Good morning, Gainesville.

More than 80 million people will travel this Thanksgiving, representing 1.6 million more travelers than last year.

Nearly 90% will drive — increasing congestion on I-75 — and Orlando ranks as one of the top destinations.

The Grove Street Festival will mark its 27th anniversary starting on November 29 at IGNITE LIFE CENTER (404 NW 14th Avenue) with live performances and a proclamation by Mayor Harvey L.

Ward, Jr. It will conclude on December 14 with a Jack Kerouac reading at Dreamers Garden (920 NW 4th Street) dedicated to honoring community contributors like Dr. William Thomas Hawkins, Sr.

Travelers at Gainesville Regional Airport report smooth holiday travel despite national warnings of long lines caused by a government shutdown and high travel season—local residents said the airport stays less crowded than larger hubs.

On Nov. 16 at 2:09 p.m., fire crews from High Springs, Newberry, Alachua County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service responded near Northwest 94th Avenue in western Alachua County to contain a fast-moving brush fire that threatened homes, vehicles and property—firefighters protected 14 exposures over 3.7 acres with no injuries reported as officials said an escaped pile burn sparked the blaze.

Local retailers in Gainesville and Alachua County offer holiday gifts ranging from vinyl records at Hear Again Records to books and antiques at The Lynx—many stores feature seasonal deals and unique finds.

Shoppers can choose from handmade items, vintage treasures, and sporting goods available during the holiday season.

FDOT announced road and lane closures in Alachua County scheduled for Nov 29-Dec 5 for routine maintenance and road work—closures affect County Road 2074 at I-75, two segments of Northwest 39th Avenue on State Road 222, State Road 26, and Waldo Road at University Avenue.

Five Gainesville parks now benefit from upgraded LED sports lighting installed by the city department after nearly two years of planning driven by community requests.

The $2,579,550 project was funded by a voter-approved half-cent sales tax — Tom Petty Park is still under construction with new pickleball courts and other amenities expected to finish in spring.

UF stopped offering its eating disorder support group in August due to low student demand and a lack of specialized staff—leaving students with fewer support options.

UF student Liel Shachr formed the Women's Mental Health Alliance in September and held the first support meeting in early November.

Florida's Gators will play Florida State on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. as seniors seek a win to salvage their season and settle a bitter rivalry—players say the team will not let a repeat of last season's turf-stealing brawl occur.

Residents can vote in the polls to select the Gainesville area's best high school soccer players for the upcoming 2025 season, with 16 nominees for boys and 14 for girls—votes remain open until Monday at 11:59 p.m. They may vote as many times as they like.

Florida gymnastics signee Dulcy Caylor announced Tuesday that she will defer her UF enrollment to focus on earning a spot on Team USA for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles — she signed her National Letter of Intent on Nov.

12 and will join the Gators for the 2029 season.

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.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Florida Gators Women's Basketball

2:45 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Tickets available — Cheer on the Gators as they face off against Tulsa in women's basketball action.