Daily
Gainesville
Friday, October 24th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County residents must now drop off large electronic waste such as televisions, computers, and printers at designated hazardous waste centers after GFL ended curbside pickup due to recent facility fires and environmental concerns—Catholic Charities is asking for food, gift card, and financial donations as rising costs and a federal shutdown leave more families in need. Volunteers will plant up to 150 new trees in Gainesville parks between October and March, with the next event scheduled for Nov. 1 at Fred Cone Park—helping to improve both public spaces and private yards. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Jerome Millman, a devoted Florida Gators fan who was legally blind from diabetic retinopathy, touched many lives in Gainesville through his deep love for sports and a caring spirit. His memory—marked by shared rides to games and community meals—reminds locals that one person's passion can unite a community. GatorSports
- ➤ The Child Advocacy Center CEO celebrated 20 years with the organization on Oct. 23 — marking two decades of dedicated service in child safety advocacy. Her milestone event highlighted ongoing commitment to the local community. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Svein Dyrkolbotn, owner of Viking Companies and developer of Celebration Pointe, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy as he faced multiple lawsuits alleging financial fraud and loan defaults. Court records show he owed between $100 million and $500 million to many creditors—his filing follows previous Chapter 11 action and ongoing litigation. The Gainesville Sun
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Gainesville is hosting Fest 23 today—a three-day festival with over 350 bands such as Propagandhi and Laura Jane Grace and The Mississippi Medicals. It draws more than 10,000 fans and is expected to boost local businesses with around $5 million in spending. The Gainesville Sun
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County Public Schools employees will receive a 4% raise for the 2025-2026 fiscal year after an agreement between the school district and the ACEA — the raise is retroactive to the start of the fiscal year. If employees ratify the deal on Oct. 29 and the school board approves it on Nov. 4, the raise and backpay will appear on November paychecks. The Gainesville Sun
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tropical Storm Melissa was less than 900 miles from Florida on Oct. 23 and is predicted to rapidly become a strong Category 4 hurricane later this week or early next week. Florida residents should watch weather reports—current models show a low chance of a direct hit even though forecasts remain uncertain. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Research shows many disposable vapes were thrown away without care in Gainesville and they may cause problems if crushed. Alachua County Hazardous Waste officials are taking steps—measures to reduce hidden risks in the waste system. WUFT
- ➤ Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane by Tuesday, Oct. 28 as its wind field expands—forecasters warn that while a direct hit on Gainesville is unlikely, residents should watch for rough seas and rip currents later next week. The Gainesville Sun
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville’s Alachua County Animal Resources shelter at 3400 Northeast 53rd Avenue is showcasing adoptable pets Junebug, Pooh Bear, and Wallace who need new homes—services run Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Interested residents can schedule a visit by phone or email. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville High School senior Brooke Zeller was selected on October 23 to play for the Avengers of the Women’s National Football Conference—she is the first from her school to make the league after developing her skills at WNFC camps. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ Lane Kiffin, the Ole Miss coach with a 50—19 record, is the top candidate for the Florida Gators job following Billy Napier's departure. Gainesville fans note that stronger recruiting funds and a larger donor base may help him lead the team to a national championship. WRUF
- ➤ Gators athletic director Scott Strickland fired coach Billy Napier on Sunday after fans chanted 'fire Billy' during a narrow win against Mississippi State — Florida now owes him a $21.2 million buyout from his 2021 contract— as part of this season's record $116 million in coaching buyouts from nine firings. This trend shows that college football programs continue to make rapid changes amid mounting pressure. WRUF
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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.
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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.
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Veterans in Business Fair
11 AM - 12 PM — Thomas Center — Free entry — Connect with procurement staff and fellow veteran-owned businesses while exploring available resources.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life is a game of leverage. The more leverage you create, the more luck you have.
~ Naval Ravikant
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