The 2026 annual Point-in-Time count recorded 613 people experiencing homelessness across seven North Central Florida counties — Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Putnam, and Union — a significant drop from 887 counted in 2025. Of those surveyed, 414 were staying in shelters and 199 were living on the street. The region has seen a substantial overall decline since 2023, when the count reached 1,006 people.
Sources: WCJB TV20
A new report revisits the 2016 shooting death of singer Christina Grimmie at an Orlando, Florida concert venue, approaching the tenth anniversary of the event. Grimmie, a rising pop artist known for her television appearances, was killed by a gunman after a performance. The anniversary is prompting renewed reflection on the tragedy and its place in Florida’s history of mass violence.
Sources: The Gainesville Sun
More than 60 motorcyclists gathered at Gainesville Harley-Davidson on Sunday, dressed in suits and vintage gear, as part of the worldwide Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which this year drew over 100,000 participants across 110 countries. The local event, organized for the second consecutive year in partnership with Harley-Davidson, aims to raise awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research. Event organizers Faren Healey and Camden Briscoe, who continued leading the ride despite Camden losing a leg in a motorcycle accident earlier this year, said the experience underscored the importance of community support and encouraging men to speak openly about their struggles.
Sources: WCJB TV20
