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Good morning, Gainesville! 🌦️ Sunday tops out near 78 with a 38% chance of drizzle, so tuck an umbrella in the bag before you catch The Fest 24's final day downtown.
Another buzzing week in our slice of North Central Florida, where the punk crowd is packing up and Halloween is already knocking. Whether you're planning a trunk-or-treat or just trying to get your voice heard, we've got your local pulse covered. The calendar fills up fast between now and Halloween night, so read on and plan ahead.
Here's what's making waves this week:
🗳️ Vote early before it ends at eight county sites through Sunday, November 1
🏛️ Everlee Farmstead zoning goes to the County Commission Tuesday, with a noon call-in for comments
🥋 Olympic-qualifier judo brings 400 athletes from 40 countries to Celebration Pointe
🚌 East Gainesville bus hub breaks ground with $5.5 million in federal money
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-Your Neighbor
✅ DO THIS WEEK
Bid at the county surplus auction - Clerk of Court sealed-bid sale of computers, appliances and medical equipment at 919 SE 5th St, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, October 26; pickup Wednesday, October 28 - Details
Comment on the Everlee Farmstead rezoning - County Commission hearings start 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, Administration Building, 12 SE 1st St; call-in comment opens at noon on 1-929-205-6099 - Details
Watch an Olympic-qualifier judo day - Panamerican Cadet Cup opens Wednesday, October 28 at the Sports & Events Center, 4870 Celebration Pointe; preliminaries 9 a.m., finals 4 p.m. - Details
Vote early before it ends - Eight county sites are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, November 1; Election Day is Tuesday, November 3 - Details
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Gainesville man held without bail after alleged knife kidnapping of a co-worker
What this means: Gainesville police arrested Jared Thompson, 35, on Oct. 24 on an Aug. 14 warrant, and a judge is holding him without bail until a hearing on a no-bail-until-trial motion.
Gainesville police arrested Jared Thompson, 35, on Oct. 24 for allegedly forcing a Dollar General co-worker at knifepoint to an apartment complex on Aug. 8.
Here's what to know:
Police say that on Aug. 8 at about 7:20 p.m. Thompson cut a co-worker's face outside the Dollar General at 2011 NW 13th St; the victim needed stitches for a five-inch cheek cut.
Thompson faces three charges: kidnapping with intent to terrorize, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; a July 15 store threat is also alleged.
Charges are accusations and Thompson is presumed innocent; the State Attorney's no-bail motion goes to a hearing, and the Chronicle report has the arrest-report details.
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
County Commission takes up Everlee Farmstead zoning Tuesday evening, with a noon call-in for comments
What this means: Alachua County commissioners hold two public hearings at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 on the Everlee Farmstead community, and residents can comment in person or by phone starting at noon.
Alachua County commissioners meet Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 11:30 a.m. and reconvene at 5 p.m. for Everlee Farmstead plan-amendment and rezoning hearings.
Here's what to know:
The 5 p.m. session covers Z26-000005, the Everlee Farmstead comprehensive plan amendment, and Z26-000008, its planned development rezoning; the daytime agenda adds a jail update and the Westside Christian School development plan.
Meetings are in the Jack Durrance Auditorium, second floor, 12 SE 1st St, Gainesville, and stream on Cox Channel 12, the AC TV app, Facebook and YouTube.
Call 1-929-205-6099, meeting ID 873 5974 1977, at noon and dial *9 to speak; callers get three minutes on any topic and three on agenda items.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Olympic-qualifier judo brings 400 athletes from 40 countries to Celebration Pointe Oct. 28 to Nov. 1
What this means: More than 400 judo athletes fill the county Sports & Events Center, 4870 Celebration Pointe, from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1, with 9 a.m. preliminaries and 4 p.m. finals each day.
Over 400 judo athletes from 40-plus countries compete Oct. 28 to Nov. 1 at the Sports & Events Center in a 2028 Olympic qualifier.
Here's what to know:
Cadet Cup is Wednesday, Oct. 28; Junior Cup is Thursday, Oct. 29; the senior Panamerican Open and Olympic qualifier is Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1.
About 100 athletes from 12 countries stay for a training camp on Nov. 2-3, led by two-time Olympic bronze medalist Israel Hernández.
Ask about attending: Sports & Events Manager Stephen Rodriguez, 352-264-6547; the 130,000-square-foot center opened in 2023.
INFRASTRUCTURE
East Gainesville bus hub breaks ground with $5.5 million in federal money, due late 2027
What this means: Gainesville began building an RTS Eastside transfer station off Hawthorne Road near SE 20th St, funded with $5.5 million federal dollars, with riders using it by late 2027.
