Good morning, Gainesville.

On Saturday, November 29, The AUK Market will host a free family-friendly event featuring over 50 local vendors and makers at Curia on the Drag—from noon to 5 p.m. The event celebrates Gainesville’s small businesses by offering handmade goods, art, and food truck treats.

The High Springs Mobile Pantry is hosting a free food giveaway today at the Farmers Market Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—offering fresh produce, dry goods, cold items and other essentials while supplies last.

Deep Sea Ministry in Gainesville serves more than 110 hot meals today at its annual Gathering of Hope Feast, feeding homeless and needy individuals at 209 NE 16th Ave. The ministry, led by Prophet George F.

Young Jr. and his wife Tracey Young, holds monthly soul food sales to fund its work and continues a tradition started by the free Thanksgiving dinners of historic Mom’s Kitchen—its founders once feeding those in need.

The Gainesville Fine Arts Association will host MADE: an Art Market on Small Business Saturday, November 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the GFAA Gallery where 27 regional artists will display work including ceramics, paintings, jewelry, handmade books, photography and comics with food from Germain’s Food Truck and Soul Spice Food Truck—a new Hammer Collection booth will also raise funds while live music is set for noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Baker and Bradford counties have imposed burn bans while Alachua and Gilchrist counties have extended restrictions due to dry conditions—steps taken to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Local shoppers in Gainesville will soon have a chance to save with Black Friday deals on meal kits, health plans and grocery delivery services — these offers include free meals, discounted subscriptions and reduced shipping costs — to ease holiday expenses.

Customers can choose from leading brands that help simplify dinner planning during the busy season.

Last Friday, Hawthorne beat Williston 30–8 in the FHSAA Rual-Region 4 final using a strong ground attack and tight defense.

The Hornets, who have not lost at home since 2019, will host Chiefland at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the state semifinal after posting 302 total yards and 142 rushing yards.

Florida's frontcourt has set a historic pace this season as two players recorded a double-double in four straight games—an achievement not seen since 1990.

Juniors Rueben Chinyelu and Alex Condon led the team in a win over Merrimack, helping the Gators top the NCAA in rebounds.

Florida football RB Jadan Baugh is 96 yards from a 1,000-yard season and will try to reach that milestone against FSU on November 29 at The Swamp — he has gained 904 yards this season while stepping in after a teammate's injury.

Lane Kiffin is in talks with LSU and Florida while Ole Miss works to keep him, and if he chooses LSU, Florida will consider hiring Brent Key — a longtime Central Florida coach — or Jeff Brohm to lead the Gators.

Former Florida players Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard met on Monday, November 24 on the NBA court — with Clayton playing 17 minutes for the Jazz and Richard spending 29 minutes for the Warriors — and swapped signed jerseys after a game that ended 134-117 in favor of Golden State. This swap followed a matchup where each contributed key stats during their teams' contest.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gainesville's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9:00 p.m. — Silver Q Billiards & Sports Bar — Tickets required — Dress in your ugliest holiday sweater for a night of festive fun with games, contests, and prizes.

Florida Gators vs. St. Francis (PA) Red Flash

7 PM — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting NCAA basketball matchup featuring the Gators and the Red Flash.

Dance Alive National Ballet - The Nutcracker

7:30-9 p.m. — Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with live music by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

Jingle Bell Jog 5k and Holiday Social

1-5 p.m. — Haile Plantation — Free entry — Celebrate the season with a family-friendly 5k jog followed by festive food and games.