Daily
Gainesville
Wednesday, March 25th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ St. Francis House will close its downtown shelter in April after serving families since 1993; TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness approved $35,000 for Family Promise to keep services running (130 people will join a summit at Santa Fe College’s Blount Hall on March 30). Mainstreet Daily News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At every home football game today, UF fans sing 'I Won't Back Down' to honor Tom Petty — a Gainesville native and former UF groundskeeper. The tradition started at a 2017 homecoming game after his death and now unites students, alumni, and residents. The Independent Florida Alligator
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On March 24, a federal judge blocked a law that limited UF faculty from appealing workplace disputes, restoring the right for United Faculty of Florida members to seek arbitration — protecting academic freedom at UF. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On March 24, the county commission voted unanimously to request that GRU grant a small easement variance to protect five live oaks in South Pointe scheduled for removal along the Parker Road extension. The action may delay contractor work and lead to further project adjustments if GRU does not approve the exception soon. Alachua Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville was named among America's 250 Best Hospitals for 2026 and ranked among the top 100 for critical care, with honors in stroke care and outpatient orthopaedic services. Officials said the awards show the hospital's steady focus on quality patient care. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Gator Softball’s Taylor Shumaker earned SEC Player of the Week honors on Tuesday after her standout performance—she led Florida to a 2-1 series win against Tennessee with a .500 average and a first inning home run. The Gators will play at home tomorrow against Stetson. WRUF
- ➤ On Tuesday, Tammi Reiss was introduced as head coach for Florida women's basketball at the Heavener Football Training Center (her first step in building a fast-paced, winning culture as she aims to boost community engagement and chase a national championship). The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Florida’s QB race remains unsettled as coach Jon Sumrall said no player has separated in practice. Projected frontrunners Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. face stern competition from true freshman Will Griffin, with starter decisions still pending in Gainesville. WRUF
- ➤ Florida Gators softball climbed into the top five nationally after its upset win over No. 1 Tennessee on March 24. The team will host Stetson (6 p.m.) today before facing top-10 Arkansas (March 27, 7 p.m.) on the road. The Gainesville Sun
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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.
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Executive MBA Spring Open House
9:15 AM - 12:00 PM — Hough Hall, Gainesville, FL — Free entry — Explore how the Executive MBA from UF can elevate your career with insights from program leaders and alumni.
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Gainesville Speed Dating Event
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Tinker Restaurant — Ticket required — Connect with potential matches in an engaging and fun speed dating format.
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Samantha Fish Live Concert
8-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Kids 12 and under free — Experience the powerhouse guitar and soulful melodies of one of today's most formidable musicians.
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
Your habits shape your identity, and your identity shapes your habits.
~ James Clear
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