Gainesville News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

In Ocala, Florida, Rep. Kat Cammack hosted a candid fireside chat with veterans and community members, spotlighting urgent needs like mental health care, healthcare access, and future benefits—while emphasizing direct, open dialogue between lawmakers and constituents. Joined by fellow veteran Rep. Morgan Luttrell, the event aimed to bridge the gap between policy and lived experience, even amid hea...

Gainesville residents are sweating through record-breaking heat—and their wallets are paying the price. With temps soaring into the upper 90s, air conditioners are running nonstop, even when thermostats stay at 70, sending electric bills skyrocketing. One homeowner saw her bill jump to nearly $700, mostly from AC use. While utility rates haven’t changed, usage has—GRU says simple fixes like raisin...

A major thunderstorm slammed Gainesville, dropping hail and plunging over 3,000 GRU customers into darkness—but crews worked fast, restoring power to most by Friday night, leaving just 230 outages. Duke Energy saw minor disruptions, mostly in northern Marion County. While the storm hit hardest in eastern Gainesville, hail was spotted in Southwest Gainesville, proving the weather’s wide reach. Than...

In Florida’s House District Ten, voters face a family showdown as term-limited incumbent Chuck Brannan’s son, Chase, runs against farmer and business owner Marshall Rawson—both tied to state politics and locked in a fierce debate over property taxes, farmland preservation, and gun rights. Rawson warns rising costs are forcing locals out, while Brannan pushes for balanced relief. On farmland, Rawso...

A Florida woman is facing serious charges after allegedly selling off a jailed man’s prized tarantula collection—including exotic species worth nearly $600—while he was locked up. The victim discovered the theft upon release, with family pointing to Brooks as the culprit. Brooks admits to selling the spiders, claiming they were dying and weren’t hers to keep, while a kid witness says she ditched t...

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A Florida prison captain, Randall Smith, 37, is facing serious charges after a violent domestic incident that sent shockwaves through his workplace. Allegedly, he assaulted his partner, slammed her head against a car, and choked her — then forced six children to hide in the woods. The kids were later spotted by deputies, adding a chilling layer to the case. Smith was immediately fired from his pos...

Dunnellon’s community development manager, William Grady Ary, a pastor at the local church, got arrested after allegedly using city funds to pay for a youth group’s $15,000 Christian camp trip — then reversing the charge and paying back with church credit cards. Investigators say the manual entry makes it unlikely to be an accident, and are now looking at charges including grand theft, unauthorize...

A viral TikTok video shows a woman dangerously interacting with an alligator at Silver Springs State Park, sparking an investigation by Florida’s FWC — which strictly prohibits messing with these wild animals. With a troubling summer of alligator attacks already claiming lives, including a teen bitten while snorkeling and an 11-year-old losing his hand, this incident underscores the deadly risks o...

Horse lovers and industry pros gather at UF’s 18th annual Healthy Horses conference for cutting-edge insights on equine care—from pre-purchase exams and farm introductions to the looming threat of New World screwworm. With Florida’s horse country as the backdrop, this vital event empowers owners to protect their horses’ health and strengthen the state’s thriving equine community. Listen in comfort...

Alachua County’s “Operation Southern Slowdown” is hitting the road hard this week to crack down on dangerous driving—especially on I-75 from Columbia to Marion County. Law enforcement is targeting not just speeding, but aggressive behaviors like tailgating and left-lane hogging, all aimed at preventing deadly crashes. Drivers caught speeding—even just 10 mph over—face steep fines of $199, and the...

A Gainesville man, Robert Lee Johnson, 39, pleaded guilty to producing child pornography after recording a 14-year-old minor in 2020—and threatening to post the videos online. Authorities found explicit footage on his phone, confirming the abuse. U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin condemned Johnson’s actions, praising law enforcement for securing the conviction. Johnson now faces up to 30 years per coun...

