Daily
Gainesville
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The City of Gainesville will host a second community workshop for T.B. McPherson Recreation Complex improvements on Thursday, April 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the T.B. McPherson Center, where residents can review draft plans + share input to shape a 10-year vision for the park. Alachua Chronicle
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Saucy! by KFC opened yesterday at Westgate Shopping Plaza on University Avenue with a unique menu including crinkle cut fries and puffies for dessert + balloon arches and light-up signs marking its debut and is the first location of its kind in North Central Florida. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival returns April 11 and 12 at the Northwest Campus (3000 NW 83rd Street) with over 120 artists’ booths, live music, dance, a free train ride to the Teaching Zoo, food trucks, and a mural by Elena Ohlander. Free parking and buses are provided. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ More than 1,000 Jewish students and community members attended the Passover Seder at Exactech Arena on April 1, 2026, organized by Chabad UF Jewish Student & Community Center — the largest Seder of its kind in the U.S. The Gainesville Sun
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At Eastside High, about 25 students, teachers and community members gathered Tuesday afternoon to see a new 200-ft mural by Jenna Horner for the Mindful Messages movement. The artwork highlights the school's history and creative spirit with a band performance adding to the event (reflecting local unity). The Independent Florida Alligator
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents saw NASA's rocket launch on April 1 from areas including Gainesville as part of the Artemis II mission that sent four astronauts on a 10-day moon journey. The launch at Kennedy Space Center (near Cape Canaveral) drew local eyes and interest across east Florida. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ At Gainesville Regional Airport, passengers experienced an average TSA wait of 7 minutes early April 1 (while other Florida airports using private screening services noted under-15-minute waits amid staffing challenges). The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida Track and Field had an impressive outdoor debut at Raleigh Relays and Terry Long FSU Relays, registering top finishes, personal bests, and all-time marks. The team will host the Pepsi Florida Relays on Friday and Saturday at James G. Pressly Stadium (tickets are on sale). WRUF
- ➤ Florida football running back Jadan Baugh will return for his junior season and lead under coach Jon Sumrall, after a 1,000-yard rushing season in 2025 — his decision was sealed by a pivotal Christmas Eve meeting. He plans to improve speed as the team adapts its new offense. GatorSports
- ➤ The No. 3 Florida Gators gymnastics team built momentum with a six-win streak and secured its 13th SEC title, and it will compete in the Tempe Regional from today to April 5 in Tempe & face leading collegiate teams in postseason play. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ P.K. Yonge baseball rallied late Tuesday to beat the Chiefland Indians 6-5 at Bobby Hawkins Field — the Blue Wave recorded zero errors after a heavy loss Friday. They will face Branford Thursday at 7 p.m. to continue their improved play. WRUF
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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.
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The Happy Fits Concert
12-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets from $32 — Catch The Happy Fits live in an intimate setting.
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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.
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Yonder Mountain String Band Concert
8-11 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets from $81 — Enjoy an evening of live bluegrass and string band music in Gainesville.
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Singer Songwriter Showcase
7-9 p.m. — Bo Diddley Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy original performances from local singer-songwriters in a lively downtown setting.
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
Reading changes your mind, applying changes your life.
~ James Clear
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