Daily
Gainesville
Monday, March 9th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 9th of March.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville-based band Less Than Jake headlines Wake and Bake Festival homecoming shows at Vivid Music Hall on March 13 and 14, celebrating album anniversaries and aiding local nonprofits (GRACE Marketplace and Bread of the Mighty) while also holding an acoustic benefit at First Magnitude Brewing on March 14. The Gainesville Sun
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County schools will have spring break from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20 while three other Florida counties start their week-long break today. Districts set their own dates, so some students will wait until April. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Shernee Bellamy-Fults urged the school board to keep Irby Elementary open as parents, teachers, and community members will gather at the school for a community meeting Tuesday, Mar. 10 at 6:00 p.m. (the meeting follows recent email exchanges among locals). Alachua Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials reported 124 measles cases (week ending Feb. 21) and advised local families to update vaccination records to protect kids. Local clinics and health centers are ready to assist with vaccine consultations. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ocala native Josh Hart, driving for John Force Racing, set a track-record 3.658-second run Friday night at Gainesville Raceway to secure the provisional No. 1 Top Fuel qualifier at the NHRA Gatornationals. WCJB
- ➤ Gator lacrosse beat Mercer 23-9 on Saturday with 10 goals in the first quarter and a record 17 in the first half not seen since 2024 - the team will host No-25 Penn on Wednesday at noon. WCJB
- ➤ Florida baseball avoided a sweep with a 12—11 walk-off win after Colton Schwarz drew a run-scoring walk in the ninth inning, and the Gators struggled with errors and weather delays before rallying. They face Florida State Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network. WRUF
- ➤ Florida gymnastics secured a 198.45-198.325 win over LSU on Sunday in Gainesville for Senior Night while posting the highest team score nationally, and they will travel to Kentucky for the season finale on Friday at 7 p.m. WRUF
- ➤ The Florida women’s golf team clinched its 10th Gators Invitational win in 11 seasons, finishing at 820 (-20) with strong rounds from Paula Francisco and Siuue Wu. The team will travel to the Clemson Invitational in South Carolina on March 27. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Florida’s swim and dive team is gearing up for the NCAA Championships with top qualifiers Liendo, Marshall, Choate and Bottazzo set to compete after strong SEC finishes — the women will compete March 18-21 in Athens and the men March 25-28 in Atlanta. WRUF
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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.
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BTS Comeback Kpop Cupsleeve Event
12-5 p.m. — Pearson Professional Center — Reserve your spot — Celebrate BTS’s comeback with themed drinks, contests, and fun activities.
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Accomplice: A Thrilling Whodunit
2-4 p.m. — Hippodrome Theatre — Check website for ticket prices — Immerse yourself in a sharp, fast-paced thriller full of rivalries and deception.
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Florida Gators Softball vs. Stetson Hatters
6-9 p.m. — Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium — Check for ticket prices — Catch the thrilling softball matchup between the Florida Gators and Stetson Hatters in Gainesville.
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Spring Winds and Classics
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Lyceum Concert Hall at Santa Fe College — Cost not specified — Enjoy a performance by the Concert Band showcasing classical and modern works.
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
Your calendar reflects your priorities better than your Twitter feed.
~ James Clear
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