Good morning, Gainesville.

Wildfires show Clay and Putnam counties’ Railroad Fire burned 4,413 acres and was 70% contained with water drops, while Levy’s Cow Creek Fire covered 2,000 acres at 40% containment.

Gainesville set a Temporary No Entry Zone near a 1.5-acre blaze and Alachua County extended its burn ban until May 1.

Fire crews almost contained two wildfires near Gainesville by April 24, but experts warn that the long drought may cause more fires soon; officials advise residents to avoid outdoor burning and clear debris around their homes.

Florida officials reported 134 wildfires burning nearly 26,000 acres as of this morning, with one road closed in Levy County and smoke noted near Gainesville roads while air quality remains good statewide except in Jacksonville, where conditions are unhealthy for sensitive groups.

HCA Florida Gainesville Hospital will open May 5 with a 90-bed facility on Archer Road that will offer surgery, lab and inpatient rehab services for west Gainesville and neighboring counties.

City officials said the project will support over 300 permanent jobs and strengthen health care access.

Renovation of the historic Seagle Building (a National Register landmark) continued on April 24 with new offices, condos and modern upgrades.

The project brings a fresh look to downtown.

Tim Tebow announced his father, Bob Tebow (78), passed away on April 24 after battling Parkinson’s disease since 2016; he had been confined to a wheelchair recently.

After a 3-1 loss to FSU on April 24, Florida softball faces UCF in a home-and-home series; game two begins today at 6 p.m. at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, as the Gators seek a rebound & in-state bragging rights against the Knights.

Florida swim and dive is moving into a new era as key players (senior Josh Liendo and sophomore Anita Bottazzo) exit while international recruits join, including a U.S. Olympian and other top athletes to boost the team for next season.

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.

North Central Florida Women in Blues Showcase

3-6 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Celebrate the power of blues music with talented female artists in an engaging atmosphere.

Our Town by Thornton Wilder

7:30 p.m. — Gainesville Community Playhouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece that explores the essential truths of life in a small town.