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Good morning, Gainesville.
This is a heavier week than usual, worth saying plainly up front: we lost two neighbors, Joshua Douglass, 18, and cyclist Scott Starling, 68, in back-to-back tragedies, and the news below reflects that. The weather stays kind at least - warm and mostly clear through Sunday, high near 87°F, just a 21% chance of rain.
The county keeps moving even on a hard week: commissioners worked through a tense public-safety debate Sept. 17, the school board locked in next year's budget, and neighbors are gearing up for Free Fridays' season finale and Saturday's Gators-Ole Miss kickoff.
Here's what's making waves this week:
🕯️ A community in mourning - two arrests in the SE 16th Avenue shooting that killed 18-year-old Joshua Douglass
🚲 A cyclist's death, a DUI charge - Scott Starling, 68, killed on Tower Road; driver faces DUI manslaughter
🏛️ Immigration order stays in place - commissioners decline to rescind General Order 82.4 after 19 residents asked
🕳️ Fixing what's broken - the county's new Pothole Portal and Gallo Car Wash's fourth location
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-Your Neighbor
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
[PUBLIC SAFETY]
Two arrests made in fatal SE 16th Avenue shooting of 18-year-old
What this means: Gainesville police arrested two 18-year-olds Sept. 16 in the Sept. 10 killing of Joshua Douglass, 18, on SE 16th Avenue, moving the case from open investigation to prosecution.
Gainesville police arrested two 18-year-olds Sept. 16 in the fatal shooting of Joshua Douglass, 18, on SE 16th Avenue Sept. 10, an alleged robbery.
Here's what to know:
Christian Howard, 18, was arrested Sept. 15 after a Florida Highway Patrol traffic stop and faces homicide-murder, armed robbery and weapons charges in the SE 16th Avenue killing.
Carey Showers Jr., 18, was arrested with a gunshot wound and also charged with homicide in the Sept. 10 shooting that killed Joshua Douglass, 18.
Police say the shooting began as a robbery arranged over Instagram; anyone with information can reach GPD at 352-955-1818.
[PUBLIC SAFETY]
Lake City driver charged with DUI manslaughter after killing Gainesville cyclist
What this means: Shateria Glenn, 30, faces DUI manslaughter charges after her SUV struck and killed cyclist Scott Starling, 68, on Tower Road Sept. 16; she had three children in the vehicle.
Florida Highway Patrol charged Shateria Glenn, 30, with DUI manslaughter after her SUV killed cyclist Scott Starling, 68, on Tower Road Sept. 16 in Gainesville.
Here's what to know:
Troopers say Glenn, 30, struck Starling, 68, of Fanning Springs around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, on Tower Road near Northwest Fifth Place.
Glenn had three children, including two minors, in her SUV and refused field sobriety exercises, according to her Florida Highway Patrol arrest report.
She faces DUI manslaughter, DUI causing death and three counts of DUI with a minor in the vehicle, court records show.
[MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS]
Gainesville commission won't rescind immigration reporting order, schedules deeper briefing
What this means: General Order 82.4 stays in effect after 19 residents asked commissioners to rescind it Sept. 17; the city says FDLE reporting is state-mandated, not a local choice.
Nineteen residents asked Gainesville commissioners Sept. 17 to rescind General Order 82.4, which requires officers to report suspected undocumented immigrants; commissioners took no vote.
Here's what to know:
City Attorney Daniel Nee told commissioners Sept. 17 the FDLE reporting requirement "is real; it's not a choice by the City of Gainesville."
Interim City Manager Andrew Persons said GPD has not signed a 287(g) agreement, the federal program that lets local officers carry out immigration enforcement, and put the numbers involved at "zero or very, very low."
Commissioner James Ingle asked staff to schedule a detailed briefing on the Florida Administrative Code rules behind General Order 82.4, issued Aug. 27.
[EDUCATION]
Alachua County school board adopts $623 million budget, raises millage to 6.327
What this means: The Sept. 15 unanimous vote sets a $623 million FY2026-27 budget and a 6.327 millage rate, 5.38% above the rolled-back rate, funding salaries and scholarship-driven growth.
The Alachua County School Board unanimously adopted a $623 million budget and a 6.327 millage rate Tuesday, Sept. 15, up 5.38% from the rolled-back rate.
