Schools is considering closing some low-enrolled schools next school year as rezoning maps propose shutting Stephen Foster, Duval Early Learning, and Williams; the board will vote on the plan in March + community feedback sessions are set throughout February.

A University of Florida study says two invasive termite species have spread from South Florida into new areas, including Gainesville, and may damage homes by mid-century if preventive measures are not taken.

Homeowners are advised to remove wood from structures & maintain proper drainage to help prevent infestations.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the state will observe Presidents Day as an extra holiday on Monday, Feb.

16—schools, banks, and state offices will close in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.

On Feb. 9, pizzerias across Florida offered National Pizza Day deals with 7-Eleven providing BOGO for $3, California Pizza Kitchen offering $10 off dine-in orders, Pizza Hut rewarding online purchases, and Stoner's Pizza Joint featuring build-your-own pizzas for $4.20, giving customers a tasty post-Super Bowl pick-me-up.

Phil Trautwein returned to coach the Gators after winning two national championships as a player in 2006 and 2008, and he now aims to rebuild the offensive line and secure future titles while recruiting promising talent like 5-star Maxwell Hiller (recruited Feb.

7).

Santa Fe High School boys soccer seeks redemption today as the three-seeded Raiders host the seventh-seeded South Walton Seahawks in the Class 3A Region 1 semifinals at 7 p.m. Coach Morgan Dall’Acqua expects his team — known for hard lessons in practice — to rebound from recent losses.

Gators baseball will begin its spring season on Feb.

13 at Condron Family Ballpark at 6:30 p.m. The team, boosted by new transfers and returning players, hopes to leave 2025 behind despite coach O’Sullivan's three-game suspension.

Florida Olympians are competing at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, with Ocala native Erin Jackson debuting today in the 1,000-meter speed skating event and Brittany Bowe racing in her fourth Games; other Florida athletes will also vie for medals in bobsled and hockey.

Florida softball sealed a 6-1 win (a tournament finale) against host South Florida in Tampa on Sunday to finish the USF-Rawlings Invitational undefeated; the Gators will face the Jacksonville Dolphins at 6 p.m. Tuesday before hosting them (in Gainesville) on Wednesday.

UF head coach Jon Sumrall signed 20 recruits, including Gainesville native Justin Williams and quarterback Will Griffin, in a solid transfer cycle to add speed and depth for the class of 2026.

The new players signed in December 2025 will boost the team this fall + reshape the lineup.

Liam Peterson and Aidan King of the Gators were named on USA Baseball’s Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List after strong seasons (Peterson struck out 96 batters while King posted a 2.58 ERA).

The team will open its season Friday at Condron Ballpark against UAB at 6:30 p.m.

Florida Men’s Basketball, now first in the SEC, is set to face Georgia on the road after a hard win at Texas A&M, while Gator Baseball begins its season this weekend at home against Alabama Birmingham (coach Kevin O’Sullivan expects improved pitching).

Florida football coach Jon Sumrall retained defensive line coach Gerald Chatman (a full-circle moment) from former coach Billy Napier's staff.

Chatman is excited to work under defensive coordinator Brad White's new 3-4 scheme as he helps develop the team's front.

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.

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.

Gator Steps for Lung Disease 5K

8-11 a.m. — UF Genetics Institute — $35 to participate — A community-focused 5K run/walk supporting lung disease research and patient education.