Community Corner
🌱 How could a new arts center and food hub reshape Gainesville?
And check out Feeding the Hungry Community Wellness Event on the Gainesville Patch calendar
Hi Gainesville! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How could a new arts center and food hub reshape Gainesville?
- How will Alachua County’s new housing rules and Eastwood Preserve affect you?
- Want a Gainesville chef’s simple, elegant baked pear showstopper?
Also on today's calendar: DIY Mandala Holiday Ornament and 6 more events.
Find out what's happening in Gainesvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Gainesvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 62 and low of 36 degrees.
- Friday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 68, low: 39.
- Saturday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 75 and low of 47 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Alachua County, Gainesville receive updates on cultural arts and food hub (mainstreetdailynews.com) — City and county leaders are moving ahead with plans for a Gainesville youth-focused cultural arts center and a new food hub linking local farms to restaurants, stores, and institutions. While no votes were taken yet, commissioners signaled strong support, with a 10‑month food hub pilot starting in March and Gainesville expected to be the main market for locally grown produce. 
2. Alachua County Commission adopts inclusionary housing amendments, approves Eastwood Preserve development (alachuachronicle.com) — Alachua County commissioners just approved new inclusionary housing rules and a 149-home Eastwood Preserve subdivision on SE Hawthorne Road, setting stricter standards for conservation, lighting, and landscaping. They also advanced plans for a High Springs–Newberry rail trail, updated rules on farmworker housing and poultry, and clarified that the Florence landfill’s county permit currently expires in 2027.
3. Paige's Kitchen: Baked Pears (wcjb.com) — From a Gainesville-based kitchen comes an easy baked pear recipe that pairs sweet fruit with salty feta, tart cranberries, and a drizzle of honey. It’s presented as a festive, healthier dessert or appetizer that locals can serve with prosecco or chilled white wine during the holiday season.
4. Homeowner testifies in deadly Gainesville home invasion robbery trial (wcjb.com) — Jurors in Gainesville are hearing emotional testimony in the trial of a man accused of ordering a 2022 home invasion that left a woman dead. Witnesses, including the homeowner and a friend who survived the shooting, described the chaotic break‑in, threats to family members, and the moments leading up to the victim’s death as the case continues this week.
📸 Around Gainesville
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Gainesville
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Feeding the Hungry Community Wellness Event
Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E University Ave, Gainesville
12:00 pm
Saturday December 13
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Food vs Dessert Truck Wars
The Oaks Mall , 6419 W Newberry Rd , Gainesville
1:00 pm - Gainesville's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
Silver Q Billiards & Sports Bar , 225 W University Ave , Gainesville
4:30 pm - Greater Gainesville Yuletide Pop-up
Depot Park , 874 SE 4th St , Gainesville
1:00 pm - Writers' Alliance of Gainesville
Millhopper Branch | Alachua County Library District , 3145 NW 43rd St , Gainesville
2:30 pm - 2025 Bacopa Literary Review - Debut
Millhopper Branch, Alachua County Libraries , 3145 NW 43rd St. , Gainesville
2:30 pm - Dancing Through the Snow
Matheson History Museum , 513 E University Ave , Gainesville
4:00 pm - Tot Trot: Birds, FREE DAY!
Natural Area Park , Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
9:00 am - DIY Mandala Holiday Ornament
Millhopper Branch | Alachua County Library District , 3145 NW 43rd St , Gainesville
1:00 pm
Saturday December 13
Sunday December 14
Tuesday December 16
Thursday December 18
📣 Gainesville Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Governing Board Meeting
Headquarters Library | Alachua County Library District , 401 E University Ave , Gainesville
10:30 am - Community Resource Navigator
Alachua Branch - Learning Center
11:00 am - Story Time
Micanopy Branch - Dance Hall
11:00 am - Teen Craft Club
Millhopper Branch | Alachua County Library District , 3145 NW 43rd St , Gainesville
4:00 pm
Thursday December 11
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!
Hope this puts you in the Holiday spirit!! https://youtu.be/qTx-sdR6Yzk?si=Qu-NMWQoeUnELbhE (Nextdoor Hunters Crossing) - Pinebreeze neighbors.
Check on your outdoor animals tonight. 1 it will be cold tonight and 2 We saw a coyote tonight crossing 36th Street using Possum Creek to travel… (Nextdoor Pinebreeze)
- During its last regular meeting of the year on Monday, the Alachua City Commission appointed planning and zoning board members and sparred during a... (X: NewsGainesville)
- We're planning for the future of our schools! Share your input online at jbpro-... or in person. Meeting schedule at alachuaschools... (X: AlachuaSchools)
- Cardinal Group Companies posted a job opening for Porter in Gainesville. Apply here.
- University of Florida posted a job opening for Assistant Professor in Dance in Gainesville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Gainesville here.
Ok Gainesville! 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 could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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