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The Florida Times-Union

partner publisher · 34.0K followers
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Union County stampede: Fightin' Tigers win latest SSAA road upset

(This story has been updated to add new information and to correct a name spelling.) For Robby Pruitt , the head coaching journey of a lifetime began in Jacksonville 42 years ago. More than four decades on, he's winning postseason games on the First Coast again, steering the stampede for Union County in a 28-21 upset of Paxon in the Sunshine State Athletic Association Atlantic League North semifinal on Nov. 6. They've got eighth-graders in the lineup, even seventh-grader Ethan Williams. They field barely a dozen combined juniors and seniors, some of them injured. Now, Union County (7-5) is off to round three at No. 1 seed West Nassau on Nov. 13. "I tell you, it's great winning a game like this with a bunch of young kids," Pruitt said. Playing in the same city where he landed his first head coaching job with University Christian in 1984, on his way to the unprecedented feat of 200-win careers in both Florida and Georgia, he's still going strong in the first year of his second Union County stint. And so is his team. Watch Florida high school sports live on NFHS Network Got a great play? How to submit your high

Lake Butler, FL · 3d

USA TODAY Sports Media Group

partner publisher · 559.1K followers
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Florida left voteless in US LBM Coaches Poll after Oklahoma loss

The losses continue to pile up for Florida football, which dropped its second straight game in Week 10 — a 23-7 defeat at the hands of the visiting Oklahoma Sooners. Now 5-4 overall and 3-4 in SEC play, the Gators are simply playing for a chance to earn a bowl berth at this point. Following the humiliating defeat in the Swamp, Sumrall's squad is now voteless in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll after holding the de facto No. 27 ranking with 81 points last week . The last time the Gators were left off the coaches' ballot was in the final edition of the 2025 poll. The SEC's representation among the top 25 remains at eight schools after the demotion of Missouri and the ascension of South Carolina into the mix. Georgia returns to the No. 1 spot in the nation and still headlines the conference, followed by Alabama (No. 7), Texas (No. 8), Tennessee (No. 9), Kentucky (No. 13), Ole Miss (No. 17), LSU (No. 22), and South Carolina (No. 24). Missouri is now the de facto No. 27 team in the rankings with 147 points, while Oklahoma clawed back a pair of votes after its road win.

Gainesville, FL · 2d

wuft.org

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Marion County committee advances plan that could help decrease pet overpopulation

In Marion County, there’s a new plan to help decrease pet overpopulation. The plan is from a group known as VOCAL, a nonprofit focused on helping residents care for their pets. The county’s development review committee approved the concept plan in its meeting Nov. 2. It would create...

Marion County, FL · 5d

wuft.org

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Alachua County approves zoning changes to allow more recreational activities at planned community park

An Alachua County zoning change may soon allow a broader range of recreational activities as the former West End Golf Course is being developed into a park. An October hearing at the county planning commission’s monthly meeting focused on the proposed amendment to the West End Planned Development, for approximately 75 acres of county-owned land at 12830 West Newberry Road.

Alachua County, FL · 5d
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Alachua Chronicle

partner publisher · 16.3K followers

Local students earn perfect scores on state tests

Alachua County Public Schools students earned 189 perfect scores on state tests administered in 2026, according to results released by the Florida Department of Education. The post Local students earn perfect scores on state tests appeared first on Alachua Chronicle .

Alachua County, FL · 5d

WCJB

publisher · 45.3K followers

Chili competition heats up Ocala as Marion County Chili Cook-Off returns for 45th year

Ocala, FL · 2d

Alachua Chronicle

partner publisher · 16.3K followers

Two ACPS teachers honored through TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Most Valuable Teacher program

Robert Moramarco, a math teacher at Newberry High School, and Amy Beres, a music and band teacher at Howard Bishop Middle School, received surprise visits at their schools this week from representatives of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl organization. The post Two ACPS teachers honored through TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Most Valuable Teacher program appeared first on Alachua Chronicle .

Alachua County, FL · 3d

ocala-news.com

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Ocala group crafting comfort for vets and children through thousands of blankets, hats, other handmade goods

Over a year after setting out to craft lap blankets for others, a dedicated group of crafters in an Ocala retirement community has donated dozens of their handmade afghans to military veterans, patients undergoing medical treatments, and children facing crisis situations across Marion County. Last year, Lt. Col. Joseph Brown...

Ocala, FL · 5d

The Gainesville Sun

partner publisher · 11.8K followers

Bagel Bakery owner says payment problems persist at City Food Hall

The owner of The Bagel Bakery in Gainesville says City Food Hall owes him about $4,000 in unpaid revenue, raising concerns about the midtown food hall's payment practices and whether other vendors are experiencing similar problems. Jason Cole, owner of The Bagel Bakery, told The Sun in an Oct. 27 phone interview that he had not received a payment since Oct. 5 and said he was aware of other businesses at the food hall experiencing similar issues. Cole also owns The Bagel Bakery at 4113 NW 16th Blvd. Cole, who opened a location at the food hall in August, said his business entered into an agreement with City Food Hall that required vendors to use a shared payment system. He said the food hall is operated by founder and CEO Peter Rounce and occupies space on the bottom floor of The Standard, 1360 W. University Ave. Under the arrangement, Cole said sales revenue from vendors went into a central account before businesses were paid their weekly sales, minus agreed-upon fees. Cole said 18% was deducted from sales, including a 15% fee for City Food Hall and another 3% to support employees working in common areas, such as janitorial staff. While

Gainesville, FL · 6d

WCJB

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Fort White council members ask governor to remove mayor

Fort White town leaders, including two who are leaving office, are asking Governor Ron DeSantis to investigate and remove Mayor George Thomas. They said he has not attended a meeting since the summer.

