Good morning, Gainesville.

NIH director Jay Bhattacharya visited UF’s public health auditorium on Wednesday afternoon to discuss plans for more equitable research funding, encouraging risk-taking in studies, and restoring trust in science with about 300 UF researchers and students plus addressing recent funding challenges.

Stephen Foster Elementary—one of three schools in the rezoning plan—faces closure that could affect 61 special-needs students; the school board will vote on the final maps today at 6:00 p.m., which may require families to adjust school and work commutes.

On March 9, City and County Commissioners met to review their Literacy Action Plan aimed at boosting community reading skills.

Officials and literacy leaders detailed funding efforts + program expansions to support expert training and volunteer tutoring, setting the stage for increased capacity to serve more students.

Florida basketball forward Thomas Haugh earned second-team All-American honors from Sporting News on Wednesday, March 11.

The 6-foot-9 player averaged 17.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2 assists this season as he boosted the Gators ahead of the SEC Tournament.

On Tuesday, No. 23 Florida rallied from a two-run deficit to beat No. 20 Florida State 6-3 at Condron Family Ballpark, with hit singles in a five-run inning and pitchers striking out 18 batters; the Gators will open SEC play this weekend with a home series against South Carolina (a key matchup for local fans).

Florida gymnast Selena Harris-Miranda earned Inside Gymnastics National Gymnast of the Week plus SEC Gymnast of the Week Tuesday after a near-perfect performance in the Gators’ senior night victory over LSU at the O’Connell Center.

She will compete against No. 22 Kentucky in her final regular-season meet tomorrow.

Florida is holding a national search to find a new women’s head basketball coach after parting ways with Kelly Rae Finley on Monday.

Athletic director Scott Stricklin may consider candidates (including Yolett McPhee-McCuin and Sam Purcell) as they aim to make the Gators a top SEC contender.

Florida coach Todd Golden has built a dominant college basketball program in 16 months, as his Gators (61-10 over two seasons) won a national title last season and are now aiming for a No.1 NCAA seed.

The Gainesville community celebrates his rapid success in local athletics.

Florida basketball center Rueben 'Big Freaky' Chinyelu earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors after starting basketball at age 14 in Nigeria (a journey marked by humility) and will try to set a new single-season double-double record this season.

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.