Good morning, Gainesville.

UF students are embracing afrolatina heritage by joining campus groups that celebrate the blending of African and Hispanic roots (including organizations like the Union of African Students and Union of Puerto Rican Students).

They hope these groups build connection and boost awareness of mixed cultural identities.

Florida's regular gas price increased to $3.494 a gallon on Monday, Mar.

9, up 61 cents since the Iran War began, and industry experts predict prices may hit $4 a gallon in the coming weeks if global oil surges continue.

Crews are battling a 764-acre wildfire in Dixie County as the Florida Forest Service reports it is 85% contained, and smoke near the airport in Gainesville has prompted driver warnings.

Florida lawmakers approved a bill Monday, Mar.

9 that lets high school booster clubs directly pay coaches for extracurricular activities (sports, theater, and debate) to boost compensation at smaller schools; supporters say the change will help level the playing field while opponents warned it could create pay disparities.

Inspections (Mar. 2 to 8) in Alachua County found 10 restaurants with high priority food safety violations, including issues with temperature control, improper handling and equipment concerns at several Gainesville locations.

Restaurants must schedule follow inspections (to meet safety standards) to correct these problems.

Former Gator Ricky Castillo won his first PGA Tour event at the Puerto Rico Open with a narrow eagle finish that marked UF’s 100th win and will head to Jacksonville for the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass today.

Florida coach Todd Golden earned the Coach of the Year award and Rueben Chinyelu was named Defensive Player of the Year by USA Today on Monday, March 9.

Both honors recognized UF's turnaround from a slow start to a strong season.

Florida men's basketball collected multiple SEC honors Tuesday, with coach Todd Golden named *Coach of the Year* and players Thomas Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu, and Alex Condon receiving All-SEC recognition.

The team will open its SEC Tournament quarterfinal play Friday at 1 p.m. in Nashville.

Florida's Gators moved from No.5 to No.4 in the AP Top 25 after beating Kentucky 84+77 on Saturday, finishing with a 25+6 record and earning the No.1 seed in the SEC Tournament.

The team will face a top contender in the quarterfinal round at 1 p.m. Friday.

Florida basketball climbed to number 4 in both the USA Today Coaches and AP polls after an 11-game win streak and wins against Texas and Arkansas — the Gators will compete in the SEC tournament on Friday.

Florida Gators baseball will face No. 20 Florida State (today) at Condron Family Ballpark at 6:30 p.m. After a 12-11 win kept them from a series sweep against High Point, Luke McNeillie is the probable starter.

In Gainesville on March 8, 2026, Florida's Gators gymnastics team defeated LSU with the nation’s highest score of the season.

Selena Harris-Miranda earned a perfect 10 on beam and won the all-around title with a 39.850 — marking a key win after a four-meet losing streak.

Florida announced on Monday that its women's basketball coach Kelly Rae Finley will not return, and athletic director Scott Stricklin has begun a national search for a new coach (aiming to build a competitive SEC team).

Florida football coach Jon Sumrall is energizing spring practices by rotating among position groups and providing both positive and stern feedback (every rep counts) to boost player accountability at the University.

His hands-on approach aims to raise the team’s performance right away.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.