Thursday, March 20th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of March.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Two drivers got minor injuries when a semi hit a parked white pickup truck on I-75 near the 374 mile marker early March 19 — USPS mail trucks later arrived to recover the semi’s cargo. Alachua Chronicle
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Joel Angel Foster, 28, was charged on March 19 with 40 new counts after he allegedly called a domestic battery victim 532 times from jail — his bail was increased by $120,000 and his phone and video use were limited to his attorney. Alachua Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Gainesville has boosted safety around the University of Florida campus by increasing police patrols, enhancing lighting and cameras, and launching a three-year, $3.1 million Downtown Ambassador Program today. These efforts are part of a larger $77.5 million public safety plan for Fiscal Year 2025—aimed at keeping students and residents secure. Alachua Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Youth sports dropped 6% from 2019 to 2022 as increasing pressure from parents and coaches made the games less fun for many young athletes. Gainesville resident Marty Dempsey said he keeps the focus on enjoyment while experts call for a return to teamwork—without overcompetition. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ The No. 4 Gators softball team defeated the Jacksonville Dolphins by five to two on Wednesday night and improved to 29 wins and 4 losses after Kendra Falby and Taylor Shumaker scored early. Ava Brown pitched four shutout innings while hitting a solo home run—she collected two hits—and the team will face North Florida tonight at 6:00 p.m. WRUF
- ➤ Florida Gator gymnastics senior Leanne Wong was named a finalist for the 2025 AAI Award on March 19, joining five other candidates selected from 59 semifinalists. Wong, a 22-time All-American who earned a perfect 10 on floor last week, now aims to win the honor when the NCAA Championships take place on April 17 and 19. WRUF
- ➤ The Gators beat Jacksonville 16-4 as freshman Brendan Lawson had five RBIs with a three-run homer—Justin Nadeau hit his first Gator home run after transferring from Jacksonville, which helped the team bounce back after a tough loss to Tennessee. Coach Kevin O’Sullivan praised the strong offensive performance from most players. WCJB
- ➤ Today, Kevin Brockway and Noah Ram discussed Florida basketball's achievement as a No. 1 seed in the West Region and its fifth SEC Tournament title as the 30-4 Gators prepare to face 16-seed Norfolk State Friday at 6:50 p.m. in Raleigh while Rodd Baxley added insight on the team's strong offense and changing public perception. GatorSports
- ➤ The Florida Gators defeated Florida A&M 14-4 in a seven-inning mercy-rule win—Blake Cyr drove in six runs while redshirt freshman Caden McDonald struck out seven. The team won its previous game 16-4 and will face Georgia on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The Independent Florida Alligator
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Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators Baseball Match
Watch the Florida Gators take on the Georgia Bulldogs in a college baseball match at the Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, FL.
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Florida Gators Baseball vs. Georgia Bulldogs
The Florida Gators face off against the Georgia Bulldogs in the final game of their weekend series at Condron Ballpark.
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Live Performance by Josh Meloy
Country music singer/songwriter Josh Meloy will perform live, showcasing his storytelling abilities and heartfelt songs.
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Tech Happy Hours
5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Bull — Free entry — Network and collaborate with the local tech community in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Shut Up & Write!® Gainesville
11 AM – 1 PM — Maude's Cafe — Free entry — Empower writing by joining a supportive community for uninterrupted creative time.
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Open House at 8049 SW 80th Lane, Gainesville
Explore a beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in the Longleaf Village community featuring modern amenities and energy-efficient features.
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Gainesville Business and Real Estate Networking Mixer
5:30-7:30 p.m. | Depot Village | Free entry | Connect with local business and real estate professionals over insightful discussions.
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Lily Rose Live Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Experience a rising star of country music with her viral hits and energetic performance.
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Gators Baseball vs. Vanderbilt Commodores
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Condron Family Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling baseball showdown between the Gators and Commodores in Gainesville.
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Free to Fly 5K Trail Run
12 PM — Hickory Forest — Free entry — Participate in a community-focused trail run for all ages and skill levels.
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 graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
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