Fire in CK, Gators to Watch, Destructive Deb

September 20, 2024

Good morning, Gainesville!

Did you know on this day in 1853, the elevator was invented?!

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful weekend! Let us get you ready for it!

Enjoy.

High: 89ºF, Low: 68ºF, Partly Sunny

Chance of ⛈️ Rain: 43%

📰 The General Scoop:

  • 🔥 Cedar Key Dock Street Fire Cedar Key is reeling from a major fire that tore through Dock Street early Thursday morning, devastating several local businesses. Just after 5 a.m., flames started at Duncan’s on the Gulf restaurant and quickly spread. Rusty Hook Bait Shop and Steamer’s Restaurant were impacted, and the Island. Trading post lost over $1 million dollars of stock and inventory. No one was hurt, but it’s a huge blow to the local economy, especially with the area still recovering from Hurricane Idalia just a year ago. If there are opportunities to help, I’ll post them here.

  • 🎨 Gainesville Artist Shines in Times Square

    This Saturday, Gainesville's own Lale Gerger will see her artwork hit the big time in the Big Apple! Her painting, "Be the Light in Someone's Darkness," will light up a billboard in New York City’s Times Square. As part of the HMVC Gallery New York’s Freestyle 2.0 Exhibition, her work will be featured for 15 seconds every hour for 24 hours. Gerger, a UF grad, says her art is all about resilience and transformation. "I want to inspire others to find their light and share it with the world," she shared in a press release. ✨

🏢 Business News:

  • 🌀 The Scoop on Hurricane Debby’s Ag Losses: Florida’s farms took a hit from Hurricane Debby, racking up between $93.7 million and $263.2 million in losses, according to a new UF/IFAS report. The storm, a soggy Category 1 that hit Steinhatchee on Aug. 5, flooded over 2.2 million acres of farmland, with most of it being grazing land. For comparison, Hurricane Idalia (Category 3) caused $276 million in losses, but Debby brought more rain, leading to major flooding across parts of northern and Southwest Florida.

🏅 Sports News:

  • Gators starting WR out after minor surgery: Gator receiver Tre Wilson will not play this weekend after undergoing minor surgery on his knee. With others in the line up out this week, Napier will be forced to dig deep to field a strong WR crew. The Gators play at noon on ESPN vs. Mississippi State.

  • 🏐 Volleyball is back in action Friday night in the O’Dome against University of North Texas at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $7!

  • Mens Golf Travels to Illinois Men’s golf will be competing against the fighting Illini for a round of 18 at 10 am this morning and Saturday morning

📆 Things to Do Today and Tomorrow:

Friday, September 20th:

  • Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (8 p.m.) at the Gainesville Community Playhouse 4039 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL

  • Concert Series with KISS 105.3 (7 p.m) Celebration Pointe Seating is first come, first serve. Don’t forget to BYOC (bring your own chair).

  • UF Homecoming Charity 5K (5:30 p.m.) at First Magnitude Brewing. It’s not quite homecoming yet, but the festivities are beginning. Expect a night of fitness, community, and giving back at the Inaugural UF Homecoming Charity 5K! This event will support Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national charity that builds and delivers beds to children in need ❤️ 

Saturday, September 21:

🏃 Strides for Sickle Cell at Depot Park (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.): Lace up your sneakers and join this 5K to raise awareness for sickle cell disease. Walking is welcome!

🎶 Tres Souls at Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (7 p.m.): Get swept away by vintage Latin sounds that will transport you back in time.

🎤 80's Totally Rad Trivia Night at Blackadder Brewing (7 p.m. - 9 p.m.): Time to dust off those leg warmers and show off your 80s knowledge!

Sunday, September 22:

🌍 Building Belonging: A Celebration of Immigrant Communities at Bo Diddley Plaza (12 p.m. - 4 p.m.): Enjoy multicultural performances, food, and vendors in this family-friendly event celebrating diversity.

📚 Meet the Author: Gabino Iglesias at Civic Media Center (4 p.m.): Chat with the horror and crime writer about his work and get your books signed!

Have a fantastic weekend!
Lauren
Swamptown Scoop