StreetSmart: Gainesville

Alachua zoning, High Springs qualifying and Waldo school

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 02:00:00 -0400

A midnight zoning vote in Alachua, a qualifying quagmire in High Springs and a cure for schoolessness in Waldo—hosts Seth Johnson and Lillian Hamman these stories and other top headlines in Alachua County.

Stories mentioned:

Alachua splits on Farmland’s rezoning after 12-hour meeting.
Outdated forms trigger second election qualifying round in High Springs.
Gainesville Christian school expands to Waldo, ending schoollessness.

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Gainesville breaks ground on safety

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Seth Johnson and Lillian Hamman discuss top headlines and feature stories in Alachua County, including the city of Gainesville's breaking ground on a new fire station.

Stories mentioned:

Gainesville begins replacement of Station 3, tackling infrastructure backlog.
High Springs puts city manager on leave with impending termination.
Just Between Friends Gainesville’s All Season Sale on tap in Alachua.
Gainesville Christian school expands to Waldo, ending schoollessness.
Mehrlich charts path for Gainesville airport as new CEO.
Alachua County, city of Newberry completes roundabout.

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Celebration Pointe's $50 million bankruptcy plan

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson discuss top headlines and feature stories in Alachua County, including a $50 million bankruptcy plan for Celebration Pointe.

Stories mentioned:

Alachua faces legal pushback on land use vote for Farmlands development.
Alachua County sheriff warns against rising scams estimated to cost $8 million locally.
Verified: Preserve opens on Little Lake Santa Fe.
Newberry to build regional fire training facility on $600K land acquisition.

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Bonus — NASA astronaut lands in Gainesville

Mainstreet Daily News — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:25:43 -0400

Seth Johnson talks with NASA astronaut Winston Scott about his time in space, the new space race with China and the educational experiences at the Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex.
🧑🏽‍🚀
Links:

Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex (www.kennedyspacecenter.com/)
NASA's Artemis Mission (www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/)

🧑🏽‍🚀
For more local news, profiles and events, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.
Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Animal shelter whistleblower investigation

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

A whistleblower investigation into Alachua County Animal Resources just wrapped up after more than 90 days. Co-hosts Seth Johnson and Lillian Hamman discuss the initial complaint and the 31-page report.

Plus, learn about supporting Mainstreet Daily News and StreetSmart by becoming a member (mainstreetdailynews.com/become-a-member).

Stories mentioned:

Whistleblower investigation clears Alachua County staff of animal mistreatment
High Springs police chief reinstated with 6 of 11 charges cleared
Celebration Pointe bankruptcy plan hinges on $50M payment to avoid liquidation
DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers opens 43rd Street storefront
Drought conditions lead to discovery of 2 undocumented springs along Suwannee River

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

12-story building to rise in GNV historic district

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson discuss top headlines and feature stories in Alachua County, including a 12-story building slated for Gainesville's historic district.

Stories mentioned:

Higher density recommended for 12-story Gainesville building near historic district
Florida Board of Governors confirms Stuart Bell as UF’s 14th president
Here’s the 10 most expensive houses for sale in Alachua County
High Springs police chief on indefinite leave as city manager alleges complaints

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

UF and the Florida Board of Governors

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:44:14 -0400

Co-hosts Nick Anschultz and Seth Johnson discuss the dissention between the UF Board of Trustees and Florida Board of Governors, along with the upcoming presidential vote.

Stories mentioned:

UF Trustees vote Dr. Stuart Bell as interim president
More density recommended for 12-story Gainesville apartments
Arts Collective opens gallery in The Oaks Mall
GRACE Marketplace appoints an interim CEO in an unexpected transition

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Ironwood Golf Course for sale in Gainesville?

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson consider the chances that the city of Gainesville sells Ironwood Golf Course and how it would happen.

