Daily
Gainesville
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Humane Society of North Central Florida is featuring adoptable pets, including Bolo (9), Senzy (8), and Kitty Wu (11), for those seeking companions; adoption hours are available by appointment Monday through Saturday at 4205 Northwest 6th Street. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville will host a wide range of arts and culture events in March and April, including theater productions, concerts, student and mentor exhibitions, and community nights + outdoor festivals that promise engaging local entertainment at venues like the Community Playhouse and Heartwood Soundstage. The Gainesville Sun
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A University of Florida study published on Thursday, Mar. 19 found that Formosan+Asian subterranean termites are spreading rapidly as boat owners unknowingly carry them between marinas and waterways. Experts advise regular boat inspections to help slow the pest invasion. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, the Saint John’s River and Suwannee Water Management Districts declared a phase two water shortage order in Alachua County due to drought and low water levels, limiting street washing and irrigation to once weekly. County leaders urged residents to conserve water. WCJB
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Robins & Morton and UF Health celebrated the ribbon cutting of the $27 million UF Health Florida Surgical Center expansion on March 12 in Gainesville. The 24,000 sqft addition, which features six operating rooms with potential for more, will serve outpatient joint replacement and orthopedic procedures. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ HCA Florida North Florida Hospital was named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals after Healthgrades evaluated its patient outcomes on March 19; the honor marks its fourth consecutive year of quality care and underscores its commitment to excellence — a distinction that sets the local hospital apart. Alachua Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida starting forwards Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon will lead the Gators in the Men’s NCAA Tournament, facing Prairie View A&M today at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. The pair, averaging 17.1 and 19.9 points, are building on past lessons + targeting a national title. GatorSports
- ➤ Florida lacrosse finished nonconference play with a 6-2 record and will start Big 12 play on March 28. The Gators are focusing on consistency and draw control ahead of their postponed matchup with No-1 North Carolina. WRUF
- ➤ Florida’s three Gators, including backcourt trio Walter Clayton Jr. + Will Richard + Alijha Martin, are expected to test NBA draft waters following a strong NCAA tournament run while teammates Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu adjust roles. NBA scouts will watch the players during college basketball’s marquee season. WRUF
- ➤ X-Golf Gainesville is now welcoming players at Celebration Pointe with high-tech golf simulators, food + drinks, and an automatic tee system designed for both casual and serious golfers; owner Timothy Dean explained the hybrid venue offers 45 games from courses worldwide. WCJB
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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.
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Easter Brunch Buffet
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Best Western Gateway Grand — Adults $46.95, Seniors $38.95, Children $19.95 — Celebrate Easter with a festive buffet featuring delicious dishes and a joyful atmosphere.
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Free Fridays Concert Series Featuring Crooked Counsel
7-9 p.m. — Bo Diddley Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy live '60s and '70s rock music under the stars with Crooked Counsel.
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.
~ Les Brown
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