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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.
Gainesville Zero Waste Week
March 23-29
Various Venues
Gainesville
The City of Gainesville in partnership with Zero Waste Gainesville, the Repurpose Project and Life Unplastic will feature a week of activities to raise awareness about the simple things people can do in their daily lives to reduce waste. Events include a fix-it clinic, reducing plastic presentations, a Repurpose craft workshop, and gardening and compost workshops. More information available at https://www.zerowastegainesville.com/.
Gainesville Modern Weekend
March 27|6 to 8 p.m. | Matheson Museum Free Lecture
March 28 | 6 to 9 p.m. | Drinks and Dwelling VIP Cocktail Party
March 29 -| 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Gainesville Mid-Century Modern Home Tour
Gainesville Modern is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Gainesville’s modern architectural past and promoting its future through education, advocacy, and awareness. The annual event celebrates Mid-Century Modern architecture in Gainesville. More information on each of the events and ticket availability is at https://www.gainesvillemodern.org
Stomp the Swamp
March 29 | 8:30 a.m.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Gate 7
University of Florida
Gainesville
Register to walk/run the stadium steps or walk/run laps around the stadium to raise funds for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). CARD UF provides free services to individuals affected by autism as well as their families, schools, and communities in a 14-county region which includes Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwanee, and Union Counties. To learn more about CARD UF and to register go to www.card.ufl.edu.
Environmental Horticulture Graduate Student Association Annual Coleus Sale
March 29-30 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
UF Fifield Greenhouse Complex
2475 Memorial Road
Gainesville
EHGSA, a not-for-profit organization formed in 1999 that is open to graduate students of any major at UF, grows more than a dozen varieties of coleus plants from cuttings, totaling 4,000+ plants. Proceeds from the plant sale are used to fund an educational trip to learn about horticulture in other parts of the U.S. and around the world. Proceeds also fund travel grants for EHGSA members to present their research at professional conferences. Pre-sale orders are open now. More information available at https://www.ehgsa.org.
EV Ride Show
March 29 | 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
Southwest UMC
2400 SW Williston Road
Gainesville
The event, sponsored by the Sierra Club Florida Chapter, The CLEO Institute and The Climate Reality Project, will feature a collection of electronic vehicles (EV). Car owners will be available to answer questions and provide more information.
Children's Trust Open House and Building Dedication
March 29 | 11 a.m .to 3 p.m.
4010 NW 25th Place
Gainesville
The Children’s Trust was established in 2018 following voter approval of a referendum to create community services and programs that provide children, youth and families with the targeted support they need to thrive. This Open House is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the Children’s Trust and the programs it funds. The event is free and open to the public.
Treasure Island Gala: A Night of High Seas and High Stakes
March 29 | 6 to 10 p.m.
Saint Francis Catholic Academy Gymnasium
4100 NW 115th Terrace
Gainesville
The benefit event will feature a tribute to the Catholic Educator of the Year from four area schools: Epiphany Catholic School, Queen of Peace Catholic Academy, St. Patrick Interparish School, and Saint Francis Catholic Academy, delicious heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and a silent auction. More information at https://www.sfcawolves.org, (502) 333-2770 or
caleb.wiegandt@sfcawolves.org
Florida Native Plant Society 43rd Conference "Seeds for Tomorrow"
April 3-6
Hilton UF Conference Center
Gainesville
The event is filled with expert speakers, environmental research, over 30 guided field trips, a native plant sale, and leaders from Florida's conservation fields—all celebrating our incredible native plants. Learn how you can help protect and restore natural habitats across Florida and in your own backyard. More information available at fnps.org.
McIntosh Seedlings Garden Club 20th Annual Garden Show and Plant Sale
April 4 | 1 to 5 p.m.
April 5 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
McIntosh Van Ness Park
5835 Avenue G
McIntosh
The McIntosh Seedlings Garden Club is a non-profit group helping kids with scholarships to camp and educational opportunities about horticultural and environmental topics. Unique plants, garden accessories, food vendors, music, and a raffle featuring prizes are part of this event. More information available at https://www.mcintoshseedlings.com/
Black Cowboys/Cowgirls in Florida: Then and Now
April 4 | 6 p.m.
April 5 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cotton Club Museum & Cultural Center
837 SW 7th Avenue
Gainesville
The April 4 event features Cowboy/Cowgirl speakers, a walk-thru history panorama, and popcorn and a move: Black Cowboys/Cowgirls in American History: Then & Now. On April 5, there will be horse rides for kids and adults, music and line dancing, food and beverages, information on horse care, modern farming/ranching and agriculture and lasso and roping demonstrations. More information at bmcdade07@gmail.com.
UF VetMed Open House
April 5 |10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2015 SW 16th Ave.
Gainesville
The annual Open House is a free event that offers a unique glimpse into the world of veterinary medicine. As the state’s only veterinary medical college, the UF College of Veterinary Medicine is proud to open its doors to the public for this special day. Explore our facilities, learn about the latest advancements in animal healthcare, and discover the ways in which we’re improving the health and welfare of animals, humans, and the veterinary medical profession through world-class education, innovative research, and cutting-edge clinical services. More information available at https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/openhouse/.
Viva Europe 2025
April 5 | 1 to 4 p.m.
Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville
The University of Florida Center for European Studies will host the vibrant annual cultural festival.
UF Health Healthy Heroes Day
April 12 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
UF Health Professional Park
3300 SW Williston Rd.
Gainesville
Join UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, the University of Florida Police Department, Safe Kids North Central Florida and several community partners to learn how to help keep your child safe and healthy through a variety of hands-on learning experiences and safety demonstrations. Remember to bring your bicycle to enjoy bike raffles, games and prizes, music, free bike helmets, a bike obstacle course led by experts and the Touch a Truck activity where children are given the opportunity of a hands-on learning experience about emergency vehicles and pedestrian safety. NOTE: the event was formerly known as the UF Health Bike Rodeo.
