Good morning, Gainesville.

Nominations are open for the Fierce Awards of Greater Gainesville, a signature event that honors women who drive change in our community with submissions accepted until November 30.

The awards will be held on April 16 at Granville Plantation+ the Title Sponsor is Charles Perry Partners, Inc.

Hitchcock’s Markets, a staple for North Central Florida shoppers, is closing all its locations this month and the Keystone Heights store is hosting a 30% off sale while employees face uncertainty about retaining their jobs—owners have not given a reason for the shutdown.

The University of Florida will host homecoming events beginning Oct 17 — a free festival from 9 a.m. to noon at Plaza of the Americas, a Gator Gallop run with check-in at 9:30 a.m. and a 10:30 a.m. start, a parade starting at noon on Southwest 13th Street that turns at University Avenue and ends at Main Street, and a pep rally at 7 p.m. at the O’Connell Center — with a football game scheduled for Oct 18 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

UF unveiled the new HiPerGator4 supercomputer at its East Campus Data Center in Gainesville on Oct.

14, and it is now the most powerful AI computer at any university. Campus leaders and guests toured the system as UF committed to supporting advanced AI research and helping state universities enhance their AI curriculum.

Nearly 1,000 Gainesville residents joined the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 11 at Trinity United Methodist Church, raising over $113,000 to support care, research and awareness for the progressive brain disease (which affects more than 12% of Floridians age 65 and older).

Local walkers stressed the need for early diagnosis as new FDA-approved treatments give hope for slowing the disease.

Florida basketball coach Todd Golden recalled shaking Auburn coach Bruce Pearl on Oct 15 and noted his support for new head coach Steven Pearl during SEC Tipoff.

He also discussed team changes with transfers Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland and guard Denzel Aberdeen’s move to Kentucky — saying these steps will help the Gators compete in upcoming games.

At SEC Media Day on October 15, Auburn coach Steven Pearl—new head coach following his father’s retirement—credited Florida basketball coach Todd Golden for introducing advanced analytics at Auburn and shaping his coaching style.

The Gators upset No. 16 Tennessee in a five-set match in Knoxville, earning their fourth win over a ranked opponent and third straight SEC win (Alexis Stucky had 52 assists and 11 digs, while Jordyn Byrd led with 23 kills).

They will face No. 3 Kentucky on Sunday at 3 p.m.

The Gators are adding new players for fall practice at Condron Family Ballpark as they prepare for open preseason drills.

Ricky Reeth, Blake Cyr, and Brendan Lawson join the team from transfers and the draft, and the first fall game is set for Halloween night at 6:30 p.m.—the team aims to boost its path to the College World Series.

Florida Gators football players showed visible frustration during their 34-17 loss to Texas A&M—when defensive back Sharif Denson threw water at taunting fans—and dropped to a 2-4 record; the team remains united despite quarterback DJ Lagway's injuries and will prepare for their homecoming game against Mississippi State on Oct. 18 at 4:15 p.m. on SEC Network.

Eight FBS football coaches were fired by mid-October while Florida's Billy Napier remains as head coach with a 2-4 record—leaving local fans to wonder how much longer he will lead the team.

College football programs across the nation face rapid changes as coaching turnover continues this season.

The Florida Gators honored four senior soccer players after a win over then No. 12 Mississippi State last Friday as the team celebrated their impact on and off the field.

All four earned spots on the SEC Academic Honor Roll—two are set to become double Gator grads and they have a combined 177 match appearances.

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.