Daily
Gainesville
Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 13th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 12, Palms Medical Group employees gave 120 gifts to children across North Central Florida in a holiday drive that fulfilled a wishlist for kids in need. WCJB
- ➤ The Downtown Winter Market Series launched yesterday at the Streatery and will run through Jan. 25 with weekend markets featuring vendors, food, and music; the event aims to boost activity in the evolving pedestrian space downtown. WCJB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Danscompany of Gainesville presented Cinderella at a local theater on Dec. 12 — blending lively dancing, music, and creative staging to bring the classic fairy tale to life. Local audiences enjoyed the festive performance that highlighted community arts. WCJB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The School Board of Alachua County will hold a workshop at 3 p.m. and a business meeting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 16 at the District Office Boardroom + 620 East University Ave in Gainesville. Attendees can learn about board updates then. Alachua Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ FDOT has announced road and lane closures across Alachua County this week for construction work. High Springs Main Street will close tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. for a permitted event, while Northeast Waldo Road, State Road 26, and U.S. 301 will have lane closures on weekdays for repair work. Alachua Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Gainesville doctor was recognized on Dec. 12 for her work easing horse doctors’ tasks — her efforts have advanced equine healthcare in the community. WCJB
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Newsweek has ranked four Florida continuing care retirement communities in its top 15 for 2026, with Gainesville's Oak Hammock scoring 79.27% while two CCRCs scored above 90%. The rankings are based on surveys, visitor satisfaction, accreditation, and Google reviews and highlight the state’s appeal to retirees. The Gainesville Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida football's 2026 schedule was released Dec. 11. Under new coach (Jon Sumrall), the Gators will open Sept. 5 against FAU and face nine SEC opponents along with one FCS game, with key contests against Auburn, Ole Miss, and Florida State later in the season. The Independent Florida Alligator
- ➤ Gator great Phil Trautwein will return to Gainesville to join Jon Sumrall's staff as the offensive line coach at the University of Florida (he coached at Penn State for five seasons). WCJB
- ➤ Junior defensive back Nathan Jennings earned TV20 Football Play of the Week after his seventh interception helped Hawthorne secure a 24 to 8 win against Blountstown (third state title). Voting remains open for the final week of the football finale (vote now). WCJB
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dartmouth Big Green vs. Florida Gators Basketball
6-7:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — Admission varies — Watch the Gators take on Dartmouth in an exciting basketball showdown, followed by postgame layups!
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Family New Year’s Eve Bash
4-8 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Gainesville — Tickets required — Celebrate 2026 early with food, games, and family-friendly countdown fun.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
~ Jim Rohn
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