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Hello Gainesville! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Golf-simulator club expansion, a new ballet center, and WWE NXT Live + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Gainesville protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Startup swings for expansion: Gainesville brothers Trace and Tyler Rucarean sold out memberships at two Future Country Club golf-simulator spots, offering access to over 2,000 courses. A third location is planned by summer 2026 — read the full story.

New home for ballet: Dance Alive celebrated topping out February 25 at Gainesville’s Khoury Family Center for the Arts. Walls should rise soon, with completion expected May 2027 if fundraising stays on track — read the full construction update.

Young scientists shine: Three students from The Frazer School won first place at the Alachua County Regional Science and Engineering Fair and will compete at state in Lakeland March 31 to April 2 — read the full story.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Meet adoptable cats at Repurpose Project
• Celebrate John Prine at Heartwood Soundstage
• Explore frog diversity over a pint
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Citrus-sweet pick-me-up: Sweet Pie Company hand-bakes Key Lime and Coconut Custard pies in Gainesville, made to order with real ingredients and no weird preservatives. Grab a slice that tastes like sunshine… and tuck one away for future you.

Your week needs blooms: The Plant Shoppe Florist turns everyday moments into small celebrations with artfully arranged stems, lush plants, and designs from folks who actually know Gainesville. Desks, doorsteps, and afternoons get brighter with thoughtful flowers that feel local, lively, and a little luxe.

Chalk up, Gainesville: Whether you’re trying climbing or chasing a nemesis route, The Knot – Climbing Gym brings welcoming regulars, sharp route setting, and extras like yoga and training zones. Slip in for a weeknight session, move well, and leave satisfyingly spent.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Check out my favorite online options →

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🔬 SOAR: Science-Oriented Activities and Recreation @ Gainesville Housing Authority | Thursday (3/12) at 3:30 PM – Nothing beats watching curiosity trump screen time. SOAR turns the Gainesville Housing Authority Maker Space into a hands-on lab, with nature interpreters running real-deal activities, team games, and plenty of aha moments, every second Thursday during the school year.

🎨 Alachua County Public School’s Student Exhibition (K-12) @ The Historic Thomas Center | Friday (3/13) at 8:00 AM – Local kids, from kindergarten scribblers to high school portfolio stars, take over the gallery with the annual Alachua County Public Schools student art show. Expect paint, clay, and big feelings. You’ll leave proud, impressed, and wondering why your stick figures never evolved.

🐉 Kids D&D Adventure League @ PunkOuter Games | Friday (3/13) at 4:00 PM – Got a kid who can outwit a dragon? The weekly kids D&D adventure league lets ages 8 to 16 roll dice, make friends, and quest, with parents on standby, no drop offs. Snag a spot via the signup form, enjoy your supervising side quest.

🏃 5K for School Safety @ Tech City (Alachua) | Saturday (3/14) at 4:00 PM – Trade your errands for a 5K that doubles as cardio and community service, funding trauma kits, training, and support for responders to keep schools safer. Run, walk, or amble, then celebrate at Daft Cow Brewery with live music, a silent auction, food truck, and pints.

🤼 WWE NXT Live @ Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center | Saturday (3/14) at 7:30 PM – Feel like trading PTA meetings for pile drivers? WWE NXT rolls into Gainesville for one night of live body slams, loud pops, and shameless fun. Snag $15 general admission, or go Gold Circle ringside for $25, pick your seat, and embrace your inner heel.

⚾ Florida Gators Baseball vs. Stetson Hatters @ Condron Family Ballpark | Tuesday (3/17) at 6:30 PM – Think the Gators still own the Hatters? Come hear the crack of the bat and find out. Every age needs a ticket, bags get inspected, and early birds snag cushy spots with better views, shorter lines, and stories to stretch at work.

💪 Healthy Afternoons: Commit to Be Fit @ Fred Cone Park | Wednesday (3/18) at 3:00 PM – Whether your meal prep is heroic or mostly takeout, Gainesville Fire Rescue is celebrating National Nutrition Month with a free, family-friendly afternoon on eating better and moving more. Expect kid-friendly activities, workout tips, healthy eating demos, and community resources, minus the guilt and plus camaraderie.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Gainesville report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 91°F – Low: 64°F – Precip: 2%

Patchy fog before 8am. Sunny. High near 91, with temperatures falling to around 90 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 2 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southwest wind 2 to 9 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 81°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 80%

A chance of rain showers before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 81, with temperatures falling to around 79 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 56, with temperatures rising to around 57 overnight. North wind 7 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

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Completed in 2026, this modern-transitional home flaunts clean lines and expansive windows, including a second-story grouping above the garage. Over 3,600 square feet deliver 5 beds, 3.5 baths, and a tri-split plan. The chef’s kitchen offers quartz, vaulted ceilings, LG appliances, pot filler, and combo wall oven. Spa-worthy suite and covered patio in Gloria’s Way near Tioga Town Center.

Take a peek inside →