Good morning, Gainesville.

Lincoln Middle's Junior Thespian Troupe 88521 earned straight Superior ratings and multiple Top Honors awards at the Florida Junior Thespian State Festival (Feb.

5 to 7) in Orlando.

Nearly 2,000 fifth graders competed in athletic contests, including foot races and tug-of-war, at Citizens Field on Thursday, March 5, showcasing school spirit and teamwork.

At the March 3 school board meeting, officials voted to keep Duval open and set plans to convert Lincoln and Mebane to K-8 schools—changes that will not go into effect this fall while Stephen Foster Elementary is set to close.

The plan will be reviewed by the joint City & County Commission on March 9.

On March 5, the St. Johns River Water Management District declared a Phase II Severe Water Shortage for parts of northeast and central Florida because of drought, leading to one-day-per-week landscape irrigation in Gainesville, Hawthorne and Micanopy.

Countywide, similar restrictions are expected soon (per the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department).

Alachua County opened a formal investigation into animal abuse at the local shelter on March 5; county officials said a third-party firm is reviewing allegations from staff (including a former shelter coordinator) to decide on next steps.

UF influencers share daily campus life by posting day-in-life videos from workouts at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to coffee runs at Daydreamer Cafe (Rylee Siegel, Melissa Castellano, and Ari Meyerowitz lead the trend), offering insights and tips for fellow students.

The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals are underway at Gainesville Raceway today, drawing thousands of fans from across North Central Florida to watch high-speed races (the circuit is a local favorite).

The Gators baseball team achieved its longest win streak since 2020 with 13 straight wins after a season opener loss to UAB.

The team will try to prove its strength when it faces No. 20 Florida State Tuesday at Condron.

Florida football receiver Vernell Brown III is taking on a larger role as he switched his jersey number to 1 for spring practice in Gainesville.

He cut his hair after break & is working on his ball skills & will support special teams under coach Jon Sumrall.

Gator Steps for Lung Disease 5K

8-11 a.m. — UF Genetics Institute — $35 to participate — A community-focused 5K run/walk supporting lung disease research and patient education.

2026 Gainesville Guitar Festival

7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Celebrate guitar music with performances, workshops, and gear swaps at this annual festival.

Taste of the Bayou Love & Food Fest

12-6 p.m. — The Oaks Mall — Free entry — Celebrate local flavors with delicious bites and lively music in Gainesville's food fest.

2026 Escape the Swamp Triathlon

12-3 p.m. — 250 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville, FL — Registration fee applies — Challenge yourself in this exciting sprint and super sprint triathlon event.

She Means Business Networking for Women

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Depot Village — Free entry — Connect with inspiring women in a supportive community focused on personal and professional growth.

Josh Meloy Live

7-9:30 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Experience the storytelling magic of Josh Meloy supported by rising Oklahoma artist Trenton Fletcher.

Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville Musical

7:30 p.m. — Gainesville Community Playhouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience a hilarious musical filled with Jimmy Buffett's beloved classics.

BTS Comeback Kpop Cupsleeve Event

12-5 p.m. — Pearson Professional Center — Reserve your spot — Celebrate BTS’s comeback with themed drinks, contests, and fun activities.

Accomplice: A Thrilling Whodunit

2-4 p.m. — Hippodrome Theatre — Check website for ticket prices — Immerse yourself in a sharp, fast-paced thriller full of rivalries and deception.

Florida Gators Softball vs. Stetson Hatters

6-9 p.m. — Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium — Check for ticket prices — Catch the thrilling softball matchup between the Florida Gators and Stetson Hatters in Gainesville.