🌱 What brings 400 young robot builders to Alachua this weekend?

Hello again Alachua! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What brings 400 young robot builders to Alachua this weekend?
• Which new Alachua-area restaurants opened their doors in 2025?
• Want to catch the solstice sunset over Levy Prairie marsh?

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Alachua? Post it to Alachua photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 67 and low of 47 degrees.
• Wednesday: Pleasant with some sun, temps: high: 73, low: 56.
• Thursday: Periods of rain, with a high of 75 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. North Florida K-12 students unearth archaeology, life skills, and fun in robotics competition (alachuachronicle.com) — This weekend, more than 400 K-12 students will bring their Lego robots to Alachua for the Northeast Florida First Lego League Regional Championship, putting the city at the center of a major STEM event. Gainesville’s Turbo GatorBots return as defending champs, showcasing how the competition builds teamwork, public-speaking confidence, and real-world problem-solving around archaeology and advanced technologies like AI and radar.
   

2. A look back at some of the restaurants that opened in Alachua County in 2025 (gainesville.com) — Two new spots in the city of Alachua made this year’s list of restaurant openings, including the first Chick-fil-A in Alachua County outside Gainesville and a larger Mi Apa Latin Cafe location. The roundup also highlights a wave of new eateries across Gainesville, Jonesville, Newberry, High Springs, and Tioga, giving local diners plenty of fresh options for everything from tacos to ramen.
   

3. Winter Solstice Sunset Walk to be held on Dec. 19 at Barr Hammock Levy Loop (alachuachronicle.com) — Alachua County Forever is inviting residents to a guided winter solstice sunset walk at Barr Hammock’s Levy Loop near Micanopy on Friday, Dec. 19, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The casual, all-abilities stroll celebrates both the solstice and the 25th anniversary of the county’s land conservation program, with participants encouraged to bring water and dress for the weather.
   

4. Arts Council seeks presenters and sponsors for conference (alachuachronicle.com) — Alachua County’s Arts Council is gearing up for its fifth annual Artists Conference on April 24, 2026, and is actively seeking local presenters and sponsors. Residents involved in the arts can apply online by Jan. 16, 2026, to help shape sessions that support creative expression and arts resources countywide.
   

📸 Around Alachua

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Alachua

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★ Featured events ★

Saturday December 20

• Market On Main - A Farmers Market in the Heart of Alachua, FL
  15100 NW 142 Terrace, Alachua
  2:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Wednesday December 17

• Whatchamacallit Wednesdays
  Alachua Branch - Meeting Room
  3:30 pm

Thursday December 18

• Community Resource Navigator
  Alachua Branch - Learning Center
  11:00 am

Friday December 19

• Stitch & Chat
  Alachua Branch - Meeting Room
  2:00 pm

Monday December 22

• Community Resource Navigator
  Alachua Branch - Learning Center
  10:30 am

Tuesday December 23

• Baby Adventures
  Alachua Branch - Meeting Room
  10:30 am

📣 Alachua Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 16

• Tot Trot: Birds, FREE DAY!
  Natural Area Park , Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
  9:00 am
• Exploring the World of Painting
  High Springs Branch | Alachua County Library District , 23779 US-27 , High Springs
  11:00 am
• Music and Movement
  Newberry Branch - Meeting Room
  11:00 am
• Perler Bead Studio
  Newberry Branch - Meeting Room
  3:00 pm

Wednesday December 17

• Live Local Bands at The Great Outdoors Restaurant
  Great Outdoors Restaurant , 18587 High Springs Main St , High Springs
  6:00 pm

Thursday December 18

• Houston Keen Music: High Springs Brewing Co.
  High Springs Brewing Company , 18562 NW 237th St , High Springs
  6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• McDonald's posted a job opening for Crew Team Member / A in Alachua. Apply here.
• Taco Bell posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Alachua. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Alachua here.

Ok Alachua! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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