Fort White, FL · 5d

The Gainesville Sun

partner publisher · 11.8K followers

Amy Trask unseats Chad Johnson in Florida House District 22

Democrat Amy Trask flipped Florida House District 22 on Nov. 3, defeating incumbent Rep. Chad Johnson by 2,089 votes in an upset that handed Democrats a rare legislative seat pickup in predominantly Republican North Central Florida. Trask, D-Gainesville, received 40,402 votes to Johnson's 38,313 across District 22, which includes Levy and Gilchrist counties and southwestern Alachua County. Trask's advantage came from Alachua County, where she outperformed Johnson 34,180 to 18,748. Johnson, R-Chiefland, carried both Gilchrist and Levy counties. In Gilchrist County, Johnson received 6,388 votes to Trask's 1,356. In Levy County, Johnson received 13,177 votes to Trask's 4,866. Local results: Cornell holds County Commission seat, Miller wins School Board race Trask also ran for the seat in 2024 but lost to David Arreola, D-Gainesville, in the Democratic primary. Johnson defeated Arreola with 56% of the vote in the 2024 general election, succeeding Republican Chuck Clemons, who could not seek reelection because of term limits. As newly reelected Alachua County Commission Chair Ken Cornell took the stage outside Heartwood Soundstage, chants of "Amy" could be heard in the background. Trask gave a short victory speech, thanking her family, volunteers, voters and community. "This moment is huge because we have an opportunity

Florida · 6d

wuft.org

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Democratic leaders in Alachua County celebrate local victories

Alachua County Democratic leaders celebrated local victories Tuesday night despite Republican wins in statewide races and the passage of a hotly contested property tax amendment. County and city officials gathered with members of the public at a midterm election watch party Tuesday night as polls closed and results came in.

Alachua County, FL · 5d

937kcountry.com

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Stentiford Construction brings decades of experience to Ocala’s next generation of homes

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A community is shaped by more than the buildings that line its streets. It’s shaped by the people who build them, the care that goes into the work and the relationships that stand behind each project. For Stentiford Construction, those principles have guided the...

Ocala, FL · 3d

WCJB

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Gainesville leaders hold grand opening celebration for downtown ‘Streatery’

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) — The Streatery, a downtown Gainesville street once open to vehicle traffic, is now a permanent pedestrian corridor, and community members and city leaders held a grand opening celebration on Friday evening. The area is designed to give people more room to walk, connect, and enjoy...

Gainesville, FL · 4d

WCJB

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Alachua County community raises reading gap concerns during superintendent search

Parents and teachers in Alachua County asked whether every student is getting the support they need in the classroom as school board members search for their next superintendent.

Alachua County, FL · 4d

Daily News

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Veterans event renamed in honor of local hero

When the phrase “freedom isn’t free” is heard, the relatives of Interlachen’s Robert H. Jenkins Jr. resonate with it to a different degree than many other families. Jenkins, who has been celebrated as a Putnam County hero, died March 5, 1969, when he threw himself on a live grenade while serving as a Marine in the Vietnam War.

Interlachen, FL · 5d

ocala-news.com

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Ocala, Marion County officials proclaim Nov. 14 as ‘Put Down the Phone Day’

Local leaders across Ocala and Marion County have officially proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 14, as “Look Up Marion, Put Down the Phone Day,” urging residents to disconnect from screens and engage in quality, face-to-face time with family and friends. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Marion County Board of County...

Ocala, FL · 6d

WCJB

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Phase two of Archer-Newberry wastewater project begins

NEWBERRY, Fla. (WCJB) — Phase two of a regional wastewater project in western Alachua County is underway, with crews beginning work on a major lift station and more infrastructure. Phase one of the regional wastewater project is complete. It connects Archer’s system to Newberry’s new treatment facility.

Newberry, FL · 5d

wuft.org

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Gilchrist County passes ballot measure to fund emergency fire rescue services

Gilchrist County had its own charter amendment on the ballot this November — for emergency fire rescue services. It passed Tuesday, with 62.52% of the vote. The amendment would add a one-cent sales tax to anything bought in Gilchrist County. The vice chair of the county commission tells WUFT this tax would affect all purchases made within the county. They are concerned about the controversial Amendment 3, which also passed Tuesday.

Gilchrist County, FL · 5d

352today.com

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Ocklawaha River Raid returns to bring local history to life

OCKLAWAHA, FL (352today.com) – The 1st Brigade, PACS Inc. is hosting another year of living history at the Florida Horse Park, 11008 S. HWY 475, Ocala. The 42nd Annual Ocklawaha River Raid Civil War Re-enactment Living History Weekend will be hosted Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 7-8, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ocala, FL · 5d