Daily
Gainesville
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Floyd ‘Sonny’ Tillman, the local restaurateur who built Sonny’s BBQ, died Dec. 7 at age 96. He was remembered for his community spirit & for creating family-friendly restaurants that brought neighbors together. Alachua County Today
- ➤ The Jones Christmas Tree Farm in Branford is in peak season as families shop for quality trees — the family-run farm offers a drive-through selection with staff ready to help create a festive setting for holiday memories. WCJB
- ➤ Alachua County Farmers Market is moving to its new home at San Felasco Tech City on Jan. 3 while keeping Saturday 8:30 a.m.-noon hours. The market will offer free culinary tastings in January and organic gardening workshops in February at 13900 Tech City Cir (a few miles north of its old spot). Alachua Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dreamers Garden will unveil the wrought iron sculpture NOMMO on Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. (920 NW 4th Street); the installation honors West African heritage and will include commentary from local art experts. Alachua Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A study finds most young adults in Florida feel unprepared for tasks like budgeting and voting. The University of Florida now offers an Art of Adulting course to build financial literacy and professional networking skills — the effort comes amid broader calls for hands-on life skills education. WUFT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Newberry received $2.9 million in state grants to fund its septic-to-sewer conversion project aimed at improving water quality along the Santa Fe River. The project will move forward in the coming year as part of the Springs Restoration Grant Program. Alachua County Today
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 10, Citizens Property Insurance approved 2026 proposals that will lower premiums by an average of 2.6% for most policyholders; rates may rise in 19 counties including Brevard pending review by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and will take effect June 1 if approved. The Gainesville Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Gainesville Housing Authority hosted an ELITE Plaza Unity Dinner and Festival on Dec. 18 at the new ELITE Training Plaza, where over 300 residents, leaders, and partners joined a family-style meal + live entertainment that celebrated housing stability and workforce development, with plans to add 200 affordable housing units. Alachua Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Alachua County health officials urged residents to avoid wild animals such as raccoons, bats & coyotes and to get immediate treatment if exposed to rabies. The alert aims to protect public health as officials monitor the situation. WCJB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Florida Gators beat Saint Francis 102-61 on Wednesday night at the O’Connell Center in Gainesville. The game featured 7-foot-9 teen center Olivier Rioux, who recorded his first collegiate field goal (a dunk), contributing to the team's strong performance. WCJB
- ➤ In a recent Swampcast, The Sun’s reporters discussed Florida football’s transfer portal frenzy as coach Jon Sumrall aims to keep star running back Jadan Baugh amid interest from teams including Texas (with a $1.5 million offer), Ohio State and Georgia. Baugh’s decision remains pending. GatorSports
- ➤ Florida Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin hired Kevin Hurley as associate AD for facilities and capital projects on Dec. 18. Hurley, who spent 30 years at (TAMU) and managed Kyle Field's $450 million renovation, will help lead the planned renovation of The Swamp as Chip Howard (retires Jan. 1). The Gainesville Sun
- ➤ Dogs of many breeds raced through hay obstacles at a Barn Hunt event in Morriston (30 miles south of Gainesville) as they used their natural instincts to find hidden rat tubes. Future competitions will be set for early January in DeLand and Morriston. WUFT
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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.
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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.
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
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
~ Louisa May Alcott
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