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Vol. 1 · No. 45 · Monday, June 15, 2026

The Gainesville Ledger

Public Safety

Apartment fire in Southwest Gainesville kills two pets, displaces residents

Firefighters from Alachua County Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at Woodside Villas Apartments in Southwest Gainesville shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday. Crews contained the blaze to the unit of origin, and no people were injured, though two pets died from smoke inhalation before responders arrived. Displaced residents were connected with the American Red Cross, and the Alachua County Fire Marshal is investigating the cause.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Environment

State cancelled $1B aquifer recharge project, but advocates say effort lives on

Florida cancelled the Water First North Florida project, a $1 billion proposal aimed at recharging the Floridan aquifer, even as the region faces drought conditions. Despite the state’s cancellation, supporters of the initiative suggest the effort to address North Florida’s water supply challenges may continue in some form. The Floridan aquifer supplies drinking water for nearly 10 million people and is considered one of the world’s most productive aquifer systems.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

Community

Horseshoe Beach Baptist Church rebuilding after two hurricanes destroyed sanctuary

First Baptist Church of Horseshoe Beach has lost its sanctuary twice in two years, first to Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and then to Hurricane Helene in 2024, which struck just weeks after repairs from the first storm were completed. The building and its foundation have since been demolished, and church leaders are now planning a full rebuild. Members say restoring the church is essential because it is the only place of worship in the small coastal community.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Education

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Sports

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Arts & Culture

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Environment

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Community

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State & National

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From the Magazine

SHOW PREVIEW

Pop-Punk Stacks the Bill at Signal Friday Night

Lifted Riffs, AITA, The 91’s and SWANYX at Signal. Doors 8 p.m., show 8:30, 21 and up.

By Craft Lemon

All Entertainment →

This date in Gator history

2017

Gators beat Louisville 5-1 at CWS, stay undefeated en route to first national title

On June 20, 2017, Florida defeated Louisville 5–1 in College World Series bracket play at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, keeping the Gators unbeaten in the tournament. The win was a critical step in Florida’s run to their first-ever baseball national championship, which they clinched on June 27 by sweeping LSU in the CWS Finals. The 2017 title made Florida one of only a handful of schools to win national championships in baseball, basketball, and football.

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