June 17, 2020

• Bread of the Mighty welcomes the first Wawa to open in Gainesville at 2373 Archer Road. As part of Wawa’s Lending a Helping Hoagie initiative they are donating $1,000 to Bread of the Mighty Food Bank to benefit the local community.
• All branches of the Alachua County Library District are offering curbside library card sign-up and renewal from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

June 15, 2020

• Biomat USA Plasma Center is accepting plasma donations to help others fight COVID-19. If you have or someone you know has recovered from COVID-19, your plasma could be used to help treat those still fighting the virus.
• AGTC announced the launch of a nationwide mobile vision testing program to conduct follow-up assessments during COVID-19 for patients enrolled in its ongoing phase 1/2 clinical trials.

June 12, 2020

• Thursday, June 18, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: StartGNV is hosting an AMA with Virginia Grant of Gainesville Black Professionals. The event is free with registration.

June 11, 2020

• Huntington Learning Center has now reopened and is providing much-needed academic help for all students. Huntington is also extending the grand opening special of $100 off of Academic Evaluation.

June 9, 2020

• The United Way of North Central Florida‘s VITA program has started back up for the remainder of tax season after closures due to COVID-19. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers FREE tax help to taxpayers who need assistance. Services will be made available on a limited, contact-free basis. Operating days and hours include Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dale Carnegie is hosting a webinar to help you Build a High-Performing Virtual Team. This Live Online webinar introduces the tools, attitudes and actions leaders need to encourage maximum performance in team members working online.
• IndepenDANCE Studio will open for in-person classes beginning July 6th. They are working hard to prepare the studio for a safe, clean and prepared in-person 5-Week Summer Class Session. Online class options will still be available as well.

June 8, 2020

• Education Station has opened its second location at Alachua Tech City, and is open for registration. However, the location is still closed to visitors.

June 5, 2020

• The Rock School was featured in RedefinED for the way they reimagined the educational experience during the COVID-19 crisis.

June 4, 2020

• The Meldon Law Cares program has donated over 2,000 meals from local restaurants to hospital workers and first responders since April.

June 3, 2020

• The Cade Museum is reopening this Friday and Saturday with limited capacity. To reserve your tour, go to bit.ly/cadetours.
• This morning on the Event Industry call, Visit Gainesville shared a grant program they have for those holding meeting/event/conference in our area. Up to $10,000 grant available. Deadline: July 31st for events through September 2021. For more info, contact info@visitgainesville.com.

June 2, 2020

• CBS 4 has partnered with the Alachua County Schools to provide a virtual graduation for each of the seven area high schools. They are not only airing them, but also posting them on their website for family and friends to see after.
• Touching Hearts at Home will work with community partners and assisted living communities in Gainesville and Lake City to collect donations to “Donate Donuts for Seniors & Dementia.” Now thru June 22, they will work to gather donations to donate Krispy Kreme donuts to our seniors and healthcare heroes in approximately 15 senior living communities.

June 1, 2020

• The University of Florida mobilized campus and Exactech expertise to make vital COVID-19 nasal swabs as the school prepares to ramp up testing before reopening.

May 29, 2020

• Haven Hospice’s Attic Resale Stores are reopening with new hours and safety precautions after temporarily being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Registration is now open for the Florida Museum of Natural History’s virtual summer camps in July and August.

May 28, 2020

• In response to COVID-19 considerations, Sweetwater Branch Inn is offering to-go food for pickup or delivery, to-go wine and charcuterie boards, and private romantic dinners at the inn.
• GACAR is hosting its last drive-up food drive event for Bread of the Mighty Food Bank TOMORROW. The goal is to double last week’s donations and try to provide an additional 16,000+ meals to families in need. To donate, visit www.GACAR.com and click the “DONATE HERE” button to make a monetary donation, or drive by the office between 9am-2pm to drop off your donation.

May 26, 2020

• Byppo has waived all vendor fees and customer fees to support the community. Curbside Pickup via BYPPO offers minimal contact between customers and vendors. All ordering, payments, tips are processed online. Chompers can order from their seats with Byppo’s online menu to avoid prolonged social contact. Vendors can recieve orders without touching cash or menus. For vendor information, contact vendor@byppo.com.
• Horses Helping People (HOPE) is partnering with the Amazing Give to do a Zoom Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m. ET to learn more about the Amazing Give Emergency Relief fundraiser and how you can help HOPE make it through the COVID-19 crisis and keep programs going for the rest of the year.
• Water Bear Photography is now ordained to perform weddings as a complimentary service to elopement packages during the COVID-19 crisis.