Gainesville broke ground Oct. 23 on an Eastside transfer station, backed by $5.5 million in federal funding, near Hawthorne Road and SE 20th St.
Here's what to know:
Construction starts as early as the week of the Oct. 23 groundbreaking; the station should be done by late 2027.
Riders get a central building to wait in, plus transfers between regular RTS routes and its mobility-on-demand service, instead of roadside stops.
The city also has 27 new mostly hybrid diesel-electric buses, fully funded by federal and state grants, headed for RTS routes.
Quick updates
Parking cameras get a legal review - Gainesville commissioners voted 5-2 on Oct. 22 to have the city attorney study camera bollards that photograph illegally parked cars; none have issued citations yet. - Read more
County animal shelter reopens for dog adoptions - Alachua County Animal Resources resumed adoptions Oct. 21 after a UF vet cleared it Oct. 20; intakes stay emergency-only because the shelter is crowded. - Read more
UF tech transfer reports 320 licenses and 12 startups - UF Innovate honored innovators Oct. 21 for fiscal 2026, which also saw 162 patents issued and 463 invention disclosures. - Read more
Tom Petty mural damaged again - Someone cut a 3-by-3-foot square from the memorial on the 34th Street Wall, the second damage this year; no restoration plan is announced. - Read more
💼 JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES
Citizens Advisory Committee seat (8 open) - Gainesville-Alachua County Transportation Planning Organization, three-year at-large terms, open to any county resident; meets monthly on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.; call 352-337-6207 - Apply
Why Overseas Producers Can't Undercut Atlas Salt, Even for Free
Cities are already running short on road salt, and winter hasn't even started. Some supply bids are going unanswered, prices have nearly doubled in parts of the market, and the backup plan is two weeks away by boat. Here's why Atlas Salt (TSXV: SALT | OTCQX: SALQF) can get salt to the people who need it most, faster and cheaper than anyone shipping from overseas:
• Three days by ship to Boston, not fourteen
• Shallow deposit that's cheaper and faster to mine
• Projected C$188M a year in free cash flow
• Export Development Canada interested in lending C$150M
• Early supply deal with top U.S. salt distributor
📅 THIS WEEK IN GAINESVILLE
Must-Attend Events
📖 Robin Wall Kimmerer Discusses "The Serviceberry" - Sunday, October 25, 7:00-9:00 PM · Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
The bestselling author of "Braiding Sweetgrass" headlines the Gainesville Reads 2026 keynote, in conversation about generosity, reciprocity and community. Presented with The Lynx Bookstore; tickets through the Phillips Center Box Office, 352-392-2787. 📅 Add to calendar
🎃 30th Annual Boo at the Zoo - Wednesday, October 28, 3:00-7:00 PM · Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, northwest
Trick-or-treat through Halloween scenes built by zoo students, with Danscompany performances and a Fun4GatorKids craft zone. Admission is one non-perishable food item per person for a local pantry; the zoo is closed until 3 PM. 📅 Add to calendar
🍂 Micanopy Fall Festival - Saturday, October 31, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (also Sunday, November 1, 9 AM-4 PM) · Historic Downtown Micanopy, 202 NE 7th Ave, Micanopy
The 51st edition of the town's fall tradition packs the oldest inland town in Florida with artisans, live music, food and a live auction both days. 📅 Add to calendar
🎸 GramFest 2026: Gram Parsons Tribute Music Festival - Sunday, November 1, 2:00-10:00 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, south Main district
The 26th annual outdoor tribute to Gram Parsons features Dan Stepp & Hard Luck Society, Patchwork, The Shambles and more. Pay-what-you-can ($5 listed), all ages, benefiting Heartwood. 📅 Add to calendar
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
The Fest 24 - Final Day - Sunday, October 25, from 2:30 PM at Heartwood · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, south Main district (festival venues throughout downtown)
Day 3 of Gainesville's punk festival (Oct 23-25) with The Bouncing Souls, PUP and Lagwagon on the lineup. Check the festival schedule and app for set times. 📅 Add to calendar
Sap with Sludge Mother and Easterlin - Monday, October 26, 7:00 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, south Main district
Alternative rock and grunge night with Sap headlining. Tickets $20. 📅 Add to calendar
Drivin N Cryin with The Alabama Heathens - Tuesday, October 27, 7:45 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, south Main district
Atlanta Southern-rock veterans Drivin N Cryin return with Alabama Heathens opening. Tickets $35. 📅 Add to calendar