North Central Florida is bracing for a brutal heatwave, with temperatures hitting the upper 90s and humidity pushing the heat index into triple digits—making outdoor life a real struggle. Meteorologists confirm these are the peak days, so stay hydrated, seek shade, and adjust your schedule if you’re working outside. Lawn crews are adapting by starting early and taking more breaks, while local fami...

Veterans, this one’s for you: Congresswoman Kat Cammack is hosting a special town hall in Ocala this Friday, featuring fellow veteran and Congressman Morgan Luttrell, to give you a direct line to your representatives and hear your concerns firsthand. Doors open at 5:15 PM at the Harvey Klein Conference Center, with the event kicking off at 6 PM — perfect for after-work attendance. This isn’t just...

Drought conditions persist in Central Florida as water restrictions stay locked in under Phase Three — even with recent rain, officials say it’s not enough to ease the crisis. Lawns can’t be watered, streets can’t be hosed down, and non-essential uses are off-limits as the St. Johns River Water Management District urges conservation to protect vital supplies. With recovery taking time and dry spel...

Belleview just saved 30 lives over the Fourth of July weekend — thanks to a massive blood drive at the Sportsplex, powered by a partnership with OneBlood. The community came together in a powerful display of generosity, and now the OneBlood mobile unit will be rolling into City Hall every second Monday, starting August 10th, making monthly blood donations easy and impactful for everyone. Listen in...

Grass Roots is turning Gainesville into a food-powered community hub, growing everything from veggies to eggs and processing their own cows—all to feed families in need. Led by chef Carl Watts, this self-sufficient farm is more than just a garden; it’s a movement for healthy eating and real community building. Join them this Saturday, July 18th, at 2626 E University Ave for a free, open-to-all eve...

North Central Florida’s sweltering heat just got a whole lot cooler for zoo animals thanks to Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo’s creative, ice-cold solutions—think popsicles made from their favorite foods, extra shade, and endless water. Keepers are keeping a close eye on every species, adapting diets and environments to keep them cool, active, and happy through the scorching summer. Safety first, an...

Downtown Gainesville’s Streatery is heating up—Southwest Second Street has reopened, paving the way for a vibrant outdoor dining hub. City officials are now seeking proposals for interactive public art to elevate the vibe and turn the space into a dynamic community destination. Designed to fuel local businesses and outdoor fun, the project is gaining momentum, with visible progress signaling a thr...

For nearly 40 years, the Belleview Soccer Club has been a cornerstone of family fun — until now. Parents are furious they’re patching up fields with their own money while other county projects get shiny new turf and lights. A once-planned full renovation vanished without funding, causing plummeting registrations and crushing morale. Coaches and families aren’t asking for priority — just to be hear...

Gainesville Police want YOU to choose the next public art piece for their evidence building—three finalists are up for community vote, and your input could shape the look of a local landmark forever. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. R...

A registered sex offender in Bradford County, Kenneth Flournoy, is headed to state prison for five years after violating probation again—this time by unsupervised contact with children and showing up at youth events at a local church. His prior violation in 2023 for viewing pornography online didn’t deter him, and this latest breach has triggered a stern judicial response, underscoring the serious...

A $36 million Army Reserve facility is set to rise in Gainesville, transforming the old Alachua County Fairgrounds into a critical hub for disaster response and local employment. After delays from government shutdowns, groundbreaking began in 2022, and the site — strategically located near major interstates — will house equipment ready to deploy during hurricane season. The project promises at lea...

A four-year-old wandered alone on a roadside in Columbia County, leading deputies to a nearby home where two adults—Brandon Williams and Ashton Young—were found asleep with meth needles. Both claimed no knowledge of the child’s disappearance. Authorities took custody of the child, launched an investigation, and charged the adults with child neglect—a chilling reminder of how easily children can be...

Two water buffalo, Banjo and Harley, are the only ones of their kind performing in America—and they’re about to wow crowds by leaping through fire at a wild, family-run rodeo in North Central Florida. Part of a 250th birthday celebration for America, this unique show at Triple Cross Ranch features everything from trick riding and gunfights to live music—and even a zorse. The buffalo, rescued and t...