May 22, 2020

• Lifesouth is now testing all blood donors for COVID-19 antibodies. The antibody test conducted by LifeSouth is authorized for use by the FDA and detects if someone has developed antibodies to COVID-19. A positive test result may indicate past exposure and some immunity to the virus. This antibody test is not a diagnostic test and will not determine if the person currently has the virus.
• Avera & Smith is offering free policy reviews for businesses that are being denied interruption coverage benefits by insurance companies. These disputes are spiking as the pandemic halts operations across the country. Avera & Smith has the proven trial record to help you navigate these choppy legal waters and help ensure the financial viability of your business.

May 21, 2020

• Sexton & Schnoll, CPAs is hosting a webinar on PPP forgiveness Tuesday, May 26 at 1 p.m.
• WCJB TV20 announced today that their 2-week virtual telethon raised over $107,000 for Catholic Charities. These funds will be used by Catholic Charities to help pay rent, utilities and other essentials for people impacted by COVID-19.
• Paramount Grill is opening for limited in-house dining on Friday and Saturday Nights, as well as Sunday Brunch.
• Since March 1, GRACE Marketplace has helped 69 people move into permanent housing.

May 20, 2020

• UF Innovate | Sid Martin Biotech alum Oragenics, Inc. is joining forces with contract research organization Aragen Bioscience to accelerate the development of TerraCov2, a #COVID19 vaccine candidate.
• Gainesville-Alachua County Association of REALTORS will host Food Drives Friday May 22nd and on Friday May 29th from 9 am – 2 pm on both days. GACAR members and members of the community are invited to make donations. This will be a Parking Lot Food drive that donors drive up to and drop off the donations. 1750 NW 80th Blvd in Gainesville. There is a crucial need for non-perishable food items at this time.
• Over the past two months, Saint Francis House has hosted 518 guests for 6,088 total night stays and provided 12,337 meals.
• The Cade will open initially on Fridays and Saturdays for limited capacity, experiential museum tours and has partnered with Violet Defense to maximize guest safety. Purchase your tour tickets today at bit.ly/cadetours.

May 19, 2020

• Atris Technologies has a new blog post on Business Continuity Planning amid crises like the one we’ve faced the last two months.
• ITProTV is offering its studios for rental for those who have to do a virtual proposal or presentation. Take it a level above just Zoom or Skype when you partner with the professionals at ITProTV.

May 15, 2020

• First Federal Bank has donated $10,000 to the United Way of North Central Florida for their Home Sweet Home initiative.
• Bread of the Mighty Food Bank has now handed out 5 million pounds of food locally since March 1.
• Avison Young has created a guide to assist businesses with going back to work and ensuring a safe workplace.

May 14, 2020

• On Wednesday, the Alachua County Public Schools‘ Food and Nutrition Services team surpassed 1 million meals given out during the pandemic, now totaling in 1,019,122.
• Bass Pro Shop of Celebration Pointe donated 6,000 masks to UF Health to support frontline workers.
• Gainesville Sonny’s BBQ locations teamed up to feed over 400 nurses and hospital staff at Shands this week.
• Chaya Veda Integrative Healing Arts is hosting a Facebook Live Event Monday, May 18 from 5 – 5:45 p.m. –  a free 45 minute breathing and relaxation program for a respite, rejuvenation and total well-being.
• Graduating seniors from Buchholz High School have been invited to attend a special ‘farewell’ event on the campus Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Students will line up in their cars and drive through the parking area to the cheers of teachers and staff, and signs will also be set up featuring individual students.

May 11, 2020

• WCJB TV20 and Catholic Charities are collaborating to host a virtual telethon for those who have lost their jobs or are struggling to pay rent due to the COVID-19 crisis. To donate, go to WCJB.com/relief.
• TempForce is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, May 13 at 3 p.m. on time management in today’s world. Those attending can expect to learn tips on prioritizing tasks, scheduling, and developing an action plan.
• John Spence is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, May 13 at 10 a.m. on how the pandemic is going to impact businesses and what they need to do to prepare themselves not just to survive but to thrive after we can get back to work. It’s free, the link below. For those who can’t watch it at the actual time, John is going to send a recording to everyone that registers.
• Join Darr Schackow Insurance Commercial Agent Greg Banks on Thursday, May 14 at 3:30 p.m. for a Zoom Callwhere he and guest speakers from Avison Young, a full-service commercial real estate services firm in Gainesville, will discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the commercial real estate industry and what is to be expected in the coming months.
• United Way of North Central Florida received 15,000 rolls of Cottonelle toilet paper from United Way of Marion County on Thursday, May 7. This special delivery was a donation from United Way Worldwide (UWW), in partnership with Kimberly-Clark and Cottonelle to donate 1 million rolls to communities stressed to find necessary essentials during COVID-19.
• University of Florida medical students provided the first free testing without appointments Friday in east Gainesville, with another round planned this week.

