Monday, October 12, 2026 · The Gainesville Ledger

Vol. 1 · No. 116 · Monday, October 12, 2026

Environment

Hurricane Isaias makes landfall near Destin, spawns tornadoes in north-central Florida

Former Category 3 Hurricane Isaias came ashore near Destin as a Category 2 storm Friday night, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands across the Florida Panhandle and Alabama. Authorities reported four deaths by Saturday — two in Escambia County, Florida, and two in Alabama. Earlier Friday, the storm’s outer bands triggered three tornadoes within minutes across Levy, Dixie, and Gilchrist counties in north-central Florida.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20

Sports

Vanderbilt ends No. 5 Florida volleyball’s 11-game win streak in four sets

The fifth-ranked Florida Gators volleyball team lost to Vanderbilt in four sets, snapping an 11-match winning run. The Commodores controlled the match as Florida struggled to convert on key moments throughout the contest.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

City

Alachua County to hold firearms ordinance hearing; Fort White council split over mayor

Alachua County commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday on proposed changes to four firearms ordinances that staff say conflict with state law, following demands from the gun-rights group Florida Carry, though some residents remain opposed. Separately, the Fort White Town Council is set to debate Monday whether Mayor George Thomas must hand over administrative access to payroll and other accounts to town clerks, amid his opposition to an interim clerk appointment. The week also brings the announcement of the 17th annual Cade Prizes for inventivity, with 15 finalists competing for more than $100,000 in cash awards.

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Sources: WCJB TV20

State & National

Gainesville forum debates three Florida constitutional amendments ahead of November vote

Community members gathered at Pleasant United Methodist Church in Gainesville to learn about three constitutional amendments on Florida’s upcoming midterm ballot, with the event organized by the African American Accountability Alliance. A University of Florida professor explained the proposals, while the discussion centered on Amendment 3, which would increase the homestead exemption and lower the cap on non-homestead property assessment increases. Former Sen. Keith Perry spoke in support of the measure, while Mayor Harvey Ward urged voters to reject it, citing opposition from education, law enforcement, and civic organizations.

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Sources: WCJB TV20

Public Safety

In Brief

GPD officer’s cruiser collides with another vehicle on Archer Road — WCJB TV20
Crash on U.S. 301 in Waldo closes southbound lanes, road later reopens — WCJB TV20

Business

In Brief

Mochi Health lowers prices for GLP-1 weight-loss medications — The Gainesville Sun
Tips for buyers and sellers navigating Florida’s real estate market — The Gainesville Sun

Sports

In Brief

Florida Gators football drops out of US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25 — The Gainesville Sun
Florida Gators host South Carolina in SEC Homecoming matchup — The Gainesville Sun
UF basketball reserves Klavžar and Brown settle into bench roles — The Independent Florida Alligator

Arts & Culture

New event center, The Meet Up, brings live jazz and late-night dancing to East Gainesville

A new venue called The Meet Up has opened on Gainesville’s east side, offering live jazz, a dance floor open until 1 a.m., a DJ, and a dress code on Friday nights. Owner Alishia McDonald, a lifelong east side resident, says the space is also available for private events Monday through Thursday. McDonald described the venture as an effort to fill a gap in arts and entertainment options on that side of the city.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Environment

UF home football games carry a significant environmental cost, report finds

A University of Florida student newspaper investigation examines the environmental impact of Gator home football games, finding that the events generate substantial waste and energy consumption. The report also acknowledges that the games provide economic benefits to the local community and enjoyment for fans.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

In Brief

Weak cold front to bring drier air, lower humidity to Florida this week — WUFT News

Community

In Brief

Gainesville Rotary clubs host Strike Out Polio bowling fundraiser — WCJB TV20
Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day: What’s open and closed in Gainesville — The Gainesville Sun

State & National

Sen. Tillis questions legality of Trump administration’s Russian diesel deal

Republican Senator Thom Tillis has raised concerns that a reported diesel deal involving Russia may violate U.S. law. The senator’s objections signal potential bipartisan pushback against the arrangement within Congress.

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Sources: The Gainesville Sun