Good morning, Gainesville.

HCA Florida Gainesville Hospital will hold a free family open house and celebration on Saturday, April 25 from 6-9 p.m. The event offers tours, live music, dance teams, food, a petting zoo and activities (at 4094 SW 41st Boulevard near the Archer Road exit).

Gainesville officials report that two wildfires started yesterday remain mostly contained near North Main Street and US-441, but historic drought, low humidity and strong winds keep the fire risk high.

Fire crews continue strengthening lines — residents are urged to stay alert as conditions may spark new blazes.

Gainesville City Commission allocated $78,000 at its meeting on Thursday to renovate the historic Matheson House behind the Matheson History Museum — city officials say the project will preserve local heritage and the house may reopen in late fall.

Gainesville residents with qualifying conditions can get a medical marijuana card by first consulting a certified physician, then registering online with a $75 fee; the process takes about 10 days (five days for processing and five days for delivery).

Florida basketball center Rueben Chinyelu declared for the NBA Draft on Monday, April 20 while keeping his college eligibility to return to the Gators, following the team's early exit from the NCAA tournament.

Ten Gainesville-area high school baseball teams earned FHSAA playoff bids on Monday & Union County tops the Rural Class as teams like Williston face long trips while Buchholz hosts early rounds on their way to the state championship.

Florida softball seniors Kenleigh Cahalan and Jocelyn Erickson received Golden Tickets (Senior Day) after a 4-0 loss to Auburn, ensuring their selection in the upcoming Athletes Unlimited Softball League Draft on Monday, May 4.

They join six former Gators already in the pros.

Florida center Jake Slaughter, a 6-foot-5 player from Trinity Catholic who logged 33 starts and over 2,000 snaps, received high praise from NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr ahead of the NFL Draft scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

His performance in the SEC raises expectations for a strong draft run.

Yonder Mountain String Band Concert

8-11 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets from $81 — Enjoy an evening of live bluegrass and string band music in Gainesville.

Singer Songwriter Showcase

7-9 p.m. — Bo Diddley Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy original performances from local singer-songwriters in a lively downtown setting.

Spring Fling Depot Station Family Event

4-7 p.m. — Depot Park — Free entry — Enjoy family-friendly activities like mini golf, face painting, and a kids vendor market in a festive atmosphere.

Ani DiFranco Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Ticket pricing varies — Enjoy a night with the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter passionately showcasing her influential folk and indie music.

Free Fridays Concert Series Featuring mamish and Ricky Kendall

7-9 p.m. — Bo Diddley Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy live performances from local artists in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Alachua County Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale

9 AM – 1 PM — Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center — Free entry — Discover over 6,000 Florida-friendly plants and get expert gardening advice.

Florida’s Story as Told by Water

1-2 p.m. — Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park — Free entry — Discover Florida's narrative through water in a captivating presentation.

Million Dollar Quartet Performance

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Hippodrome Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the musical retelling of the iconic recording session featuring Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats Baseball

12-1 p.m. — Condron Ballpark — Free giveaway — Wrap up the SEC series with Florida Gators baseball facing off against Kentucky Wildcats.

81st Annual Newberry Watermelon Festival

9 AM – 4 PM — Newberry Watermelon Festival — Free entry — Enjoy family fun with games, crafts, and live entertainment while savoring delicious Florida Watermelon.