Daily
Gainesville
Friday, February 27th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 25, 2026, Dance Alive National Ballet marked the topping out of The Khoury Family Center for the Arts in Gainesville. Walls will soon rise as construction moves forward, with a May 2027 completion if fundraising remains on schedule. The Gainesville Sun
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Jennifer Melaragno was honored as Amazing Teacher of the month at Newberry Elementary for her work as a literacy specialist and math teacher using the TQE model. The Florida Credit Union program celebrates dedicated educators in Gainesville (nominations are open community-wide). The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ At a Thursday workshop, the school board presented revised rezoning plans recommending the closure of Foster, Williams, Irby, and Alachua elementary schools while shifting students to a new K-8 school. The board will meet Tuesday and make a final decision on March 12. WCJB
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Florida’s measles cases have risen to 114 this year with 83 linked to an outbreak at Ave Maria University and 2 reported in Alachua County—where Gainesville is located. Lawmakers are considering bills to allow more exemptions from school vaccination rules. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida's softball team dominated East Texas A&M last night at Anderson Family Field by scoring 17 runs in the first inning with key plays from junior Cassidy McLellan, and the Gators will face No. 8 UCLA today at 5:30 p.m. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Florida Gators coach Kevin O’Sullivan is working to build a more reliable bullpen ahead of the road series against the No. 17 Hurricanes this weekend in Coral Gables. Senior Ernesto Lugo-Canchola and other arms have shown promise as the team prepares for a tougher schedule. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ The Florida Gators men’s tennis team will travel to Lexington today at 5 p.m. to face the Kentucky Wildcats in an SEC matchup following tough road losses. Key players include seniors Tanapatt Nirundorn and junior Henry Jefferson (both All-Americans) who will lead the effort. WRUF
- ➤ Recruits praise Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall and his new staff for an energetic approach and in-state recruiting focus while the team has been in Gainesville for less than three months. The fresh coaching culture is setting a strong tone for the program. GatorSports
- ➤ Florida football’s new QB coach Joe Craddock detailed spring practices starting March 3 will feature a competition between Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and returning redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr, with a focus on accuracy & team camaraderie for the 2026 season. GatorSports
- ➤ On Thursday, the Gators secured their first ranked win in over four years with a victory over Ole Miss as coach Kelly Rae Finley noted the achievement — they will travel to Athens on Sunday to face Georgia in a pivotal matchup. The Gainesville Sun
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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
Impatience with actions, patience with results.
~ Naval Ravikant
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