In today's Scoop:
🏭 EPA plans a 5,300-foot barrier at the Koppers site.
⚡ Appeals court leaves GRU under its state-appointed board.
🚑 UF Health's stroke unit passes 3,100 Alachua County calls.
🏘️ East Gainesville wins $25.1 million to rebuild and expand public housing.
🗳️ Alachua County early voting starts Oct. 19.
🎸 Burgers and Gainesville Bands on SW 1st
Burgers, wings, and American craft beer take center stage at Loosey's Downtown, located at 120 SW 1st Avenue, where they regularly welcome local bands. The menu features a classic burger made with locally raised Florida beef, alongside a house-made vegan burger packed with eggplant, mushrooms, and chickpeas.
Music is a big part of Loosey's identity. Most shows feature Gainesville musicians, with door fees typically going directly to the bands. The venue’s calendar also includes open mic nights and the Thursday Indie Demolition series.
Read more here.
⚙️ Still Copying Data Between Systems by Hand?
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The example above shows how it works: an email arrives, the data is extracted, the CRM is updated, and a reply goes out without anyone having to retype a thing.
Getting started is simple. The short form asks for your first name, your email, and the type of automation you are interested in, and SmartFl8w will get back to you shortly.
🏭 EPA plans underground wall at Koppers site
The Gist: The EPA plans a 5,300-foot barrier about 65 feet below the former Koppers site on NW 23rd Avenue. The wall is meant to keep contaminated groundwater on the property. Construction is set to begin this month and continue into mid-2027.
Why It Matters: Neighbors may see tree clearing and heavy equipment during the cleanup. EPA says it does not expect road closures.
What's Next: EPA will answer residents' questions at the site, 200 NW 23rd Ave., on October 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Read more here.
⚡ Appeals court keeps GRU Authority in charge
The Gist: Florida's First District Court of Appeal ruled last October 7 that Gainesville cannot amend the part of its charter that created the GRU Authority. The governor-appointed board remains in charge of the utility, which serves about 100,000 customers.
Why It Matters: Gainesville voters passed two referendums to return control to the city, but the authority still runs the utility.
What's Next: The ruling is not final. Gainesville can file further motions or appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.
Read more here.
🚑 UF Health stroke unit passes 3,100 local calls
The Gist: UF Health's Gainesville mobile stroke unit has answered more than 3,100 calls in Alachua County and admitted more than 1,500 patients since launching in July 2023. UF Health and Alachua County Fire Rescue staff the unit together.
Why It Matters: Program director Nicolle Davis says 33% of the unit's stroke patients receive clot-busting medicine within an hour of symptoms, compared with 1.4% nationally.
Read more here.
🏘️ East Gainesville gets $25.1 million for housing
The Gist: The Gainesville Housing Authority and city received a $25,115,577 federal grant to redevelop Lake Terrace and Pine Meadows along East University Avenue. The housing authority plans to grow the two properties from 180 units to about 500 townhomes and apartments for a mix of incomes.
Why It Matters: Current residents will help shape the project, and housing authority staff plan to offer relocation help before construction starts.
Read more here.
🗳️ Early voting opens October 19 across Alachua County
The Gist: Alachua County will offer early voting at eight sites from October 19 through November 1, daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters can use any early-voting site, including UF's Reitz Union.
Why It Matters: On Election Day, November 3, voters must use their assigned precinct. Supervisor Kim Barton urges UF students to check their registration address and polling place before they go.
What's Next: Vote-by-mail requests are due by 5 p.m. October 22. Check your polling place at VoteAlachua.gov.
Read more here.
🎬 Halloweentown Movie Night | Bo Diddley Plaza | Gainesville | Friday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. | More
Bring the family to a free outdoor screening of Halloweentown.
🎃 The Great Pumpkin Bash | Bo Diddley Plaza | Gainesville | Saturday, Oct. 17, noon-5 p.m. | More
Find a corn maze, pumpkin patch, carnival games and photo booth.
🎵 Music Time | Millhopper Branch Library | Gainesville | Saturday, Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m. | More
Toddlers and caregivers sing songs, try fingerplays and explore rhythm together.
🎣 Family Fishing Day: Spooky Candy | UF/IFAS Fishing for Success Ponds | Gainesville | Saturday, Oct. 17, 8 a.m.-noon | More
Fish for free with loaner gear and bait; release your catch.
🍬 Screaming for Safety Trunk-or-Treat | UF Health Professional Park | Gainesville | Wednesday, Oct. 21, 5-8 p.m. | More
Trick-or-treat from decorated trunks and explore fire trucks and ambulances.
🩰 Rock on America! A Tom Petty Tribute Ballet | Phillips Center | Gainesville | Friday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. | More
Dance Alive performs a Tom Petty tribute ballet and other Americana pieces.
🎸 Cowboy Mouth with Lauris Vidal | Heartwood Soundstage | Gainesville | Friday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. | More
New Orleans rockers Cowboy Mouth bring their energetic show outdoors.
🎭 Disenchanted! | Acrosstown Repertory Theatre | Gainesville | Friday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. | More
Storybook princesses rewrite their own tales in this stage musical for older audiences.
🎶 Davin Youngs: The Reset | Phillips Center | Gainesville | Sunday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. | More
Bring a yoga mat for an onstage spot at Youngs' sound bath.
💃 RUBBERBAND: Vic's Mix | Phillips Center | Gainesville | Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. | More
The Montreal company blends hip-hop, ballet, and contemporary dance.
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