Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Rosa Parks Quiet Courage Committee honored the civil rights icon at the Rosa Parks Transfer Station during Black History Month. Community leaders and Mayor Ward spoke as they remembered her 1955 act of courage that sparked a pivotal bus boycott — marking 20 years of this annual tribute. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 24, the Steel Eels robotics team (#18317) from P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School qualified for the FIRST Tech Challenge Florida Championships. The team will compete in Winter Haven on Mar. 6-7 and is raising funds to support their trip. Alachua Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Two local restaurants were temporarily closed after failing inspections over violations (including improper food handling and rodent activity) during Feb. 16-22, while several other local eateries earned perfect scores. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ UF Health scientists discovered that platelets take longer to activate under simulated space conditions, which may delay blood clotting in emergencies on future space flights (the study used a rotating wall vessel to mimic weightlessness). Further research will explore drug therapies to address the clotting delay. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ A University of Florida study found that healthy habits like a good diet, exercise, and computer-based speed training may lower dementia risk as doctors warn that new cases could double by 2060; local experts urge residents to stay active and keep their minds sharp. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ GHS football standouts Jhamal Robinson and Jaishawn Sanford signed with Trinity College of Florida after impressive game performances and academic achievements (supported by family and teachers) as Gainesville celebrates their next steps in college football. WCJB
- ➤ Florida basketball comes off seven straight wins and will face Texas on Feb. 26 in a close SEC game. Analysts predict an 83 & 79 win as Florida aims to overcome Texas’ strong offense and rebounding efforts. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Former Florida coach Dan Mullen, accepting his coaching award in Gainesville on Tuesday, said he was impressed with new Gators coach Jon Sumrall’s tough (defense-first) style honed at Tulane. Urban Meyer, who attended Sumrall’s introductory press conference, influenced the hiring decision. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Dan Mullen accepted the Steve Spurrer — First Year Coach of the Year award in Gainesville and praised new coach Jon Sumrall for his tough, physical style at Tulane. Urban Meyer, who helped choose Sumrall, noted the coach’s focus on strength and special teams. GatorSports
- ➤ ESPN College GameDay will visit Gainesville Saturday ahead of Florida’s matchup with Arkansas at the O’Connell Center — the appearance marks the team’s 11th feature and seventh time hosting the event, following last year’s visit on March 1, 2025. WRUF
- ➤ Florida tight ends coach Evan McKissack, formerly an offensive line coach, will prepare newcomers like Lacota Dippre, Luke Harpring, and Evan Chieca plus returning players for spring practice on March 3. He seeks a tight-end group with physicality, athleticism and football IQ. GatorSports
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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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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.
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Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville Musical
7:30 p.m. — Gainesville Community Playhouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience a hilarious musical filled with Jimmy Buffett's beloved classics.
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
Reading is a way to live more than one life in more than one place.
~ Ryan Holiday
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