May 7, 2020

• First Magnitude Brewing Co. has raised and donated $1,700 to a fund providing PPE for local medical staff by selling “Hang in There, GNV” koozies, and is launching T-shirt sales to continue fundraising for Working Food.
• Sweetwater Branch Inn announces the launch of Sweetwater Catering Co. To-Go, a quick-dining version of it’s full-service catering company.
• Touching Hearts at Home is conducting a parade for seniors and healthcare heroes on Tuesday, May 12. To participate, decorate your car and RSVP.
• Maple Street Biscuit Company’s Biscuits for Heroes program delivered biscuit boxes to North Florida Regional Medical Center
• Alachua County Library District is allowing book drops and announcing curbside service starting May 13, and running from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mondays – Fridays.

May 6, 2020

• Alachua County Habitat for Humanity is hosting a virtual fundraiser “Celebrating More than Homes” on May 15, available via Facebook Live starting at 7:00 pm. The program will feature videos from all of our sponsors, clips from Habitat, a live auction and feature some families who have paid off their mortgages.
• The Alachua County Tax Collector‘s office is preparing its offices for reopening on May 11, but only offering in-person services by appointment only. Online and mail services remain the encouraged mode for transactions going forward.
• With the help from The Best Restoration, Elevate Group @ Rize Realty and Florida Food Service, Adam’s Rib Co. provided over 450 meals to local families in-need through their partnership with the SWAG Program.

May 5, 2020

• Frankel Media created “Love, Gainesville,” a short video tribute to the spirit of our community during this crisis. Take a quick break and watch the video here.
• Due to ongoing concerns about the course of the COVID-19 epidemic, Alachua County Public Schools is cancelling both its Extended Day Enrichment and its Camp Crystal summer programs.

May 4, 2020

• May 4 is the kick off of Teacher Appreciation Week 2020. The Education Foundation is proud to announce “O2B in School Again!” a fundraising effort to support our local teachers. All proceeds will go toward teacher recognition, appreciation and support.
• Tuesday, May 5 is #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of unity as a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. For more information, visit www.givingtuesday.org.
• Chayaveda Integrative Healing Arts is hosting yoga via Zoom on Tuesday, May 5, from Noon to 1:15 p.m. For more information, view their Facebook group.

May 1, 2020

• University of Florida Health is rolling out plans for a rigorous “test-and-trace” program to support the staged reopening of the UF, an expansive data-driven effort that will allow students, faculty and staff to return to campus as safely as possible while minimizing the risk of infection from the novel coronavirus.
• Blackadder Brewing Company’s Charity Partner of the Month is the Lubee Bat Conservancy – Lubee is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving bats and their habitats through research, conservation, and education, with a focus on children and community engagement. Support them via the Blackadder store here.
• SCORE is hosting a webinar outlining survey results to share with restaurant owners from over 2540 consumers in Central and North Florida. The webinar will cover topics such as; consumer restaurant habits pre-COVID-19, during the pandemic time span, and what guests anticipate their use will be when the “all clear” is given.
• Meldon Law provided Hogan’s Great Sandwiches to medical staff at the Malcom Randall VA Hospital.

April 30, 2020

• Allen Law, Florida Credit Union, Quality Plumbing and Scorpio are collaborating to sponsor Operation Graduation 2020 on CBS 4/NBC 9. Each Alachua County Public High School will be celebrating graduation with their own televised graduation ceremony. More details will come soon.
• A young boy decided to spend his birthday with employees of Leonardo’s of Millhopper donating food from there and Big Mill’s Cheesesteaks to the VA Hospital and the Gainesville Fire Department.
• The Community Foundation of North Central Florida has released the findings from its most recent nonprofit needs assessment, available here.

April 29, 2020

• Merry Maids is offering gift certificates for 2 hrs of cleaning for nurses in our community. For organizations looking to sponsor, visit merrymaids.com/gainesville.
• As of April 28, GCM’s GoFundMe has provided for the purchase and donation of over $3,600 worth of food from 24 establishments to fire fighters, nurses, doctors and frontline workers.
• Helping Hungry Hometown Heroes is a newly-launched group raising money to buy food and treats from local business for frontline workers.
• Haven Hospice is offering virtual bereavement support groups for those grieving in this already-difficult time.