Here's what to know:
The $623,028,853 budget is 3.1% higher than last year's $604.1 million, driven largely by growth in Florida Empowerment Scholarship funding.
The general fund totals $348.5 million, including $176.9 million for instruction and $96 million for teacher and staff salaries.
Property tax revenue under the new rate is projected at $181.6 million, split between required local effort, discretionary and voted millage, and capital outlay.
Quick updates
Gallo Car Wash expands to fourth Alachua County location - Gallo Car Wash opened its fourth Alachua County location in Jonesville this summer and plans a fifth, family owner Nick Gallo said. - Read more
Alachua County launches online Pothole Portal - Alachua County launched an online Pothole Portal Sept. 15, letting residents report road damage by interactive map instead of email, county officials said. - Read more
Construction flooding damages Santa Fe High softball complex - Construction near Santa Fe High School has flooded its softball complex repeatedly this year, damaging locker rooms and dugouts; mold testing began this week. - Read more
Judge denies bail for Hawthorne shooting suspect - A judge denied bail Sept. 9 for Adrion Flowers, 27, held on an attempted homicide charge from the Aug. 24 Hawthorne shooting. - Read more
📅 THIS WEEK IN GAINESVILLE
Must-Attend Events
🏈 Florida Gators Football vs. Ole Miss - Saturday, September 26, 3:30 PM (ESPN/ABC) · Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville
The Gators host a ranked Ole Miss squad in the season's marquee home matchup so far; expect the usual 90,000-fan gameday crush around campus and heavy traffic on Archer Road and 13th Street. 📅 Add to calendar
🐊 CHOMP the Block Gator Football Pep Rally & Block Party - Friday, September 25, 5:30-9:30 PM · Celebration Pointe, 3528 SW 45th St, Gainesville
Free pregame block party the night before kickoff against Ole Miss, with live music, food trucks, a Kids Zone, cheerleaders and mascot appearances; wear orange and blue. 📅 Add to calendar
🎨 Artwalk Gainesville - Friday, September 25, 7:00-10:00 PM · Downtown Gainesville and beyond, self-guided, multiple venues
The monthly free self-guided gallery crawl brings new exhibits, live performances and pop-up art to studios and cultural spaces across downtown, with tie-in events this month at First Magnitude Brewing, GFAA Gallery and Art Collective. 📅 Add to calendar
🎭 "Finding Neverland" Musical, Opening Weekend - Sunday, September 20, 2:00 PM; September 24-26 (Thursday-Saturday), 7:30 PM · Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville
The community theater opens its run of the Tony-nominated musical dramatizing how J.M. Barrie created "Peter Pan," with music and heartfelt moments celebrating childhood wonder. 📅 Add to calendar
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
🎸 Indie Rock with INOHA, Capital Soirée & Pretoria - Thursday, September 24, 7:00-10:00 PM · The Wooly, 20 N Main St, Gainesville
A three-act indie and alternative rock lineup takes the downtown listening room. 📅 Add to calendar
🎤 Stand-Up Comedy with Tanyalee Davis - Thursday, September 24, 7:00-10:00 PM · Signal, 7 SW 1st St, Gainesville
The Guinness World Record-holding comedian brings her stand-up act to the downtown venue. 📅 Add to calendar
🪕 Soulful Americana with Hudson Macready and Alana Cavanaugh - Friday, September 25, 7:00-9:00 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville
An Americana double bill on the south Main district soundstage. 📅 Add to calendar
🌴 A Cappella Group The Edge Effect - Levitt AMP Alachua Concert Series - Friday, September 25, 6:00-9:00 PM · Skinner Park, 15100 NW 142nd Terrace, Alachua
Free live a cappella music and food trucks come to Skinner Park in Alachua as part of the Levitt AMP concert series. 📅 Add to calendar
🎧 EDM Dance Party: Blade Rave - Friday, September 25, 9:00-11:30 PM · Signal, 7 SW 1st St, Gainesville
A late-night electronic dance party takes over the downtown venue. 📅 Add to calendar
🎸 Grateful Dead & Classic Rock by The Deal - Friday, September 25, 7:00-9:00 PM · Cypress & Grove Brewing Company, 1001 NW 4th St, Gainesville
A Grateful Dead and classic rock tribute act plays the downtown brewery's taproom patio. 📅 Add to calendar
🎸 World and Acoustic Guitar with Pierre Bensusan - Saturday, September 26, 6:00-9:00 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville
French fingerstyle virtuoso Pierre Bensusan, known as "Mister DADGAD" for his alternate-tuning mastery, brings his Infinite Guitar Tour to the south Main district soundstage. 📅 Add to calendar
👪 Family-Friendly
🐦 Gainesville Bird Expo - Sunday, September 20, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM · Alachua County Sports & Events Center, 4870 Celebration Pointe Ave, Gainesville
Bird owners and enthusiasts gather to see a variety of birds and shop for cages, toys, feed and other supplies from vendors. 📅 Add to calendar
🎬 "My Straight Son" - Gainesville Latino Film Festival - Sunday, September 20, 5:00-8:00 PM · University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries, 1545 W University Ave, Gainesville
A film screening about family, identity and acceptance follows a father and teenage son rebuilding their relationship; part of the Latino Film Festival. 📅 Add to calendar
📚 WACKY Wednesdays - Wednesday, September 23, 3:30-5:30 PM · Alachua County Library District - Alachua Branch, 14913 NW 140th St, Alachua
Free drop-in creative play for kids with arts and crafts, LEGOs, MakerSpace projects and games; new activities each week. 📅 Add to calendar
☃️ Worldwide Day of Play, Free Admission - Saturday, September 26, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM · Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811 S Main St, Gainesville
Free general admission for the day, sponsored by Children's Trust of Alachua County, to explore the museum's hands-on exhibits. 📅 Add to calendar
🎥 Gainesville Latino Film Festival Children's Festival - Saturday, September 26, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM · Matheson History Museum, 513 E University Ave, Gainesville
A children's screening of "My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin," following a boy exploring his Japanese-Brazilian heritage, plus storytelling and craft activities; English subtitles. 📅 Add to calendar
✂️ Panel to Pencil Cup: Celebrating Libraries - Saturday, September 26, 3:00-4:00 PM · Alachua County Library District - Archer Branch, 12598 State Hwy 45, Archer
A free hands-on craft turning old comic book pages into a pencil cup, marking the library district's 40th anniversary and National Comic Book Day. 📅 Add to calendar
🏃 Sports & Fitness
🏐 Florida Gators Volleyball vs. Jacksonville - Wednesday, September 23, 7:00-9:00 PM · Exactech Arena, Stephen C. O'Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville
A non-conference home volleyball match ahead of the weekend's football matchup. 📅 Add to calendar
⚽ Florida Gators Soccer vs. Texas - Thursday, September 24, 6:00-9:00 PM · Donald R. Dizney Stadium, Hull Rd & Natural Area Dr, Gainesville
The Gators host SEC newcomer Texas in a home soccer match. 📅 Add to calendar
🏅 25th Annual HCA Florida Healthcare Gainesville Senior Games, Final Day - Sunday, September 20, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM · Alachua County Sports & Events Center, 4870 Celebration Pointe Ave, Gainesville (plus venues countywide)
The final day of the milestone 25th annual senior athletics competition wraps up two weeks of archery, cycling, pickleball, swimming and track events for athletes 50 and older. 📅 Add to calendar
🎨 Arts & Culture
🎭 "You Can't Take It With You" (closes September 27) - September 23-26 (Wednesday-Saturday), Wed-Fri 7:00-9:00 PM, Sat 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM · Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE 2nd Pl, Gainesville
The classic screwball comedy about an eccentric family navigating IRS troubles continues its mainstage run in its final week. 📅 Add to calendar
🎬 "Olmo" at the Hippodrome - Thursday, September 24, 8:30-10:30 PM; September 25-26 (Friday-Saturday), 6:00-8:00 PM · Hippodrome Cinema, 25 SE 2nd Pl, Gainesville
A coming-of-age drama follows a 14-year-old navigating family caregiving duties while yearning for adolescent freedom. 📅 Add to calendar
🎬 Mel Brooks Comedy: "Blazing Saddles" - Saturday, September 26, 8:30-10:30 PM · Hippodrome Cinema, 25 SE 2nd Pl, Gainesville
A screening of the 1974 Mel Brooks classic starring Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder, celebrating the filmmaker's centennial. 📅 Add to calendar
🖌️ GFAA Exquisite Corpse Art-A-Thon - Friday, September 25, 7:00-10:00 PM · Gainesville Fine Arts Association Gallery, 1314 S Main St, Gainesville