Nick Shoulders with Leonie Evans - Thursday, October 29, 8:00 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, south Main district
Honky-tonk and alt-country songwriter Nick Shoulders plays with Leonie Evans. Tickets $29. 📅 Add to calendar
Jake Shimabukuro - Friday, October 30, 7:00 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, south Main district
The ukulele virtuoso brings his genre-hopping solo show to the south Main stage. Tickets $32. 📅 Add to calendar
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live Shadowcast - Saturday, October 31, 5:30-8:00 PM · The Wooly, 20 N Main St, Gainesville, downtown
Local performers act out the cult classic alongside the film, with audience participation, part of a six-night run from Glory Days. 📅 Add to calendar
The Smiths Tribute Halloween Dance Party - Saturday, October 31, 9:00-11:30 PM · The Wooly, 20 N Main St, Gainesville, downtown
A Halloween-night dance party built around a Smiths tribute. Tickets $10-$21. 📅 Add to calendar
First Magnitude Brewing Halloween Ball and Costume Contest - Friday, October 30, 7:00-11:00 PM · First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, south Gainesville
Costume contest and Halloween ball at the brewery. Free entry; 21+ for beer. 📅 Add to calendar
👪 Family-Friendly
Fall Fest with Trunk-or-Treating - Sunday, October 25, 3:30-5:30 PM · Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, northwest
Free trunk-or-treating and family activities on the church grounds, open to the whole neighborhood. 📅 Add to calendar
Trunk or Treat at Waldo City Square - Friday, October 30, 5:30-8:00 PM · Waldo City Square, 14450 NE 148th Ave, Waldo
The City of Waldo and the Waldo Area Historical Society host free trick-or-treating, music, animatronics, a petting zoo and food trucks. 📅 Add to calendar
Carson Springs Halloween Safari Drive-Thru - Friday, October 30, 5:30-6:30 PM, and Saturday, October 31, 1:00-3:00 PM · Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, 8528 E County Road 225, Gainesville, northeast
Stay in your car for a roughly 35-minute one-way drive past resident wildlife with a candy stop. $10 for ages 3 and up. 📅 Add to calendar
WACKY Wednesdays - Wednesday, October 28, 3:30-5:30 PM · Alachua Branch Library, 14913 NW 140th St, Alachua
Free after-school activities for kids at the Alachua branch library, part of the weekly Wednesday series. 📅 Add to calendar
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum - Thursday, October 29, 10:15-11:00 AM · Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811 S Main St, Gainesville, at Depot Park
Hands-on early-childhood science and play session for the youngest inventors. Also runs Sunday and Saturday mornings at the same time. 📅 Add to calendar
Doggie Halloween Party and Costume Contest - Saturday, October 31, 12:00-2:00 PM · 16 Acre Wood, 5505 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, southwest
Costume contest and party for dogs and their people. $15. 📅 Add to calendar
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Florida Gators Volleyball vs. Ole Miss - Sunday, October 25, 1:00 PM · Exactech Arena at the O'Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, UF campus
Gators host Ole Miss in SEC volleyball at the O'Connell Center; tickets start at $12. 📅 Add to calendar
Florida Gators Volleyball vs. Arkansas - Sunday, November 1, 1:00 PM · Exactech Arena at the O'Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, UF campus
Second SEC home match of the week; tickets from $12. 📅 Add to calendar
🎨 Arts & Culture
August Wilson's "Fences" - Friday, October 30, 7:30-10:00 PM (also Sunday, October 25, 7:30 PM) · Star Center Theatre, 11 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville, east Gainesville
The Pulitzer-winning drama of Troy Maxson, a former Negro leagues player in 1957 Pittsburgh, opens its run. 📅 Add to calendar
"Little Shop of Horrors" at the Hippodrome - Thursday, October 29, 7:00-9:00 PM · The Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE 2nd Pl, Gainesville, downtown
The man-eating-plant rock musical wraps its run Sunday, November 1. Tickets $30. 📅 Add to calendar
"Disenchanted!" The Musical - Friday, October 30, 8:00-10:00 PM · Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW 2nd Ave Ste O, Gainesville
Fairy-tale princesses tell their side in this satirical musical, running through November 8. Tickets $10. 📅 Add to calendar
Gainesville Orchestra: Revolution - Friday, October 30, 7:00-9:30 PM · Sasser Fine Arts Hall, Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, northwest
Beethoven's Fifth paired with Rautavaara's "Cantus Arcticus," a concerto for birds and orchestra. Tickets $20-$60. 📅 Add to calendar
UF Symphony Orchestra: Symphonie Fantastique - Friday, October 30, 7:30 PM · Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
