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Good morning, Gainesville! ☀️ Skies are clear and the afternoon turns warm with no rain in the forecast, so it is a fine day for a stroll around Depot Park.
Another buzzing week in our slice of North Central Florida, where the Streatery just opened downtown and Veterans Day brings a proud pause midweek. Whether you're catching a show on south Main or sizing up your property tax bill, we've got your local pulse covered.
Here's what's making waves this week:
🏠 Amendment 3 passes - the homestead exemption rises to $150,000 in 2027, and the Library District stands to lose over 20% of its budget
🚨 Test your UF Alert - Monday, November 9, the Gainesville campus window is 10:25 to 10:35 a.m., so update your contact info first
🅿️ Apartment parking lots - the General Policy Committee picks among three options Thursday, November 12, and you can speak
🎨 45th Downtown Festival & Art Show - more than 200 artists fill downtown Saturday, November 14
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-Your Neighbor
✅ DO THIS WEEK
Test your UF Alert - UF sends a test by text, email and the GatorSafe app on Monday, November 9, with the Gainesville campus window 10:25 to 10:35 a.m.; update your contact info at one.uf.edu first - Details
Plan around Veterans Day - City of Gainesville offices close and RTS runs no buses on Wednesday, November 11; residential garbage, recycling and yard trash pickup keeps its normal schedule - Details
Weigh in on apartment parking lots - The General Policy Committee picks among three multifamily parking options at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 12, City Hall Auditorium, 200 E University Ave; fill out a comment card to speak - Agenda
Join the Bell inauguration street fair - UF's free celebration with barbecue, music and college showcases starts 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 18 in the Cultural Plaza, after the 2:30 p.m. ceremony at the Phillips Center - Details
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Gainesville voters let city commissioners fill vacancies by appointment
What this means: Gainesville's charter amendment passed Nov. 3 with more than 52% of the vote, so commissioners can now appoint replacements instead of calling a special election, with no effective date stated yet.
Gainesville voters passed a charter amendment Nov. 3 with more than 52%, letting city commissioners fill vacancies by appointment until that seat next faces election.
Here's what to know:
The amendment passed on Tuesday night, Nov. 3, with more than 52%; the Alligator reports no exact vote totals and no effective date.
Commissioner Bryan Eastman proposed it to save taxpayers' money and keep appointments local, tying it to April 2025, when Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Janine Plavac to the School Board.
Opponents such as 44-year-old resident Thomas Surdi said the choice "should be up to the voters"; the Alligator story has both sides.
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Amendment 3 passes: homestead exemption on non-school taxes rises to $150,000 in 2027
What this means: Florida voters approved the property tax cut Nov. 3, raising the non-school homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, and the Library District stands to lose over 20% of its budget.
Over 60% of Florida voters approved Amendment 3 on Nov. 3, lifting the non-school homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027.
Here's what to know:
The exemption climbs to $250,000 in 2028; today the first $25,000 of a homestead's assessed value is exempt from all property taxes.
Mayor Harvey Ward said Gainesville will feel no impact until after fiscal year 2027, but the Alachua County Library District, funded by property taxes alone, loses more than 20% of its budget.
Ward expects some cities and counties to lose 20, 25 or 30% of their budgets; the WUFT report has the full local reaction.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Buchholz High student, 15, charged as an adult in terrorism case after joint sheriff and FBI probe
What this means: A judge moved the case to adult court, the teen is held without bail on a terrorist-activity count, and bail is $100,000 on each of three other counts; the Alachua Chronicle updated its report Nov. 6.
A 15-year-old Buchholz High student faces four felony counts, including terrorist activity, after a joint Alachua County sheriff and FBI investigation made public Oct. 27.
Here's what to know:
Judge Robert Groeb ordered adult prosecution; the teen is held without bail on the terrorist-activity charge, and bail is $100,000 on each of the other three counts.