April 28, 2020

• Cyber criminals are working overtime during this pandemic using social engineering to trick your employees into giving up valuable data. Atris Technology has written a post to dive in to what social engineering is, what threat is poses to your company, and the tools you can use to protect your employees and your business.
• Miles for Meridian is going virtual, and the deadline to register is May 18. All proceeds will benefit Meridian Behavioral Healthcare. Register here.
• IndepenDANCE Studio is going live with 50+ Live classes and events per week for Babies, Children, Teens & Adults. In addition to dance classes, the studio is hosting Family Scavenger Hunts, Virtual Spa Parties, Bedtime Stories, Princess Tea Parties, Dino Dance Parties and more. Contact the studio today to register or visit the website. Schedule is updated daily via the website and Facebook page.
• LVR Ink designed Flatten the Curve t-shirts and sold them on their website for $10. All proceeds from the shirt were donated to the Bread of the Mighty Food Bank in Gainesville. They donated $500 to the food bank.
• Elena Pastore is doing a Zoom webinar for teens on meaningful mentorship Saturday, May 2 at 12:30pm. Pastore was fortunate to have some really great peer and professor mentor relationships that played a huge role in her college success and beyond. Pastore is excited to share some tips with students on how to find a mentor for any path they are looking to pursue. Please register beforehand.

April 27, 2020

• UF Innovate | Sid Martin Biotech client Alchem Laboratories has received more than $20 million to conduct clinical trials using heartburn remedy famotidine (Pepcid) as a therapy for COVID-19 in the New York area. This is the only OTC medicine in human trials currently underway.
• Crafty Bastards Restaurant & Pub donated frozen goods for meals to St. Francis House guests.
• Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company donated meals to frontline workers in the Shands ICU.
• Blu Dove Designs is running a contest to help a Florida business. Nominate local, small business that does not have a website or in need of a better one. Share why they are deserving of one. The business with the most votes wins a Blu Dove Designs website created especially for them + hosting for one year.

April 26, 2020

• Researchers from UF Innovate | Sid Martin Biotech company BioInfoExperts partnered with Ochsner Health to successfully determine the entire genetic sequence for two #COVID19 isolates from the New Orleans area.
• Shop Gainesville has been created as an online community to help showcase local businesses. Locally owned companies are encouraged to post and let everyone know your services and hours of operation.
• Mi Apá’s Alachua location donated lunch to the hard-working staff at NCF Diagnostics & DNA Technologies who have been working tirelessly to prepare Covid testing for Alachua County.

April 24, 2020

• United Way of North Central Florida (UWNCFL) announced it received a $10,000 grant from Truist Financial Corporation for the United We Care Emergency Relief Fund. The grant is part of the financial services company’s Truist Cares initiative, a $25 million philanthropic pledge announced in March to support basic needs, medical supplies and financial hardship relief due to COVID-19.
• Sponsor organizations partnered with Cilantro Tacos to feed 180 healthcare workers and 105 deputies and officers this week. Those interested in sponsoring a hero lunch can contact Cilantro Tacos, with bulk pricing and grab-and-go meals offered.
• Carrabba’s donated 50 to-go meals to the staff of Meridian Behavioral Healthcare.
• Maple Street Biscuit Company and TheWellGNV partnered to surprise Buchholz High School staff with 20 biscuit boxes.
• Midtown Pizza donated meals to SIMED Health‘s primary care team.
• United Way of North Central Florida and GRACE Marketplace team up to deliver meals to the St. Francis House.

April 23, 2020

• The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Ology Bioservices, a $27.3M contract to establish its proprietary Veroplex® cell platform for rapid response to emerging viral diseases.
• Florida Credit Union donated 60 meals from SweetBerries Eatery and Frozen Custard to the staff at UF Health Shands.
• Fracture is partnering with professional photographers and offering free virtual photography classes to customers via Facebook Live.

April 22, 2020

• HealthStreet at UF is now offering weekly drive-up services for clothing, toiletries, food packages, and naloxone, a powerful medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdose. Please visit MyHealthStreet.org or call (352) 294-4880 for updated drive-up hours each week.
• EarthPets is offering free food to those struggling to feed their pet during the COVID-19 pandemic. If anyone have any extra food to donate, they are accepting donations as well.
• Student Maid has awarded the grant from its GoFundMe funds to A’vie Events and New Scooters 4 Less, while all other entrants are offered a free cleaning service from Student Maid to help them disinfect their space once Student Maid reopens.
• StartGNV is hosting a live AMA on Thursday @ 5:30pm with Aidan Augustin, co-founder of Feathr and president of Start GNV. Aidan will share his story as well as that of Feathr and startGNV, as well as discuss the response of both organizations to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Blu Dove Designs is running a contest to help a Florida business. Nominate a local restaurant or small shop that does NOT have a website and share why they are deserving of one. The business with the most votes wins a Blu Dove Designs website created especially for them + hosting for one year.

