Q. Who are some famous current or former residents of Alachua County?

Tom Petty was born in Gainesville, FL on October 20, 1950.

Bo Diddley, a guitarist who played a key role in the transition from blues to rock and roll, lived in Hawthorne and Archer, FL.

Kaleb Stewart lived in Gainesville, FL until his death on March 25, 2021.

Lauren Groff, author of Florida, Fates and Furies, and Arcadia, lives in Gainesville, FL.

Maya Rudolph, an actress, comedian, and singer, was born in Gainesville, FL on July 27, 1972.

Joe Haldeman, a science fiction author, has resided alternately in Gainesville, FL and Cambridge, Massachusetts.

James "Robert" Cade, inventor of Gatorade, lived in Gainesville, FL where the sports drink was developed.

River Phoenix, brother of Joaquin Phoenix, purchased a home for his family in Micanopy, FL.

Less Than Jake, Sister Hazel, and Against Me! are bands that call Gainesville, FL their hometown.