Wednesday, June 18th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Federal grant cuts will force Florida Organic Growers to stop supporting Fresh Access Bucks at several farmers markets, reducing access to fresh produce for residents. Alachua County Farmers Market will accept previously given tokens until June 28—new tokens will no longer be issued, leaving vendors and shoppers to deal with the change. The Independent Florida Alligator
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Crews cleared rocks spilled by an overturned semi truck Tuesday morning on Northeast Waldo Road near 61st Court and reopened lanes—traffic was delayed while debris was removed. WCJB
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Cecil Lamar Jackson III, 31, was arrested yesterday in Gainesville after he threatened to kill a family member while holding a firearm — he was on conditional release with requirements for mental health treatment and a prohibition on possessing firearms. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ Just before 11 p.m. on Monday, police arrested 52-year-old Chester James at a Gainesville apartment on Southwest 17th Place after he stabbed a woman during a domestic dispute—he surrendered following a SWAT standoff and was taken to Alachua County Jail on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon while the victim was treated for a deep cut at a nearby hospital. WCJB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ An alligator at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park was rescued after a bungee cord got wrapped around its jaws—it was taken to Gatorland in Orlando where Dr. James Bogan removed the cord. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City Manager Cynthia Curry said a memo shows that Phase 1 repairs for the historic Thelma Boltin Center have used the full $3 million allocation from Gainesville and Alachua County, so the public will not have access until Phase 2 repairs are funded. City staff expect to finalize planning by the end of 2025 with construction starting early 2026 as the commission decides on next steps. Mainstreet Daily News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UF Health is the nation’s first hospital to earn the Doula Friendly Designation—made possible by funding from The Children's Trust of Alachua County. The designation shows the hospital’s commitment to safe, holistic perinatal care and to including doulas as part of its care team. Alachua Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Malcolm Clemons won gold in the long jump at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon—his 8.04-meter jump marked a breakthrough after a season of repeated injuries. This victory helped Florida grab key points in a meet where multiple setbacks challenged the team. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Gainesville Area Rowing made its best showing at the USRowing Youth National Championships held at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota over the weekend as the Women’s Youth Pair earned a silver medal and the Men’s Youth 4- won the B Final—placing the team in the nation's top 22. Coach Garrett Bower said the rowers worked hard and the club is one of Florida's fastest-growing youth programs. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ The Gator women’s basketball team announced their SEC schedule, with home games against South Carolina, Texas, and others, and with Auburn set to play twice—once at the O’Dome and again at Neville Arena—with dates yet to be set. New associate coach Fred Williams joins players like Liv McGill and Me’arah O’Neal as they prepare for a challenging season. WCJB
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Learn to Draw From Life Workshop
6-9 p.m. — Nightjar, Gainesville, FL — Class 1: $5 Reservation Fee, Classes 2 & 3: Pay-What-You-Can — Explore the fundamentals of drawing through engaging lessons in a supportive setting.
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Jack Gamble Melon Run
8-11 a.m. — Albert Ray Massey Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate Independence Day with a refreshing three-mile run in Gainesville's favorite tradition.
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Live Music with Kenna Dee
7-11 p.m. — Mother's Pub & Grill North — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of acoustic favorites and delicious bites in a lively atmosphere.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Queen
6:30-8:45 p.m. — Hippodrome Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a live orchestra's candlelit homage to the legendary rock band Queen.
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An Evening with Dauzat St. Marie
7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Check event for cost — Experience the powerful Americana duo Dauzat St. Marie weaving soulful melodies.
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Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA
8 p.m. — Hippodrome Theatre — Experience the iconic hits of ABBA performed by a string quartet in a spectacular setting.
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