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Good morning, Gainesville! In today’s edition: America’s 250th kickoff play “Six Triple Eight,” living chessboard battle, first folk festival, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
History takes center stage: Gainesville is kicking off America’s 250th with a theatrical presentation of “Six Triple Eight” at the historic Gainesville Old Post Office, followed by a performance by the Star Center Theatre — read the full story.
Winter demand pressures fuel markets: Gainesville Regional Utilities says electric bills are increasing this month after a fuel adjustment change tied to higher natural gas prices, adding about $5 for a typical 1,000 kilowatt-hour customer — see how the utility is responding.
Stay informed on local decisions: Upcoming City of Gainesville meetings are listed, with agendas and information on how to watch or attend. New notices help residents follow what is planned in the days ahead — see how to watch or attend.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Fresh bites and brews: Ocala-based Amrit Palace, a three-decade staple, is coming to Gainesville, planning to open in the former Hooters near Carrabba’s and Another Broken Egg Cafe. 7 Brew Coffee is now open at 1527 SW 13th St, expanding the drive-thru chain’s Florida footprint. See what’s opening and where.
Find your next cider: When beer isn’t calling, The Good Pour Gainesville pours a rotating mix of craft ciders, from crisp, dry sips to juicy seasonals. Staff steer you toward your style, so you skip the candied-apple surprise…unless that’s exactly what you’re craving.
Refresh your nest: When your coffee table needs personality, Agapanthus stocks a curated mix of home accents, tableware, and giftable finds, plus Gainesville Gator touches. Expect easy upgrades that make your space feel a little brighter… and a lot more you.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🐦 Alachua Audubon Bird Walk @ Sweetwater Wetlands Park | Wednesday (1/7) at 8:30 AM – Set your alarm and head to Sweetwater for a Wednesday morning bird walk with the Alachua Audubon crew, free with the $5 park entry. They bring the know-how, and sometimes loaner binoculars, you bring coffee, curiosity, and your best quiet voice. All levels welcome.
⚓ Sea Shanty Night @ The Backyard at Boca Fiesta & Palomino | Wednesday (1/7) at 7:00 PM – If your inner pirate needs a night out, The Backyard is throwing a sea shanty sing-along with lyric books, big choruses, and drink specials. No experience required, just enthusiasm, a respectable YO HO, and maybe a costume, because commitment is flattering.
💃 Thursday Night Swing Dancing @ Rosa B Williams Center/352artspace | Thursday (1/8) at 7:30 PM – Whether you danced through swing’s heyday or your last move was the Electric Slide at a wedding, GSD hosts free swing dancing every Thursday in the historic, air-conditioned Rosa B. Williams Center. Lessons included, no partner needed, live music on first Thursdays, free parking.
This weekend
🛍 Downtown Vintage Market @ Bo Diddley Plaza | Saturday (1/10) at 5:00 AM – Nothing beats a treasure hunt at Bo Diddley Plaza, where 50-plus local vendors roll out curated finds from Y2K to the 1950s, plus handmade goods that make your porch look intentional. Add food trucks, live tunes from Joey Anderson, and free parking around the plaza.
📚 The Other Book Part 2 @ Matheson History Museum | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Second Saturdays at the Matheson mean a dose of the real story, with Dr. Ryan Travis and the Community Remembrance Project unpacking the arts and culture chapters of Black history from the other book. Engaging, grounded, overdue. Suggested five bucks, register if you like plans.
🧩 Beginners Mosaic Workshop @ Curia On The Drag | Sunday (1/11) at 11:00 AM – Time to upgrade the coffee table, not your tools: a beginner mosaic workshop at The Auk Market with Satchel’s artist-in-residence, Leah Piekarski. Tile a 6-inch tray, learn the basics, sip from the on-site coffee shop, and victory-lap at Curia or Dad’s.
🥕 Critter Creek January 11th Farmers Mooket @ Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary | Sunday (1/11) at 12:00 PM – Swap the market rut for a plant-based spread at Critter Creek’s sanctuary, where locals have hooves and opinions. Browse vegan vendors, meet residents on their terms, and wear closed-toe shoes if you fancy the pig pastures. Entry is free, a $5 donation supports the sanctuary.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Gainesville report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 77°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 0%
Patchy fog before 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind 1 to 8 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
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Tomorrow – High: 78°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 2%
Patchy fog before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Later: Patchy fog after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 2-bath Springtree standout sits 10 minutes from UF, Shands, downtown Gainesville, and shopping in a quiet, established pocket. A bright interior shows off warm LVP floors, updated kitchen and baths, and a cleverly reimagined third bedroom that adds versatility. Natural light connects living, dining, and kitchen spaces, and a 2021 roof keeps maintenance simple.
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Take a peek inside →
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