Friday, April 11th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 11th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville woman Jayme Kleiner runs the non-profit Ivy’s Friends to help families get expensive medical supplies — a project inspired by her daughter Ivy’s special needs. She matches items like equipment and toys through a Facebook group and plans to expand her efforts. WCJB
- ➤ The Alachua Lions Club celebrated its 85th annual Cattlemen’s Banquet on March 25th at the Santa Fe River Ranch—more than 400 guests enjoyed an evening of speeches, live entertainment and a silent auction that supported local sight, hearing, youth and service programs. The event honored ranching leader Bob Crane with the Cattleman of the Year award and featured a comedy performance by award winning musician Jonnie W. Alachua County Today
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Johnny Leavelle Beaton, 53, was arrested on April 9 on two counts of armed robbery after he allegedly attempted to rob a Subway and a CVS on SW 13th Street by claiming to have a gun—police identified him using surveillance footage and his white e-bike—he later admitted that a crack addiction drove his actions. Alachua Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville's Sequential Artist Workshop has weathered a pandemic and a state funding shortfall after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed art funding last summer—forcing the nonprofit to shut down its free emerging artist residency. The organization, which shifted to mostly virtual programming during the pandemic, said it hopes to reinstate the residency and continues to offer programs that keep comics education accessible in Florida. WUFT
- ➤ UF students have found it harder to secure affordable housing near campus as off-campus rental costs keep rising. Many now face tough choices between higher rents or living further away—owners are raising prices in response to high demand—forcing some students to rely on family support. WUFT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Three Florida Gators stars marked their NCAA championship win by serving chicken at Raising Cane’s in Gainesville today — greeting fans and posing for photos while sharing that hard work pays off. They celebrated their big win on and off the court with a change of pace from the basketball floor. WCJB
- ➤ A Pensacola judge denied motions to dismiss fraud claims in Jaden Rashada’s lawsuit against Florida football coach Billy Napier—former staff member Marcus Castro-Walker and booster Hugh Hathcock, allowing key counts to move to discovery. Rashada claims he was tricked into signing with Florida on promises of a $13.8 million NIL deal and a Rule 18 hearing is set for April 23. GatorSports
- ➤ Florida basketball will hold a 30-minute national championship celebration at halftime of UF's spring football game Saturday at The Swamp — the game kicks off at 1 p.m. with free admission as fans honor the Gators' third national title, marked by a 65-63 win over Houston. GatorSports
- ➤ After winning a series against Florida State, the Florida baseball team began a three—game series against Missouri at Condron Family Ballpark on Thursday and now seeks to reverse its struggles in SEC play; the team holds an all—time record of 31—8 against the Tigers. Right—handed pitcher Liam Peterson started the series on Thursday while Aidan King is set to pitch today at 6:30 p.m., with the third game scheduled for Saturday. WRUF
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Easter Brunch Celebration
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Sweetwater Branch Inn Lodging & Events — Check event page for pricing — Enjoy a delightful morning filled with delicious food, good company, and Easter cheer.
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Pretty Woman The Musical
7:30-9 p.m. — Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fresh take on the classic romance with a modern, empowered Vivian and a dynamic score by Bryan Adams.
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South Florida Bulls vs. Florida Gators Softball
6-10 p.m. — Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the local teams in a spirited softball showdown.
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Artwalk Gainesville
11 PM – 2 AM — Downtown Gainesville — Free entry — Explore local galleries and artist studios on a self-guided art tour.
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
You have to go through the slow to find the fast.
~ Mark Manson
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