Charges are making a destructive device, terrorist activity, using terrorist-organization military training and joining one, after detective visits on Oct. 23 and Oct. 26 and a home search where the ASO Bomb Team responded.
These are accusations from law enforcement reports and court records, and the defendant is presumed innocent; the Chronicle's full report details the evidence.
PUBLIC SAFETY
UF tests its emergency alert system Monday, Nov. 9, with a 10:25 a.m. campus message
What this means: UF Alert messages reach phones by text, email and the GatorSafe app on Monday, Nov. 9, so confirm your contact details at one.uf.edu before the Gainesville campus test at 10:25 a.m.
UF will test UF Alert Monday, Nov. 9 by text, email and GatorSafe app, with the Gainesville campus window set for 10:25 to 10:35 a.m.
Here's what to know:
UF Health Shands and Ocala Neighborhood hospitals test 9 to 9:10 a.m.; the Wertheim Scripps Institute tests 8:15 to 8:30 a.m.
In Gainesville the test also plays through Cisco VoIP phones, classroom speakers and capable blue light phones.
Students, faculty and staff should review contact information at one.uf.edu before Monday, Nov. 9.
Quick updates
Streatery opens downtown - The $4.95 million Streatery opened Nov. 6, making SW 1st Avenue from SW 2nd Street to South Main Street pedestrian-only for markets, concerts and festivals. - Read more
School Board seats change - Hunter Miller beat Janine Plavac with nearly 59% in the District 1 runoff; the board's new members are sworn in Tuesday, Nov. 17. - Read more
Bell inauguration set - UF inaugurates its 14th president, Stuart Bell, Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the Phillips Center, the first held there. - Read more
County sizes the Amendment 3 hit - Alachua County estimates a $250,000 homestead exemption would cut General Fund property tax revenue by more than $48.9 million. - Read more
💼 JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES
Staff Assistant, Veteran Services - Alachua County, $42,515.20 a year, full time at 218 SE 24th St, applications close 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 13 - Apply
Mobile Response Team Specialist - Alachua County Community Support Services, $63,460.80 a year, full time, applications close 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 13 - Apply
Crisis Center Project Coordinator - Alachua County, $63,460.80 a year, full time at 218 SE 24th St, applications close 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 20 - Apply
Construction Inspections Superintendent - Alachua County Public Works, $74,900.80 a year, full time, 5620 NW 120th Lane, closes 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 20 - Apply
Equipment Operator II - Alachua County Road & Bridge, $41,953.60 a year, full time, 5620 NW 120th Lane, closes 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 20 - 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
🎸 Tom Petty Weekend 2026 - Friday, November 13, 6:00 PM kick-off concert (also Saturday, November 14, 1:00-10:30 PM and Sunday, November 15, 2:00-9:30 PM) · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, south Main district
Gainesville's fan-driven tribute to its hometown hero, running since 2017, with many tribute performers across indoor and outdoor stages. Tickets run $15-$360, kids 18 and under are free, and the listing shows a Sold out badge, so confirm availability before you go. 📅 Add to calendar
🎨 45th Downtown Festival & Art Show - Saturday, November 14, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM (also Sunday, November 15) · Downtown Gainesville, around Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E University Ave
More than 200 visual artists from across the country, plus live music and food. The festival site lists the event as "Downtown Gainesville" and does not state admission, so check the site and its parking map before you go. 📅 Add to calendar
🏐 Florida Gators Volleyball vs. Georgia (Senior Day) - Sunday, November 8, 1:00 PM · Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, UF campus
No. 4 Florida (19-2) closes its home regular season by honoring seven seniors, and the first 500 fans get a long-sleeve hooded shirt. Streams on SEC Network+. 📅 Add to calendar
🎺 Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story - Tuesday, November 10, 7:30 PM · Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
Story, music and theatre led by trumpeter Dominick Farinacci with a World Trade Center firefighter and an Afghanistan combat veteran, the night before Veterans Day. Tickets are listed at $20-$40, $15 for UF students, with buy-one-get-one for veterans, active-duty and first responders using code BTL2026. 📅 Add to calendar
