Good morning, Gainesville.

New Horizons—the first annual festival celebrating jazz and adventurous music—is set for Feb.

23 through Mar. 1 at various downtown venues and will feature over 15 artists including a closing show by Makaya McCraven.

Recently released documents from January revealed that UF presidential search committee member Doug Band exchanged flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell and arranged meetings with Jeffrey Epstein — a UF junior said the university should investigate his ties, but Band has continued serving on the committee despite emerging concerns.

No. 15 Florida jumped eight spots in the ITA team rankings, with four singles and two doubles pairings reaching the top 100 + junior Henry Jefferson now posted at No. 29 in singles.

The team will face Auburn Saturday at 1 p.m. as they begin their SEC regular season run.

Florida basketball coach Todd Golden stays focused on a national championship after the Gators extended their seven-game win streak with a road win over Ole Miss.

The team switched to a defense strategy and will play Texas as they aim for a top 3 NCAA seed.

Coach Todd Golden in his last spring appearance on Gator Talk said the Gators will keep aiming for deep NCAA tournament runs as they build teamwork after recent wins.

Florida will face Ole Miss on Saturday.

ESPN announced that College GameDay will return on Feb.

28 when the No. 12 Gators host No. 20 Arkansas from 10 a.m. to noon — admission is free with no tickets needed.

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.

Josh Meloy Live

7-9:30 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Experience the storytelling magic of Josh Meloy supported by rising Oklahoma artist Trenton Fletcher.