Monday, November 2, 2026 · The Gainesville Ledger

Vol. 1 · No. 137 · Monday, November 2, 2026

State & National

Alachua County voters head to polls Tuesday as early voting period closes

Election Day arrives November 3 for Alachua County residents, with ballots spanning local races such as school board seats up to the statewide governor’s contest between Byron Donalds and David Jolly. Early voting wrapped up Sunday, the final day it was available in Alachua County, where the African American Accountability Alliance hosted a community celebration near the Supervisor of Elections Office to encourage turnout. Voters who did not cast a ballot early must report to their assigned precinct on Election Day.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · The Independent Florida Alligator · The Gainesville Sun

Public Safety

Two people killed in early-morning shooting near UF campus

Gainesville police responded to a double shooting around 4 a.m. Sunday at 1100 West University Avenue, just steps from the University of Florida campus. Both victims were transported to a hospital, where they died. A Gainesville man has since been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the killings, according to the Gainesville Sun.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · The Gainesville Sun

Public Safety

Redpoint residents raise security concerns after sexual battery, burglary reported

Students living at the Redpoint apartment complex near UF are voicing concerns about inadequate lighting, absent security patrols, and unfulfilled lease promises following reports of a sexual battery and burglary at the property. Residents say management has communicated poorly in the aftermath of the incidents.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

Sports

Gainesville hosts international judo competition doubling as 2028 Olympic qualifier

More than 400 athletes representing 40 countries gathered in Gainesville over four days to compete in the Panamerican Open judo tournament. The event also served as a 2028 Olympic qualifier, with competitors earning world ranking points that will determine advancement to the Games.

Sources: WCJB TV20

City

In Brief

Gainesville streatery ribbon-cutting, midterm elections headline week’s local news — WCJB TV20

Public Safety

Brandon man arrested for firing gun at Gainesville hotel, citing lost phone

Alachua County deputies arrested a 24-year-old Brandon man Sunday after he allegedly fired a handgun into the parking lot of a Days Inn on Northwest 69th Terrace and struck a building across the street. Desmond Horton told deputies he was upset over a misplaced phone and a minor argument with his girlfriend. A 9mm shell casing was recovered near his vehicle, and he now faces charges of shooting into a public or private building.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Sports

In Brief

No. 4 Florida volleyball extends winning streak to six with victory over Arkansas — The Independent Florida Alligator
Florida football falls to Georgia, leaving questions after rival loss — The Gainesville Sun

Environment

In Brief

Florida’s invasive Asian swamp eel is edible — and potentially worth putting on the plate — The Gainesville Sun

Community

In Brief

Social 28 apartment residents describe ongoing maintenance and construction problems — The Independent Florida Alligator
Micanopy Fall Festival completes 51st year with 200-plus vendors on Cholokka Boulevard — WCJB TV20
Gainesville vigil honors those who died in immigration custody — WCJB TV20