Saturday, April 12th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Buchholz High School Drama Players will present Hadestown: Teen Edition as the final show of the 2025 season. The musical runs from April 24th to May 4th with performances from April 24th to 26th and May 1st to 3rd at 7 p.m. plus shows on April 27th and May 4th at 2 p.m.—tickets cost $15 online and $17 at the door except for the April 24th special priced at $10. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ The Big Culture and Arts Festival is taking over Gainesville with two days of creative showcases including fashion, skateboarding and music, running from Friday through today—supported by local businesses and featuring over 60 international artists. This third year event aims to boost access and visibility for underrepresented local creatives. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Alachua and Marion school district leaders warned that HB 5101 and SB 2510 could cut funding for AP, IB, career tech and dual enrollment programs—potentially costing millions and forcing schools to cover exam and program costs. They urged families to contact lawmakers to protect these programs that help students earn college credit and job certifications. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward will present the key to the city to the University of Florida men's basketball team during halftime of the Orange and Blue spring football game today at around 2 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium—marking a brief ceremony that underscores the city's support for the team. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Buchholz girls lacrosse team beat the South Lake Eagles 14-2 on April 11 to advance to the 2A-District 5 semifinals—Coach Marissa Higgins said she rested some players ahead of Monday's 5:30 p.m. semifinal in Winter Garden West Orange. WRUF
- ➤ Florida quarterback DJ Lagway moved from the bench to starter last season after the senior was hurt and threw for 1,915 yards with 12 touchdowns, impressing fans with his strong deep passes — experts say he is a talent to watch. He will play in the Blue and Orange spring game today as he prepares to build on his rise. WRUF
- ➤ Last Monday, the Florida Gators basketball team won a national championship with a dramatic comeback that gave them their third title and made them the only school with three wins in both basketball and football. Coach Todd Golden and guard Walter Clayton Jr. led the team with key plays and big comebacks against teams ranked in the top 10+ setting a historic season. WRUF
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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.
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Tyler's Hope Cajun Crawfish Boil
2-6 p.m. — Momentum Labs — Ticket required — Enjoy a delicious Cajun crawfish boil, live music, and fun outdoor activities to benefit Dystonia Awareness.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The goal is not to read more books. The goal is to gain more wisdom.
~ James Clear
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