Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 6th of November.
Good morning, Gainesville.
Amanda Guevara runs an inclusive soccer program called Limitless Legends at the Legacy Multipurpose Center where every child can play regardless of ability.
The program meets once a month on Sunday and relies on volunteers to help players with ball control—ensuring every child experiences the fun and teamwork of the game.
Alachua County will host a free Veterans Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park in Gainesville on Nov.
11 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will feature live music, a formal program at 11 a.m., family activities, aircraft displays, a skydiving performance, and the dedication of a new Veterans Memorial flagpole — with guest speakers honoring local veterans.
Santa Fe College will host its first-ever first-generation leadership conference on November 7 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at its northwest campus—funded by a $5,000 grant from Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association—to help students improve professional skills through resume workshops, headshot sessions, and a student-led fashion show; students must sign up in advance to join the free event.
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo received a $300,000 grant from the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation to build a new treehouse and learning center.
The facility will open in summer and is a first step in Zoo Director Jonathan Miot’s plan—to create a treetop trail across the zoo.
Santa Fe College outlined plans to build an automotive technology training center at its Blount Center to help boost workforce education using interactive classrooms and specialty teaching bays for up to 60 students per semester.
The 16 million dollars facility will be built on the former Mauldin’s Auto Glass site with a groundbreaking planned for early 2026 and an opening set for Fall 2027—sidewalks and a lab on NW 5th Street will also enhance access.
City leaders broke ground on a new duplex Nov.
5 that will give affordable housing to two low-income families—this project is part of a four-year deal aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities.
Gainesville Police Department and Meridian Healthcare run a co-respondents program that sends a law enforcement officer + mental health clinician team to help people in crisis by offering diagnosis, medication adjustment, or stabilization to avoid jail time or involuntary commitment. One participant received support from the Gainesville Opportunity Center, and the program continues to follow up with families for ongoing care.
Alachua County will host the 2027 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships at the Sports and Events Center and West End Park, following the 2025 event that drew 3,700 athletes from 98 nations—county officials say the championship will boost tourism and economic growth.
Florida is searching for a new head coach after firing Billy Napier—Lane Kiffin, the Ole Miss coach with strong Florida ties, is a top candidate with a 45% chance according to prediction markets.
The Gators have shown historic financial commitment to the program, and the decision will depend on ongoing contract talks with Kiffin and competing SEC offers.
Florida’s Gators swimming and diving teams earned four SEC weekly honors after sweeping Georgia at the O’Connell Center—men won 191 to 154 and women won 194 to 145 on Halloween.
Senior Josh Liendo and Anita Bottazzo received top honors while freshman Ahmed Jaouadi and diver Maria Garcia were recognized, and the team will face the Bulldogs at the Georgia Invitational on Nov. 19.
Former Florida football coach Urban Meyer joined Sportscene with Steve Russell on Tuesday to say recruiting in college football is easier now because more people are involved in decisions than when he coached.
He explained that recruiting now means offering a player a price and raised concerns about betting (noting a shift from his earlier, simpler methods), and he praised the SEC for its unique depth despite recent Big Ten championships.
Florida’s Gators tennis teams begin ITA Sectionals today— the men’s team travels to Athens and the women’s team heads to Baton Rouge.
Henry Jefferson is the only Gator in men’s singles while five women compete in both singles and doubles, with one doubles pair featuring Nong and Daubnerova and another featuring Gynina and Paskauskas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chef Dinner & Wine Pairing – Wines of the Old World
6-9 p.m. — The Fat Tuscan — $100 per person — Experience a gourmet dinner with expertly paired Old World wines in an interactive cooking class.
Bundle of Joy Diaper Distribution Program
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Clarence R. Kelly Community Center — Free entry — Distributing essential diapers to families in need for a heartwarming day of giving.
Jeff Dunham Live in Gainesville
7-8:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Tickets starting at $91 — Experience an evening of laughter with the renowned ventriloquist Jeff Dunham.
Adventure Club Meet and Greet
6-8 p.m. — BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxing evening meeting new friends and learning about the Adventure Club of Gainesville.
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