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To have your event included on Community Update, please send all relevant information to:
Sue Wagner
Community Update
P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611-8405
The e-mail address is swagner@wuft.org, with the words “Community Update” in the subject line.
Community Update and Public Service Announcements are available to non-profit organizations only. All submissions must be received TWO weeks prior to the event. Please include only the basic facts: who, what, where, when and why and a phone number or website address for more information.
Events will be included in this online listing and if time permits they will be featured in on-air public service announcements.
Navigating Together: Cancer Education & Support Sessions
Bi-Monthly Virtual Sessions via Zoom
Through Oct. 21, 2026
The UF Health Oncology Nurse Navigation team is launching a new virtual program designed to expand educational and support services for all types of cancer. During these bimonthly sessions, patients, survivors, caregivers and friends will learn from UF Health's multidisciplinary cancer experts about different cancer-related topics and have opportunities to connect with others experiencing similar situations.
Sessions include:
Dec. 17, 2025: Molecular Pathology Results 101: What They Mean for You
Feb. 18, 2026: Understanding Gastric & Pancreatic Cancer: A Patient’s Guide
April 15, 2026: Nutrition & Cancer: What You Need to Know
June 17, 2026: Whole Self-Healing: Occupational Therapy for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Aug. 19. 2026: Understanding Cancer’s Impact: A Social Work Perspective
Oct. 21, 2026: Understanding Genetics and Cancer Risk
To register visit https://go.ufl.edu/cancer-support. For more information, call the Multidisciplinary Cancer Coordination Program at (352) 594-7900 or email MultiDCCP@shands.ufl.edu.
19th annual Ozello Arts, Crafts & Blue Crab Festival
Nov. 29 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
14095 W. Ozello Trail
Crystal River
The event features more than 45 artists and crafters is presented by the Ozello Civic Association and open to the public. The event will also feature blue crabs, seafood and other offerings. Donations will benefit local charities and the Ozello Scholarship Fund. More information available at 352-794-6876 or ozbluecrabfestival@gmail.com
Gainesville Race for Inclusion
Dec. 6 |8:40 a.m.
Flavet Field
University of Florida Woodlawn Drive
Gainesville
The public is invited to participate in the Special Olympics Florida’s Race for Inclusion in Gainesville. This 5K run/walk helps raise money to support more than 75,000 Special Olympics Florida athletes across the state and the North Central Florida region. It’s a movement to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are treated with dignity and respect and given the opportunities they deserve. More information at RaceforInclusion.org
Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center Holiday Open House
Dec. 5 | 6:30 p.m.
837 SE 7th Avenue
Gainesville
Enjoy a night of festivities, meet the Board of Directors, hear plans for the new year, poetry, holiday music and refreshments. Come and share your ideas for making 2026 at the Museum even better and more exciting, This event is FREE and everyone is welcome but please register at www.cottonclubmuseum.com/events. The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center is an organization dedicated to enriching the experiences of all who wish to grow in knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture of African-derived cultures, highlighting those in Gainesville and North Central Florida.
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 6 | 8 to 11 a.m.
Holiday Inn & Suites
213 SW Commerce Drive
Lake City
This benefit for United Way of Suwannee County features a breakfast buffer, a hot cocoa station and a meet and greet with Santa. More information is available at 386-754-1411, extension 106.
Operation Santa Delivery
Dec. 6 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Santa Fe College, North Fields
Intersection of NW 39th Ave. and NW 91st St.
Gainesville
The event, sponsored by LifeSouth Community Blood Center and community partners,, features free pictures with Santa, games, food trucks and nonprofit organization booths. More information available at 352-334-1000.
Hospice of Marion County Community Holiday Event
Dec. 6 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Elliott Center Auditorium
3231 SW 34th Avenue
Ocala
This event aims to bring community members together to help us spread joy to the patients and families we care for. Activities include gift wrapping, making cards, flower crafting, and rock painting. There will be festive music, holiday refreshments, and good cheer. We encourage attendees to wear their fun holiday attire. All supplies are provided; we just need some elves to help us bring joy and goodwill. For more information and to RSVP call Bev at 352-873-7441.
A Very GNV Holiday Parade
Dec. 6 | Noon to 1 p.m.
W. 6th Street to E. 6th Street on University Avenue
Gainesville
The free public event will feature, floats, bands, dancers and post-event family activities. More information available at https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/A-Very-GNV-Holiday-Parade.
Holiday Pet Pageant
Dec. 6 | 4 to 7 p.m.
Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Avenue
Gainesville
The benefit event for Shakespeare Animal Fund includes a costume contest, dog games, face painting and dog art for the holiday tree. For the humans, there’s a silent auction and a raffle to get your dog’s face on a batch of beer that Swamp Head will produce. Shakespeare’s primary recipients are among the most vulnerable in society, usually the elderly and disabled, who live primarily on social security or disability and will do without necessities to try and save their pets. All funds will be used to help pay for emergency veterinary treatment in Alachua County. More information available at ShakespeareAnimalFund.org.
Holiday Lights Celebration
Dec. 6 | 5 to 8 p.m.
Thomas Center
302 NE 6th Ave.
Gainesville
The celebration includes a visit from Santa, free carriage rides through Downtown Gainesville and live entertainment. More information available at https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Holiday-Lights-Celebration-2025.
Tacachale's 41st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 11 | 6:30 p.m.
1621 NE Waldo Road
Gainesville
Tacachale is home to more than 200 people with developmental disabilities. The event is free and open to the public and will feature live music, refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus. Master of Ceremonies is David Snyder, news anchor at WCJB TV20. Musical performances will be provided by the Tacachale Gospel Choir, Annasemble Orchestra, and 1000 Voices of Florida. Tacachale is also seeking sponsors for their Christmas Home Adoption Program. Sponsors can provide a gift for each resident in a home and host a small holiday gathering with light refreshments. Tax-deductible donations are also accepted. More information available at 850-692-0135.
Holidays Adoption Event
Dec. 13 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Humane Society of North Central Florida
4205 NW 6th Street
Gainesville
Celebrate the season by giving a deserving pet the greatest gift of all, a forever home, and start building new holiday memories together. There will be reduced adoption fees for dogs and cats age 5 months and older. Thanks to a grant from the ASPCA, adoption fees have been reduced and they include spay/neuter, micro-chipping and up-p-to-date-vaccines. More information available at humanesocietyncfl.org/adoption-event-home-for-the-holidays.
13th annual River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding Fundraising Gala
Dec. 13 | 6 to 10 p.m.
The Wooly
20 N. Main Street
Gainesville
The event includes food, music and a Silent auction. More information available at https://www.centerforpeacebuilding.org/.
39th annual Veterans for Peace Winter Solstice Benefit Concert
De. 13 | 7 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville
4225 N.W. 35th Street
Gainesville
The benefit for Veterans for Peace features performances by Drums of Peace, Cherokee Peace Chant, John Chambers & Friends, Bill Moran Key West Superwoman,
Mick Marino, Ric Kaestner, Quartermoon, Other Voices. and the Heavenly Semi-Angels. More information available at https://www.vfpgainesville.org.
Virtual Mediation Seminar
Dec. 15 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Department for Circuit 8 will provide the community with a Mediation Seminar to inform about the "Purpose of Mediation, The Role of the Mediator, and Generally How to Prepare for Mediation." When a person petitions the court regarding divorce, paternity, other family matters, or files a claim against an individual or business, the Court usually sends the parties to Mediation. However, many appear for Mediation (especially those that do not have an attorney) without knowing what to expect or the opportunity Mediation provides. The seminars will be held on Zoom. More information on Mediation and to register for the seminars at 352-374-3658.
Flying Pig Parade
Jan. 3 | 2 p.m.
Bo Didley Plaza
111 E. University Avenue
Gainesville
Gainesville latest and most creative parade with grand marshal Joe Courter. The event is free and open to the public. More information available at https://www.flyingpigparade.org.
Alachua County Energy Efficiency Program
Ongoing
Are you a landlord looking for ways to improve your rental property? The Alachua County Energy Efficiency Program is offering no-cost upgrades for affordable rentals in Alachua County. Get up to $15k per unit in free upgrades includes weatherproofing, new major appliances such as HVAC systems and kitchen equipment, window replacement and more.
More information available at www.communityweatherization.org/rental-program-aceep/,
or call the Community Weatherization Coalition at 352-450-4965 or email to aceep@rebuildingtogetherncf.org.
Alachua County Crisis Center Volunteer Training
Ongoing
Volunteers are being recruited to answer the local crisis hotline, as well as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988). The Alachua County Crisis Center provides free and confidential crisis response services to Gainesville and the surrounding community, almost all of which are provided by highly trained volunteers. Volunteering with the Crisis Center is a great way to support our community and those in need, while also learning valuable communication skills you can use for the rest of your life. Training is over 80 hours over the course of eight weeks. Volunteers learn crisis intervention and suicide prevention skills, which prepares them to answer our crisis lines. The training is free and is conducted entirely online. For more information about training, click here. The first step to getting involved in training is to submit the online application found here.
