Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Just Between Friends Gainesville Spring Sale takes place today at Legacy Park from April 16–19, with Early Access from April 15, where families save up to 90% on children’s items and get free car seat safety checks (partnered with Safe Kids North Central Florida). Alachua Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Thousands of students gathered at UF's Flavet Field (a popular campus venue) for SwampFest on Tuesday, April 14 where the Chainsmokers headlined and Riordan opened the show. Many arrived early to secure good spots. The Gainesville Sun
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, Apr. 15, UF law reported that 70% of its first-time bar exam takers passed, ranking the school fourth statewide — the exam is offered twice a year with the next session scheduled for July. The Gainesville Sun
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A section of the Hammock Loop Trail (between trail markers 11 and 13) at Turkey Creek Preserve will be closed from April 21 until the end of June for construction of a wildlife observation platform while other trails remain open. Alachua Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida’s Gators earned a 9-6 softball win over FGCU when Taylor Shumaker’s homer tied the game in the fourth inning, sparking a five-run rally. The team extended its six-game win streak and will face Auburn Friday at KSP with first pitch at 6 p.m. WCJB
- ➤ Alex Condon will return as a senior with the Gators for the 2026-27 season (he earned back-to-back All-SEC honors after a career year with 48 blocked shots that helped the team finish 16-2 in SEC play). WCJB
- ➤ Florida Gators Gymnastics (ranked No.3) will compete in the NCAA Championship Semifinals at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth today at 4:30 p.m. The team, coming off a recent regional win, aims to secure a top-two finish to advance to Saturday’s final. WRUF
- ➤ The spring game at Florida Field offered a first look at the new Gators' talent (transfer Micah Mays Jr. recorded 122 yds and 2 TDs) as head coach Sumrall praised the receiver room's promise for the 2026 season. Returning players and newcomers are set to boost the offense. WRUF
- ➤ The Oak Hall baseball team advanced to the district championship with a 16-5 win over Countryside Christian on Tuesday at Roger Maris Field — they will face Saint Francis Catholic Academy at 5 p.m. today at Saint Francis. WRUF
- ➤ Florida Baseball lost 13-7 on Tuesday to Bethune-Cookman, with the Gators rotating six pitchers including first-time starter Jackson Hoyt. As the postseason nears, they will rely on starters Aidan King & Liam Peterson for a home series against No. 13 Auburn at 7 p.m. Friday. WRUF
- ➤ Autumn Blair, a freshman attacker for Florida lacrosse, has impressed the team with 12 goals this season and earned Big 12 Freshman of the Week — she will start in the upcoming game against Jacksonville at Donald R. Dizney Stadium at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The Independent Florida Alligator
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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.
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Florida’s Story as Told by Water
1-2 p.m. — Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park — Free entry — Discover Florida's narrative through water in a captivating presentation.
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Million Dollar Quartet Performance
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Hippodrome Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the musical retelling of the iconic recording session featuring Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
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
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
~ Thomas Jefferson
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