Daily
Gainesville
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Volunteers worked at the fully stocked concession stand during the multi-day AAU Basketball Tournament at Legacy Park, where 80 teams competed from across the region; their 25+ hour efforts helped fund local youth programs including scholarships and new sports equipment. Alachua County Today
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ace Hardware has launched its Hometown Days event, offering summer deals on grills, outdoor furniture, and lawn care essentials at local stores. The Mother’s Day sale runs today through May 10 and provides exclusive Ace Rewards perks — visit your local store for details. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus announced his retirement on May 7 after 32 years of service with Alachua County Fire Rescue; his final day is May 29 with an official end date of June 12 (marking years of forward-thinking leadership in fire services). Alachua Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Gators softball team began its SEC Tournament run Thursday against Auburn at John Cropp Stadium in Lexington. The third seed won two of three regular season games against the upstart, a team seeking an NCAA Tournament bid. GatorSports
- ➤ Florida Gators will join the 24-team bracket-play Players Era tournament — a new format — in Vegas the week of Nov. 16, facing teams including Houston, Kansas, Auburn and others. The event will help them prepare for SEC play. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Williston’s Kierce Soloman is named the Small School Girls Basketball Player of the Year and shared her thoughts on the honor during an interview — stressing the recognition of her hard work. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Florida baseball is on track to host a regional as the UF Gators, who secured wins over Oklahoma and North Florida, will host Kentucky in Gainesville for a home series this weekend and boost their seeding in bracket projections. The Gainesville Sun
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Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats Baseball
12-1 p.m. — Condron Ballpark — Free giveaway — Wrap up the SEC series with Florida Gators baseball facing off against Kentucky Wildcats.
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81st Annual Newberry Watermelon Festival
9 AM – 4 PM — Newberry Watermelon Festival — Free entry — Enjoy family fun with games, crafts, and live entertainment while savoring delicious Florida Watermelon.
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North Central Florida Women in Blues Showcase
3-6 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Celebrate the power of blues music with talented female artists in an engaging atmosphere.
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Our Town by Thornton Wilder
7:30 p.m. — Gainesville Community Playhouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece that explores the essential truths of life in a small town.
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Gainesville Speed Dating for Singles in Their 20s and 30s
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Tinker Restaurant — Ticket cost unknown — Connect with up to 12 local singles through engaging 6-minute dates.
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Ole 60 Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets starting at $83 each — Enjoy a night of live music in Gainesville's vibrant venue.
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UF Short Course in Horticulture
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM — Straughn IFAS Extension Center — Registration fees apply — Explore emerging environmental challenges and innovative horticultural solutions.
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Easy Star All-Stars Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Experience reggae-driven performances that reimagine classic albums.
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Black Uhuru Live in Concert
8-11 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Kids 12 & Under get in free — Experience reggae legends Black Uhuru and local favorites Macca Reggae Samba perform live under the stars.
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
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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