Good morning, Gainesville.

Gainesville police officers gathered for the fourth annual Blessing of the Badges ceremony, where prayers and music honored their service and asked for protection on the job — program chair Alena Lawson Bennett said the event helped show the community that officers are human and devoted to serving God.

Local firefighter Josh Quijano received help from Lennox Industries and Comfort Temp Heating and Air through the Feel the Love Initiative today—boosting support for his family.

The first-ever Great Pumpkin Bash was held in Bo Diddley Plaza on Oct.

11 and attracted about 200 visitors who enjoyed carnival games and visited vendor booths for food, drinks and clothes. Cultural affairs manager Carol Velasques Richardson said her team planned the event over six months—spending nearly $7,000 to fill a gap in fall events—bringing families together for a unique local celebration.

Gainesville companies Comfort Temp Heating and Air and Lennox Industries partnered to help local firefighter Josh Quijano and his family by installing a new HVAC unit and performing maintenance under the Feel the Love Initiative.

The project was designed by company leaders as a thank-you to first responders.

The Fleuridian, a new bridal boutique in Gainesville, opened in late September and held an open house Thursday with sugar cookies, a scavenger hunt, and bouquet-making activities.

Co-owners Kate Magill and Sloane Henry left their law careers to create a cozy store that offers gowns in sizes 0 to 32 and alternative outfits for nontraditional brides—each appointment giving private focus.

Alachua County Library District ended its interlibrary loan service on Sept.

30 due to federal funding cuts—this change breaks a 50-year network that let residents borrow books from other libraries and now forces districts to seek new options to meet patron needs—libraries statewide face challenges in filling collection gaps.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a three-week hunt for black bears from Dec.

6 to Dec. 28—the first since 2015. The hunt uses a permit lottery that limits each hunter to one bear and raises funds for conservation, though some local conservationists worry about a lack of oversight.

UF students are using the Tea app to anonymously share red flags and green flags about men after one student experienced harassment in Gainesville.

The platform has faced criticism over privacy concerns after hackers stole user images — and critics say its reliance on anonymous posts could lead to false accusations.

Florida Gators volleyball beat Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon - the team won in four sets 25-19, 16-25, 25-17, and 25-18 to move to a 9-6 overall record and 4-2 in SEC play while Vanderbilt dropped to 5-10 in conference games.

Florida football will host Mississippi State in a homecoming game on Saturday, Oct.

18 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium—ticket prices start at $73 and range from $93 to $276 in the lower bowl—fans can purchase tickets online.

Florida lost to Texas A&M 34-17 after scoring only 3 points past the first quarter and turning the ball over twice, which allowed the opponents to take control.

Coach Billy Napier said he will fix the issues as the Gators, now 2-4, prepare to face Mississippi State next week.

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.

Flatwoods 5k Run

12:00 – 2:30 PM — 10625 NE Waldo Rd — Check website for registration fee — Experience the thrill of a local 5k amidst Gainesville's scenic trails.

Jammy Buffet

7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — $ — Set sail on a musical adventure with Jammy Buffet's tribute to Jimmy Buffett's coastal storytelling.

Florida: A History in Pictures

7-8 p.m. — Matheson History Museum — Free entry — Discover the visual history of Florida through engaging highlights from a popular Facebook group.

Tom Petty Weekend

2-7 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Free entry for students & kids 18 & under — Celebrate the musical legacy of Gainesville's own Tom Petty with a weekend of outdoor and indoor performances.