Released Reentry Program Film Screening
April 14 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Hippodrome Theatre
25 SE 2nd Place
Gainesville
The non-profit Released Reentry Program, which promotes community awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding incarceration, is sponsoring a screening of the Oscar-nominated file, "Sing, Sing," followed by a panel discussion with justice-impacted community members. More information is available at releasedreentry.org.
Sunday Assembly Gainesville
April 20 | 11 a.m.
Pride Center in the Springhill Professional Center
3850 NW 83dstreet, Suite 201
Gainesville
Sunday Assembly, a non-religious community, will host Brett Bartek as their guest speaker. Brett is an ecological consultant working in the Alachua County area specializing in wetland and Listed species concerns. He has been working to learn about and how to protect turtles and tortoises for over a decade. The title of his talk will be: “Confiscation to reintroduction: rewilding radiated tortoises”. Following the talk and program there will be a potluck lunch. It is also possible to attend via zoom. For more information visit our website: sagainesville.weebly.com
25th Annual Mary Wise Scramble for Pace Center for Girls Alachua
April 25 | 8 a.m.
Mark Bostick Golf Course
2801 SW 2nd Avenue
UF Campus
Gainesville
For 40 years, Pace Center for Girls has provided girls and young women a chance for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Proceeds from the annual golf event will benefit the Center. To register or to volunteer call 352-374-8799.
11th Annual Tree Fest
April 26 | Noon to 11 p.m.
Swamp Head Brewery
3650 SW 42nd Avenue
Gainesville
Tree Fest is an annual event presented by Solar Impact and Swamp Head Brewery around Earth Day and Arbor Day to support the Alachua Conservation Trust by raising money to plant a lot of trees. Four trees will be planted for every beer purchased during the event and 20 trees for every purchased Tree Fest T-Shirt. The trees are one-year-old longleaf pines and will be planted by the Alachua Conservation Trust at a local preserve in Hawthorne, Florida. More information at https://www.treefestfl.com/
Tyler's Hope Cajun Crawfish Boil
April 26 | 2 to 6 pm.
Momentum Labs
Alachua
Enjoy a day filled with Cajun style low country boil and gumbo, live music, a cornhole tournament and outdoor fun. Proceeds benefit Tyler's Hope for a Dystonia Cure. More information at https://www.tylershope.org/cajun-crawfish-boil.html.
Stop Children's Cancer 36th Annual Fantasy Event
April 26 | 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Reitz Union Grand Ballroom
686 Museum Road
Gainesville
"Breakfast at Tiffany's - An Evening Affair" is the theme of the annual fantasy fundraising event. The evening includes food, dancing and an auction. More information available at https://stopchildrenscancer.schoolauction.net/fantasyevent25.
UF Opportunity Fair
April 30 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reitz Union Grand Ballroom
UF Campus
Gainesville
This all-day event is designed to provide our business and community partners with information for success, business growth, and sustainability. The event will host hundreds of representatives from small businesses, UF contracted suppliers, corporations, UF departments, and state agencies from across the region and state. More information available and registration available here.
Borgen Project Volunteer Information Session
April 30 | 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Zoom Meeting
This is an informational event about the Borgen Project including details on volunteering opportunities and internships within the nonprofit. Details on the organization's mission and goals will be provided for attendees. The event focuses on students and individuals seeking to obtain experience within nonprofits. More information available at https://borgenproject.org/
Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale
May 3 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Alachua County Ag & Equestrian Center
23100 W. Newberry Road
Newberry
The sale will have a variety of herbs, annuals, perennials, natives, trees and more will be available at exceptional prices. Master Gardener Volunteers will be on site for advice on selection and care for your plants. In addition, there will be plant and gardening presentations along with informational booths. Admission and parking are free. This annual plant sale is a fundraiser for the Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer Program. The proceeds are used to support both school and community gardens, summer camp scholarships for youth and other educational workshops for the Alachua County community. More information available at 352-955-2402.
20th Annual Hats, Hearts & Handbags
May 8 | 4 to 7 p.m.
Valley View
26001 NW 122nd Street
Alachua
The Hats, Hearts & Handbags event celebrates the mission of Girls Place and generates the financial resources needed to provide girls with critical programming, while bringing the community together for an afternoon of fun and friendship. Each year, hundreds of individuals support Girls Place by reserving a table and decorating it with their friends to compete for awards, wearing their best hat and grabbing their most fashionable handbag to support the organizations. More information at https://www.girlsplace.net/hhh/
Pace Center for Girls Alachua Carnival for Pace
May 17 | 2 to 7 p.m.
First Magnitude Brewing Company
Gainesville
The event is free and open to the public and all proceeds benefit the Center.
Eligible taxpayers in Florida file for free with IRS Direct File
Through Oct. 2025
The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers in Florida they can file their taxes quickly, easily and for free directly with the agency using IRS Direct File. The web-based service, available in English and Spanish, offers guided help for preparing and filing a federal tax return from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Direct File does not replace existing filing options like tax professionals, IRS Free File, free return preparation sites, commercial software or authorized e-file providers. IRS customer service representatives staffing the Direct File support function can provide technical support and provide basic clarification of tax law related to the scope of Direct File. Questions related to issues other than Direct File will be routed to other IRS customer support, as appropriate. Although the deadline to file a 2024 tax return and pay any tax owed is April 15, 2025, Direct File will be open until Oct. 15, 2025, for people who may need additional time to file.
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.