Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 22nd of April.
Good morning, Gainesville.
UF law student Preston Terry Damsky, 29, was issued a three-year trespass order on April 3 after posting racist and antisemitic messages online including a call to eliminate Jews by any means necessary—UF has since increased security around the law school while Damsky remains enrolled.
A UF law student, Preston Terry Damsky, was banned from campus on April 3 after posting racist and antisemitic messages that called for the elimination of Jews by any means necessary, and UF officials said the trespass order makes his presence a second-degree misdemeanor while he remains enrolled (he has no criminal record).
Gainesville police are searching for a suspect after three adults were shot at an Easter egg hunt in TB McPherson Park on Sunday night (all victims remain alive).
Gainesville police arrested 43-year-old Raytheon Lamarcus Slater last night after he allegedly side-swiped a vehicle and crashed in a front yard following a day of drinking at a family event on Easter—he now faces hit and run and driving under the influence charges with bail set at $5,000 and a requirement for a Transdermal Alcohol Monitor.
Three people were injured when a suspect wearing red shorts and a gray hoodie opened fire as attendees left an Easter event at TB McPherson Park on April 20—one victim suffered life-threatening injuries and first responders provided aid.
On Wednesday, students from seven middle schools competed in the Civics Challenge at the Alachua County Administrative Office where they answered civics questions in a Family Feud style format — Lincoln Middle School won first place with 87% correct answers while Westwood finished second with 86%.
The USDA issued a health alert for pork carnitas sold at Aldi due to possible metal contamination from damaged equipment at Cargill Meat Solutions.
Consumers who bought the 16-oz. packages (with USE BY dates 06/30 or 07/01) produced between April 1-2 are advised to discard or return the product.
Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen entered the transfer portal on Friday and has committed to Kentucky after the Gators did not meet his $1.5 million NIL request—Florida will now search for a replacement through the transfer portal as they lose a key player.
Three Gainesville high school baseball teams are in the FHSAA regional quarterfinals—Saint Francis won a three to two district championship game over Oak Hall on April 21 and will face them again in a best-of-three series, while Buchholz will host the First Coast Buccaneers in a doubleheader on Wednesday evening—and local play will soon decide their playoff paths.
Florida baseball controlled the series in Starkville with two wins—scoring a total of 32 runs over three games to improve their conference standing, though pitching struggles were evident as starters and relievers faltered in key moments.
Coach Kevin O’Sullivan said the team fought hard to overcome deficits and will face a tough schedule against top-ranked opponents as postseason hopes remain on the line.
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.
BLAAC Creative Community Pop-Up
12-5 p.m. — The Bull — Free entry — Support local artists and entrepreneurs at the First Annual Creative Community Pop-Up Shop.
Season Finale Pops — HornSquad
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall — Ticketed event — Experience a delightful evening filled with surprises and popular treats at the orchestra's annual celebration.
Haile Farmers Market
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Plantation Hall in the Haile Village Center — Free entry — Experience a vibrant market featuring fresh local produce and artisanal goods every Saturday.
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.
Stay in the know, Gainesville.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.