Daily
Gainesville
Monday, December 15th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 15th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Marion Oaks residents celebrated the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 14, gathering together despite troubling news from Australia. Local leaders stressed that shared traditions and unity help the community overcome hate. WCJB
- ➤ TV20's David Snyder will cover key community stories across North Central Florida this week, including a Hanukkah celebration that promotes unity, an annual Newberry race for Toys for Tots, and a free live holiday concert at Unity of Gainesville. WCJB
- ➤ Chabad Jewish Community Center of Gainesville mourns a terrorist attack in Australia during Chanukah while stating celebrations will continue as planned with events at Lowe’s on Sunday (1:30 p.m.), at the center on Tuesday (11:30 a.m.), and downtown on Wednesday (5:00 p.m.); law enforcement ensures safety. Alachua Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Advocate Vailma Roca-Fernandez wrote a letter urging Gainesville families to know their legal rights when schools fail to follow IDEA rules. The letter details that parents can attend IEP meetings and file complaints if students with disabilities are denied proper services + schools must uphold federal protections. Alachua Chronicle
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ The Florida Lottery said no ticket matched all six numbers on Saturday, so the estimated $1.1-billion Powerball jackpot rolled over to today's drawing near Hanukkah - seven tickets nationwide won at least $1 million in the previous draw. Players can buy tickets until 10 p.m. at authorized retailers. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ School Board Member Janine Plavac raised concerns about promoting Michael Reneke to CFO at the upcoming school board meeting, citing his lack of qualifications and urging full disclosure before a vote on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. Alachua Chronicle
- ➤ Mayor Harvey Ward issued a heartfelt Hanukkah message on Sunday, Dec. 14, noting that the menorah's light stands as a beacon of unity and hope amid news of a hate attack overseas + he affirmed his support for all who celebrate. Alachua Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida Gators defeated West Georgia Wolves 85-41 on Sunday afternoon at Exactech Arena at the O’Connell Center—extending their home win streak to seven—with standout plays from Me’Arah O’Neal and Alexia Dizeko. The team will play Florida A&M on Wednesday at 3 p.m. The Independent Florida Alligator
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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
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
~ Soren Kierkegaard
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