Daily
Gainesville
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville marked University of Florida homecoming on Friday with a parade along University Avenue that featured student organizations and TV20’s first participation—crowds also enjoyed Gator Growl at 7 p.m. The celebrations continue today as the Florida Gators are set to host Mississippi State on the Swamp. WCJB
- ➤ Showers of Blessing Harvest Center held its monthly Senior Day on Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.—seniors played bingo, did stretching exercises and learned to avoid scams through talks by Pastor King and guest speakers, with future sessions planned to cover computer literacy, estate planning and living wills while funds are raised to upgrade the computer lab. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ The Children’s Trust of Alachua County and the Gainesville Circus Center will host Lights On Afterschool on October 23 at the Gainesville Circus Center starting at 4:00 p.m.—the free event will offer circus performances, hands-on activities, and free food to highlight safe, engaging afterschool programs for children. Alachua County Today
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Biotechnology startup Quornix from Bloomington won the $60,000 grand prize on Oct. 14 at the Cade Museum in downtown Gainesville—its new treatment for bacterial diseases earned the all-female team free legal counsel, marketing support, and product development consulting. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County will stop curbside pickup of large e-waste starting Monday, Oct. 20 due to recent fires and environmental concerns—residents must now drop off items like televisions, light fixtures, tower computers, large printers and those with lithium batteries at designated facilities. Mainstreet Daily News
- ➤ Gainesville mayor Harvey Ward and São José de Rio Preto mayor Fábio Cândido signed a sister city contract on Oct. 1 to start a program that will boost economic and cultural ties. Delegates have begun planning student study abroad and technology startup exchanges — steps that will expand cooperation between the two cities. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ City employees began work late Thursday to install barricades, signs, and message boards along 27 streets in preparation for UF Homecoming events that bring tens of thousands of Gator fans to Gainesville. Today, police, fire rescue, and public works teams are managing traffic — securing parade routes and providing shuttle service to ensure safety during Game Day. Alachua County Today
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Nearly 1,000 Gainesville residents gathered at Trinity United Methodist Church on October 14 for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, carrying colorful flowers to honor those affected by the disease. The event raised over $113,000 for care, support and research (focusing on early diagnosis and treatment advances). Alachua County Today
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida football redshirt freshman edge rusher Charles Emanuel III earned the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation Walk-On Scholarship during a team meeting and celebrated with his teammates. The $10,000 award will ease financial challenges as it is renewable for up to three years if he stays eligible—he qualified by receiving $5,000 or less in athletic aid. WRUF
- ➤ Mississippi State will visit The Swamp today after a tough loss last week, with coach Jeff Lebby leading a team that started the season strong but has struggled in conference play. Kickoff is set for 4:15 p.m. and the game will air live on 98.1-FM/850 AM WRUF. WRUF
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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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Aura Photography Family Days
12-8 p.m. — Florida Aura Research & Photography LLC — Pricing not specified — Explore vibrant aura photography with family in a colorful environment.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The longer you wait to do something, the more likely you are to find a reason not to do it.
~ James Clear
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