Good morning, Gainesville.

Alachua County organizations are helping families celebrate the season with toy drives + Operation Save Christmas runs Nov.

1-Dec. 15 at apartment complexes, Walmart in Gainesville hosts a Salvation Army Angel Tree event, and St. Phillips Lodge 55 in Archer will hold its toy drive on Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Park in Alachua County is planning a makeover for its 25-year-old roller hockey rink as officials seek public input on its future use.

Some residents favor preserving the skating tradition while others suggest adding pickleball courts & new features for community use.

Local filmmaker Mohana Rajakumar will screen her short film A Diwali Dilemma at the Hippodrome on Monday, Dec.

15 at 6:00 p.m. The event will include a talk back that welcomes community members, students, and film lovers.

UF Latin community students honor their roots during the holidays.

Juan Morin celebrated his Day of the Little Candles on Dec. 7 in Bogotá, Maite Civetta will host a Christmas asado, and Sara Rodriguez will eat lentils on New Year’s Eve — each marking a special family tradition.

A UF law student is challenging a recent court order banning him from campus over a controversial social media post, arguing the university overstepped its rights (he plans to contest the decision in court).

Florida's Gators beat George Washington 80-70 last Saturday at Amerant Bank Arena.

Xavian Lee scored a season-high 24 points and earned the MVP award as the team rebounded from its recent loss to UConn (No. 5).

Florida football will hire Brandon Harris as its new defensive backs coach under head coach Jon Sumrall, expanding the staff ahead of the new season.

Harris, with experience from UCF, FIU, Florida Atlantic & the NFL, brings a strong background to the Gainesville program.

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.

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!

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.