Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of April.
Good morning, Gainesville.
🏘️ Community
The historic Matheson House is closed because its floors, windows, and ceilings are damaged and will undergo a three-year rehab project in about two years to fix these issues.
Director Salvatore Cumella said the museum must raise about $125,000 — roughly half the repair cost — before applying for a June 2025 grant to help fund the work.
🎓 Education
UF's musical theater program has grown under director Tony Mata from a five-student class to an intimate 24-student program that gives each actor individual guidance — students like 20-year-old Ianna Velazquez say the small size offers more focused training than larger schools.
The program now includes tailored voice lessons with Matt Morgan and Broadway dance sessions with Andrew Cao to help students prepare for future roles.
🌲 Environment
A University of Florida study shows most alligator bites happen when people take risky actions—like swimming near alligator-infested waters or trying to interact with them—rather than from alligators attacking on their own.
Since 1948, Florida has recorded 490 bites with 27 fatal cases, although deer, mosquitoes and stinging insects kill more people.
🏈 Sports
Florida Gators men’s basketball announced that Princeton transfer point guard Xaivian Lee committed to help fill a backcourt that will miss key players next season + the junior from Toronto, who spent three years at Princeton, visited St. John’s and Kansas before his decision.
His addition is expected to boost the team’s push for another national title.
Florida's gymnastics season ended Thursday as the Gators lost the NCAA semifinal to Missouri by 0.1 point after squandering an early lead and suffering from key injuries.
Missouri advanced to the national final following a near perfect routine by Helen Hu — marking the first time the Gators missed the final since 2019.
The Oak Hall boys lacrosse team won an 18—1 victory in the 1A—District 4 Tournament semifinal on April 17, bouncing back after an 11—4 loss to Ponte Vedra.
Peirce Montes led early scoring to help secure the win.
🎉 Gainesville Events
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Artwalk Gainesville
11 PM – 2 AM — Downtown Gainesville — Free entry — Explore local galleries and artist studios on a self-guided art tour.
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.
24th Annual Equal Access Clinic 5K Race
9:00 – 11:30 AM — Southwest Recreation Center — Registration fee applies — Run for a cause to support the local free clinic and its services.
Florida Gators vs. Oklahoma Sooners
8 PM — Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium — Affordable tickets available — Experience the excitement of college football live in Gainesville.
Gainesville Kitchen & Bath Grand Opening
5-7 p.m. — Gainesville Kitchen & Bath — Free entry — Celebrate the grand opening of a family-owned local business in Gainesville's vibrant community.
1st Friday's R&B Night
9 PM – 2 AM — Vecinos Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar — Free entry — Enjoy the best R&B vibes in Gainesville with surprises waiting at the end of the night.
🏠 Gainesville Real Estate
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💼 Gainesville Job Board
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📣 Gainesville Announcements
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