Good morning, Gainesville.

Two rockets will launch from Cape Canaveral on Sunday, Mar.

29; ULA will fire an Atlas V with Amazon Leo satellites at 3:53 a.m. — SpaceX will send a Falcon 9 with Starlink satellites at 5:15 p.m. Local spots in Brevard offer great views.

Local boards held the 2025 Community Excellence Awards ceremony at the Historic Thomas Center on March 26, honoring volunteers for work in recreation, nature, and arts + recognizing winners like Nicole Cannady.

Pace Center for Girls Alachua will host its 26th annual Scramble for Pace today to raise funds for its programs, with all proceeds supporting center activities.

On Thursday evening, firefighters contained a 2-acre brush fire behind Celebration Pointe's parking garages after crews from ACFR, Gainesville Fire Rescue, and the Florida Department of Forestry used brush trucks and chainsaws past 8 p.m. (county officials reminded residents of the burn ban amid the drought).

UF students attended an event on Wednesday evening where fitness influencer Michael Smoak shared advice on simple success and health planning.

He told students to *find your floors* and focus on daily efforts to build strength and confidence.

Officials in Alachua County announced Friday, Mar.

27 that the countywide burn ban will extend through April 3 due to ongoing wildfire risk (no exceptions apply). Residents are urged to observe the ban and report fires immediately by calling 911.

Local officials announced on March 27 that Gainesville Housing Authority’s ELITE Force program now provides specialized job training, certifications, and academic support to east side residents.

The initiative aims to boost the local workforce and prepare residents for sustainable homeownership.

Recent data from Friday showed TSA wait times across Florida were impacted by a federal shutdown and record spring break travel, with Gainesville Regional Airport seeing a 4 to 5 minute delay (some airports reported lines up to 30 minutes).

AJ & Isaiah Brown announced their return to the Gators for the 2026-27 season on Friday via social media.

Isaiah played in the eight-man rotation while AJ makes a comeback after a torn labrum to strengthen the team.

Thirteen Gators and one basketball prospect worked out at the Heavener Football Complex on March 26 as scouts from 32 NFL teams watched drills like the 40 yard dash and bench press.

Players including Caleb Banks and Tommy Doman performed ahead of the NFL Draft on April 23.

Tammi Reiss has been named Florida women's basketball head coach, replacing Kelly Rae Finley as the program seeks its first SEC championship.

The new coach signed a five-year contract & plans to build a winning culture with a reshaped roster next season.

Florida Gators softball began their series against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Friday and will play Game 2 today at 8 p.m. on SEC Network + after a narrow 3-2 win over Stetson.

Florida baseball will face Arkansas in a SEC weekend series at Baum Walker Stadium.

Game 2 airs today at 2 p.m. on SEC Network+ and Game 3 will be on Sunday at 1 p.m. on SEC Network.

Hawthorne Hornets baseball beat Countryside Christian 14-4 in Gainesville on Feb.

23, building momentum from three straight wins. The team will host Interlachen at 7 p.m. Friday as they aim to extend their winning run.

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.

Easy Honey Concert

7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — $33 general admission — Experience the energetic sounds of Easy Honey in an intimate Gainesville venue.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Happy Fits Concert

12-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets from $32 — Catch The Happy Fits live in an intimate setting.

Florida Gators vs. Jacksonville University Dolphins Baseball

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Condron Ballpark — Support your team — Cheer on the Gators as they face off against the Dolphins in this exciting college baseball matchup.