Good morning, Gainesville.

The City of Gainesville held a ceremony at the Historic Thomas Center on March 27 to present the 2025 Community Excellence Awards to local leaders and volunteers for improving the city.

Local boards and trusts gave out awards for service, environmental care, art and business contributions — including a top volunteer award to Roderick Malone.

At the March 27 Special Meeting, the Gainesville City Commission learned that the FY2026 budget shows a $5.3 million gap between revenue and planned spending—staff will refine forecasts and review options for revenue increases and cost controls to help bridge the gap.

Mayor Ward said the gap is normal in early budget estimates.

Florida sophomore guard Laila Reynolds has become a key leader on the women’s basketball team after recovering from hip surgery (she mentors younger players and drives the program forward).

The team competed in the semifinals on March 31 and will face Minnesota on April 2 in the championship game.

The Florida men’s swimming and diving team finished fourth at the NCAA Division I Championships on March 31—scoring 315 points at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

The team secured its second consecutive top five finish and marked its 29th all-time top five placement.

The 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships ended Sunday afternoon at Celebration Pointe and organizers said the event was a big success for Alachua County and the U.S.—over 3,700 athletes from 97 nations competed, setting 38 world records and 120 championship records during the 20-year event held in the U.S. for the first time.

Florida basketball coach Todd Golden said the team is focusing on the Final Four run and will review the transfer portal later even as three starting guards and a forward leave at season’s end.

The Gators plan to target new backcourt players like Dedan Thomas Jr.—they will play Auburn on Saturday at 6:09 p.m. on CBS at the Alamodome.

The No. 4 Florida Gators softball team defeated the Auburn Tigers 4-3 on Sunday afternoon—completing their first SEC sweep of the season.

The team scored all four runs in the third inning and will travel to Tallahassee Wednesday—facing No. 7 FSU.

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.

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.

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.

Big: Culture and Arts Festival 2025

8:00 PM – 12:30 AM — Loosey's Downtown Gainesville — $45 — Experience a circus-themed celebration of music, art, and community with activities for all ages.

Gainesville Street Rods Cruise In

5:30-8:00 p.m. — Publix Super Market at Springhill Commons — Register your car for a chance to win prizes while enjoying DJ music and a fun family atmosphere.

Third Annual Bard & Broadside Poetry Festival with Lola Haskins

1-3 p.m. — Alachua County Library District — Free entry — Experience an engaging poetry reading and creative writing workshop led by acclaimed poet Lola Haskins.

Tech Coffee Social

8:30-9:30 a.m. — The Alchemy Work Club — Free entry — Relax and network over coffee with fellow tech professionals in a casual setting.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Florida Gators Softball

6-10 p.m. — Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium — Ticket prices may vary — Watch a fierce matchup between top college softball teams.

A Kingdom Social Lounge Experience

7-10 p.m. — Hippodrome Theatre — Cost not specified — Experience a serene gathering for the faith-based community to connect and share fellowship.

Alachua County Farmers Market

8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Alachua County Farmers' Market — Free entry — Discover fresh local produce and artisanal goods from nearby farmers.