April 21, 2020

• Signarama Gainesville has created the Signs of Support initiative for graduating high school seniors.  The vision is for every senior in Alachua to be recognized with a #Honk4Seniors yard sign as a way for the community to congratulate them.
• The St. Francis House has received help from Mister Paper, Hydro Pro Pressure Washing, The Best Restoration, Bagel Bakery and more.

April 20, 2020

• Noachis Terra Inc., a biotechnology company focused on developing a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, announced today the location of its headquarters in Gainesville, FL.  The company’s main office will be at UF Innovate | The Hub, a world-recognized leader in technology business incubation affiliated with one of the nation’s leading research institutions, the University of Florida.
• A University of Florida-led international project to rapidly design and build a low-cost, DIY ventilator using hardware store parts is meeting preliminary milestones toward being approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Emergency Use Authorization in case it is needed in the battle against COVID-19.
• SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West will be holding a free vehicle disinfecting for area First Responders on Thursday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the front parking lot at The Oaks Mall.
• Meridian Behavioral Healthcare recently secured a gift from a benefactor that provided funds to purchase 50 tablets along with 9 months of data, for each tablet. The tablets can be given to clients that have been isolated from treatment.
• Meldon Law provided deliveries of pizza from Leonardo’s Millhopper to UF Health Shands to both day and night shifts on Thursday.

April 17, 2020

• Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Florida Museum’s 2020 Summer Camps are cancelled. Refunds will be issued to all registrants. They are looking into offering online camp opportunities, stay tuned to our summer camps page for more information. For feedback on online opportunities, click here.
• Pomodoro Cafe‘s Meals for Alachua County First Responders program has delivered 300 meals to the sheriff’s office and 235 meals to Gainesville Police. Upcoming visits include North Florida Regional Medical Center, the sheriff’s office and Gainesville Fire Rescue.
• DEFY Gainesville is hosting a virtual lock-in on Friday, April 24 from 7 – 9 p.m. The live stream will feature competitions like Home Scavenger hunts, TikTok Dance Offs, talent shows and more. The live stream takes place on YouTube where viewers have the chance to join Zoom and appear on stream.
• Campus USA Credit Union provided meals from Napolatano’s for UF Health Shands’ Unit 74 on Thursday.
• Elegant Body Pilates is hosting a free yoga class on Facebook this evening from 6 to 6:30 p.m. to get the body moving and spirit calm amongst this difficult time.

April 16, 2020

• The Gainesville Sports Commission is providing 100 Carrabba’s meals to UF Health workers Thursday evening.
• Sweetwater Branch Inn and the Climb for Cancer Foundation are collaborating to provide a safe place to stay for cancer patients so they are not having to worry about COVID-19.
• Westlab Pharmacy, an Accredited Compounding Pharmacy, is manufacturing an FDA-Approved formula for hand sanitizer which is available at their Gainesville location.
• Leonardo’s of Millhopper donated pizzas for the night shift workers in the ICU and ED at North Florida Regional Medical Center.

April 15, 2020

• GRACE Marketplace’s #stillhousingGNV campaign is raising funds to get people out of the shelter and into safe housing during this crisis. The first $15,000 in donations will be matched thanks to Infotech, Digital Brands, and the GRACE Board of Directors. Make your donation today at gracemarketplace.org/stillhousingGNV.
• Employees of The InterMed Group have “adopted” Antonio’s Italian Restaurant by donating portions of their paycheck through automatic payroll deduction. Their aim is to support Antonio’s while forced closures and reduced business make it hard for them.
• James Moore is providing topical information via a series of Lunch Videos. You can learn more here.
• The SBDC has created a new document outlining how small businesses can stay afloat during the pandemic. You can find that file here.

April 14, 2020

• The Community Foundation of North Central Florida has opened their new Nonprofit Needs Assessment to help them better support and advocate for the sector. They are asking that one person from each nonprofit that serves North Central Florida complete the assessment by Friday, April 17.
• Chayaveda Integrative Healing Arts is offering classes this Thursday, April 16 at 10 a.m. for a yoga posture clinic to learn the details and benefits of yoga’s core posture, Mountain Pose, followed by Breathing Into Spontaneous Calm; a breathing (pranayama) practice to relax, restore and energize at 10:30 a.m.

April 13, 2020

• To keep you updated on the changing hours and services offered during COVID-19 social distancing, WCJB is teaming up with local businesses to provide the community with the latest hours of operation and services. Click here to see or to register your business.
• Lync Support Services Inc. has been vigilant in their efforts to continue to keep direct care staff and instructors trained regarding COVID-19 guidelines. They have been actively supporting the Greater Gainesville area by continuing to offer 1:1 CPR training and Notary Public services.
• Blu Dove Designs is now offering discounted rate website & marketing packages to help businesses during this challenging time needing to transition to an online workplace or connect with their customers fast. Contact by email, phone or Facebook. They continue to offer free initial consults to businesses & organizations.

