Gainesville Police Department collected 134 unwanted guns Saturday during a gun buyback held in front of Fire Station #3, 900 NE Waldo Road. The event, which was held in collaboration with the Alachua County Christian Pastors Association, was designed to reduce the number of weapons that could potentially fall into the wrong hands. Officers offered gift cards with amounts ranging from $50 to $300 or the option to take an Xbox One in exchange for a weapon. In total, the police had $5,000 plus the Xboxes to trade for guns. Darry Lloyd, spokesperson for the State Attorney’s Office, said the money for the buyback came from forfeiture funds, money confiscated in connection to illegal activity. All weapons turned over to officers are set to be broken down and destroyed unless someone has reported the gun stolen.
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The First Annual Great Pumpkin Bash
Oct. 12Gainesville's first Great Pumpkin Bash attracted about 200 visitors of all ages on Oct. 11. Families walked around the plaza, pushing strollers and walking dogs. Vendors sold food, drinks and clothes, while tablers offered information about their organizations. The inaugural fall festival also featured face painting, a scavenger hunt and musical chairs with polka renditions of pop songs.