Artists create collaborative artwork in shifts, each seeing only a small portion of the piece before them, inspired by the 1920s Surrealist game; final reveal at Artwalk. 📅 Add to calendar
🏺 Pottery and Art at Studio T/M's 3rd Anniversary Party - Friday, September 25, 6:00-9:00 PM · Studio T/M Ceramics, 1854 NE 2nd St, Ste A, Gainesville
The ceramics studio marks three years in business with an open house tied to Artwalk night. 📅 Add to calendar
🖼️ ArtWalk at Art Collective: "Be the Sun in Someone's Darkness" - Friday, September 25, 5:00-8:00 PM · Art Collective, The Oaks Mall, 6419 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville
A new gallery exhibit opening tied to this month's downtown-and-beyond Artwalk. 📅 Add to calendar
🍺 First Magnitude Brewing Co. - The Rebuild 21st Birthday Bash - Friday, September 25, 6:00-11:30 PM · First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville
A community celebration marking 21 years of Rebuilding Together North Central Florida, with a live art walk and birthday festivities honoring the nonprofit's home-repair work; 21+. 📅 Add to calendar
🩰 Meet The Dancers by Dance Alive National Ballet - Friday, September 25, 6:30-11:00 PM · Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811 S Main St, Gainesville
A gala evening with a Dance Alive National Ballet performance, live music, dining, dancing and a live auction, with appearances from local "Dancing with the Stars" performers; ticketed. 📅 Add to calendar
🎪 Live Music and Circus Arts with CircusPalooza - September 25-26 (Friday-Saturday), 7:00-9:30 PM · Gainesville Circus Center, 1925 NW 2nd St, Gainesville
Aerialists perform alongside live band Swing Theory for an evening blending circus artistry with music. 📅 Add to calendar
🎭 Dive into an Unexpected Comedy with "Once Upon a Fish" - Thursday, September 24, 5:00-8:00 PM · Vecinos Cafe and Lounge, 208 W University Ave, Gainesville
A Gainesville Latino Film Festival screening follows a frustrated writer through an absurd chain of encounters, part comedy and part mystery. 📅 Add to calendar
🎓 Education & Business
🤖 Small Business Summit: The AI Advantage - Friday, September 25, 7:30 AM-12:00 PM · Anthem Community Church, 2902 SW 75th St, Gainesville
A half-day conference on practical AI tools for small businesses, with speaker sessions, panels and a light breakfast; $25 per person, free for Small Business United Partners with promo code. 📅 Add to calendar
✂️ Highland Ridge Grand Opening Celebration & Ribbon Cutting - Tuesday, September 22, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM (ribbon cutting at 11:30 AM) · Highland Ridge Townhomes, 2959 NW 97th St, Gainesville
The Greater Gainesville Chamber marks the opening of a new townhome community with refreshments, giveaways and property tours; free. 📅 Add to calendar
🗣️ Club de Escucha - Listening Club - Friday, September 25, 6:00-8:00 PM · Curia on the Drag, 2029 NW 6th St, Gainesville
A free Spanish-language listening and conversation club open to all skill levels. 📅 Add to calendar
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
🌰 Full Harvest Moon Chestnut U-Pick - Saturday, September 26, 12:00 AM-2:00 AM · TJ's Forest & Apiary, 15514 NW 94th Ave, Alachua
Gather chestnuts by lantern light in the orchard under the harvest moon; closed-toe shoes required, gloves recommended, kids must stay with an adult. 📅 Add to calendar
⌚️ Recurring Events
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum - Sundays and Saturdays 10:15-11:00 AM, Thursdays 10:15-11:00 AM - Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811 S Main St, Gainesville - interactive science program for ages 0-5, included with admission, no registration.
Free Fridays Concert Series, Season Finale - Friday, September 25, 7:00-9:00 PM - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E University Ave, downtown Gainesville - this week's lineup is Uncle Morty's Rhythm Cream; free, weather permitting; this is the final concert of the Apr-Sep season.
Free Porch Sessions - Every Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 PM - Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville - free weekly acoustic set open to all ages.
Thursday Night Swing Dancing - Every Thursday, 7:30-10:30 PM - Rosa B. Williams Center, 524 NW 1st St, Gainesville - beginner-friendly weekly swing dance night with lesson, no partner required.