April 10, 2020

• Gator’s Den at the Best Western Gateway Grand is delivering 100+ meals to ACSO this weekend and next, as well as offering pick up or delivery catering services for any menu, group size, or budget, packaged individually as needed and available any time of day. They also accommodate to multiple drop-off locations, dietary restrictions and will provide anything from casual bar fare to formal banquet cuisine.
• Pomodoro Cafe provided food to the Gainesville Police Department in appreciation of their work to keep our community safe.

April 9, 2020

• The Nationwide Foundation has awarded United Way of North Central Florida (UWNCFL) a $35,000 grant to the United We Care Emergency Relief fund to help combat the effects of COVID-19 for local community members.
• Phalanx Defense Systems is putting in extra hours to create face masks and supply hand sanitizer to those in need.
• Meldon Law, a family-owned law firm, is helping local businesses recover damages with free insurance policy evaluations.
• Target Copy has adjusted their hours and is now offering shipment of finished projects through FedEx or UPS.

April 8, 2020

• Altavian, a Gainesville-based drone maker and small business, has turned their production from drones to reusable masks to help answer the ongoing national supply shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Altavian’s engineers worked alongside doctors at the University of Florida and local hospitals to design a reusable facemask for frontline medical professionals.
• Beginning April 9, Clay Electric Cooperative is lowering the cost of power for its members with a one-time decrease of 25 percent, or an average of $30 in savings. This savings will assist those in our communities who are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Cade Museum is offering a Cade At Home series with STEAM activities you can try at home – all tied to the Mothers of Invention exhibition. Included are everyday things you can use at home for activities, plus step-by-step videos and instructions to invent and create at home!
• Instant Imprints is continuing its partnership with the Food4Kids Backpack Program in an effort to raise funds to support those in need due to Covid 19. The Food4Kids Backpack Program fills backpacks with nonperishable food and distributes them to students in need.

April 7, 2020

• SIMED Health is a certified COVID-19 testing facility. To learn more about how to keep yourself safe, watch their social distancing guidelines video.
• Cox’s Connect2Compete and AT&T’s Access programs are offering low-cost internet services to homes of Alachua County Schools students.
• Signs By Tomorrow is now selling social distancing safety screens for essential businesses.
• Halcyon, a diving equipment manufacturer in High Springs, is now pivoting and manufacturing Personal Protection Equipment including masks and hoods and hope to move into gowns and ventilators.
• The Gainesville Opportunity Center is in need of milk, bread, eggs and toilet paper. If you’re interested in helping, contact them.

April 6, 2020

• Meridian Behavioral Mobile Response Teams are now open to all ages within Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, and Union counties, who are in need of 24/7 crisis intervention services.
• Afternoon Restaurant is offering free meals to out-of-work hospitality workers on Wednesday, April 8, from 6 – 7 p.m. To contribute to this effort, go to afternoontogo.com and choose to “gift a meal.”
• Hello Branding now is offering sales of antibacterial hand sanitizer gel in 1 oz., 2 oz. or 4 oz. bottles. This hand sanitizer meets CDC regulations and kills 99.9% of germs.
• EGX Chemical is producing virucide that kills COVID-19 on surfaces.
• Aquility Systems is offering its machinery and talent to assist in any organization wishing to help produce resources for the community in response to COVID-19. If your organization is interested, reach out to Hollye Merton at hmerton@aquilitysystems.com.

April 2, 2020

• The WHOA GNV Podcast is releasing the “Coronavirus Sessions” every weekday at noon to share how Gainesville business owners and professionals are navigating their companies through this trying time. By learning from one another, supporting each other, and encouraging each other, we will make it through. Are you a business owner interested in being interviewed? Email collin@repaintthewall.com.
• Dos Mamas Catering is now offering a grab and go lunch menu Monday thru Friday serving the local community.
• Women’s Lift Lab understands the difficult time many business owners face and the important role exercise plays in stress relief. They have created a free workouts page that will hopefully help you through this time. For help with workouts, staff members are available via email! You can find the workouts at womensliftlab.com/freeworkouts.

