Daily
Gainesville
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Gainesville is engaging residents in new initiatives to prevent gun violence and boost public safety by offering a free performance of 'On Sight' by Dr. Micah Johnson at University Auditorium on Oct 10 at 7 p.m. The Gainesville Police Department hosted a town hall meeting on Oct 1 at 5:30 p.m — additional virtual sessions are scheduled on Oct 4 at 10 a.m and Oct 7 at 6 p.m. WCJB
- ➤ The City of Alachua Commission voted on Sept. 22 to adopt a $67.1 million final budget and a tax rate of 6.25 mills for fiscal year 2025 to 2026. The plan includes a five year capital improvement program through 2030 — funding projects like street resurfacing, technology upgrades, and neighborhood improvements. Alachua County Today
- ➤ High Springs Commissioner Robert Chad Howell was named this year’s High Springs Hero at a Sept. 22 commission meeting for his service in the Marines and police work—he has also served on local boards since moving to High Springs in 2018. Alachua County Today
- ➤ Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at UF today and said rising property taxes are driven by higher home values as more people move to Florida — he added that the DOGE team will next check state public universities and agencies while hinting at a planned ballot initiative for tax reform. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Santa Fe Police Chief Ed Book retired after 40 years in law enforcement and 13 years at the college’s police department and will serve as Gainesville’s District 2 Commissioner—Major Ryan Woods took over his role as Book said he will remain active as a reserve officer. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida’s men’s basketball team is set to face a competition for the starting center position between Micah Handlogten and Rueben Chinyelu — Chinyelu is expected to start against Arizona on Nov. 3 while Handlogten fights to reclaim his spot following his leg injury. Both players enhance the team’s defense and push each other during practice as the season unfolds. WRUF
- ➤ Gator legend and Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and popular content creator Sketch will headline events at Reitz Union today for EA Sports’ promotions ahead of the Florida vs Texas game, with Florida players Aaron Chiles and Jadan Baugh hosting meet-and-greet and gaming challenges. The events continue through Friday and culminate with the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Saturday at 3:30 p.m. WRUF
- ➤ On Tuesday night, Oak Hall beat P.K. Yonge in straight sets with scores of 25-18, 25-9, 25-9 in a Class 2A District 1 volleyball match. The Eagles (10-10) raised their district record to 2-1 while P.K. Yonge (3-9) fell to 0-2 and lost three straight matches. WRUF
- ➤ Florida coach Billy Napier set new records by losing to USF for the first time and posting a 1-3 record—the worst mark for a Florida coach since the 1940s—even as he won his last three home games against top-25 SEC teams. The Gators will face No. 9 Texas Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN with coverage on WRUF. WRUF
- ➤ Gators quarterback DJ Lagway did not have the season he hoped for after missing much of the offseason with injuries and worked on his mechanics during padded practice; he stays confident he will improve his game for the Texas matchup on Saturday—Florida also may see receiver Dallas Wilson return. WRUF
- ➤ Florida freshman wide receiver Dallas Wilson will make his collegiate debut on Saturday against No. 9 Texas at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN and radio. He returned to practice after a left foot injury and coach Billy Napier said he is ready to boost the team’s passing game — a promising step for the Gators. WRUF
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
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