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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.
Celebration of the First Peoples of Gainesville
Oct. 9 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Harn Museum of Art
3259 Hull Road
Gainesville
The Harn's Art After Dak and Museum Nights will celebrate Indigenous People's Week. More information at https://www.harn.ufl.edu.
Strength in Strides Awareness Week
Oct. 12 | 2 to 5 p.m.
Bo Didley Plaza
111 E. University Avenue
Gainesville
Join Peaceful Paths for the inaugural Strength in Strides awareness walk to support survivors of Domestic Violence and to help bring awareness to the many challenges that survivors face every day. Participants will learn about the free and confidential services offered at Peaceful Paths and how the community can support our mission to save lives and create change. Learn more here: https://www.peacefulpaths.org/strengthinstrides
City of Gainesville Indigenous People's Day
Oct. 13 : 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Gainesville City Hall Plaza
200 E. University Avenue
Gainesville
The City of Gainesville will present the proclamation that officially recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day as the second Monday in October. The Whitehorse family will receive the proclamation and represent the Native nations. The event is free and open to the public.
Poisonous and Toxic Plants in Cats and Dogs –
What Every Gardener and Pet Owner Should Know
Oct. 14 | 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Alachua County Auditorium
22716 W. Newberry Road
Newberry
Beautiful landscapes and thriving gardens can bring joy to any home—but they can also pose hidden dangers to our pets. This class is designed to help residents understand which common plants may be toxic to cats and dogs, and why awareness and prevention are key to protecting the health and safety of pets—and by extension, families and communities. There is no registration fee, but participants must register online. It is limited to 100 participants.
Fall Horticultural Expo & Plant Market
Oct. 18 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Alachua County Agriculture & Equestrian Center
23100 W. Newberry Road
Newberry
The Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer Program and Gainesville Garden Club present the annual fall event. For more information call 352-955-2402 or visit our website at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/alachua/.
Twilight Walk to the Past
Oct. 18-18 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Dudley Farm Historic State Park
18730 W. Newberry Road
Gainesville
Actors will depict, through speech, dress and mannerisms, sharecroppers, travelers and horse traders. Family and neighbors will be conducting business and visiting in the store. The farmhouse front porch was an active place to socialize, and hear two men talk about the “bank panic,” and other timely events, politics. In the parents room, the young, busy parents talk of family, business and their plans. In the kitchen while visiting and preparing a meal, women enjoy a lively talk including how times are changing. There will be seven ’stops’ lasting approximately five minutes each, and each tour will last about 50 minutes.
This event will continue rain or shine, with no refunds. More information and registration at https://friendsofdudleyfarm.org/event-6273698.
Sunday Assembly Gainesville Presents " Friends of the Library: A Hundred Thousand Books and More"
Oct. 19 | 11 a.m.
Pride Center in the Springhill Professional Center
3850 NW 83 Street, Suite 201
Gainesville
Sunday Assembly, a non-religious community, will have Janet Tucci as their monthly guest speaker. Tucci was an elementary school teacher for 41 years with a special interest in children’s literature. She was graduated from Nova Southeastern. In addition to teaching she has also had other jobs including running a business and being a journalist. All of these added to her expertise as a teacher. Now she is volunteering at the Friends of the Library. Music will be provided by “Some Assembly Required”. Following the talk and program there will be a potluck lunch. For more information visit our website: sagainesville.weebly.com or SundayAssembly32601@gmail.com
26th Annual Livestock & Forages Field Day
Oct. 21 | 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Santa Fe River Ranch
29220 NW 122 Street
Alachua
The field day will provide equipment and livestock demonstrations and presentations from UF/IFAS Specialists and County Agents. Topics will include drone herbicide application, cattle pregnancy testing, mineral supplementation, world screwworm update, and invasive weeds. The pre-registration fee is $20.00 (plus $3.18 Eventbrite fee) and includes lunch. The registration fee will be $40.00 if paying on the day of the event. Participants can register online. There will be no refunds for the registration fee.
Navigating Together: Cancer Education & Support Sessions
Bi-Monthly Virtual Sessions via Zoom
Oct. 7, 2025-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. The first session will be on Oct. 7 featuring lymphedema and breast cancer.
Following 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.