April 1, 2020

• SCAD Media has created a page to help you find a restaurant with updated hours and deals, available at whatsfordinnergnv.com
• Student Maid has started a GoFundMe page to help out Gainesville businesses who have struggled due to COVID-19. Resources will be assigned based on need, the organization’s focus on company culture, and the impact on our community. Businesses interested can reach out

March 31, 2020

• Gonzalo Law is offering a complimentary 30min. consult for companies that that would like a review of their contracts.  These are contracts that companies are not able to perform on due to COVID-19 and the state of emergency that has been declared in the U.S.  Gonzalo Law is offering them assistance on navigating those contracts during this pandemic. You can find contact info on their site.
• In light of the recent COVID-19 out break and it’s associated in person limitations, ChayaVeda Integrative Healing Arts will make their tools available to everyone, bringing them to you via zoom. Their next class is Yoga on Thursday April 2, 2020 4:15-5:30pm. A variety of virtual wellness classes and lunch and learns are coming. To join all you need to do is like their page and join the group where Chaya will post the link to the classes and meetings.
• Gainesville Black Professionals is having a virtual mixer on April 9th with a focus on bringing business owners and professionals together to offer support to each other during this time. The eventbrite page can be found at gbpvirtualmixer.eventbrite.com
• The Alachua County Library District has partnered with their eBook vendor to provide access to digital books and audiobooks to Alachua County residents who do not have library cards.Community members can visit aclib.us/OverDrive and enter their mobile phone number to register for OverDrive. After registering, users can download the appropriate app to their smartphones or tablet to access more than 79,000 titles on 132 different topics, including children and teen books. Visit aclib.us/ebook-help for instruction to download the Libby and OverDrive apps to read or listen to books on tablets and phones.Access to these resources will continue through June 30. After that date, participants will be invited to register for a regular library card.

March 30, 2020

• The Community Foundation of North Central Florida, in partnership with the United Way of North Central Florida and other local organizations, has established a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief & Recovery needs request form for area nonprofits.
• Gray Robinson’s COVID-19 Task Force has created a simplified summary of the CARES Act for business owners and those seeking to understand how it affects them.
• Advantage Media Promotions has announced their free live stream conference Moving Forward With Confidence featuring John Spence, Craig Wilburn, Brandon West and Almon Gunter, taking place April 2.
• Blu Dove Designs continues to offer free initial consults to businesses & organizations. Affordable website & marketing packages are available to businesses needing to transition to an online workplace or connect with their customers fast. Contact by email, phone or Facebook message.

March 27, 2020

• Hitchcock’s Markets are giving out a total of 3,000 meals to families in need at their 10 locations on Saturday starting at noon.
• Best Western Gateway Grand is now offering half off deals on private day use rooms for remote workers to remain productive (free wifi included), as well as catering delivery services.
• GrayRobinson has assembled a COVID-19 Task Force that includes a broad-based, multi-disciplinary team of attorneys and consultants who are ready to assist with any need businesses may have.
• Haven Hospice is continuing to care for patients at the ET York Care Center, no matter where they live. In response to the virus and its effects on hospice and palliative care centers, Haven is taking extra precautions to protect its patients and guests.

March 26, 2020

• Cox Communications has partnered with United Way of North Central Florida (UWNCFL) to distribute more than 100 Chromebook computers to local children in need. These Chromebook computers have been donated as part of Cox’s mission to bridge the digital divide for community members and will be distributed via Girls Place, PACE Center for Girls, Kids Count in Alachua County, Tiger Bay Initiative and the Aces in Motion after school program.
• Frankel Media Group is offering to help the business owners in the Greater Gainesville community succeed through the new challenges that we are all facing. They are eager to share what we are seeing across industries (free of charge) and offer some solutions to help. They are available at 352-309-3346 to discuss strategic strengths, opportunities, and new ways that your business can adapt.
• SCAD Media is offering free consultations, basic free graphic design/video help for our community and a heavy discount for any business in dire need to stay alive. They are also able to offer deferred payment and help with strategizing budgets, break-even marketing and more to stay afloat.

March 25, 2020

• GRACE Marketplace has suspended volunteer and meal group programs, and is asking for community support in the form of monetary donations, drop-off donations at the gate, donations of food from canceled events and shopping for their Amazon wish list.
• Gift Certificates & More is running a GoFundMe page to purchase food from local restaurants and donate it to charities, first responders and community members who need it.
• 4 Rivers Smokehouse and LifeSouth are partnering to address the need for blood by hosting a blood drive at 4 Rivers on Saturday, March 28. Donors will get a free T-shirt and 25% off their order at 4 Rivers. In addition, 4 Rivers is also selling essential grocery products.
• 10 Gainesville Area McDonald’s locations are offering free meals to children 12 and under from Wednesday, March 25 through Friday, March 27.

