Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 24th of July.
Good morning, Gainesville.
Gainesville-based Peaceful Paths and UF researchers have teamed up to study how technology can be misused in abusive relationships—this project is funded by the National Science Foundation and led by UF’s Center for Privacy and Security Research for Marginalized and Vulnerable Populations. Their work will help experts design safer apps and guide better safety planning for survivors.
A 68-year-old High Springs man was killed when a pickup truck struck him on U.S. 27/SR 45 near NW 172nd Avenue at about 11:13 a.m. on July 23 — the truck driver from Newberry and his 32-year-old passenger were not injured.
Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a fatal crash on the 5000 block of SW Archer Road on July 23 at 7:50 a.m., where one person died and Westbound Archer Road was closed with traffic diverted—officials advise motorists to use caution.
Family members testified at sentencing hearings for the Ocklawaha teen murders on July 23, 2025, and Michael Hodo’s father said the defendants deserved the death penalty — a punishment off the table because they were minors.
The University of Florida Board of Trustees announced that interim president Kent Fuchs will step down when his contract ends July 30 following a setback in finding a new permanent president—plans to restart the presidential search in 2026 were also mentioned.
The University of Florida Board of Trustees approved a 10% increase in out-of-state tuition effective this fall to address a $130 million budget shortfall—current students who face hardship may apply for a one-year waiver, and UF’s tuition remains well below that of similar schools. The board also approved a new police contract effective retroactively to July 1 and did not extend interim President Kent Fuchs’ term beyond July 31.
Alachua County Commission congratulated a group of public service professionals who earned the Certified Public Manager designation yesterday after completing 31 days of intensive classroom training and exams as part of a national leadership program.
County Commission Chair Charles Chestnut IV said the graduates, including Mehdi Benkhatar and Elisha Cash, will use their new skills to improve local public service efforts.
The SEC Football Unfiltered podcast has named Kentucky's Mark Stoops, Florida's Billy Napier, Oklahoma's Brent Venables, Auburn's Hugh Freeze, and Arkansas' Sam Pittman as the top five coaches on the hot seat due to recent low win totals and tough schedules ahead.
The rankings come as each coach faces pressure to improve their teams and avoid being fired in the upcoming season.
Alachua County Farmers Market
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Alachua County Farmers' Market — Free entry — Explore local produce and goods from growers within 50 miles.
Florida 4-H Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — Reitz Union — Ticket information available — Celebrate the 2025 inductees of the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame and their contributions to youth development.
Fire Rescue Cadets Compete at the Gator Fire Games
9 AM – 4 PM — Alachua County Sports & Event Center — Free entry — Watch aspiring first responders in action as they tackle challenges modeled after real-life situations.
Spooks N Sips Night Market
6-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Free entry — Enjoy a spooky-themed evening market with over 70 unique vendors.
Together We Rise - Recovery Is Possible
12-5 p.m. — Cellon Oak Park — Free admission — A day dedicated to healing and learning about recovery support services in Alachua County.
Tech Coffee Social
9-10 a.m. — Karma Cream — Free entry — A relaxed morning gathering for tech enthusiasts to network and enjoy coffee conversations.
Veterans Living With Cancer Support Program
7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Hilton University of Florida Conference Center — Free entry — A supportive initiative tailored for veterans facing cancer treatment and survivorship.
Meet and Greet at Ballyhoo Grill
6-8 p.m. — Ballyhoo Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a casual evening of conversation and discover the Adventure Club of Gainesville.
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