Good morning, Gainesville.

Tom Petty Park improvements will continue with substantial completion targeted in late January — new pickleball courts will open for public use in February-March 2026, and renovated restrooms are scheduled for completion by mid-2026 while tennis courts remain closed for construction.

On December 6, the Junior League hosted its 35th Miracle on Main Street event, providing holiday gifts & essentials to 191 families and nearly 500 children in greater Alachua County.

Gainesville Keller Williams Realty Partners donated $10,000 to the Humane Society after a record-breaking Santa Paws 5K and 10K run on Dec.

22. More than 150 community members celebrated an event honoring Dozer's legacy and boosting local animal care (an unprecedented milestone).

HCA Florida North Florida Hospital lit its duck pond on Dec.

19 with roughly 150,000 lights along West Newberry Road — a tradition spanning over 30 years — delighting visitors at the hospital campus.

Gainesville will mark America’s 250th anniversary with a theater performance of Six Triple Eight in January at the historic Old Post Office downtown. (Showtimes: Sat., Jan.

3 at 7 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 4 at 2:30 p.m.; Mon., Jan. 5 at 7 p.m.)

On Dec. 10, City Commissioner Desmon Duncan-Walker shared her vision for a Cultural Arts Center during a joint commission meeting amid no allocated funds.

City and county officials are exploring community partnerships and future funding + follow-up discussions planned to advance the project.

Alachua County launched a new Food Hub Feasibility Study webpage as part of its 30-month Fresh Food Pathways Program to examine ways a community-based hub might strengthen local agriculture.

Residents can sign up for email updates to access key presentations and upcoming dates.

For the week of Dec. 15-21, Gainesville restaurant inspections found that some eateries passed with no violations while 11 received follow-up orders for high-priority issues with food storage and temperature control+ inspectors reported problems at Adams Rib Co, Afternoon Restaurant and Bento Cafe among others.

Palms Medical Group staff raised $4,259.28 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) to support the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement by the American Cancer Society.

The funds were collected through sales of keychain bears and support ribbons at its North Central Florida offices.

Gainesville Health & Fitness trainer Adam Brandel demonstrated partner workouts in the latest edition of Your Fitness published Monday, Dec.

22. Residents can try these exercises by following the guide on the Gainesville Health & Fitness website.

Gator Men’s Basketball beat Colgate yesterday and will face Dartmouth next as guard Xavian Lee scored 19 points (his fifth 19-point game in six contests).

The team still struggles from beyond the arc, making just 8-of-24 shots.

The SEC Men’s Basketball Power Rankings—released Dec.

22 at 10:36 a.m.—show Florida’s wish for fewer turnovers as Vanderbilt, Georgia and LSU lead with the fewest losses heading into conference play. Records from Dec. 21 let each of the 16 teams share a festive wish.

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.