March 24, 2020

• Ology Bioservices announced today that the Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded them with a contract valued at $11.9 million to work with Inovio on DNA technology transfer to rapidly manufacture DNA vaccines. Under this program, Ology Bioservices will work with Inovio Pharmaceuticals to manufacture Inovio’s DNA vaccine (INO-4800) for prevention of infection with the COVID-19 virus.
• Thermo Fisher has developed an assay kit that can be used to do quick research on COVID-19.
• The Community Foundation of North Central Florida and the United Way of North Central Florida are gathering information to better understand needs of nonprofits during the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Only one person per organization needs to fill out the form.
• Earth Pets is required to limit in-store customers to 3 amid new regulations. They are still available to accommodate in-store pickup, curbside pickup and delivery.

March 23, 2020

• Instant Imprints is running a promotional shirt sale to help raise money for the Food4Kids Backpack Program here in Gainesville.
• James Moore & Co. is hosting a webinar on Thursday at 2 p.m., titled “Paid Sick and Family Leave in the Face of COVID-19: What Does it Mean for You?”
• PHOS Creative is offering to help any local business update their website, or other digital platforms, with any information regarding COVID-19 at no cost. If you need to make a public announcement on your website or social media channels regarding the Coronavirus, contact their team.
• The Alachua County Association of Pastors is hosting Community Relief Day, a drive-thru farm share event on Wednesday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. Pull up, project your lights and pop your trunk for two weeks worth of food.

March 22, 2020

• MiDiCi Pizza company is giving away free meals for children in the Alachua County Public School system today from Noon to 8 p.m.
• More than 1,400 grab-and-go lunches for kids over the spring break will be available at numerous locations in Alachua County starting at 11 a.m. on Monday, thanks to local businesses – CAMPUS USA Credit Union, MiApa, Gator’s Dockside and Gator BTW.
• All local ACE Hardware locations are collecting any and all protective masks (including dust masks or respirators) to donate to local Health Care Professionals. Broken packages are accepted or returned as are non-sterile product.

March 20, 2020

• BioFlorida unveils their Coronavirus Hub to assist bioscience companies with research and development resources
• Lendio has launched a landing page for small business relief resources
• Touching Hearts at Home creates program to submit homemade greeting cards for seniors.
• Alachua Habitat for Humanity will remain operational, but working without their normal contingent of office volunteers, and is suspending volunteer construction. The Habitat Store will be open at reduced hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The Junior League of Gainesville is hosting a food drive in partnership with Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS), Food4Kids Backpack Program, Southwest Advocacy Group, and Catholic Charities to feed hungry children in our community amidst school closures.
• LVR Ink is selling a specialty shirt to help #flattenthecurve and raise funds for Bread of the Mighty Food Bank
• Recycling Services of America (Behind Jenkins Kia on North Main) is offering free shredding services to help paper mills continue production of toilet paper.

March 19, 2020

• Raichel to the Rescue is offering one-hour tech help anything related to computers, How To’s. zoom meetings, set up webinars, remote access, cybersecurity, software, digital marketing tech, for businesses and their workers while working remotely.
• ITProTV is offering support to help local businesses facilitate remote learning and training.
• The Amazing Give has pivoted to support emergency relief in the wake of coronavirus.
• Columbia Care will remain open during regular hours to serve their clients, but encourage the use of iheartjane.com to submit online orders.
• Chevron at Hunter’s Crossing is hiring extra retail staff amidst the situation. Those interested can contact montgomeryassociates@me.com.
• Maple Street Biscuit Company – Tioga will be offering grab-and-go essential items for purchase including the following items: Cases of Water, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, and packages of food from 7am – 2pm starting Friday.
• Touching Hearts is delivering home-cooked food to the elderly to prevent them from needing to go out.
• Alachua County Tax Collector lobbies are closed to the public, but our staff is available to help citizens complete tag renewals and other services by phone or online whenever possible.
• Cintas is committed to supporting your business with necessary sanitary supplies to provide continuity of service at all times.
• Huntington Learning Center is still open and taking all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of everyone that comes to the center while providing education while schools are closed.
• Meridian Behavioral Healthcare will remain open and continue to care for clients while remaining safe and encouraging Telehealth in accordance with social distancing measures.

March 18, 2020

• PRP Regeneration Specialists is offering “Immune IVs” to boost the immune system, mood and overall health.
• RJ Young is seeking to help school kids with meals, as well as waving service charges for all community organizations and religious clients.
• A Friendly Divorce is offering free one-hour meditation sessions to anyone facing a co-parenting, family, or workplace issue related to COVID-19.

March 17, 2020

• The United Way of North Central Florida has announced the United We Care Emergency Relief Fund that serves struggling families in North Central Florida.
• Jennifer Webb of Magic Communications offers advice on How to Survive and Thrive in Really Scary Times.