English Country Dance - Every Monday, 6:00-8:30 PM - United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Ave, Gainesville - live-caller folk dance, all skill levels welcome.
Grove Street Farmers Market - Every Wednesday, 4:00-7:00 PM - Cypress & Grove Brewing Company, 1001 NW 4th St, Gainesville - local produce and goods vendors on the brewery's patio.
Monday Night Rally Run Club - Every Monday, 6:30-8:00 PM - The Queens Arms Pub, 5323 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville - free community group run, all paces welcome.
Depot Park parkrun - Every Saturday, 7:30 AM - Depot Park, 874 SE 4th St, Gainesville - free, timed 5K walk/run, all fitness levels.
Gainesville Volleyball Fall Sand Volleyball League - Weekly matches, Jimmy Durden Park, 26333 SW 4th Ave, Newberry - coed 4s recreational league, all skill levels, equipment and officiating provided; registration required for teams or individuals.
Haile Farmers Market - Every Saturday, 8:30 AM-Noon - Haile Village Center, 5213 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville - 50+ vendors since 1998.
Alachua County Farmers Market - Every Saturday, 8:30 AM-Noon - San Felasco Tech City, 13900 Tech City Circle, Alachua - producer-only farmers market.
City of Alachua Farmers Market on Main - Every Saturday, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM - Main Street Alachua, 15000 Bob Hitchcock's Main St, Alachua - local produce and crafts.
High Springs Farmers Market - Every Friday, 3:00-7:00 PM - High Springs Farmer's Market, 23517 NW 185th Rd, High Springs - local vendors and produce.
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot - Every Tuesday, 3:00-7:00 PM - Archer Depot, 16994 SW 134th Ave, Archer - local vendors at the historic railroad depot.
Waldo Farmers & Flea Market - Every Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM - Waldo Farmers and Flea Market, 17805 NE US Hwy 301, Waldo - hundreds of vendor booths.
Swamp Head Brewery Trivia Night - Every Monday, 6:30-9:30 PM - Swamp Head Brewery, 3650 SW 42nd Ave, Gainesville - free weekly trivia.
Daft Cow Brewery Trivia and Bingo Nights - Trivia Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 PM, Bingo Tuesdays 6:30-8:00 PM - Daft Cow Brewery, 13800 Tech City Circle, Alachua - free weekly games.
Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation Guided Tour - Every Saturday, 10:00 AM-Noon - Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, 8528 E County Road 225, Gainesville - guided walking tour of the sanctuary's big cats and exotic animals, weather permitting.
High Springs Historical Society Museum - Every Saturday, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM - High Springs Historical Society Museum, 23760 NW 187th Ave, High Springs - free local-history exhibits and open house.
Open Gym at Easton Newberry Sports Complex - Every Saturday, 8:00 AM-3:30 PM - Easton Newberry Sports Complex, 24880 NW 16th Ave, Newberry - open-use gym hours for archery and general recreation.
Art Club at Art Collective Gainesville - Every Saturday, 4:00-5:30 PM - Art Collective, The Oaks Mall, 6419 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville - weekly open studio session.
Quick Hits
Senior Bingo - Free bingo with prizes every round, Monday Sep 21, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM - Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Newberry
Roaring '20s Senior Adult Prom - Themed dance night for ages 50+, food and dancing, Friday Sep 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Newberry Municipal Building
Salsa Mundial 11th Anniversary Dance Weekend, Closing Day - Final day of the studio's 3-day anniversary celebration, Sunday Sep 20, 4:00-7:00 PM - Salsa Mundial
Mind the Music Live for a Cause - Charity live-music fundraiser, Sunday Sep 20, 4:00-6:00 PM - Blackadder Brewing Company
Blackadder Brewing - Charity Bingo Night - Weekly charity bingo, Thursday Sep 24, 7:00-8:30 PM - Blackadder Brewing Company
Swamp Head Brewery - Football Friday: Ole Miss Watch Party - All-day taproom watch party leading into Saturday's kickoff, Friday Sep 25, 12:00-11:00 PM - Swamp Head Brewery
Looking Ahead
Gator Growl 2026 - UF Homecoming's marquee night of spirit, tradition and entertainment, Friday, October 9 - Stephen C. O'Connell Center
Florida Gators Football vs. South Carolina (Homecoming) - SEC home game, kickoff time TBA, Saturday, October 10 - Florida Gators Football Schedule
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
-Your Neighbor
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