Good morning, Gainesville.

Florida child welfare agencies advise local parents not to leave children home alone before age 12 (the National SAFE KIDS Campaign also recommends that older siblings wait until age 15 before supervising younger kids).

As there is no legal age set, families must decide based on each child’s readiness.

A report from the Florida Museum of Natural History showed that global unprovoked shark bites in 2025 totaled 65 compared to a 10-year average of 72, with Florida recording 11 incidents below its five-year average (Volusia County had 6 bites).

Big: Culture & Arts Festival is set to return for its fourth year downtown Gainesville from Friday, Apr.

10 to Sunday, Apr. 12—featuring hip-hop icons, circus acts, local artists, and interactive workshops with tickets on sale now.

The Education Foundation of Alachua County will host its annual Education Gala on Friday, Feb.

27 at the University of Florida Hilton Conference Center. The event features a cocktail hour, dinner, live performances, and student 3D printing, with ticket sales closing Feb. 20 to support local education programs.

Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward presented musician Benmont Tench with the key to the city at the State of City address on Feb.

18 at the Thomas Center (he is a founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers).

Community Hospice & Palliative Care earned WHV Level 5 (the highest national recognition) on Feb.

18 for veteran-centered hospice care in Gainesville. This milestone follows its WHV Level 4 achievement last year and highlights its ongoing commitment to honoring veterans.

The Gators remain perfect after a win of 10 to 0 in five innings at UNF on Ava Brown's 21st birthday, with Brown earning her fourth win in the circle and homering during the game.

The team will host the Florida Classic starting Friday against Longwood.

Florida lacrosse returned home Wednesday to play an exhibition match against the Scotland National Team.

The Gators built chemistry after an early loss and win, with Clark Hamilton scoring seven goals (a career high) to boost the offense.

Quarterback Jaden Rashada settled his contract dispute over a nearly $14M NIL deal with former UF coach Billy Napier and three others on Tuesday in Gainesville.

Details of the settlement were not released.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.