Nominate for Stars, Stripes & Shoutouts: (https://tinyurl.com/mwe88tbd)

Stories mentioned:

Derrick: What does a news story look like with no photos?
8 Alachua County athletes head to Special Olympics for Team Florida
City of Waldo hires a new city manager
Gainesville open to purchase, partnership bids for Ironwood Golf Course

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

The return of Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Seth Johnson and Lillian Hamman discuss top headlines and feature stories in Alachua County, including the return of Hoggetowne Medieval Faire to Gainesville Raceway.

Stories mentioned:

Eastman earns second term representing Gainesville’s District 4
UF trustees unanimously pick Dr. Stuart Bell president-elect
UF Trustees approve 15% fee increase for new out-of-state students
Festivals, fishing and food headline area Father’s Day events
Newberry’s Dallas Lee wins statewide Excellence in Leadership award
Above-average May rainfall improves drought conditions across region
Gen Z sweeps Hawthorne election
Two major projects advance for western Alachua County
Alachua County School Board reviews $236 million in potential capital projects

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

School board tables Citizens Field, UF presidential forums

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Nick Anschultz discuss top headlines in Alachua County and round up a recent School Board of Alachua County meeting and UF presidential forums.
Stories mentioned:

Alachua County School Board tables vote on Citizens Field agreements with Gainesville
UF presidential finalist Dr. Bell shares vision for university’s future
How much revenue will Alachua County cities lose if homestead exemption passes?
Hawthorne mayor opposes property tax elimination in letter to state reps
Local runners celebrate Global Running Day at Butler Plaza
SF College breaks ground on automotive technology training center
New multi-use trail opens in East Gainesville
Alachua County Public Schools to offer free summer meals
New book remembers Alachua County residents who died in Vietnam War

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Newberry, High Springs rural roundup

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Nick Anschultz and Lillian Hamman discuss top headlines and a rural Alachua County round-up featuring city of Newberry, High Springs and a new Paper Bag Deli popping up with gourmet coffee in Waldo.

Stories mentioned:

High Springs to keep both fire and police, increase fire assessment
Harvest Singularity breaks ground on $69 million greenhouses in Newberry
Gainesville’s Phil Mann earns national Top Ten recognition for public works
Alachua County acts on Wahoo, Lakeshore Drive and Westside Christian School
Alachua County lifts burn ban after 117 days
The Paper Bag Deli to launch coffee drive-thru at Waldo storefront

Bonus content:

Enter for a chance to win a $55 gift certificate to Dave & Buster's. (https://shorturl.at/EXVzI)
Vote for Mainstreet's StreetSmart: Gainesville podcast as "Best Local Podcast" in Our Town Magazine's Fave 2026 contest. (https://shorturl.at/JRLry)
Nominate a local community member who embodies America's best here for Mainstreet's "Stars, Stripes & Shoutouts" campaign. (https://shorturl.at/t40op)

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.
Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Gainesville roam towing, GRU contract

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 25 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson discuss top headlines and feature stories in Alachua County. Johnson parses out big items from the May 21 Gainesville City Commission meeting, including the elimination of roam towing and Gainesville Regional Utilities contract.

Stories mentioned:

Gainesville commission votes on major garbage billing, towing reforms
Gainesville police to focus on domestic violence as homicides trend up
Behind-the-scenes: Hollywood comes to Micanopy for ‘A Land Remembered’ filming

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Alachua County catches up with rural cities

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 18 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Seth Johnson and Lillian Hamman review and preview joint meetings that Alachua County has with rural cities and Gainesville.

Stories mentioned:

Newberry projects $2.2M setback if property taxes eliminated
Alachua County’s rural broadband deployment passes 80% mark

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Gainesville charter amendment, High Springs fire and police workshop

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 11 May 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson discuss top headlines and feature stories in Alachua County.

Stories mentioned:

High Springs brainstorms rate increases, revenue streams to save fire and police
Gainesville moves forward on charter amendment, stalls on 10-foot land strip

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

UF 36-hole golf course, ACPS focuses on Alachua

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 04 May 2026 11:25:34 -0400

Co-hosts Nick Anschultz and Seth Johnson discuss the University of Florida's plans to build a championship-level golf course plus the local school board decides on a plan for city of Alachua schools.