Community Weatherization Coalition: Fall 2025 Volunteer Energy Coach Training
Oct. 22 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 29 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 8 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Do you want to connect with your community and planet in a hands-on way? The CWC is looking for new members to join our Energy Coach family. When you take the three-part, 12-hour volunteer training, you'll learn from a training team of energy experts, how to:
* Perform home energy tune-ups for local residents; inspect homes and identify ways to improve energy and water efficiency and save money (with a focus on helping our low-income neighbors)
* Understand and analyze utility bills
* Install water-saving shower heads, faucet aerators, pipe insulation, LED bulbs, and more
Learn more and register here: https://communityweatherization.org/volunteer-with-the-cwc/
Spirits of the Past: An Evening of History and Hauntings
Oct. 24 | 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Matheson History Museum and Matheson House
513 E. University Avenue
Gainesville
Step into the shadows and let an expert paranormal investigator guide you through the historic spaces and grounds, sharing spine-tingling stories and using real ghost-hunting techniques and equipment. Your adventure includes light bites and drinks, a curator talk about the museum history, and music by Jordan A. Key. Mingle with fellow curious minds and explore our haunted exclusive spaces after dark. Tarot card readings will also be available. This event is for ages 13 and up. Exclusive tickets are limited to 13 guests. More information available at mathesonmuseum.org.
Cancer Chomp 2025
Oct. 25 | 8 to 11 a.m.
Cancer & Genetics Research Complex
2033 Mowry Road
Gainesville
The 4th annual Cancer Chomp is a brain tumor event presented by the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy in conjunction with the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida. The event will include a 5K run/walk, Kid Zone, charitable organizations, mini horses, a variety of UF Health services, the UF Gator Mascots, the UF Gator Band, and more. Any proceeds from this event will go to support our patients and their families receiving treatment at UF Health in Gainesville. Such support includes (but is not limited to) lodging assistance, gas cards, help with medication copays, and the purchase of medical equipment not covered by a patient’s insurance. The event is free to attend though there is a small fee to participate in the 5k run/walk. Visit (Giving.UFHealth.org/CancerChomp) to get more details or to view pictures from last year’s event.
Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale 2025
Oct. 25 | 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Oct. 26-29 | Noon to 6 p.m.
430 North Main
Gainesville
The Friends of the Library, an all volunteer and independent Gainesville organization, presents the biannual family-friendly event to benefits Alachua County Library District projects and other local literacy projects. The sale features over 500,000 gently used and locally donated books of all genres, works of art, games, puzzles, CDs, vocal and instrumental music scores, magazines, vinyl records, movies, comics, Manga, and much more offered at BARGAIN prices. The Collector's Corner, for true bibliophiles, is filled with many first edition, rare, and signed volumes, as well as works of historical value and local ephemera. More information available at www.FOLACLD.org and on the Friends of the Library Facebook and Instagram pages.
Fix Them All Chili Cookoff & Music Fest
Oct. 25 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
One Love Cafe
4989 NW 40th Place
Gainesville
The event will benefit Fix Them All, a non-profit group that provides low-cost, high-quality vouchers to help people spay and neuter their pets. All proceeds go to the organization with serves Alachua County and the seven surrounding counties. Paid admission entitles entrants to taste the chili offerings and vote on their favorite. There will be music, vendors, pet adoptions, a Kids Zone and food and beverages. More information available at https://www.fixthemall.org/
2nd annual Bradford Soil and Water Conservation District Landowner Expo Dinner
Oct. 30 | 5 to 8 p.m.
Charley Johns Conference Center
1610 N Temple Avenue
Starke
The free event will showcase programs and services from federal, state and local agencies and organizations that help landowners manage working lands better. Learn about technical help, cost-shares, conservation easements, and other assistance available. Space is limited - registration is free! Call (904) 966-6224 or go online to www.eventbrite.com/e/landowner-assistance-expo-tickets-1622867473299. For more info contact Amy Morie at (323) 274-8858.
A Celebration of Indigenous People Family Event
Nov. 8 | Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Matheson History Museum
513 E. University Avenue
Gainesville
A cultural experience of drumming, dance, and storytelling, featuring the Whitehorse family, as well as a marionette show for children ages 3 to 10. More information available from Sylvia at morningmeadow9@gmail.com.
Farm City Week Open House
Nov. 19 | 9 a.m. to Noon
2556 West Highway 318
Citra
University of Florida IFAS PSREU Citra will host the annual national event held the week before Thanksgiving to celebrate and promote the partnership between rural and urban communities, recognizing the contributions of farmers and ranchers to a safe, abundant food supply. More information available at 352-591-2678 or IFAS-PSREU-INFO@ifas.ufl.edu
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
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
Training begins Sept. 20
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.
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.