meadowsmary+FollowGainesville’s new queens shine brightTia Unsell and Cameron Covington just made Gainesville proud, taking home the crowns for Miss Gainesville and Miss Gainesville’s Teen! These young women aren’t just pageant winners—they’re role models, earning scholarships and a chance to represent our city at the Miss Florida competitions. It’s inspiring to see local talent celebrated for leadership, service, and ambition. The Miss Gainesville Scholarship Competition keeps opening doors for young women to grow and give back. Anyone else feel like Gainesville’s future just got a little brighter? Let’s cheer them on and talk about how these opportunities shape our community! #Safety #Gainesville #MissGainesville00Share
Christina Davis+FollowGainesville celebrates a true local leaderJorge Villalobos just earned Gainesville’s 2026 Ethics in Business Award, and his story is seriously inspiring. After arriving from Colombia with little English, he built three thriving local businesses, including The Best Restoration, which now employs 30 people and was named Distinguished Latin-Owned Business of the Year. Villalobos is being recognized for his integrity and commitment to ethical leadership—values that shape not just his companies, but our whole community. What do you think makes a business truly ethical, and how can more local leaders follow his example? #Business #Gainesville #EthicsInBusiness00Share
Kristin Shaw+FollowGainesville faces higher winter electric billsGainesville residents will see a bump in their January electric bills as GRU raises its fuel adjustment due to rising natural gas prices from the cold snap. While this fee goes straight to covering fuel costs (not GRU profits), it’s a reminder of how winter weather can hit our wallets. The good news: GRU has worked to bring our rates down from some of the highest in Florida, and they’re offering free home efficiency checks to help us save. What’s your go-to trick for keeping bills down when it gets cold? #Business #Industry #Gainesville00Share
Marcia Hamilton+FollowGainesville’s vet care lifeline for petsAffordable vet care is changing lives in Gainesville thanks to St. Francis Vet Care. This nonprofit clinic is making sure pets from low-income families, veterans, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness get the care they need—no matter the barriers. With the help of donations and grants, their team even takes a mobile outreach bus to neighborhoods where transportation is tough, offering free monthly services. For many, knowing their pets are healthy brings real peace of mind. How do you think access to affordable pet care impacts our community? #Safety #Gainesville #CommunityCare00Share
hfoster+FollowKwanzaa brings Gainesville families togetherLighting the Umoja candle at the Cotton Club Museum wasn’t just a tradition—it was a powerful reminder of how unity and family shape our community. Folks gathered around tables decorated with family portraits, shared stories, and even met new friends, all while celebrating the first day of Kwanzaa. The drumming, singing, and honoring of ancestors made it feel like more than just a holiday—it was a call to support and uplift each other, no matter what. How do you keep unity alive in your own family or neighborhood? #Relationships #Kwanzaa #Gainesville10Share
boothconnor+FollowNICU babies in Gainesville get a magical ChristmasTiny miracles in Gainesville got a heartwarming surprise this Christmas Eve as Santa himself visited the NICU at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. For families spending their first holiday in the hospital, seeing their little ones meet Santa brought a wave of hope and joy during a tough time. It’s moments like these that remind us how much community and kindness matter, especially when life doesn’t go as planned. How do you celebrate small victories or bring comfort to those facing challenges during the holidays? #News #Gainesville #NICU00Share
charles39+FollowGainesville’s wild Christmas claim to fameTurns out, North Central Florida has a quirky holiday legacy—Elmo Shropshire, the unforgettable voice behind “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” spent his high school and college years right here. Before his offbeat Christmas hit took over the airwaves, Elmo was riding horses at dawn in Ocala and hanging out with future Eagles founder Bernie Leadon in Gainesville. That mix of Southern charm and musical discovery shaped the song that’s now a holiday staple. Who else grew up with this tune blasting every December? What’s your most memorable Christmas song? #Entertainment #Music #Gainesville00Share
GalacticGiraffe+FollowGainesville Gators shine bright in 2025Gainesville had its share of ups and downs in 2025, but the Gators delivered some unforgettable moments across campus. Walter Clayton Jr. led men’s basketball to a national title with clutch shots, while Jake Slaughter anchored the football team and earned another All-American nod. Freshman Taylor Shumaker powered softball to the WCWS, and Hilda Olemomoi’s blazing run helped women’s cross country tie its best-ever finish. From lacrosse to golf, these athletes made sure Gator pride stayed strong. Which Gator moment from 2025 stands out most to you? Let’s celebrate their grit and greatness! #Sports #Gators #Gainesville00Share
William Bray+FollowGainesville’s Oaks Mall: Still buzzing, but what’s next?Despite packed stores, a busy food court, and the new UF Health center drawing crowds, The Oaks Mall in Gainesville is in foreclosure and under court-appointed management. With over 100 shops open and new apartments nearby promising more foot traffic, the mall feels as lively as ever. But behind the scenes, financial troubles and ownership changes are shaping its future. For many locals, The Oaks isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a community hub full of memories. What do you think: Can The Oaks Mall reinvent itself, or is this the last chapter for Gainesville’s iconic shopping spot? #News #Gainesville #OaksMall00Share
