Good morning, Gainesville.

UF Chabad and the city held their annual Hanukkah Menorah lighting on Dec.

17 in Gainesville, inviting residents from all backgrounds to come together and celebrate a festival of light + unity.

Gainesville churches will honor the historic Watch Night tradition on Dec.

31 with a joint service at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church (1203 NE Eighth Ave) where congregants will pray, sing, and count down to midnight before breakfast is served.

Ben Wolking, a Bates junior and Micanopy native, credited his 13 years in Florida 4-H for building his public speaking and resilience after nearly drowning from an undiagnosed heart issue; he delivered his TEDx talk today in a local event (highlighting his ongoing drive to overcome challenges).

Howard Bishop Middle School hosted its 7th annual ExplorAVision Future Fair today (a science event for creative problem-solving) as students wore lab coats and proposed ideas like tackling invasive pythons and energy roof tiles.

Inspections for Dec. 8-14, 2025 revealed high-priority food safety issues at several local restaurants, with improper sanitization and food handling reported in Gainesville & nearby areas.

Further follow-up actions will be conducted by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation to ensure health compliance.

Myles Graham returns to UF for his junior season today, taking the lead on defense.

His family has strong ties to Gator football (his father Earnest Graham coached at Santa Fe HS) and he aims to boost pride in Florida football while working toward graduation.

Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo entered the transfer portal yesterday, a move that could help him join the local Florida Gators + add depth to their quarterback room.

Under NCAA rules, Florida cannot officially sign him until the FBS transfer portal opens Jan. 2.

University of Florida head baseball coach Kevin O’Sullivan returned from his personal leave on Dec.

17 and resumed his regular duties to prepare the team for the upcoming 2026 season (he expressed his gratitude for the university’s support).

Florida football ended its season with a D grade as an inconsistent offense struggled with penalties and turnovers — quarterback DJ Lagway threw 14 interceptions while the team averaged 16.4 points in 10 games.

Interim coach Billy Gonzales took charge after head coach Napier was fired on Oct. 19.

Senior infielder Lila Sutton from P.K.

Yonge signed with South Florida State College to join the Panther softball program. She posted a 300 batting average and strong defensive plays last season + her journey shows that hard work can lead to college-level play.

TV20 invites local sports fans to vote for the Winter Play of the Week nominees on the soccer pitch + basketball court.

Voting is available now on TV20's online platform.

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.

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.

The FTC Mary Andrews Marathon

1-7 p.m. — Gainesville Hawthorne Trail — Registration fees apply — Participate in this Boston Qualifier marathon, half-marathon, or a fun relay team event on a scenic course.