Tiffany Lu conducts Berlioz's dream-inspired Symphonie Fantastique, with violinist Aubree Oliverson in Barber's Violin Concerto. 📅 Add to calendar
Halloween ArtWalk at Art Collective - Friday, October 30, 5:00-8:00 PM · Art Collective, 6419 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, west Gainesville
Free Halloween-themed gallery night, ahead of the citywide Artwalk Gainesville (7:00-10:00 PM). 📅 Add to calendar
Hippodrome Cinema: "Halloween" John Carpenter Fest - Saturday, October 31, 8:30-10:30 PM · Hippodrome Cinema, 25 SE 2nd Pl, Gainesville, downtown
Carpenter's slasher classic on the big screen on Halloween night. 📅 Add to calendar
🎓 Education & Business
Alachua County Library District Job Fair - Thursday, October 29, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM · Alachua County Library District Headquarters, 401 E University Ave, Gainesville, downtown
Free job fair with information on openings across the Alachua County Library District branches. 📅 Add to calendar
Timucua Spiritual Practices in Colonial Florida - Wednesday, October 28, 7:00-8:00 PM · Matheson History Museum, 513 E University Ave, Gainesville, downtown
Free evening talk at the museum on Timucua spiritual practices in colonial Florida. 📅 Add to calendar
Livestock and Forages Field Day with UF/IFAS Experts - Tuesday, October 27, 8:30 AM-2:00 PM · Santa Fe River Ranch, 29220 NW 122nd St, Alachua
UF/IFAS specialists lead a day of cattle and forage sessions. $23.18-$40. 📅 Add to calendar
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Zip! at Haile Quarry Haunted Hayride - Friday, October 30, 6:00-7:30 PM (also Saturday, October 31) · Zip! at Haile Quarry, 3975 NW County Road 235, Newberry
Nighttime haunted hayride through the quarry, a Halloween-season outdoor attraction. Tickets $5-$10. 📅 Add to calendar
Season of Screams at The Peanut Patch & Corn Maze - Friday, October 30, 5:00-11:00 PM (haunts start after dark) · The Peanut Patch & Corn Maze, 8656 SW 75th St, Gainesville, southwest
Ten years of scares: one $20 ticket covers a haunted house, hayride and corn maze. Not for young kids. 📅 Add to calendar
Birds and Brews Guided Bird Walk - Sunday, November 1, 5:45-7:30 PM · First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville, south Gainesville
Guided evening bird walk that starts at the brewery, for birders and curious beginners. 📅 Add to calendar
⌚️ Recurring Events
Grove St District Market - Every Sunday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM (next: Sunday, October 25) · Grove Street District Market, 220 NW 8th St, Gainesville
Weekly Sunday market with local artisans, produce, food vendors and live music. 📅 Add to calendar
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot - Every Tuesday, 3:00-7:00 PM (next: Tuesday, October 27) · Archer Depot, 16994 SW 134th Ave, Archer
Free weekly farmers market held at the historic depot in Archer, a small-town stop south of Gainesville. 📅 Add to calendar
Haile Farmers Market Costumed Pet Parade - Every Saturday, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM (next: Saturday, October 31, with a costumed pet parade) · Haile Village Center, 9116 SW 51st Rd, Gainesville, Haile Plantation
Weekly farmers market; Halloween Saturday adds a costumed pet parade. Free. 📅 Add to calendar
Waldo Farmers and Flea Market - Every Saturday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (next: Saturday, October 31) · Waldo Farmers and Flea Market, 17805 US-301, Waldo
Long-running weekend flea and farmers market on US-301 in Waldo, also open Sundays. 📅 Add to calendar
Looking Ahead
An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry - Friday, November 6, 7:30 PM · Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
The Hamilton original-cast star performs in concert; ticketed through the Phillips Center Box Office. 📅 Add to calendar
Capitol Fools - Monday, November 2, 7:30 PM · Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
Political-comedy troupe on stage; ticketed through the Phillips Center Box Office. 📅 Add to calendar
Quick Hits
Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale - 500,000+ items, most $0.25-$4; half-price Tuesday, 10-cent items Wednesday - Through Wednesday, October 28, 12-6 PM at 430 N Main St
Florida-Georgia is in Atlanta this year - The Gators play Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, not the Swamp - Saturday, October 31, 3:30 PM
Oktoberfest at Zion Lutheran - Bavarian food and live music, free - Sunday, October 25, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, 1700 NW 34th St
Gainesville Oddities Market - 80+ vendors of taxidermy, crystals and curios - Sunday, November 1, noon-4 PM, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E University Ave
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
-Your Neighbor
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