Daily
Gainesville
Thursday, October 30th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sarah Luther of Alachua County, a cattle rancher and attorney, won first place in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet competition at the Florida Farm Bureau’s 84th state Annual Meeting in Daytona Beach on Oct. 27. She will represent Florida nationally at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Anaheim—an event that will see her compete for the national title. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ Kayla Gillette-Patten, a 911 telecommunicator with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, was honored in Times Square during a ceremony hosted by Jon Stewart—she was one of 15 first responders recognized by the First Responders Children’s Foundation. This event celebrated the service and sacrifice of first responders from across the country. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ Matheson History Museum will host Stone Soup, a Laugh Local improv variety show on Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.—the event will feature live music, improv comedy, and a silent auction to support the historic Matheson House. Alachua Chronicle
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina opened a new location at Butler Plaza in Gainesville, taking over the space next to Jeremiah’s Italian Ice at 3236 SW 35th Blvd on October 29; it will serve customers Monday–Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday–Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Alachua Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Alumni and students recalled fond memories of the 64-year-old dorms as they remembered lasting friendships and fun times from Trusler and Simpson halls. The dorms—demolished in June—will be replaced by two new student housing buildings planned for Fall. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Alachua County officials hosted the first of two literacy meetings where leaders asked residents to share ideas on how to improve literacy for both students and adults. Community input will help shape upcoming initiatives that support local education. WCJB
- ➤ A federal judge in Gainesville heard arguments on Oct. 29 in the case of University of Florida law student Preston Damsky, who was expelled on Oct. 9 for antisemitic tweets and a white supremacist paper—his lawyer said the expulsion violated his free speech rights while UF maintained that his posts threatened campus safety and the judge will issue a narrow ruling in the coming weeks. WUFT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida Gators women’s soccer ended their postseason drought with a 4-1 loss to LSU that secured their spot in the SEC Tournament—now, the 11th seed will face No. 6 Kentucky at 3 p.m. this Sunday at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in Pensacola. WRUF
- ➤ The Gators offered a scholarship Tuesday to Jamal Lagway, the younger brother of quarterback DJ Lagway, adding a new chapter to Florida's family football legacy. The cornerback from Willis High School in Texas, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 150 pounds, already received offers from Texas A&M & Sacramento State and New Mexico State. WRUF
- ➤ After three weeks unranked, Gators volleyball returned to the AVCA Top 25 poll at No. 25 after wins over Oklahoma and Arkansas—boosting their season after key home and road victories. The team will host SEC rival Georgia on Friday at 7 p.m. and face South Carolina on Sunday at 1 p.m. as they build momentum. WRUF
- ➤ Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman reportedly turned down Florida’s offer to replace Billy Napier, narrowing the list of elite candidates for the Gators head coach role. Interim coach Billy Gonzales will face No. 5 Georgia this weekend at 3:30 p.m.—a game that may impact Florida’s final decision. WRUF
- ➤ Florida softball will play South Florida on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium as the Gators test both returning players and new talent before the regular season—Coach Tim Walton leads one of the nation’s top-ranked teams following a strong finish last season. WRUF
- ➤ Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin fired Billy Napier Sunday after a win against Mississippi State, making Lane Kiffin the top candidate to lead the Florida Gators — his local ties and family connections boost his appeal as the program seeks a new start. WRUF
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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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Texas A&M Aggies at Florida Gators Women's Volleyball
7-8:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Free aviator sunglasses for the first 200 students — Celebrate Military & First Responders Appreciation Night with thrilling volleyball action.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life is a single-player game. You compete with your previous self.
~ Naval Ravikant
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