City urges Gator fans to celebrate safely ahead of big games
Published on April 03, 2025
The City of Gainesville is thrilled to support the University of Florida Gators in their historic run to reach and win the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship on Monday. As the Gator athletes gear up for the Final Four, scheduled for Saturday, city leaders are encouraging fans to celebrate responsibly.
“We’re good at celebrating championships in Gainesville, but it’s been a little while,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey L. Ward. “This is a good time for a reminder that while we want everyone to have a great time, we also want everyone to be able to celebrate many more championships. Please keep safety and respect for other celebrants in mind and make good choices!”
This message carries lasting relevance in a community where many recall the tragic death of Gainesville Police Department (GPD) Lt. Corey Dahlem. While working traffic control on University Avenue following the Gators’ victory in the 2007 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game, Lt. Dahlem was struck and killed by a drunk driver.
His death led to heightened local awareness of the dangers surrounding major athletic events and street celebrations. As fans prepare to watch the impending matchups, officials at GPD and Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) are sending a unified message: Whether the Gators win or lose, everyone must put safety first and follow the law.
Drink Legally and Responsibly: Only individuals 21 and older may legally consume alcohol. Drinking can impair judgment and lead to dangerous situations. Be aware of your surroundings. Use the buddy system to stay safe, keep an eye on friends and make sure everyone gets home securely. Never drink and drive — designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or take public transportation.
Do Not Drive Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of alcohol or any substance that impairs judgment and reaction time is extremely dangerous, puts lives at risk and carries severe legal consequences. Always plan ahead. Use a designated driver, rideshare or public transportation. Never drive impaired. This also applies to those who have a medical marijuana license. While the card may be legal, driving under the influence remains illegal.
Fire Safety: Please be aware of two critical safety guidelines to ensure our community’s well-being. First, the City of Gainesville prohibits outdoor and open burning. Second, pulling a fire alarm without an actual emergency is illegal and dangerous. These actions endanger lives by diverting emergency services from where they are actually needed and will result in legal consequences up to a first-degree misdemeanor for the first offense and felony charges for subsequent offenses.
Respect Personal and Public Property: Vandalism, such as damaging streetlights, overturning vehicles, or defacing buildings, is illegal and undermines the spirit of our community. Violators will be prosecuted.
Anyone who notices unsafe behavior or needs assistance is asked to call the Gainesville Police Department directly at 352-393-7500. In case of emergency, always dial 911.
Above all, this is a moment of pride for the University of Florida and the entire Gator Nation. If top-seeded Florida advances to the NCAA Basketball Championship game on Monday, April 7, the City of Gainesville will host a watch party downtown at Bo Diddley Plaza. The matchup, which tips off at 8:50 p.m., will be shown on the plaza’s 16x9-foot LED video wall, providing an exciting big-screen experience for neighbors. This free event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for seating.
Join the City of Gainesville and fans everywhere in safely celebrating this historic championship run and making memories that will last a lifetime. Go Gators!