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Lamont Landers w/ Kristopher James - Sunday, November 8, 7:45 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, south main district
Soul, rock and R&B singer from Decatur, Alabama, known for a viral Ray Charles cover. All ages, standing room indoors, $32; the page shows a Sold out badge, so check the ticket link. 📅 Add to calendar
Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters w/ The Ones to Blame (Matinee) - Sunday, November 8, 5:15 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, south Main district
Early-evening Americana matinee at Heartwood; the calendar shows a Sold out badge, so confirm tickets before heading over. 📅 Add to calendar
Parker Barrow w/ The Sammy Rose Band - Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, south Main district
Tuesday-night country and roots show on the Heartwood calendar; the listing shows a Sold out badge. 📅 Add to calendar
The Heavy Heavy w/ The Point. - Wednesday, November 11, 7:00 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville, south Main district
Veterans Day night show at Heartwood; the calendar shows a Sold out badge, so check the ticket link. 📅 Add to calendar
Sons of Town Hall - Thursday, November 12, 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM · UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
Americana duo David Berkeley and Ben Parker play two 19th-century travelers swapping songs and tall tales in a cabaret-style room. $60 at 7 PM (hors d'oeuvres), $35 at 9 PM (desserts), $15 UF students, cash bar. 📅 Add to calendar
Yilian Cañizares - Friday, November 13, 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM · UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz from a violinist and vocalist, in cabaret seating. $60 at 7 PM, $35 at 9 PM, $15 UF students, with food and a cash bar. 📅 Add to calendar
The Rocky Horror Picture Show LIVE on Stage (Final Fall Show) - Tuesday, November 10, doors 8:00 PM · The Wooly, 20 N Main St, Gainesville, downtown
Live stage production billed as the final fall show at the downtown club. Price and age limit are not listed on the Glory Days Presents calendar, so check the ticket link. 📅 Add to calendar
Holywatr w/ mercury (Deo Gratias Tour) - Thursday, November 12, doors 7:00 PM · The Wooly, 20 N Main St, Gainesville, downtown
Touring act on the Wooly calendar; price and age limit are not listed, so check the ticket link. 📅 Add to calendar
Beauty School Dropout (The Circus) - Friday, November 13, doors 7:00 PM · The Wooly, 20 N Main St, Gainesville, downtown
Friday show at the Wooly; price and age limit are not listed on the calendar, so check the ticket link. 📅 Add to calendar
👪 Family-Friendly
Newberry Fall Fest - Saturday, November 14, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM · South Seaboard Drive, Newberry Historic District, Newberry
Hosted by Newberry Main Street Org in the city's historic district, per the City of Newberry calendar. Price and activities are not listed. 📅 Add to calendar
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum - Sunday, November 8, 10:15-11:00 AM (also Thursday, November 12 and Saturday, November 14) · Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811 S Main St, Gainesville, at Depot Park
Short hands-on program for little learners, included in the cost of admission with no pre-registration required. 📅 Add to calendar
Design + Doodle Lab at the Cade Museum - Thursday, November 12, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM (also Friday, November 13) · Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811 S Main St, Gainesville, at Depot Park
Drop-in art day for all ages with pop-up art projects and an open art station stocked with materials. Pricing is on the museum's ticket link. 📅 Add to calendar
The Engineering Workshop: Game Design - Saturday, November 14, 1:00-2:30 PM · Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811 S Main St, Gainesville, at Depot Park
Hands-on session mixing art, science, electronics and coding platforms to design a game. Online registration is required; the museum closes to the public at 2:00 PM that day for a private event. 📅 Add to calendar
Sleeping Beauty and the Saving Prince - Saturday, November 14, 6:00 PM · Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
Doxa Dance Company's 16th annual production retells the story of Princess Aurora in dance, billed as a show the whole family will enjoy. $27, reserved seating. 📅 Add to calendar
