Daily
Gainesville
Saturday, October 25th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 25th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Tyler’s Hope kicked off its 20th Anniversary Hope Weekend on Friday and will run until Sunday. During the event, former Gator Patric Young, who was paralyzed in 2022 after an All-SEC career under Billy Donovan, will speak at the Celebration Sponsorship Dinner. WCJB
- ➤ Fest 23 is underway across Gainesville as the 71st annual Florida Gateway Fair sees mixed reactions over higher prices—while local riders enjoy rides and attractions. Other community updates include the Rotary club hosting the Wes Skiles Water Stewardship Awards, High Springs revising alcohol sales rules near churches, a new president for the Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, and UF hosting a journalism workshop for North Florida students. WCJB
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ After two years of work, Serendipity Vintage Soda & Sweets is set to open its doors today at 18581 Main St in High Springs, offering homemade sodas, ice cream, baked goods, coffee + a secret speakeasy in a 1895 building that houses a restored 1960s soda fountain. Founders Brad and John Millett planned every detail to blend history with modern standards. WCJB
- ➤ YouTube TV threatens to drop WCJB TV20 from its service beginning on Oct. 31 due to a dispute between Google and Disney which affects all ABC affiliates. WCJB remains available free with an antenna and on other streaming services. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Florida ranked No. 1 overall and earned top marks for meritocracy and student free speech in the City Journal College Ranking released Oct. 22. The study evaluated 100 colleges using 68 measures—Florida State and Miami also received rankings as UF earned a 72% overall score. The Gainesville Sun
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Melissa, which will rapidly intensify into a hurricane today and then a major hurricane tomorrow—forecasters expect it to remain well east of Florida. The Gainesville Sun
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Progressive will issue $1 billion in rebates to its 2.7 million active policyholders, with an average return of about $300, following state reforms that lowered litigation costs on auto insurance. Policyholders with active coverage on Dec 31 will receive a check or credit early in 2026—state officials expect other insurers to take similar steps. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ FDOT has announced road and lane closures in Alachua County for utility and road work from today through Oct 31. The closures affect roads such as Archer Road, Newberry Road, and U.S. 301 with work scheduled on weekdays during daytime hours or at night. Alachua Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health leaders and pastors will host the Prostate and Testicular Cancer Gathering on November 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Springhill Baptist Church in Gainesville. The event will include talks from UF Health experts, survivor testimonials, support sessions and free lunch — all to help families learn about cancer prevention and treatment. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bradford's football player Jordan Cason made the only interception on Friday night in Starke against Santa Fe and his play led to one of the three touchdowns that helped the Tornadoes win the district title. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Buchholz ended Class 6A-District 3 play with a 50-16 win over St. Johns Bartram Trail at Citizens Field on Thursday night to keep their unbeaten record—UF commit Justin Williams scored four touchdowns. The team will play Cardinal Newman next Friday in their final regular season game. WRUF
- ➤ Hawthorne head coach Cornelius Ingram reached his 100th career win Friday night with a 34-16 victory over Melbourne Central Catholic in Brevard County. He, a former Florida Gators player (with two national titles), led the Hornets to a 7-1 record as they prepared for the playoffs. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said he must hire a new head football coach after firing Billy Napier—he aims to find an elite candidate who can restore the team’s winning ways. He noted that a misstep with the next coach could impact his future at the university. WRUF
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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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Florida Gators vs. Florida State Men's Basketball
7-8:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Tickets start at $29 — Cheer on the Gators as they face off against their rivals in a thrilling basketball matchup.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Start with repetition, not perfection.
~ James Clear
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