Stories mentioned:

Alachua County OK’s new land use for UF’s 36-hole championship golf course
School Board of Alachua County considers restructuring options for Alachua schools
J Smart drops R&B nostalgia on Gainesville’s newest radio show

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Bonus—Dooley and Dame talk Gator Bites

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Mainstreet Daily News sports director Mike Ridaught takes over StreetSmart to interview sports contributors Pat Dooley and Mike Dame. The duo discusses their new free Gator Bites newsletter covering all things UF sports, the importance of local news, and how the Gator football coaching staff is looking ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Dooley columns:

Derrick: Mainstreet puts Pat Dooley back in print
The Front 9: Third place, 44 errors, and a few questions for James Bates
The Front 9: Florida football coach Sumrall said the quiet part out loud

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com. And click here (www.mainstreetdailynews.com/sports/gators) to subscribe to Gator Bites.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Alachua school closings, Forgotten Front

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Nick Anschultz discuss top headlines and feature stories in Alachua County.

Stories mentioned:

Community meeting focuses on future of ACPS’s schools in city of Alachua.
Florida Forest Service reports State Road 26 wildfire 60 percent contained.
High Springs police apprehend suspect on FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List.
The Great Sushi Race: 3 new local Asian restaurants bring sushi to Alachua.
Animal shelter stays top priority at Alachua County along with Archer Road project.
Navigating electric bills: GRU’s fuel adjustment explained amid public debate.
Newberry incumbents sweep 3-seat commission race.
Jennifer Rossi wins Archer City Commission Seat 5.
Youmas earns 52% of votes to win Alachua City Commission race.

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Gainesville's church subsidy, Dooley returns to print

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Seth Johnson and Lillian Hamman discuss Gainesville fire assessment exemption, the shot heard around the world and Mainstreet's new Gator sports coverage.

Stories mentioned:

Gainesville to leave $500,000 subsidy of churches, nonprofits in place
Alachua County negotiates with GRU over 5 live oak trees stalling construction
Former High Springs firefighter sues city for safety violations
Zoomies and wags dedicate Newberry’s ‘Central Bark’

To read Dooley's first column back in print, or sign up for Gator Bites, go to tinyurl.com/patdooley.

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Newberry spat, Gainesville city manager search

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson discuss top headlines and feature stories in Alachua County, including simple battery charges against a Newberry City Commission candidate, the search for a Gainesville city manager and Heartwood Soundstage funding.

Stories mentioned:

Newberry spat: Sheriff sends charges to state attorney against candidate Oldman
Gainesville commission to hold city manager search this fall
Gainesville to review city manager search, red-light cameras, annexation
Q&A: Florida House District 21 candidates react to 2026 Legislative Session
Gainesville airport finalizes new CEO contract, fuel farm rehab
Gainesville resident raises cold case awareness with Substack publication
Dink, dink: 12 public pickleball courts located in Alachua County
Eastside High School celebrates unveiling of new campus mural

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Downtown Gainesville deep-dive

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Seth Johnson and Lillian Hamman discuss top headlines and feature stories focusing on downtown Gainesville.

Stories mentioned:

Homeless service providers work to handle St. Francis House shelter closure
Gainesville’s downtown advisory board aims to reduce 22% storefront vacancy rate
Award-winning chef opens Kushi & Co. Japanese fast-casual restaurant

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Education roundup: rezoning, UF chapter disbanded, state bills

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Nick Anschultz talk all things education.

Stories mentioned:

School Board of Alachua County approves zoning changes, school closures
UF to deactivate College Republicans chapter amid antisemitic reports
Florida Legislature passes key education bills

For a chance to WIN four tickets to the Crayola Experience, click here (https://tinyurl.com/5xer46p6).

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Bonus — Florida drought and wildfires rage

Mainstreet Daily News — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Seth Johnson and Lillian Hamman discuss Florida's ongoing drought, increasing wildfires and what to do about both with Kevin Mangan from the High Springs Fire Department and Ludie Bond from the Florida Forest Service.

