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Hey Gainesville, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s edition: Gators vs. Crimson Tide gymnastics showdown, Hoggetowne Medieval Faire sneak peek, Florida’s King Celebration, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Hillpointe expands near UF: Construction has begun on Pointe Grand Gainesville, a 300-unit garden-style community near SW Williston Road, with delivery expected in 2027 and the first garden-style multifamily in Gainesville since 2024 — get all the details.
Honoring Dr. King’s legacy: Florida’s 42nd Annual King Celebration is underway in Gainesville through January 19. Highlights include a Hall of Fame Gala at the UF Hilton Hotel and keynote speaker Essence Davis — get all the event details.
Local students earn elite honors: Two Alachua County juniors, Navya Goyal and Amy Xiao, were named Sunshine State Scholars for STEM excellence. They will attend the statewide program in Orlando in early March — read about their achievements.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*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
Circular economy grant at work: Alachua County’s food waste drop-off pilot is underway following a partnership with O-Town Compost that began January 3. Residents can bring food scraps to five Rural Collection Centers. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, with added midweek hours at Alachua/High Springs Get all the details.
Local glam, zero fuss: Need a quick lash restock or a fresh brow routine? Beyouteeful Obsession Makeup & Beauty Bar stocks cosmetics, lash supplies, and wig essentials, plus pro makeup services for a finished look without bathroom counter chaos.
Rain-proof tee times: Swap muggy range sessions for air-conditioned swings at X-Golf Gainesville. Modern simulators, a solid bar lineup, and leagues or lessons keep the game sharp without dodging thunderstorms or waitlists… ideal for a low-key midweek ritual.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
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📆 Around town this week
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
📝 Yes, You! An Entertaining Memoir in Three Easy Steps @ Matheson History Museum | Tuesday (1/13) at 10:00 AM – You’ve been threatening to write that memoir for years, so let Liz Coursen at the Matheson make good on it with an 8-session, four-month workshop. Small group, built-in accountability, and a hefty workbook mean you leave with a first draft. Only 20 spots.
🏺 Pottery Wheel Class @ Corks & Colors Studio | Wednesday (1/14) at 5:30 PM – Wednesday at the wheel means clay under your nails, a buddy by your side, and zero experience required. Make two pieces each, come back next week to paint, grab a beer, wine, or soda, and call it therapy you can display. Limited spots, pre-register online.
🌊 Coastal Systems — Broward County @ Online event | Thursday (1/15) at 5:30 PM – Grab your water shoes, and sign up for a hybrid Coastal Systems course with Kristen Hoss and Dr. John Pipoly III. Zoom when you must, then roam Broward’s beaches, dunes, estuaries, and mangroves to name that seaweed, explore parks and nature centers, and maybe snorkel.
This weekend
💃 Music & Movement @ Millhopper Branch | Alachua County Library District | Saturday (1/17) at 10:30 AM – Music and Movement is getting everyone up and grooving with sing-alongs, easy dance moves, and noisemakers. Bring the kids or grandkids, call it cardio, and enjoy a Saturday Special that’s more fun than chasing them around the park. Zero talent required, just enthusiasm.
💎 Natural History-Inspired Jewelry Workshop! @ The AUK Market | Sunday (1/18) at 11:00 AM – If your magpie tendencies have been eyeing old field guides, head to The Auk Market for a make-and-take turning vintage flora and fauna clippings into earrings or a pendant. Supplies are covered, Coral Keegan of The Naturalist Nook teaches, and there’s coffee, mimosas, and satisfaction.
🍻 Bonsai & Cheers @ First Magnitude Brewing Company | Sunday (1/18) at 2:00 PM – Get your hands dirty at First Magnitude, shaping a Loropetalum Ruby bonsai with L&J Nursery while enjoying a pint. It’s equal parts zen and brewery hang, the combo where you leave calmer, slightly tipsy, and carrying a tree that makes your yard work look dramatic.
🎶 The Steel Wheels and more @ Heartwood Soundstage | Sunday (1/18) at 7:00 PM – An indoor Americana double bill, The Steel Wheels bring Blue Ridge soul while Nolia Joy & The Ramblers add a fresh jolt that actually swings. Seated or standing, choose your knees’ destiny. All ages, kids 12 and under free, which beats hiring a sitter.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Gainesville report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 66°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 3%
Partly sunny, with a high near 66. North wind around 6 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. North wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
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Tomorrow – High: 63°F – Low: 46°F – Precip: 32%
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. West wind 2 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
This house is wild
This 4-bed, 3.5-bath plus study in Cobblefield’s Arundel features a three-way split plan. Formal living and dining frame a granite kitchen with prep island, pantry, and stainless appliances. The great room brings in light with custom built-ins and a gas fireplace. The primary suite has dual walk-in closets and a tiled bath with double vanities and a glass-enclosed shower.
A screened patio overlooks a fenced private yard with garden and fruit trees. Hardwood anchors the dining room, and LVP spans the living and bedrooms. Community perks include a pool, playground, and access to I-75, North Florida Regional, VA, Shands, Santa Fe College, and UF.
Take a peek inside →
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