Daily
Gainesville
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of May.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ During Operation Tidal Wave from April 21 to April 26, ICE and Florida law enforcement arrested 1,120 people—officials said many detained were linked to criminal activity and came from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras and other countries. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ A shooting at Gainesville Walmart on May 2 left a victim with severe injuries—local residents have raised funds for the victim's medical care. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Oak Hammock at the University of Florida will host the Fourth Annual Grand Bonsai Exhibition on May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — the event, organized by the Oak Hammock Bonsai Club and Gainesville Bonsai Club, will display over 60 bonsai trees with live demonstrations and hourly free giveaways. Alachua Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Friday night, more than 10,000 University of Florida graduates gathered at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to earn their degrees amid cheers from family and friends. Interim President Kent Fuchs delivered a commencement speech—reminding graduates that uncertainty in new beginnings is normal—while students like Tara Pilger Terribile celebrated a long-awaited milestone in their education. WCJB
- ➤ The Alachua County School Board closed Constellation Charter School in Waldo after issuing a letter that described alleged safety and leadership violations such as asking a parent to attend a meeting with a gun and making calls to the sheriff's office—factors that led to the resignation of the school’s threat management team and forced 89 students to seek alternative schooling. WCJB
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On May 6, the Alachua County Commission will hold a budget meeting at 10 a.m. and a policy discussion at 1:30 p.m. at the Grace Knight Conference Room on the second floor of the County Administration Building in Gainesville—both meetings will focus on the FY26 budget and local living spaces and thriving places initiatives. Alachua Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Freshman Taylor Shumaker blasted her first career grand slam — part of a four-homer night — that helped the Gators win 9-4 over No. 1 Oklahoma, their first victory over a top-ranked team in 11 years. Today the team takes the field at 5 p.m. on ESPN as they try to win their first series against Oklahoma. WCJB
- ➤ Trenton beat Williston 6–2 to win the Rural District 7 title and return to regionals — teams from Santa Fe, GHS, Branford, and Newberry also earned spots. WCJB
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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.
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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.
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Gainesville Cars and Coffee Gathering
8 AM – 5 PM — Ford's Garage Gainesville — Free entry — Gather with fellow car enthusiasts at this casual community event.
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Larry & Joe Concert
7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a captivating evening with a unique blend of Joropo and bluegrass music.
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Melody Trucks & Fitzkee Brothers Concert
7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Experience a powerful blend of Southern rock and improvisational fire.
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Fifth Avenue Arts Festival
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Santa Fe College Charles L. Blount Center — Free entry — Celebrate local arts and culture at the 45th Annual Arts Festival featuring artists, performers, and vendors.
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Business League Workshop Series
2-4 p.m. — Good Life Station — Free entry — Enhance your marketing and networking skills at this informative workshop featuring Shelley Vickers.
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Kyran Daniel Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Check event page for details — Experience the remarkable musical talent that's been captivating audiences.
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Story Time at the Zoo
10:30-11:00 a.m. — Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful story time in a natural setting, perfect for families and children.
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Southeast Outdoor Sectionals 2025
8 a.m. — 10404 SW Williston Rd — Registration required — Compete in 14 Field, 14 Hunter, and 14 Animal rounds in the quest for Outdoor National Series Champions.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship.
~ John D. Rockefeller
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