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Saturday, February 14th, 2026

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Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 14th of February.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Gainesville community activist Rosa B. Williams—known for her leadership with groups like United Gainesville Community Development Corp and the Black on Black Crime Task Force—died at 92 on Feb. 12, leaving behind a legacy of service and mentorship.  The Gainesville Sun

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Gainesville retailers and florists are getting ready for Valentine’s week by ordering extra roses, seasonal treats, plus hiring extra staff and tweaking delivery routes. Local shops and food trucks will showcase holiday displays and special items to draw shoppers on Valentine’s Day.  WUFT

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • GPD held an annual candle vigil and 25-mile honor ride on Thursday night to remember Officer Scott Baird, who died 25 years ago when a batting cage struck him behind Gainesville High School. His family and fellow officers gathered to honor his legacy and emphasize readiness for every call.  Mainstreet Daily News

HEALTH NEWS

  • Florida's Department of Health has proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program that lower income eligibility from 400% to 130% of the Federal Poverty Level, potentially cutting access for 16,000 HIV patients beginning March 1. Public comments are open until March 4 & residents should seek alternative support services.  The Gainesville Sun

SPORTS NEWS

  • The Santa Fe Raiders secured the 3A regional champion title on Friday at Santa Fe High School when freshman Owen Boone scored the game-winning goal against Pensacola Catholic. The team will head to Auburndale on Thursday for a state tournament match.  WCJB
  • Florida lacrosse will begin its season Friday at home in Gainesville against Michigan after a postponed opener with Loyola. The Gators, coming off a 20-3 season and a 4-0 record versus Michigan, will test their game execution in a key matchup.  WRUF
  • Florida Gators gymnastics lost their home meet at Link To Pink in Gainesville last Friday with a tight score of 198.075-197.575 against the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners but posted a national best on bars to boost confidence ahead of upcoming SEC and NCAA championships.  GatorSports
  • Gators softball remains unbeaten with a record of 9 wins and 0 losses after beating Marshall 6 to 3 and Georgia Tech 8 to 5 at the Florida Classic as Cahalen (18 RBI in the SEC) and Erickson hit homers. The team will face Florida International at 2 p.m. today.  WCJB
  • Florida basketball hosts Kentucky today at 3 p.m. on ABC. The Gators (fresh off an 86-66 win over Georgia) aim to retain first place in the SEC while facing Denzel Aberdeen returning to the O'Dome against his former team.  GatorSports
  • Florida women’s basketball lost by a score of 81 to 74 against No. 10 Oklahoma on Thursday at the Lloyd Noble Center after building a 13-point lead. Liv McGill scored 29 points and the team repeated its pattern of fading in the second half.  WRUF
  • Gators women's golf head coach Emily Glaser begins her 14th season after a promising campaign with a young team. The squad will compete at the Moon Golf Invitational Feb. 15-17 and host the Gators Invitational March 6-8 in Gainesville.  WCJB

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sun, 2/15/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 2/22/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Mon, 2/23/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 2/28/26

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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.

    Sun, 3/1/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 3/6/26

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  • 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.

    Sat, 3/7/26

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  • 2026 Gainesville Guitar Festival

    7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Celebrate guitar music with performances, workshops, and gear swaps at this annual festival.

    Fri, 3/13/26

    View event
  • Taste of the Bayou Love & Food Fest

    12-6 p.m. — The Oaks Mall — Free entry — Celebrate local flavors with delicious bites and lively music in Gainesville's food fest.

    Sat, 3/14/26

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  • 2026 Escape the Swamp Triathlon

    12-3 p.m. — 250 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL — Registration fee applies — Challenge yourself in this exciting sprint and super sprint triathlon event.

    Sun, 3/15/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Better to be too early and have to try again, than be too late and have to catch up.

~ Paul Graham

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Welcome to the Daily Gainesville, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Gainesville, Florida community. If you like the Daily Gainesville, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Gainesville.

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