Daily
Gainesville
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Former Gator linebacker James Bates unveiled his mural 'Damn, It Feels Good to Be a Gator' outside Gator Beverage at 126 W. University Ave in January, showcasing a gator tipping its visor as a nod to coach Spurrier. Bates said the work honors Gainesville's football legacy + local pride. The Gainesville Sun
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County Public Schools presented three proposed boundary maps (elementary, middle and high) for the board to vote on March 12 with plans that may result in school closures and changes in student zoning. Families can use the district’s online tool to check which schools their children might attend. The Gainesville Sun
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A total lunar eclipse will be visible in Gainesville when the moon turns red and orange on Tuesday, March 3 at 3:44 a.m. EST, with totality lasting about one hour before the shadow lifts over a six-hour period. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 67.4% of Florida is in extreme drought as nearly the whole state remains very dry with 35 counties under burn bans for wildfire prevention. Residents are urged to conserve water+ check for leaks and install water-efficient fixtures as officials monitor conditions. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Visitors spotted wild horses, bison and alligators along the Paynes Prairie boardwalk on U.S. 441 on Feb. 19 as low water levels brought the animals closer, offering locals a rare view of winter wildlife. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials in Gainesville will activate the Cold Night Shelter Program (CNS) from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24 as temperatures are expected to fall below 45 F. St. Francis House and GRACE Marketplace at the Empowerment Center will provide shelter to families and individuals until lows rise above 45 F. City of Gainesville
- ➤ UF/IFAS is asking agricultural producers affected by recent freeze events, including Winter Storm Gianna, to complete an online survey that documents damage to crops, livestock, and infrastructure in Alachua County and nearby areas. The confidential survey takes about 10 (to 20) minutes and will help researchers plan disaster relief measures. Alachua County Today
- ➤ FDOT announced that lane closures on SR 26 at Hatchet Creek Bridge began Thursday as permanent piles were delivered and will continue on Feb. 23 for about four weeks. Drivers should expect intermittent daytime closures (no detours are planned) along a key route into the city. Mainstreet Daily News
- ➤ Mayor Harvey Ward honored Benmont Tench, a founding member of the Heartbreakers, during his State of the City address at the Thomas Center today. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida football inside linebackers coach Greg Gasparato is aiming to develop key players like Myles Graham and new transfers as the team gears up for the 2026 season. He brings experience from his previous roles at Tulane and Louisville to strengthen the Gators' defense. GatorSports
- ➤ Florida's Rueben Chinyelu earned his 16th double-double (15 points, 17 rebounds) on Tuesday against South Carolina, tying a century record as he chases a season mark. He and the Gators will face Ole Miss on Saturday at 12 with five games remaining ahead of tournaments. WRUF
- ➤ Former Gators guard Alijah Martin played today in the NBA Rising Stars tournament for Team Austin, posting two 3-pointers, four rebounds, and three assists in 10 minutes during a 40-34 loss. He will represent Toronto in the 2026 G League Next Up game on Sunday. WRUF
- ➤ Florida track and field athletes achieved season-high rankings with several *personal bests* and broken records over a three-meet weekend. They ranked No. 10 for men and No. 14 for women and will head to College Station for the SEC Indoor Championships. WRUF
- ➤ Florida sophomore Anita Bottazzo won the SEC 100-yard breaststroke at the SEC Swimming and Diving Championships on Wednesday and broke the program record. She became the first swimmer to claim the title since 2007 and qualified for the NCAA Championships next month. WRUF
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
~ Naval Ravikant
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