Monday, October 26, 2026 · The Gainesville Ledger

Vol. 1 · No. 130 · Monday, October 26, 2026

City

Alachua County to hold hearing on 2,700-home Everlee Farms development amid environmental concerns

Alachua County commissioners will take up a comprehensive plan amendment Tuesday for the Everlee Farms project, which would bring more than 2,700 residences to western Alachua County but has drawn opposition over its potential environmental impact. State agency studies submitted to the county have not flagged serious near-term concerns. Also this week, more than 400 athletes from over 40 countries arrive Wednesday for an international judo competition at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center, which doubles as an official qualifier for the 2028 Olympics.

Read the point / counterpoint →

Sources: WCJB TV20

Public Safety

19-year-old woman killed after being struck by vehicle on West University Avenue

A 19-year-old woman died Saturday night after a driver swerving to avoid another vehicle struck her as she crossed West University Avenue in Gainesville. She was taken to UF Health Shands Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police have not made any arrests in connection with the crash.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Business

Parade of Homes draws buyers as Alachua County property tax amendment nears vote

The Builders Association of North Central Florida held its Fall Parade of Homes this weekend, showcasing 17 newly built homes across 13 neighborhoods in Gainesville, Newberry, Alachua, and High Springs. The event coincides with a November ballot measure, Amendment 3, that would expand homestead property tax exemptions for qualifying owners — with supporters citing potential savings and opponents warning of reduced funding for local services. September data from Florida Realtors shows home sales in the Gainesville market rose 7.6% while average sale prices held relatively flat.

Read both sides →

Sources: WCJB TV20

Arts & Culture

The Bull seeks community support to survive financial strain from nearby construction

Gainesville music venue and community space The Bull is appealing to local supporters to help it remain open after losing revenue during The Streatery construction project nearby. The venue is turning to the surrounding community as a lifeline amid the financial difficulties caused by the disruption.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

City

In Brief

High Springs commission candidate drops lawsuit over election qualifying dispute — WCJB TV20

Education

In Brief

UF inventors showcase entrepreneurial projects at Reitz Union event — The Independent Florida Alligator
UF College Republicans host former ICE agent and conservative politicians on immigration — The Independent Florida Alligator

Public Safety

In Brief

Mobile home fully engulfed in fire in Alachua; one person injured — WCJB TV20

Sports

In Brief

Analysis examines Florida football’s path to upsetting Georgia — The Gainesville Sun
Florida football rises to No. 17 in AP Poll after bye week — WCJB TV20
UF freshmen making early mark under coach Nick Zimmerman — The Independent Florida Alligator
No. 5 Florida volleyball sweeps Ole Miss, stays perfect at home — The Independent Florida Alligator

Arts & Culture

In Brief

Florida Alligator critic calls Tom Cruise’s ‘Digger’ a box-office bomb worth revisiting — The Independent Florida Alligator

Community

In Brief

Retired Alachua County Fire Rescue Captain Joey Malphurs dies at 63 — WCJB TV20
North Central Florida Community Center seeks $100K and public input for its future — The Gainesville Sun
Halloween events around Gainesville and Alachua County this week — The Gainesville Sun
Halloween full moon is a rare occurrence — here’s whether 2026 has one — The Gainesville Sun
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office offers monthly self-defense classes for women, seniors, and kids — WCJB TV20
October’s Hunter’s Moon rises Sunday night with an orange glow — The Gainesville Sun
Alachua County Youth Triathlon Club hosts kids’ race at Albert Ray Massey Park — WCJB TV20
Zion Lutheran Church holds its first Oktoberfest in Gainesville — WCJB TV20

State & National

In Brief

Nor’easter brings dangerous surf and coastal flooding to Florida’s east coast — WUFT News
DSA-backed Democrat Angie Nixon emerges as major force in Florida politics — 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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