Daily
Gainesville
Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Wildflowers Festival in Melrose features music and dance designed to help visitors relax. The event boosts local arts + culture while offering community members a refreshing way to unwind. The Gainesville Sun
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rising rent prices in Gainesville are pushing UF and Santa Fe College students to weigh living farther from campus against rising costs—leasing managers report a $250 inflation-adjusted jump since 2015 and students are moving closer to campus to curb future hikes. The Independent Florida Alligator
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Supreme Court ruled on Jan. 15 that law schools will no longer require ABA accreditation starting Oct. 1, so students at local institutions like UF Levin College of Law + others can use any U.S. Department of Education-certified accreditor to qualify for the Florida Bar exam; graduates from non-ABA schools will be limited to practicing in Florida. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ UF interim president Donald Landry met with deans and college leaders before a recent Faculty Senate meeting to urge faculty to teach facts instead of advocating views. He stressed institutional neutrality (in the spirit of shared governance) and said H‑1B visa reviews and other policy issues will be discussed further. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ On Sept. 23, Santa Fe College approved a new associate degree in leadership for trade students to fill supervisory roles, scheduled to launch Spring. The Board also backed a $5 million gym renovation to enhance disaster readiness and will soon disburse student financial aid while honoring retiring SFPD Chief Book. The Independent Florida Alligator
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Board of Governors approved an amendment that will bar Florida universities from hiring new H-1B visa employees until Jan. 5, 2027 and opened a two-week comment period. It also approved a bond of up to $245 million for UF dorms, part of a multi-phase housing project targeting freshmen. The Independent Florida Alligator
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On March 16, the Gators swept South Carolina to open SEC play, with freshman Cash Strayer driving in seven runs while pitchers held opponents to three runs (defense showed room for improvement); the team will face Stetson Tuesday at 7 p.m. GatorSports
- ➤ Former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski says Florida basketball has a real chance to win back-to-back national championships as he praised coach Todd Golden & the team’s rebounding strength. The Gators start their title run Friday at 9:25 p.m. on TNT against the play-in winner. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Florida Gators baseball swept South Carolina to open SEC play as freshman Cash Strayer drove in seven runs and the pitching staff allowed three runs in three games. Coach O’Sullivan said the team plans to address defense after seven errors and will face Stetson Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Florida baseball has improved its ranking with four wins that brought the Gators from No. 18 to No. 14 (USA Today Coaches Poll); they host Stetson today and then face Alabama from March 20 to 22. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ UF offensive line coach Phil Trautwein is leading a new strategy in spring practice by holding team dinners at his home and rotating players in different positions to boost chemistry + versatility. The changes aim to prepare the unit to work together and compete for starting roles this season. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Florida basketball coach Todd Golden said the Gators are a No. 1 seed and will face tough challenges in the NCAA Tournament as potential matchups include Houston, Illinois, and Vanderbilt; the team plans to build on its past national success. The Gainesville Sun
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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.
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The Legends Gala
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Spurrier's Gridiron Grille — $1,250-$3,750 — Have a once in a lifetime opportunity to dine with all 3 legendary UF Heisman Trophy winners.
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Easy Honey Concert
7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — $33 general admission — Experience the energetic sounds of Easy Honey in an intimate Gainesville venue.
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Gainesville Asian Festival
10 AM – 4 PM — Bo Diddley Plaza — Free entry — Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander culture with performances, food trucks, and craft vendors.
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
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.
~ James Clear
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