Daily
Gainesville
Friday, November 14th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 14th of November.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The City of Alachua is hosting a free community performance of The Nutcracker by Dance Alive National Ballet at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center on November 22—showing at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The event is open to all residents as a holiday celebration. Alachua County Today
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County School Board vice chair Tina Certain defended her controversial Facebook post about conservative activist Charlie Kirk before state education board members — her remarks came as the district faced criticism for what the education commissioner described as a toxic culture. WCJB
- ➤ A nonprofit linked with Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church ran a four-week civics program for local youth that taught voting history and civic participation with sessions led by local officials including Mayor Harvey Ward and State Rep Yvonne Hinson. The program, which ended on November 10 and provided a $400 stipend to each of the 11 participants, was funded by a $5,000 grant from Cox Charities—highlighting local efforts to boost civic knowledge. The Gainesville Sun
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida farmers have suffered huge crop losses and financial setbacks from hurricanes, with over $975 million lost last year—University of Florida farm manager Noah Long said storms left his fields damaged like a herd of bulls had run through them. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ The Leonid meteor shower will peak on November 16 and 17 with the best views between midnight and dawn. Gainesville stargazers can expect to see three to 15 bright meteors per hour (the waning crescent moon at 9% full will not interfere), offering a clear display as Earth passes debris from comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward will present a Key to the City to local wildlife artist Jim Wilson during the 44th Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 12:30 p.m. at Bo Diddley Plaza—Wilson is one of 200 artists exhibiting at the festival, which is free and open to the public. City of Gainesville
- ➤ Alachua County Public Works Department closed SW 24th Avenue between SW 91st Street and SW 87th Way due to a minor sinkhole opening — drivers are directed to detour via SW 87th Way to SW 91st Street. Residents in the Shannon Woods subdivision exiting on SW 88th Street may only travel east and should follow detour signs while expecting delays. Alachua County Today
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Food4Kids Backpack Program in Gainesville saw a more than 12% surge in meal bag requests due to SNAP delays and rising grocery prices ahead of Thanksgiving break. The nonprofit serves nearly 14,000 children across four counties and relies on community donations—using bulk purchases to stretch funds—while preparing Thanksgiving Break Boxes to meet the increased demand. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Gators signed their first recruit from the 2026 class, three-star recruit Jones Lay, on Wednesday during National Signing Day, and his ranking jumped from No. 142 to No. 99, adding needed depth to the frontcourt. The team will lose senior center Micah Handlogten + other key players to the NBA Draft. WRUF
- ➤ Gainesville High School boys basketball is building on last season’s playoff run after graduating three key seniors and adding transfer Antonio Hall—senior leaders say a faster pace and improved teamwork will prepare the Hurricanes for their season opener on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. against Jacksonville North Florida Educational Institute. WRUF
- ➤ On Thursday night, the Buchholz Bobcats beat Oviedo 49—41 at Citizens Field with Gator commit Justin Williams scoring three touchdowns, and they will host the winner of Nease and Oakleaf next Friday. Meanwhile, Dunnellon defeated Pensacola 34—14 at Ned Love Field and will host fifth seeded Andrew Jackson next Thursday while Tony Tanner reached a 1,000-yard rushing milestone and led their tackles. WCJB
- ➤ Florida’s women’s basketball team is set to take on the 1-1 Samford Bulldogs at the O’Connell Center tonight at 7 p.m.—riding a three-game win streak after a 100-55 win over Jacksonville and led by sophomore guard Liv McGill who earned national honors—and will try to achieve a 4-0 start for the sixth time in history. WRUF
- ➤ Florida Gators gymnastics signed the nation’s No. 3 recruiting class for 2027 on November 12 — the four five-star recruits include Dulcy Caylor, Kieryn Finnell, Jayla Hang and Simone Rose. Three of the signees are current members of the U.S. Senior National Team and the team aims to rebuild after a tough 2025 season. GatorSports
- ➤ Gainesville Raceway is hosting the 21st annual Fall Brawl starting Nov. 13 — teams race in five categories Friday through Sunday at North County Road 225. Daily prize money will be awarded, including a grand prize of $50,000 on Saturday. WRUF
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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.
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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.
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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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Tennessee Vols vs. Florida Gators Football
7:00 PM — Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — Check your local listings — A thrilling college football matchup between two rival teams.
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Thanksgiving Buffet at Covey Kitchen + Cocktails
Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet — 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. — Covey Kitchen + Cocktails — $30 and under — Celebrate with a blend of seasonal favorites in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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Postmodern Jukebox Performance
7-9 p.m. — Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a holiday-themed swing concert reimagining today’s hits.
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Thornebrook Holiday Market
5-8 p.m. — Shoppes at Thornebrook — Free entry — Experience a winter wonderland with local vendors, food trucks, and festive tree lighting.
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Newberry's Tree Lighting Ceremony
6-8 p.m. — City of Newberry — Free entry — Celebrate the season with Santa photos, hot cocoa, and fun kids activities.
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Florida Gators Women's Basketball vs. South Alabama
2-4:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Check website for ticket info — Cheer on the Gators as they face off against South Alabama in a thrilling basketball matchup.
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Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Hippodrome Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Christmas through beautiful string renditions of your favorite holiday carols in a candlelit setting.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The light bulb was not invented by continuous improvement of the candle.
~ Oren Harari
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