Child Center for Early Learning Enrollment Now Open
820 SW 62nd Terrace
Gainesville
The Child Center operates as a non-profit child care center supporting families who receive School Readiness funding through the Early Learning Coalition (ELC). Head Start registration is no longer required to enroll. More information available at 352-519-1345 or o2bkids.com/locations/the-child-center-for-early-education/
Dementia Caregiver Monthly In-Person Support Group
Third Wednesday of each month | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | Trinity UMC in Gainesville
The public is invited to be a part of a monthly support group to find group connections while becoming more knowledgeable and skilled in dementia care. A portion of each meeting is devoted to a specific topic chosen in advance by the group, and a portion is open (yet guided) discussion. . The group is led by a Positive Approach to Care certified independent consultant, trainer, and coach. All are welcome to attend. Please call 352-376-6615 or email hello@trinitygnv.org for more information.
Spring Hill Timebank
Ongoing
Timebank brings people together to match needs with skills. People of all ages and all abilities can join. For every hour of work done for a member, the individual will receive one time credit to “buy” an hours worth of work from another member. For more information contact Andy at 727-517-1148 or springhilltimeback.org.
Donate Used Musical Instruments to the Hernando Youth Orchestra
Ongoing
The Orchestra is collecting used musical instruments for talented young musicians who can’t afford to buy or replace their own. Donations of unneeded instruments will be repaired if necessary before passing it on to a student. Call 352-600-9555 for more information or to make a donation. We’ll pick up your instrument and give you a tax deductible receipt. More information
Nature Coast Community Services Foundation Homeless Services
Ongoing
The Nature Coast Community Services Foundation is serving the homeless of Hernando with food, clothing, shoes, job, IDs, food stamps, spaying and neutering pets, transportation and more. Volunteers are needed. For more information call Ellen at 352-600-9555.
Elder Options Referral Helpline
1-800-262-2243
Ongoing
Elder Options is the Area Agency on Aging for sixteen counties in North Central Florida. The agency oversees the efficient administration of home and community care programs and long term care services for elder Floridians. In partnership with lead agencies and local service providers, the agency serves thousands of frail, low-income seniors each year, providing home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels), personal care, transportation and other in-home services that help seniors to remain at home safely and with dignity and avoid or delay the need for more expensive nursing home care. Call the Elder Helpline for referral to resources.
Hernando Youth Orchestra needs young musicians, ages 6 to 18
Rehearsals are on Sundays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Heather Community Center
9100 Nakoma Way
Weeki Watchee
Hernando Youth Orchestra has resumed rehearsals and is recruiting new members. We need young musicians aged ages 6-18, and adult mentors to support them. HYO plays classical music and gives several concerts throughout the year. You must be able to read music and play an instrument. Instruments are also available to loan to those in need. Sign up at www.HernandoYouthOrchestra.org or call 352-600-9555. If you have an instrument to donate, call and it will be picked for a tax deductible receipt.
Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) Bicycle Collection
Hernando County
Ongoing
Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) and Grace Presbyterian Bicycle Ministry is collecting unwanted bicycles (or parts thereof) that will be reconditioned and given to the needy. Call 352-600-9555 to schedule a free pick up.
WhyHunger Hotline
Ongoing
Need help finding healthy, free food in your community? Call the WhyHunger Hotline at 1-800-5-HUNGRY to be connected to food assistance in your neighborhood. You can also text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479 to get a list to your phone and search online at whyhunger.org/findfood.
Be the Hope A Child Needs, Become a Foster Parent
Partnership for Strong Families
North Central Florida
Ongoing
North Central Florida has an urgent need for foster care parents. If you would like to become a partner family to help a child or teenager call 352-244-1684 or find details online at www.PartnerFamily.org.
Books & Toiletries Needed for Homeless People
Unitarian Universalist Church in the Pines
Weeki Wachee
Ongoing
The church is collecting books and toiletries for People Helping People.The PHP book drive will provide books offering information on marketable skills and possible work opportunities. ‘How to’ and text books on subjects such as cooking, culinary sciences, computer/office skills, sales, and gardening/landscaping are especially appreciated. Toiletry items needed include: tooth brushes, razors, combs, soap, lotions, shave creams etc. Call 352-600-9555 for information or to schedule your donation.
Gainesville Peer Respite
Ongoing
Gainesville Peer Respite is launching “Warmline” for peers in need of emotional support. The phone line will be open Wednesday night through Monday mornings from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The number is 352-559-4559. The phone line is staffed by those who have had their own experiences of trauma and mental illness.
