Good morning, Gainesville.

Chabad UF will host Surviving Gaza’s Terror Tunnels on Monday, October 27 where survivors Sapir Cohen and Sasha Troufanov share their story of survival from Hamas’ terror tunnels—both are now engaged.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at UF Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and is free with RSVP required.

The Brotherhood Ride is a ten-day bike ride across Florida that honors the state's fallen first responders and will include a stop in Gainesville + local organizers say the event will foster unity + further schedule details are expected soon.

Celebration Pointe developer Svein Dyrkolbotn filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last week—his companies face over nine lawsuits and claims of fraud and loan defaults.

The filing follows previous bankruptcies by Celebration Pointe companies and comes as Alachua County takes control of the nearby sports and event center.

On Oct.20, local school board members and education leaders met at Santa Fe College to ask the state for a law change on student absences, extra money for a full-day VPK program and new safety measures, and a standard process for enrollment ahead of the Jan.13 legislative session.

Officials asked to amend the law so schools can act after 10 absences in a school year rather than after 10 in 90 days—efforts seen as key to boosting student attendance and literacy.

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins will speak at the University of Florida's Reitz Union Senate Chamber on Wednesday at 8 p.m.—the event is hosted by Turning Point USA and all students are welcome to attend.

Researchers at UF Health and the University of Texas found that advanced cancer patients who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine near the start of immunotherapy lived longer, with lung cancer patients’ median survival increasing from 20.6 months to 37.3 months and melanoma patients also showing improved outcomes. They plan a large clinical trial with the OneFlorida+ Clinical Research Network to confirm if the vaccine can boost the immune system and help develop a universal cancer vaccine.

Mariana Arango, a 23-year-old UF graduate, was diagnosed with stage 2B triple-negative breast cancer that forced her to pause her master’s studies and begin treatment.

She urges women to perform monthly self-exams (an early detection method) as doctors note a rise in breast cancer cases among young women.

Former coach Steve Spurrier said he firmly thinks Lane Kiffin is a very good coach and that Florida will hire a proven coach with SEC or major conference winning experience.

He added that either Kiffin or Eli Drinkwitz are top choices as fans expect the new hire to boost strong offense and quarterback play.

Nine former Florida Gators are playing in the NBA this season with three new players from last year's title team and others showing growth in preseason games — local fans are watching closely.

Tuesday’s matchups featured players like Walter Clayton Jr. and Al Horford who are making quick adjustments on the court — their play may shape competitive teams this season.

Florida goalkeeper Paloma Peña was named TopDrawerSoccer National Player of the Week after recording 11 saves in a 0-0 tie with No.4 Tennessee and aiding a seven-game win streak—she will play LSU in Baton Rouge on Sunday at 3 p.m.

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.

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.

Tom Walker Half Marathon & 5k

8:00 – 11:30 AM — First Magnitude Brewing Company — Entry fees apply — Experience the scenic Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail at this popular running event.