Daily
Gainesville
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dutch artist CopyCat painted a 100-foot mural of nine cats on Gainesville’s 34th Street wall on Dec. 10. He was inspired by his bond with UF manatee biologist Katherine Frisch from a cat community (whose cats are featured in the work), adding to a community art space built in 1979. The Gainesville Sun
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Florida Training Reactor, the only nuclear research reactor in the state, offers students hands-on training and a reactor operator licensing program by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on campus. WCJB
- ➤ On Tuesday, the University of Florida resumed its search for a permanent president by naming UF Board of Trustees member Rahul Patel as chair of a 15-member Presidential Search Advisory Committee & Interim President Dr. Donald Landry remains in charge until the state Board of Governors confirms a new leader. WCJB
- ➤ Frazer School's 11th-grade chess team (Abhiram Pothuri, Jerry Yao, Jolie Huang) won the national K-12 championship held Dec. 12-14 at the Spokane Convention Center, and 5th-grader Akash Jani took first place individually. Alachua Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida will hold a gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, Aug. 18 with more than 30 candidates running to replace Ron DeSantis, who cannot run due to term limits. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds leads early polls & voters must register or change party affiliation by July 20. The Gainesville Sun
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Flu cases rose in 38 counties last week as a new influenza A H3N2 subclade K mutation spread across the state — experts note that the flu shot is still the best protection even if the vaccine is less effective. The Gainesville Sun
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Alachua Habitat for Humanity received a $200,000 grant from Publix Super Markets Charities on December 16 to help local families afford safe, stable homes. The grant will cover labor and material costs for homebuilding in Alachua County — the largest award of its kind from Publix. Alachua Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A fan vote is now open for the best small school defensive football player in the area, with ballots accepted until 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 following the Gainesville Sun's release of high school teams. The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Florida baseball coach Kevin O'Sullivan, who took a leave on Oct. 22 for personal reasons, is expected to return soon as the athletic department plans to issue a statement later this week. Interim coach Tom Slater has stepped in to guide the team. GatorSports
- ➤ On Dec.15, six UF players, including quarterback DJ Lagway, entered the transfer portal after meetings with head coach Jon Sumrall appeared unsettled. Florida football is set to see more moves when the 15-day transfer window opens Jan.2. The Independent Florida Alligator
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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.
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Meet and Greet Social
6-8 p.m. — Northwest Grille — $36 annual fee — Enjoy good conversation and a casual evening with fellow adventurers in Gainesville.
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
The truth is found when people are free to pursue it.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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