Institute for Workforce Innovation
Ongoing
The Institute for Workforce Innovation (IWI) is dedicated to improving the communities’ quality of life through education, employment and advocacy. For more information or to volunteer call 352-225-3307 or online at www.iwionline.org
Savvy Caregiver Training
Elder Options, 100 NW 75th St., Suite 30, Gainesville
Ongoing
Elder Options in conjunction with the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs offers free six week training programs designed for family caregivers who assist persons with Alzheimer’s and or dementia. More information available at 352-378-6649.
Operation PetSnip
Ongoing
Spay and neuter pet services available for qualifying low-income Alachua County and surrounding rural county residents. The cost of surgery, pain medication and anesthesia for pets spayed or neutered is covered. More information available from No More Homeless Pets’ Operation Petsnip at www.nmhp.net.
Gone 4 Ever Shredding
Ongoing
The Arc of Alachua County is a local not for profit that provides employment services to adults with developmental disabilities through several small business it has created. One of its businesses, Gone 4 Ever shredding, offers a free paper shredding service to all residents of Alachua County every Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at its main location at 3303 NW 83rd Street. Gone 4 Ever shredding hold a AAA certification in document destruction so all paper is safely and securely destroyed. For more information please call 352-334-4060 ext. 132 or visit www.gone4evershredding.com
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve – Supporting our Nation’s Service Members
Ongoing
Today, nearly half our nation’s fighting forces are members of the Guard and Reserve. When they are called is called to active duty, they leave behind a family, a community, and a job. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, honors and products the bond between service members and their civilian employers. Whether serving our country or supporting those who do, we all serve. To learning more about ESGR, call 1-800-336-4590, or www.esgr.mil.
“Kidney Smart” Education Program
Ongoing
The “Kidney Smart” program educates and partners with people to take control of their health and helps them develop a plan to live a healthy life. The program features medication, diet and nutrition information, stresses the importance of choosing a heath care team, provides continuing education and treatment options. More information available at www.kidneysmart.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities NCF Seeks Long-Term Volunteers
Ongoing
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, is looking for long-term volunteers to serve as hosts for its two core programs: Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room at Shands Hospital for Children. For more information, visit www.rmhcncf.org or call Dorie Faulkner, Volunteer Coordinator at 352-374-4404 ext. 224.
Visiting Chef Program, Ronald McDonald House
Ongoing
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, seeks volunteer groups or families to provide a full-course dinner or weekend-breakfast for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville. Chefs may come equipped with ingredients to serve approximately 50 people and cook in a spacious, well-stocked kitchen or they may cater a meal from a local restaurant. Meals are served 7 days a week, including holidays. For more information, contact Judy Bates at bates@rmhcncf.org or call 352-374-4404 ext. 299.
MatchingDonors.com
Ongoing
In the U.S., 19 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant—most of them for kidneys. MatchingDonors.com has become the most successful nonprofit organization improving those odds by finding living altruistic donors for patients who desperately need transplants. Visit www.matchingdonors.com and meet some extraordinary people.
Help a Kid Start a Lemonade Stand
Ongoing
The National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., is urging parents to teach their children lessons about entrepreneurship and responsibility by helping them start a lemonade stand. They provide free classroom curriculum and other resources to enable students to learn first-hand about the risks and rewards of operating a small business. This curriculum can be found at http://eitccurriculum.com/. To learn more about the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation, visit www.NFIB.com/YEF.
Adoption from Foster Care
Ongoing
There are currently more than 107,000 children available for adoption in the U.S. Foster Care System. The Adoption from Foster Care campaign encourages potential parents to adopt and aims to increase the number of potential families inquiring about adoption. You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.
Veterans Outreach Program, Epilepsy Foundation
Ongoing
The Epilepsy Foundation wants to help men and women who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries or TBIs, which are a common form of injury that can lead to seizures and epilepsy in some cases. Symptoms can include confusion, momentary black-outs and uncontrollable shaking or twitching. For more information about the foundation’s Veterans Outreach Program and other services, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org or call 1-800-332-1000.
Three Rivers Legal Services
Ongoing
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. is a local, non-profit corporation that provides free, quality civil legal services to low-income, eligible clients in seventeen counties throughout North Florida. Three Rivers is now providing representation to eligible clients who live in Alachua, Levy, Gilchrist, Bradford or Union County for family law cases, regardless of domestic violence. For more information, call the Legal Helpline at 866-256-8091.