Daily
Gainesville
Saturday, April 11th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Gainesville bursts with music, art and food as The Big: Culture and Arts Festival returns for its fourth year. After opening Friday at 6 p.m., this three-day celebration features over 140 artists and events resume today at 3 p.m.+ WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Florida was named on Forbes’ New Ivies list that ranks 20 public and private universities, announced on April 8. This is the second time UF has earned this honor since its debut in 2024. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Eastside High School juniors Derek and Daniel Ai, twins, were selected for the prestigious 2026 Honor Band of America following a rigorous audition process. They recently attended intensive rehearsals and workshops in Indianapolis for the Music for All National Festival. Alachua Chronicle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida law prohibits bat removal from homes during the maternity season (April 16 to Aug. 14) to protect young bats and their benefits to local ecosystems. Homeowners are advised to monitor bat entry points and plan exclusion work legally after this period. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tax refunds may be delayed when returns have mistakes or need extra checks; electronic filings update within 24 hours while mailed returns can take six to eight weeks. Florida filers are advised to use the IRS (Where’s My Refund? tool) or IRS2Go to track their refund status. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida football fans will get their first view of offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner’s innovative scheme today at The Swamp with a noon kickoff, as quarterbacks Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. take the field (from Georgia Tech) to showcase new offensive plays. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ The Florida Gators baseball team improved its SEC performance this season after a tough 2025 start by winning more early games, and will face No. 4 Georgia in Athens later this weekend. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ The Florida Gators tennis team swept Vanderbilt 4-0 on Thursday at home with strong singles and doubles performances — junior Valery Gynina led a comeback in her match. They will face Missouri Saturday at 1 p.m. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Former Florida basketball player Denzel Aberdeen announced on Instagram Friday, Apr. 10 that he will re-enroll at UF to finish his undergraduate degree after spending one season at Kentucky, and the Orlando native helped the Gators win the national title in 2025. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ On Friday, the Gators beat No. 4 Georgia 8-2 in Athens. Sophomore pitcher Aidan King retired 23 of 27 batters, and the team will aim to clinch the series Saturday at noon & coach Kevin O’Sullivan moved junior Liam Peterson to Saturday’s start. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Florida baseball faces Georgia in a three-game SEC series this weekend; Game 1 airs Friday, April 10 at 6 p.m. on SEC Network+, Game 2 airs today at 12 p.m. on ESPN2, and Game 3 airs Sunday, April 12 on SEC Network+. GatorSports
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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.
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Spring Fling Depot Station Family Event
4-7 p.m. — Depot Park — Free entry — Enjoy family-friendly activities like mini golf, face painting, and a kids vendor market in a festive atmosphere.
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Ani DiFranco Live Performance
7-11 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Ticket pricing varies — Enjoy a night with the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter passionately showcasing her influential folk and indie music.
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Free Fridays Concert Series Featuring mamish and Ricky Kendall
7-9 p.m. — Bo Diddley Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy live performances from local artists in a vibrant outdoor setting.
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Alachua County Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale
9 AM – 1 PM — Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center — Free entry — Discover over 6,000 Florida-friendly plants and get expert gardening advice.
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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