Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Oak Hall sixth graders Khizer Umar and Ethan Beasley wrote and illustrated a comic book titled 'The Adventures of Squirm and Buzz'—a project that raised over $100 for the Humane Society of NCFL through neighborhood sales of 20 copies. They now plan a Halloween sequel to use their art for more community service. WCJB
- ➤ Cyclists and trail users call for urgent safety fixes at a confusing crossing on State Road 331 and the Downtown Connector Trail after a runner was seriously injured on Sept. 10. They urge changes such as lowering the speed limit, installing a standard push-button signal, and adding warning systems — actions that FDOT has begun addressing through outreach — to protect users from further harm. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Readers voted and declared Jimmy Buffett the Most Famous Floridian after five rounds of polling from Aug. 27 to Sept. 30 — he is celebrated for making the Florida Keys his home and inspiring his hit song Margaritaville. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Local Hispanic artists celebrate the month by showing their work at Haile Plantation Farmers Market until Oct. 15. Arianna León Uberti creates cheerful digital art, Ju Reis makes jewelry from açaí seeds, and Silvestre Hernandez crafts silver pieces that honor his Native American roots — all offering a mix of modern design and cultural tradition to Gainesville. The Independent Florida Alligator
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UF Student Government election Tuesday night saw the Vision Party win all 49 senate seats—three write-in candidates tied for a Graham area seat that will be removed after demolition—leaving that seat vacant. The Independent Florida Alligator
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida's new Trooper's Law goes into effect today in Gainesville, making it a felony to abandon pets or leave them tethered during declared disasters — a measure prompted by a 2024 incident when a bull terrier was rescued from rising floodwaters along Interstate 75. Gov. DeSantis signed the law into effect, and the dog's previous owner now faces trial if convicted. WUFT
- ➤ Gainesville city officials are hosting a Brazilian delegation from sister city São José do Rio Preto as part of a week-long exchange program that runs until October 4. The public can join a special reception today at 7 p.m. at Samba in Haile Village—where local leaders share ideas on economic growth and technology. WCJB
- ➤ A judge cleared the way today for a second voter referendum on control of Gainesville Regional Utilities—city commissioner Bryan Eastman and GRU CEO Ed Bielarski shared their views on social media after the authority’s challenge was denied. WCJB
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ During the week of Sept. 22–28, 2025, inspectors evaluated Alachua County restaurants and found several, like Chick-Fil-A FSU and High Springs Inn, met all standards with perfect scores. Others, including Aloft Gainesville, Beque Holic, and Five Star Pizza, received multiple high-priority violations requiring follow-up inspections—underscoring the need for ongoing health monitoring. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Jordyn Byrd, who struggled with injuries and limited play at Texas, now leads Florida as a strong outside hitter—she earned 23 kills and AVCA Match MVP in her second match. She transferred back to her home state last December and is focused on helping her team win a national title. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway and Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning are struggling with their season so far, with Lagway throwing six interceptions and Manning showing low ratings. The teams will meet on Oct. 4 at The Swamp at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN — each aiming to overcome early setbacks. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Gators junior forward Thomas Haugh is switching his role from the four to the wing as he works on improving his outside shot to help Florida’s team; he will make his season debut Nov. 3 when Florida travels to Las Vegas to face Arizona. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Freshman wide receiver Dallas Wilson returned to practice after a leg injury and is set to debut Oct.4 versus No.7 Texas at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN—he may bring a needed spark to Florida's offense that scored three touchdowns in its past three games. GatorSports
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Magic City Hippies Live in Concert
7:00-10:15 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Groove to the sun-soaked funk and indie tunes of Miami's Magic City Hippies.
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The Bridge City Sinners "Break the Chain" Tour
6-8:30 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — All Ages — Experience an eclectic fusion of dark folk, Americana, and punk from the Bridge City Sinners and special guests.
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40th Annual Fall Arts Festival
10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Shoppes at Thornebrook — Free entry — Experience a weekend of creativity and community spirit at Gainesville's beloved arts festival.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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