Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ REI’s Anniversary Sale will run from Friday, May 15 through Monday, May 25, offering up to 25% off thousands of outdoor products + exclusive perks for REI Co-op members on the opening weekend. Shoppers in Gainesville can enjoy great deals on gear for summer adventures. The Gainesville Sun
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Country music star Morgan Wallen will perform back-to-back at the University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (The Swamp) on May 15 and May 16 with support from Thomas Rhett and Ella Langley. Fans can still secure last-minute tickets amid a wide price range from several sellers. The Gainesville Sun
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ All ACPS families will receive a personalized letter with school boundaries for the upcoming school year starting Aug 10, printed in English (and Spanish) with zoning and program details. Families who haven't received their letter by May 15 can call or email ACPS for assistance. Alachua Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County has extended its countywide burn ban through May 15 due to high wildfire risk amid ongoing drought and active wildfires. Residents must refrain from unauthorized burning & report any smoke or flames immediately by calling 911. Alachua County Today
- ➤ Gainesville unveiled its redesigned City Hall plaza Friday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held downtown. City leaders highlighted plans to improve community spaces and local services. WCJB
- ➤ City officials unveiled the renovated City Hall Plaza today, featuring salvaged rainbow bricks that add a colorful update to this historic downtown gathering spot. The Gainesville Sun
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new study shows that emergency rooms in Florida averaged over four hours in 2024, with UF Health Shands (Gainesville) reporting similar delays. Experts advise patients to try urgent care, telemedicine or online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Trenton defeated Williston 6-1 while Union County beat Lafayette 14-3 in the Rural finals, and Buchholz won two games against Pace (10-2 and 10-6) to advance to state for the third straight year. WCJB
- ➤ After a weather delay affected Friday’s game, Florida baseball will face Kentucky today at 4:00 p.m. on SEC Network+ in its final home series as the Gators pursue their win streak. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Florida and Alabama competed in the SEC Tournament semifinal on Friday at John Cropp Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky. Florida, coming off a 10-9 comeback win over Auburn, battled hard as both teams sought a spot in Saturday's final. 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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.
~ Salvador Dali
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