Daily
Gainesville
Friday, March 13th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of March.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Less Than Jake’s Wake & Bake Weekend began yesterday at Loosey’s Downtown and continues today at Vivid Music Hall with guests. Tomorrow, the band will perform an acoustic benefit at First Magnitude Brewery—where city officials will present a Key to the City—and conclude with an all-ages show at GEEKS GNV. WUFT
- ➤ Alachua and Dance Alive National Ballet will present the second annual collaborative dance program on March 29 at 3 p.m. at Legacy Park. The performance features DANB’s Next Generation staging 'Don Quixote Suite' with guest DANB Soloist Stirling Kolb. Alachua Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At the March 12 meeting, the School Board adopted revised maps from March 3 and postponed a decision on closing Irby Elementary + will revisit the issue at the May 5 meeting while high school zoning changes begin this fall along with a $7.5 million portables contract. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ Alachua’s mayor Walter Welsh sent a letter yesterday asking the ACPS board to delay tonight’s rezoning vote on plans that may close four elementary schools and convert two middle schools to serve K-8 students (meeting at 6 p.m. in Gainesville). WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ UF’s Graduate Assistants United faces possible decertification under a new law—passed by the legislature and awaiting the governor—that requires over half the union’s members to vote; low turnout and mail ballot issues may end benefits like tuition waivers and health care for graduate assistants within two years. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Gainesville Fire Rescue hosted a push-in ceremony on Thursday morning as a new ladder truck arrived at Fire Station 8 on Northwest 42nd Ave. The truck carries 500 gallons of water, a 100-foot aerial ladder, and battery-powered tools to support advanced life support operations. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida basketball will face No. 9 Kentucky in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals today. The Gators, having beaten Kentucky twice during the regular season, aim to secure a rare third win (a key boost ahead of the NCAA Tournament) while the Wildcats try to avoid a sweep. WRUF
- ➤ Florida's track team is heading to Fayetteville for the NCAA Indoor Championships with 19 entries after a record SEC performance. Coach Holloway (emphasizing control of the controllables) said the team will build on its improvements from the conference meet. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Florida Gators Softball have skipped tough non-conference games, which critics say leaves them untested. The team will face No. 1 Tennessee in a three-game series starting March 20 in Gainesville (after playing Kentucky this weekend). WRUF
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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.
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Stop Children’s Cancer Sapphire Soirée
5:30-10 p.m. — Reitz Union Food Court — Cost information not provided — Celebrate 45 years of impact while supporting childhood cancer research.
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
The only true failure is abandoning your principles.
~ Ryan Holiday
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