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Backwards K Showcase (Softball Tournament) - Friday, November 13 (also Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15) · Champions Park, 24617 SW 30th Ave, Newberry
Weekend softball tournament at Newberry's sports-tourism complex, listed by the Gainesville Sports Commission. Admission and game times are not listed; use the registration link on the event page. 📅 Add to calendar
FHSAA Regional Cross Country (1A and 4A) - Saturday, November 14 · West End Community Park, 12830 W Newberry Rd, Newberry
High school regional cross country meet on the Gainesville Sports Commission calendar. Start time and admission are not listed on the page. 📅 Add to calendar
🎨 Arts & Culture
Art After Dark Museum Nights - Here We Are! - Thursday, November 12, 6:00-9:00 PM · Harn Museum of Art, 3259 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
Free evening of art and activities about the places that shape identity, with a musical light instrument, student-led tours, a Florida photobooth and light bites. 📅 Add to calendar
Sound Moves: Interdisciplinary Music and Dance Performance - Saturday, November 14, 1:00-2:00 PM · Harn Museum of Art, 3259 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
Six UF student composers premiere new works, performed by the Moon Unit Trio with improvised UF dance. Free, open to the public and suitable for all ages. 📅 Add to calendar
"Art from the Archives" Exhibition Opening - Saturday, November 14, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM · Matheson History Museum, 513 E University Ave, Gainesville, downtown
Free exhibit opening rarely seen oil paintings and photographs from the collection, part of the Downtown Festival and Art Show celebration. No registration required. 📅 Add to calendar
"Disenchanted!" The Musical (final performance) - Sunday, November 8, 2:00 PM · Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW 2nd Ave, Ste. O, Gainesville
Closing matinee of the musical's run, which started October 16. Ticket prices are on the theatre's Buy Tickets page. 📅 Add to calendar
🎓 Education & Business
"The 'Nam AC-48" Author Talk with Andy Adkins - Wednesday, November 11, 7:00 PM · Matheson History Museum, 513 E University Ave, Gainesville, downtown
Veterans Day talk on a book honoring 48 Alachua County men who died in the Vietnam War. Free with registration; books are $15 with proceeds to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1092. 📅 Add to calendar
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Newberry's Veterans Day Tribute - Wednesday, November 11, 9:00 AM · Veterans Memorial Park, 120 NW 260th St, Newberry
City of Newberry's Veterans Day tribute at its memorial park. End time and program are not listed on the city calendar. 📅 Add to calendar
Tot Trot: Camping - Tuesday, November 10, 9:00-10:45 AM · Natural Area Park, UF Natural Area Teaching Lab entrance at Natural Area Dr, Gainesville, UF campus
Florida Museum nature walk for ages 2-5 with an adult chaperone, focused on science and sensory exploration; check-in starts at 9:00 AM. Fees are on the museum's Tot Trot info page. 📅 Add to calendar
⌚️ Recurring Events
Haile Farmers Market - Saturdays, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM (next: November 14) · Haile Village Center, 5213 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville, Haile Plantation
Weekly Saturday market in Haile Village Center, listed on the market's own site as open every Saturday. 📅 Add to calendar
Looking Ahead
Sounds of the Season 2026 - Thursday, November 19, 7:30 PM (also Friday, November 20) · Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
Holiday-season concert on the Phillips Center calendar; check the listing for tickets. 📅 Add to calendar
The War and Treaty - Sunday, November 22, 7:30 PM · Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 3201 Hull Rd, Gainesville, UF cultural plaza
Husband-and-wife soul and Americana duo on the Phillips Center calendar; check the listing for tickets. 📅 Add to calendar
Quick Hits
Veterans Day - City of Alachua offices are closed in observance - Wednesday, November 11
Cade Museum early close - Museum closes at 2:00 PM for a private event - Saturday, November 14
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me exploring what's happening in Gainesville!
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Gainesville is better when we're all informed and connected. Thanks for being part of this community.
See you around town,
-Your Neighbor
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