Daily
Gainesville
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Archer's first Black female mayor Roberta Lopez died on Feb. 11 at 87, her family said. She raised funds to transform an old gym into the Archer Community Center and her funeral is set for 10 a.m. on Feb. 20 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church (10900 SW 24th Ave.), where neighbors will gather to honor her legacy. Mainstreet Daily News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Oak Hammock at UF hosted a special series on AI that began in October with a session led by Atlas Lab director Nathan Carpenter + continued in November with a guided tour of the state-of-the-art Atlas Lab for ILR members. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ Over 50 residents met Monday at Day Springs Missionary Baptist Church to review ACPS plans that include closing several eastside schools — community leaders urged board discussions and called for more input, with the next meeting set for today at 5:30 p.m. at Mebane Middle School. The Independent Florida Alligator
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida Gators softball will open a two game split series against the UNF Ospreys today at 6 p.m. in Gainesville as they aim to extend a perfect series record (eighteen to zero since 2007) after coming off a five to one win over Georgia Tech. WRUF
- ➤ Florida Gators lacrosse captain Theresa Bragg enters her final season today in Gainesville and leaves a lasting legacy as her sister Maria, a top midfielder recruit, will join the team for 2027. Both sisters excelled at Severna Park High. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Florida freshman outfielder Cash Strayer earned SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors after a strong debut against UAB, batting .675 with a home run + two doubles and perfect fielding. The Gators will need his hit today as they travel to DeLand for a two-game series at 6:30 p.m. WRUF
- ➤ Florida baseball showed promise on Saturday as pitchers gave up few hits while Liam Peterson struggled with walks—center fielder Kyle Jones will lead in Tuesday’s series against Stetson. The team aims to boost its record before taking on ranked in-state opponents later in the season. WRUF
- ➤ Brandon Harris, a former NFL defensive back with coaching stops at FIU, FAU, UCF, and FSU, has been named Florida’s new cornerbacks coach in Gainesville; he will work with returning players like Dijon Johnson and recovering starters (key figures last season) to boost the team’s SEC performance. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Florida golfer Matthew Kress overcame early struggles to help win the SEC and national championship in Spring 2023 after an impressive email led to his recruitment by Florida men's golf head coach J.C. Deacon. His resilience and improved ball control set him on the national radar. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Santa Fe High boys soccer advanced to its first Class 3A final four with a 1-0 win over Pensacola Catholic on Friday in Alachua when freshman Owen Boone scored a late header. The Raiders will face Somerset Academy - Canyons at 4 p.m. Thursday at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex. WRUF
- ➤ Florida basketball beat Kentucky (92-83) at the O'Dome in Gainesville on Saturday, Feb. 14; the team showed strong plays from guards and forwards (key scoring runs helped secure the win). GatorSports
- ➤ Florida’s backcourt has powered a five-game win streak+with at least two players scoring in double digits every game, and will play South Carolina today at 7 p.m. in the O’Connell Center as it chases its first SEC regular-season title since 2014. The Independent Florida Alligator
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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She Means Business Networking for Women
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Depot Village — Free entry — Connect with inspiring women in a supportive community focused on personal and professional growth.
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
Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.
~ Ryan Holiday
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