Daily
Gainesville
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ City officials announced that Marion J. Caffey and Emmanuel Garilus have been named co-grand marshals for the 2025 A Very GNV Holiday Parade. The parade will run on Dec. 6 from West University Avenue and Sixth Street to the Alachua County Public Schools Administration Building — featuring floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and local organizations. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ The Alachua Chamber of Commerce announced that applications for the 2025 SportsFest Community Funds are open for local non-profit groups helping youth from Oct. 1 through November 14 — the program will award over $20,000 to support these initiatives. Applicants should submit proposals online before 5 p.m. on November 14. Alachua County Today
- ➤ On October 4th, 2025, Skinner Park hosted the debut of Market on Main—a weekly event featuring local artisans and small businesses that revived downtown weekend activity. The market will run Saturday mornings until March and then switch to Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. through September, with plans underway to eventually move it to Main Street. Alachua County Today
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UF unveiled today its fourth generation HiPerGator AI supercomputer — powered by Nvidia and recognized as the fastest university AI computer in the country, it is expected to boost research and innovation. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Interim superintendent Kamela Patton said she will extend her contract through June 2027 while the board works on its plan to find a permanent leader—voting on the RFP process on Nov. 4. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Gainesville staff have started installing barricades, signage, and message boards along 27 streets ahead of UF Homecoming events—police, fire rescue, and transit are set to support safety and traffic. After the celebrations, Public Works will clear debris and reopen streets as fans prepare for game day. City of Gainesville
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville pediatricians are warning that Florida’s plan to end mandates for many childhood vaccines may lower herd immunity and lead to outbreaks that harm vulnerable children — such as those with weak immune systems. The state change will remove requirements for vaccines like hepatitis B and chickenpox in 90 days — and local officials say that schools must follow the new guidelines. WUFT
- ➤ Community Hospice and Palliative Care is hosting Hope for the Holidays free workshops to guide those coping with grief during the holiday season. Sessions will be held in Gainesville on November 14 at 1 to 2 p.m. and December 9 at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. as well as virtually on November 17 and December 22 at 5 to 6 p.m.—advance registration is requested by calling 904.407.7001 or 800.274.6614 ext. 7001. Alachua Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Gators, with a 2—4 record, will host Mississippi State Bulldogs, who hold a 4—2 record and have lost two straight SEC games, in their annual homecoming game at the Swamp. The game starts at 4:15 p.m. ET Saturday and will be televised on the SEC Network. WCJB
- ➤ Florida coach Todd Golden spoke at SEC Media Day in Birmingham on October 14 about the tough road ahead as the Gators defend their national championship with key front court players and promising freshmen. The team will open against No. 13 Arizona on Nov. 13 in Las Vegas — Golden said rising roles for CJ Ingram and Alex Lloyd could be crucial for back-to-back titles. WRUF
- ➤ Oak Hall senior Aaron Akins was named TV20 Meldon Law Scholar Athlete of the Week for excelling in both football and baseball — he serves as a starter and captain on both teams. WCJB
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The Runarounds Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets start at $245 — Enjoy an unforgettable performance by The Runarounds in Gainesville.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different.
~ James Clear
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