Good morning, Gainesville.

UF College of Health & Human Performance honored Robert “Goose” Basford today as Outstanding Young Alumnus for his work in parks and recreation—he once interned locally and led community projects in High Springs before taking on public works responsibilities in Jersey Village.

Local spring sports featured matches on the weekend at Legacy Multipurpose Fields, Hal Brady Recreation Complex, Progress Copeland Park, and Gene Curls Softball Complex.

On Thursday, the Community Foundation of North Central Florida and the Junior League of Gainesville will host The Amazing Give, a 12-hour online fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. that supports local nonprofits while the Gainesville Elks Lodge promotes donations to help organizations like the girls’ place.

A Newberry man with a long criminal record was arrested on outstanding warrants after he allegedly threatened a shootout with police and aimed a gun at his girlfriend at Gardenia Gardens Apartments in Gainesville on March 22 at 11:50 p.m.—witnesses reported loud yelling and object throwing just before the arrest.

At a special meeting this morning, the School Board ratified a three-year contract with instructional personnel for the 2024-25 school year that raises pay for eligible teachers by adding a 1.3% increase to all salary steps and providing permanent base increases for Highly Effective and Effective teachers. The deal—costing over $3.2 million with funds from state teacher salary allocations and the General Fund—offers retroactive increases beginning with the new contract year.

Santa Fe College was named an Opportunity College on Thursday by the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education because its diverse student body and strong post-graduation earnings show its commitment to student success.

The college, one of only two public colleges in Florida with this new designation, marks a shift from research to measuring student outcomes.

In a game on Wednesday night at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, the Florida Gators defeated the USF Bulls 9-1 in five innings.

The Gators scored six runs in the bottom of the fifth inning—recording their second run-rule win against USF this season with key hits from Rylee Holtorf.

The Gators Men’s Golf team started the SEC Championship as the No. 8 team but slipped to sixth after a tough second day at Sea Island Golf Club—Florida must post lower scores today to secure a top-eight finish and advance to match play.

Leaders Ian Gilligan and Jack Turner will work to improve their rounds as close rivals from Mississippi State and South Carolina add pressure on the team—if scores do not improve, the Gators could miss the cut.

Tyler's Hope Cajun Crawfish Boil

2-6 p.m. — Momentum Labs — Ticket required — Enjoy a delicious Cajun crawfish boil, live music, and fun outdoor activities to benefit Dystonia Awareness.

24th Annual Equal Access Clinic 5K Race

9:00 – 11:30 AM — Southwest Recreation Center — Registration fee applies — Run for a cause to support the local free clinic and its services.

Florida Gators vs. Oklahoma Sooners

8 PM — Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium — Affordable tickets available — Experience the excitement of college football live in Gainesville.

Gainesville Kitchen & Bath Grand Opening

5-7 p.m. — Gainesville Kitchen & Bath — Free entry — Celebrate the grand opening of a family-owned local business in Gainesville's vibrant community.

1st Friday's R&B Night

9 PM – 2 AM — Vecinos Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar — Free entry — Enjoy the best R&B vibes in Gainesville with surprises waiting at the end of the night.

BLAAC Creative Community Pop-Up

12-5 p.m. — The Bull — Free entry — Support local artists and entrepreneurs at the First Annual Creative Community Pop-Up Shop.

Season Finale Pops — HornSquad

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall — Ticketed event — Experience a delightful evening filled with surprises and popular treats at the orchestra's annual celebration.

Haile Farmers Market

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Plantation Hall in the Haile Village Center — Free entry — Experience a vibrant market featuring fresh local produce and artisanal goods every Saturday.

Gainesville Cars and Coffee Gathering

8 AM – 5 PM — Ford's Garage Gainesville — Free entry — Gather with fellow car enthusiasts at this casual community event.

Larry & Joe Concert

7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a captivating evening with a unique blend of Joropo and bluegrass music.