Good morning, Gainesville.

Local organizations held the annual memorial ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery yesterday to honor individuals who died without proper services — the event read aloud the names of those unclaimed so the community would not forget them.

Viking Companies owner Svein Dyrkolbotn filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection for the Celebration Pointe development amid lawsuits from investors and banks — his filing automatically stayed collections and other actions as the case moved forward.

Creditors' legal actions, including a suit by Patricia Shively, added pressure on the development — the case is now proceeding in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Santa Fe College is hosting the Young Dancer Workshop today at 8 p.m. at Jackson Sasser Fine Arts Hall on the SF Northwest Campus.

The event features a demonstration by Urban Bush Women BOLD + a Collab Lab performance by the Dance Theatre of Santa Fe College and the University of Florida dance program.

Santa Fe College's Teaching Zoo announced a plan to build an elevated treehouse that will let visitors view animal habitats from above, with construction set to begin in summer 2026.

Funded by a Rotary Club Foundation grant, the project is the first phase of a 15-year master plan aimed at sparking children's curiosity about wildlife.

A vote will be held next week to ratify the new contract for members of the Alachua County Education Association—its terms aim to update working conditions.

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to become a hurricane today, though its track remains uncertain and Florida residents should monitor updates since any impacts—like heavy rain or rough seas—are likely next week.

Gainesville city officials teamed up with volunteers to plant up to 150 trees in parks and greenspaces as cooler temperatures help new trees grow—experts say this is a smart 100- to 200-year investment.

The program started at Evergreen Cemetery and will continue with a tree planting event on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Fred Cone Park.

The Gainesville City Commission voted on Sept.

11 to begin legalizing skateboarding in public parks by drafting an ordinance to repeal the 1981 ban — Mayor Harvey Ward said city staff will present the draft this fall for further discussion. Local skaters and business leaders welcomed the move, noting the change could provide safer skating options.

Florida Gators soccer will face LSU at 3 p.m. Sunday and need a win or draw to clinch a postseason berth and end a four-year drought—if they lose and Auburn and Texas A&M win, tie-breakers could keep Florida out of the tournament.

Longtime UF baseball coach Kevin O’Sullivan takes a leave of absence for personal matters—assistant head coach Chuck Jeroloman will lead the team in his absence.

Ten Gainesville-area high school volleyball teams qualified for the state postseason tournament as quarterfinal games began on October 21 and continued on October 22—top seeds from Santa Fe, Gainesville High and Buchholz are set to compete with state semifinals and finals scheduled from November 3—8 in Winter Haven.

Gator alum Will Richard made his NBA debut for the Warriors last night, scoring 5 points on perfect shooting in 14 minutes and earning the game ball as his team defeated the Lakers 119-109—veteran Al Horford added 5 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart praised former Florida coach Billy Napier — described as very organized — while outlining planned changes for his team ahead of the rivalry game on November 1 in Jacksonville.

The game will air at 3:30 p.m. on ABC — a key broadcast — and Smart said the adjustments could give his team a needed boost.

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.