Good morning, Gainesville.

Alachua County Fire Rescue rescued a dog that fell 40 feet into a sinkhole last night — its owners later took the animal to a veterinary hospital for treatment.

Local Gainesville businesses are offering holiday sales and urging residents to shop locally to boost the community—Govind and Sons is running a 20% off sale while Life Unplastic will offer 15% off the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Despite economic concerns and rising costs, shops have kept prices steady by sourcing materials directly—hoping to draw careful holiday spending.

Bailee Perdue was crowned Miss University of Florida 2025 in March as a UF broadcast journalism senior who founded Flourish Through Arts to help youth access arts and education.

She won awards for talent, interview and congeniality — and she plans to pursue the Miss Florida crown in the future.

Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward released a Thanksgiving message on November 27 where he thanked residents for their support—he highlighted community efforts at local meetings and events.

Alachua County officials have extended the burn ban on unauthorized burns until early December due to high wildfire risks from dry weather conditions.

They ask residents to follow the ban to help lower the risk of wildfires.

The Florida football panel is working to map out a plan to bring coach Lane Kiffin (the Lane Train) to the Gators.

The panel said it will review options and decide soon.

Keiwan Ratliff, a former Florida Gators star, is now the defensive backs coach at Buchholz High and has returned to Gainesville after coaching at UF and FSU.

He said his first practice at Citizens Field brought back fond memories and renewed his love for football — and he supports Lane Kiffin for a big coaching move.

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.