Good morning, Gainesville.

Local shelters in Alachua County are offering adorable pets—Dot, Hooch, and Coal—for adoption as they await new homes from residents looking for a companion.

Gainesville fans are celebrating Taylor Swift’s new album with a full weekend of events.

The Taylor Swift Society has partnered with local businesses and UF athletics—offering listening parties, a movie premiere, and a Gators volleyball game where fans can enjoy music and giveaways.

UF College of Journalism launched a new photo series called Snap Chat to show student work & highlight UF student Matthew Lewis's photography.

His photo of player number 3, Orian Ellis, marks the start of an Eastside Rams high school football game & captures a surprising moment.

UF graduate student Nazneen Qureshi and professor Muhummad Adnan Shahid will be stationed in Quincy for a two-year study to test if increasing photoperiod can help citrus survive temperatures below 28°F—this project aims to help growers recover from recent freeze events that damaged crops.

The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office is hosting a voter registration and vote-by-mail ballot drive at the Village at Gainesville Senior Living Community today from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.—residents and staff can update their voter information and request mail ballots.

An Alachua County judge denied the GRU Authority's motion to block the special election on Nov.

4—GRUA argued the vote violates HB 1645 and disenfranchises non-city ratepayers. GRU CEO Ed Bielarski said the utility will continue seeking legal options to maintain the board's authority.

Dr. Paul Offit, a top vaccine expert from the University of Pennsylvania, spoke by Zoom at a UF College of Medicine Town Hall on Oct.

1 to explain how vaccines are made and to stress their importance amid debates over repealing state vaccine mandates—UF Health’s Dr. Frederick Southwick organized the event for UF students.

On September 30, the Gainesville Links celebrated their 30th Anniversary Walk for Healthy Living by coming together to learn about heart health and build strong community ties—marking a key milestone in the national wellness program.

The event highlighted efforts to educate and empower community members while promoting healthier lifestyles.

Alachua County is converting the old Budget and Scottish inns on Southwest 13th Street into affordable housing.

Workers began renovations on Oct. 2 and are reconfiguring the units with kitchens and other improvements—expected to be ready early next year.

Florida enters its game against No. 9 Texas on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. with a three-game losing streak as it welcomes the Longhorns back to The Swamp for the first time since 1940.

Coach Billy Napier urged fans to arrive early so their support can disrupt opposing teams’ communication and spark a fast start.

Florida basketball held open practices on Sept.

30 and Oct. 2 as first-year assistant coach Dave Klatsky led the defense and true freshman CJ Ingram prepared to join the rotation; Arkansas transfer Boogie Fland recovered from offseason surgery and veteran Alex Condon improved his shooting. The team remained 100% healthy (boosting readiness) while no player restrictions were in place (ensuring full participation) ahead of the 2025 to 2026 season.

Bingo for Carson Springs Animals

6-8 p.m. — Swamp Head Brewery — Ticket proceeds benefit local animal nonprofit — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of bingo for a good cause.

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.

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.

Vanderbilt Commodores at Florida Gators Women's Volleyball

1-2:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Free entry for youth — Enjoy an SEC volleyball showdown featuring giveaways for kids.

The Runarounds Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets start at $245 — Enjoy an unforgettable performance by The Runarounds in Gainesville.

Schooling Ride Nights with the Walk Trot Canter Association

8 AM – 5 PM — Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a relaxed evening of horse riding, learning, and fun for all skill levels.

FEST 23 featuring Dillinger Four, Iron Chic, and Dead to Me

12:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. — Bo Diddley Plaza — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate live punk music over a vibrant three-day festival in Gainesville.

Cancer Chomp 2025

8-11 a.m. — UF Genetics Institute — Free entry — Celebrate cancer research with a 5K run and family activities at this annual community event.

2025 Rock Paper Scissors Tournament

5:30-8 p.m. — First Magnitude Brewing Company — $65 for a team of 3 — Compete in a fun-filled evening of Rock, Paper, Scissors and enjoy food, drinks, and prizes.

Boo at the Zoo

3-7 p.m. — Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo — Trick-or-treating fun — Enjoy a safe Halloween celebration for the whole family at the zoo.