Daily
Gainesville
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ronald McDonald House Charities in Gainesville needs donations of deodorant, razors, and K-Cups to support families in crisis. Items may be dropped off or shipped to 2121 S.W. 16th St. — the charity is running low as it supports over 200,000 cups of coffee for tired parents each year. WCJB
- ➤ Rosa B. Williams—known as Miss Rosa—died Feb. 12 at age 92. The civil rights pioneer fought for desegregation and voting rights, served on community boards, and co-founded a youth program that benefited over 2,200 local students. The Independent Florida Alligator
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At UF football games, fans honor Tom Petty by singing 'I Won't Back Down' at third quarter, a tradition that began five days after his 2017 death. Petty, who grew up in Gainesville and worked as a UF groundskeeper before his rock career took off, is remembered fondly by the community. The Independent Florida Alligator
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County Public Schools released updated rezoning maps yesterday after town hall input & scheduled a board workshop today to review proposals that include revised school zone plans and possible closures, with further discussion set for the board meeting on March 12. WCJB
- ➤ All sixteen ACPS students from local high schools have been named finalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship program after submitting applications that detail their academic and extracurricular achievements. Fewer than 1% of high school seniors nationwide earn finalist status, marking a significant milestone for the community. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UF running backs coach Chris Foster helped convince sophomore Jadan Baugh to return for the 2026 season. The coach met with Baugh and his family in Atlanta on Christmas Eve and later praised his strong leadership at practice. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ UF football coach Chris Foster said spring practice starting March 3 will give running backs a chance to earn their roles. The roster features returning star Jadan Baugh and new transfers Evan Pryor from Cincinnati and London Montgomery from East Carolina. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Gators forward Alex Condon is playing with more confidence as he averages 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in his last two games plus helps the team win seven straight contests. His improved style opens up scoring for the backcourt in upcoming matchups. WRUF
- ➤ Florida track teams begin the SEC Indoor Championships today at Texas A&M’s Fasken Indoor Track (Feb. 26-28) as they aim to improve past results and secure NCAA qualifiers in Fayetteville; strong conference rankings set the stage for key races. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ The Gators rallied late – an 18-3 run put them ahead to beat the Longhorns 84-71 in Austin. Boogie Fland scored 22 and Condon added 23 as Florida builds a two-game lead in SEC conference play. WCJB
- ➤ Thomas Haugh, a 22-year-old junior, reached 1,000 points on an alley-oop layup with 15:02 left in the first half, becoming the 59th Gator to do so & starting a friendly race with teammate Alex Condon as Florida gears up for its final three-game stretch. WRUF
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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
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
~ Naval Ravikant
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