Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of May.
Good morning, Gainesville.
At the University of Florida, the Gator Juggling Club meets every Thursday in the Plaza of the Americas to teach students to juggle rings, clubs, balls & scarves.
Sophomore Trey Gephardt leads the club that also practices pen spinning, unicycling, and kendama while welcoming all skill levels.
The University of Florida Board of Trustees unanimously selected Dr Santa Ono—former president at Michigan—as the next president, and his five-year contract worth up to $15 million with a $1.5 million base salary will be finalized once the Florida Board of Governors ratifies his appointment on June 3.
Florida homeowners are urged to review their insurance policies and document their home conditions as hurricane season will start on Sunday, June 1+ experts recommend taking photos, videos and making detailed lists of valuables to avoid coverage gaps such as separate flood policies.
Joseph 'Shawn' Hillhouse, a 22-year veteran who served in every rank at Gainesville Fire Rescue, was named permanent fire chief after a nationwide search that considered 27 candidates—two from abroad.
He will take over the role on June 9.
Alachua County Fire Rescue held a ribbon cutting for its new 11,500 square foot fire station on Northwest 173rd Street in Alachua on May 30th.
Gainesville city officials are launching several events to prevent gun violence this month + the schedule includes a Survivors of Gun Violence Memorial today at Squirrel Ridge Park from 9–11 a.m., a proclamation at City Hall on June 5, a Wear Orange basketball event on June 6, and an IMPACT GNV open house on June 11. Program manager Brittany Coleman, hired last year to run the initiative, said her team’s efforts have reduced gun-related homicides to three this year + a marked improvement from previous years.
Burrito Factory & Cantina in downtown Gainesville offers two-for-one draft and margaritas, free salsa and chips, and dishes including fish tacos, chicken quesadilla and a customizable burrito.
The interactive ordering process—where diners choose their ingredients—gives each meal a personal twist that adds a fresh option to the local food scene.
The Florida Gators started their NCAA baseball tournament on Friday in Conway and will play again today in a winners bracket game as they try to avoid a tough four-game schedule—despite being the betting favorite.
After a slow start in SEC play, the Gators won 14 of 18 games and began their postseason journey yesterday at noon in Conway on ESPN 2—facing AAC champion East Carolina and host Coastal Carolina Chanticleers as they make their run toward the College Baseball World Series.
Boys High School Summer Basketball Showcase
Monday & Wednesday evenings — Alachua County Sports & Event Center — $375 per Team — Compete in Gainesville's top high school basketball league this summer.
Xie Qi and Human-level Treatment
1-5 p.m. — Academy for Five Element Acupuncture — $100 — Enhance your understanding of xie qi and explore human-level treatment in this interactive course for acupuncturists.
Do Business with the City
9-11 a.m. — Thomas Center — Free entry — Connect with City of Gainesville purchasing pros and discover resources for local business growth.
Gainesville Toddler Multi-Sport Program
9-10:50 a.m. — Veterans Memorial Park — $85 — Enjoy a fun and active multisport program for toddlers over four weeks.
Father's Day Celebration at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
9 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Kanapaha Botanical Gardens — Free for fathers — Celebrate Dad with nature's beauty and enjoy a day out together.
Lift & Lengthen: Cupping and Stretching Techniques
9 AM – 6 PM — Florida School of Massage — $205 — Learn to blend cupping and stretching for enhanced recovery and flexibility in bodywork.
3-Day Virtual CRASH Training
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — The Virtual CRASH Training Center — 21 ACTAR CEUs available — Enhance your skills in video analysis and 3-D environments with expert guidance from Bob Scurlock, Ph.D.
Foot Reflexology Training for Massage Therapists
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Florida School of Massage — $400, $350 if paid by June 14th — Enhance your massage practice with specialized reflexology techniques and insights.
Vacation Bible School 2025
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. — 8001 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL — Free entry — Engage kids from Kindergarten to 5th grade in a week of fun, learning, and community service.
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