Daily
Gainesville
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Alumni from the historic all-black A.L. Mebane school attended a tailgate at Santa Fe High School to share memories and honor their legacy. Community leaders recognized every attendee on the loudspeaker — the event strengthened bonds and kept traditions alive for future generations. Alachua County Today
- ➤ City officials plan to replace the aging Cleather H. Hathcock, Sr. Community Center with a modern facility that offers larger, flexible rooms and better parking along Northwest 159th Lane. Architect Barnett Chenault presented one-story and two-story models during a public workshop—detailed plans will be shared in a full report on Oct. 27. Alachua County Today
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A Santa Fe High senior, Jonathan 'JP' Prior, 17, was killed in a motorcycle crash on September 5 when he hit an SUV on State Road 121 near Southwest 76th Way in Union County—his death has saddened the community and led Camp Kulaqua lifeguards to start a fundraiser for his family. Alachua County Today
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents and businesses in High Springs face higher utility bills after the City Commission voted on Sept. 8 to adopt an FY26 budget that raises sewer base charges from $44.05 to $68.30 for residential users and from $57.29 to $81.54 for commercial users while keeping water rates steady. Updated hydrant meter fees and water connection impact fees will take effect Oct. 1—officials said the changes address rising maintenance costs. Alachua County Today
- ➤ At the August 26 meeting, the Alachua County Commission discussed its new Climate Action Plan—an extensive guide with 180 action items and a forthcoming chapter on Circular Economy—with plans for a ceremonial approval at the County’s Climate Festival on Nov. 15. Environmental Protection Director Steve Hofstetter explained that the plan will be formally approved before its action items are implemented. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ High Springs City Commissioners approved a tentative tax rate of 6.99 mills and an $8.08 million General Fund budget for the fiscal year starting Oct 1—following months of public workshops. They also adjusted utility fees, awarded a $550,828 contract for Priest Theatre repairs, supported Operation Douglass Warriors to honor veterans, extended fire services with Alachua County Fire Rescue, and reaffirmed local support for Winn-Dixie—plans that include flood improvements with a $700,000 grant. Alachua County Today
- ➤ Alachua County began preliminary design to widen 3.84 miles of Archer Road from Southwest 75th St. to Southwest 122nd St.—changing it from a two-lane to a four-lane highway to ease traffic delays and boost safety. The project received a $2.25 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation and will move forward after years of planned improvements, officials said. WUFT
- ➤ After conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot at a large event on Sept. 10, several Florida employees were fired for social media posts about his death—officials and experts are now debating if firing workers for their views hurts free speech rights. Officials like Gov. Ron DeSantis and education leaders have warned that praising Kirk’s death could lead to job loss under Florida’s at-will employment rules. The Gainesville Sun
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, HCA Florida held a walk-breaking ceremony at the site for the new HCA Gainesville Hospital on Southwest 41st Boulevard—this step will expand medical care to communities west of I-75. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida coach Billy Napier faces pressure after consecutive losses to USF and LSU, and analyst Paul Finebaum warned that if he does not secure wins soon he may not return next season. His 20—21 record and single bowl win lag behind past coaches who were dismissed when their teams could not meet championship expectations. WRUF
- ➤ Caleb Banks re-injured his left foot during his season debut against LSU on Saturday and left the game early. Coach Billy Napier said on Monday that his recovery will be long-term—an availability report will be provided on Wednesday evening. WRUF
- ➤ De’Von Achane leads the Week 3 fantasy football must-starts after scoring 26.2 points last week and is expected to perform well against the Buffalo Bills defense—managers also note that Mike Evans reenters the top tier while teammate Emeka Egbuka drops one spot. WRUF
- ➤ Florida women's cross country was ranked No.12 in the National Coaches Poll after finishing third at the SEC and 12th at the NCAA championships last season—freshman Desma Chepkoech won the 5k at the Florida Intercollegiate Invite on Aug.29th. The team will compete on Sept.26th at the Gans Creek Classic. WRUF
- ➤ Florida’s football coach Billy Napier said the Gators could be 3-0 if a few plays went the other way after two narrow losses this season, praising the defense for holding opponents to few points while noting that turnovers on offense remain a concern. He said the team will work to change its season narrative in Saturday’s game against Miami — a key chance to reverse their fortunes. WRUF
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Run for Recovery 5k
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Depot Park — Registration required — Participate in a vibrant 5k run aimed at supporting recovery efforts in the community.
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Sugaray Rayford Live in Concert
8-11 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets required — Experience the powerful voice and message of Sugaray Rayford in a vibrant live performance.
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Florida Gators Volleyball vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
7-8:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — VIP tickets and packages available — Catch the Florida Gators take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in an exciting volleyball showdown.
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D & S Classic Car and Antique Tractor Show
8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — The Barn at Rembert Farms — $25 per vehicle — Cruise into nostalgia with classic cars and antique tractors on display.
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JJ Grey & Mofro Live
6:30-9 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — $TBD — Experience powerful southern soul and rock with gritty vocals and personal songwriting.
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