Sunday, October 25, 2026 · The Gainesville Ledger

Vol. 1 · No. 129 · Sunday, October 25, 2026

Business

UF students launch Parkey app to book game-day driveway parking

Three University of Florida students have created an app called Parkey that lets homeowners near campus list their driveways as bookable parking spots for Gator game days, operating similarly to a short-term rental marketplace. Founder Zane Knapp came up with the concept after noticing private lots being sold informally during a house hunt. The app is already available in the App Store and recorded 51 bookings across seven hosts during a recent UF home game.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Sports

Florida gymnast Skye Blakely becomes first collegiate athlete to win World Championships all-around

University of Florida gymnast Skye Blakely made history at the World Championships by becoming the first collegiate gymnast ever to win the all-around title. The achievement marks a significant milestone for both Blakely and the Gators gymnastics program.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun

Education

UF kratom researcher faces scrutiny over ties to industry lobbying group

A University of Florida researcher who studies kratom is facing questions about his credibility after emails obtained through public records requests revealed reimbursed hotel and travel expenses connected to a kratom lobbying organization. The disclosed financial ties have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest influencing his research.

Read both sides →

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

Sports

In Brief

Santa Fe volleyball pushes top-ranked Orangewood Christian before falling in four sets — The Gainesville Sun
Florida volleyball sweeps LSU, leads SEC in opponent hitting percentage — The Independent Florida Alligator
No. 5 Florida volleyball seeks third straight win as SEC leader against Ole Miss — The Independent Florida Alligator

Environment

In Brief

Hurricane Kate’s Nov. 21, 1985 landfall remains Florida’s latest on record — WUFT News

Community

In Brief

Alachua County Friends of the Library fall book sale underway through Wednesday — WCJB TV20
Melrose celebrates Halloween with Witches Paddle on Lake Santa Fe — WCJB TV20
Hundreds gather in Gainesville for annual Alzheimer’s awareness walk — WCJB TV20
Alachua County residents drop off unused medications for National Take-Back Day — WCJB TV20
Reddick horse farm co-owner named president of Florida Thoroughbred Breeders group — WCJB TV20
Powerball jackpot climbs to $674 million — The Gainesville Sun
Bartenders pick their go-to World Series cocktails for 2026 — The Gainesville Sun

This date in Gator history

2001

No. 6 Gators dominate No. 15 Georgia 24–10 in Jacksonville rivalry clash

On October 27, 2001, the sixth-ranked Florida Gators handled the 15th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs 24–10 at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, with Rex Grossman throwing two touchdowns to Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell. The win kept Florida perfect in SEC play at 4–0 and extended the Gators’ dominance in the rivalry, which they had owned for over a decade. Florida went on to finish the season ranked 5th nationally and crushed Maryland 56–23 in the Orange Bowl.

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