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Alachua County whistleblower investigation, Archer audit

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson discuss top headlines and feature stories in Alachua County.

Stories mentioned:

Alachua County launches whistleblower investigation into animal shelter
Archer city managers tackle internal forensic audit, build new budget

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

ADA lawsuits against Gainesville business owners

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson roundup the history of ADA lawsuits in Gainesville — Mainstreet's top story of 2025. Plus, a recent development.

Stories mentioned:

Blindsided: Iconic Gainesville businesses included in 49 ADA lawsuits (Original December 2025 report)
Residents turn to action after ADA lawsuit against Gainesville businesses (December 2025 follow up)
‘Toughest kid on the block’: ADA lawsuit dismissed against Satchel’s Pizza (March 2026 development)

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Florida reenters GRU tug-of-war, Newberry elections

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Co-hosts Seth Johnson and Lillian Hamman review candidate in Alachua and Newberry's elections while recapping a big week in Gainesville Regional Utilities happenings.

Stories mentioned:

Florida Legislature could end GRU debate with 24-word amendment
City of Alachua ends qualifying with three candidates
Gainesville brothers open 2 indoor golf clubs with a third planned

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Growth in Gainesville, Archer Road and Newberry

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson discuss housing and infrastructure growth in Gainesville and Newberry along with developments off Archer Road.

Stories mentioned:

Alachua County reviewing 4 projects at Archer Road/Tower Road activity center
“Exceeding expectations”: Newberry hears 2026 State of the City
Archer Community Center, City Hall fates up in the air
Gainesville commission agrees to utility bond documents with reluctance

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Elementary school rezoning, WildFlowers music festival, WIN tickets

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Co-hosts Seth Johnson and Nick Anschultz walk through the upcoming school rezoning efforts and a new festival approved for Melrose. Plus, Gainesville and Newberry will hold state of the city events this week.

We want feedback. Email us at editor@mainstreetdailynews.com with all your comments.

Stories mentioned:

Alachua County officials evaluate school district’s ‘Future Ready’ initiative
Gainesville worried over school zoning plan, reviews gun violence plan
Former Hawthorne commissioner, pastor and WWII vet dies at 100

Enter for a chance to win tickets-->https://tinyurl.com/UFtickets

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

GRU oral arguments, Melrose festival, ticket winner

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson discuss the upcoming oral arguments about control of Gainesville Regional Utilities along with the history of the debate.

Stories mentioned:

Melrose readies for WildFlowers festival permit vote
GRU Authority to keep utility control for foreseeable future despite public vote

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Bonus — Mainstreet's origin, mission and podcast

Mainstreet Daily News — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Co-hosts Seth Johnson and Lillian Hamman speak with publisher J.C. Derrick about why the company wanted to launch StreetSmart and his hopes for the new format.

For more local news, visit MainstreetDailyNews.com.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

$15M Gainesville elder fraud, Alachua voting concerns, LEGO store

Mainstreet Daily News — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 03:45:00 -0500

Co-hosts Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson launch StreetSmart's inaugural episode, detailing Alachua's decision to close a polling location and why top Florida law enforcement came to Gainesville to discuss elder fraud.

Stories mentioned:

FBI, IRS warn against elder fraud schemes in Gainesville
Groups accuse city of Alachua officials of voter suppression amid precinct closure
Bricks & Minifigs LEGO store to open in Gainesville

Enter to Win Tickets! --> https://tinyurl.com/MDNtickets

To learn more about Mainstreet, visit our website.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.

Trailer — Introducing StreetSmart: Gainesville

Mainstreet Daily News — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:39:14 -0500

Mainstreet Daily News launches its new local podcast for Gainesville and Alachua County. Co-hosts Seth Johnson, Lillian Hamman and Nick Anschultz introduce StreetSmart: Gainesville and its goals for delivering locally-reported news every Monday.

To learn more about Mainstreet, visit our website.

Forest Meadows Funeral Home is the proud title sponsor of StreetSmart: Gainesville.

Music courtesy Gainesville's Now Leaving Space.