Metro

A sign near City Hall lists rules for the surrounding area, including a prohibition on skateboarding and roller skating, on Oct. 16, 2025.

The long road to legalize skating in Gainesville

By Teia Williams | Oct. 22

Since 1988, the slogan has become a nationwide rallying cry against anti-skateboarding laws. In Gainesville, the call could soon spark change.

Glenn Terry leads a drum line at a "No Kings" protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

Protesters gather for second No Kings Day in Gainesville

By Juliana DeFilippo | Oct. 19

Gainesville, Fla. reaches out to São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, and welcomes its twelfth sister city.

Gainesville signs newest partnership with Brazilian city

By Bruna Arnaes Baptista Moreira | Oct. 17

Control of Gainesville Regional Utilities will be on the ballot this November.

Gainesville to hold second GRU referendum Nov. 4

By Grace Larson | Oct. 15

Protestors gather together in prayer outside of the Florida State Prison in Raiford in opposition to the execution of Samuel Lee Smithers. Smithers was executed in Raiford, Fla., on Oct. 14, 2025.

Tampa church leader known as ‘Deacon of Death’ executed for Hillsborough murders

By Alexa Ryan | Oct. 14

Protestors hold signs outside of the Florida State Prison in Starke in opposition to the execution of. Victor Tony Jones. Jones was executed on Sept. 30, 2025

Florida is executing people in record numbers. Here’s what to know.

By Alexa Ryan | Oct. 13

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METRO

Alachua County ends interlibrary loans after federal funding cuts

By Grace Larson | Oct. 12

After 50 years of operation, Florida’s Interlibrary Loan Service has shut down — and, with it, ends a long-lasting network between the state's libraries.

Gainesville families participate in the Fall Festivities at the first annual Great Pumpkin Bash at Bo Diddley Plaza in Fla. on Oct. 11, 2025.

METRO

First-ever Great Pumpkin Bash brings Gainesville families downtown to celebrate fall

By Juliana DeFilippo | Oct. 12

The Pumpkin Bash attracted about 200 visitors of all ages. Families walked around the plaza, pushing strollers and walking dogs. Vendors sold food, drinks and clothes, while tablers offered information about their organizations.

The Ice Cream Vault, located at 14841 Main St. in Alachua, welcomes teens to its second-floor event space on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

METRO

Alachua had few teen hangout spots. An ice cream shop found a sweet solution.

By Jeffrey Serber | Oct. 8

The ice cream shop, located at 14841 Main St. in Alachua, welcomes teens to its second-floor event space on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Malcom Randall VA Medical Center sign in Gainesville on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025.

METRO

Gainesville community braces for financial fallout from federal government shutdown

By Noah Lantor | Oct. 6

While UF researchers and VA workers worry what could happen if the shutdown persists, TSA and NASA employees have already begun working without pay.

The Alachua County Library System offers workshops for families to learn English through storybooks and crafts.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

Alachua County library builds community, language skills with English for Families program

By Ava DiCecca | Oct. 3

The English for Families program allows immigrants and their children to practice their language skills, connect with one another and build their home libraries in a safe place.

A new Florida law establishes mandatory minimum sentences for repeat sex offenders.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

State establishes mandatory minimum sentences for repeated sex crimes

By Alexa Ryan | Oct. 1

Beginning in October, repeat sexual offenders in Florida will serve a minimum of a decade in jail for their crimes.

The weather clears up over Florida State Prison as seen from the protest of the execution of Victor Tony Jones. Jones was executed in Starke on Sept. 30, 2025.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Florida Man executed for 1990 Miami-Dade murders

By Teia Williams | Oct. 1

Victor Tony Jones is the 13th person executed in Florida this year, which is the most of any U.S. state this year and a record for the state.

Amy Trask, a victim of domestic violence, introduces a pair of bills to protect other Floridians from facing the same.

METRO | POLITICS

Amy Trask to run again for Florida House District 22 after falling short last year

By Teia Williams | Sep. 28

Amy Trask has experience losing — from custody battles to elections. But the 32-year-old hasn’t given up and continues to rebuild.

Blaise Ingoglia, Florida's chief financial officer, speaks at a press conference in Alachua, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

METRO | ALACHUA COUNTY

State claims Alachua County mounted almost $85 million in wasteful spending

By Maria Avlonitis | Sep. 25

Alachua County wasted almost $85 million in taxpayer money after a state Department of Government Efficiency audit, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said in a press conference Thursday.

A recent court decision suggests that law enforcement can no longer prosecute violators of Florida's "Open Carry Ban."

METRO

Florida now allows open carry. Alachua County says it’ll fully comply.

By Grace Larson | Sep. 25

A recent Florida court decision allows gun owners to openly carry their firearms inside businesses and restaurants, effective Thursday.

Tina Certain, Alachua County School Board member, poses for a portrait at her podium at the Alachua County School District on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Certain, who graduated from Gainesville High School and the University of Florida with an accounting degree, is one of two African American women who serve on the School Board. “If you’ve seen someone who’s done it, it sparks in your mind that you can do it,” Certain said.

METRO | K-12 EDUCATION

State board summons Alachua School Board member for Charlie Kirk comments

By Logan McBride | Sep. 24

For the second time in two months, an Alachua County School Board member has come under fire from the Florida Department of Education for a Facebook post about the death of a prominent conservative.

Students received backpacks and safety resources at the Stop the Violence Back to School event.

METRO | BREAKING NEWS

Florida Board of Education approves Newberry charter conversion

By Logan McBride | Sep. 24

The Florida Department of Education unanimously approved Newberry Elementary School’s conversion to a charter school, Newberry Community School, on Wednesday.

Malik Moore speaks during an announcement for his candidacy in the race for the Florida House of Representatives on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.

METRO | POLITICS

Gainesville native Malik Moore announces his run for Florida House

By Logan McBride | Sep. 18

Gainesville native Malik Moore kicked off his campaign for the Florida House District 21 seat at Barbara Higgins Park in Gainesville on Wednesday, with a crowd of about 25 gathered to cheer him on.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd holds up the mugshot of David Pittman, who was executed, and the Knowles family, whom Pittman victimized, while surrounded by members of the Knowles family. The execution was carried out at Florida State Prison on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Florida executes man for 1990 Mulberry triple murder

By Alexa Ryan | Sep. 17

On Sept. 17, 2025 at 6:12 p.m. 63-year-old David Pittman was executed for the 1990 murder of his estranged wife’s family.