I got a ticket from a Gainesville cop about this time last year. I was doing 26 over the speed limit (was 18 yrs old at the time) and technically, i should've lost my license. BUT, i took a defensive driving class one saturday and showed up at court with it and they let me off because of taking the course and because my last ticket was over 2 yrs ago. The fine was $212, and no probation. Some other people there that were my age were getting $600-700 fines and 12 months probation.

So, your best bet would be to take the course and hope for the best. Since you're right there at the 24 mph cutoff, he'll probably let you go... unless he's a dick.
This your first speeding ticket?

edit: oh yeah, and when they ask you what you plead, say you plead to reduce the speed.