Newsroom

The City of Gainesville is pleased to announce that amendments to an agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters was ratified earlier this afternoon — extending an existing agreement through the next two fiscal years.

The City of Gainesville and the University of Florida were awarded a joint $2 million grant in April through the National Science Foundation’s Smart and Connected Communities Program. Now, the city and UF researchers have begun their groundbreaking work to improve roadway safety.

The soulful sound of blues will usher in the Downtown Festival & Art Show weekend Friday, Nov. 15 with a free Downtown Blues Concert on the Bo Diddley Plaza from 7-11 p.m. The North Central Florida Blues Society is pleased to announce an evening under the stars featuring three incredible blues performances. 

• Statement from City Manager Lee Feldman
• Statement from Mayor Lauren Poe

Gainesville will transform into a masterful blend of art, music and entertainment during the 38th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show, one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine arts festivals. Presented by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA), the festival draws a crowd of more than 80,000 visitors each year. On Saturday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., visitors can meet the exhibiting artists, enjoy live music and sample international cuisine.

The Downtown Festival & Art Show, a nationally-recognized event, helps Gainesville get in touch with its creative side. Since 1996, it has ranked among the top festivals in the nation. Visitors embrace the culture of more than 240 of the nation’s most talented artists, who showcase their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and vivid photography. Artisans compete for more than $20,000 in cash prizes.

In observance of the Veterans Day holiday, city offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11.

Join the City of Gainesville for the Housing Discussion Series, hosted by the Housing & Community Development Division (HCD). The series intends to bring awareness to the nationwide housing crisis and engage our community in efforts to tackle housing challenges specific to the City of Gainesville. Through this series, residents and stakeholders will learn about high impact strategies that support housing that is affordable, and the public will have an opportunity to provide input on the city's housing needs.

The Price of Freedom, Evergreen Cemetery at 11 a.m.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, in cooperation with Shake Rag Cultural Center, Inc., welcomes cast member of the famed television series “The Andy Griffith Show” and music legend Rodney Dillard to the next Jewel Box Concert at the Thomas Center on Thursday, Nov. 7. Guitarist Dillard will be joined by the Walker Brothers, which is comprised of Jarrod Walker, the mandolinist and member of the Claire Lynch Band; Tyler Walker, the guitarist and former member of the Sierra Hull Band and Corey Walker, who is a regular guest of Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, on banjo. The evening features dazzling instrumentals and vocals, along with stories from the set of “The Andy Griffith Show.”  Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. General admission is $20, and VIP seating is $30 at the door. Seating is limited, but tickets may be purchased in advance online at www.evansmediasource.com.