Good morning, Gainesville.

Mom’s OG Bar and Grill—formerly known as Mothers—has served Gainesville locals for 18 years and became a close-knit community hub under new ownership in 2022, where employees work long hours and regulars are treated like family.

On Tuesday, United Way North Central Florida awarded a $40,000 grant to Partnership for Strong Families to boost its Rural Emergency Assistance Program that helps meet urgent needs for ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) in Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, and Alachua counties.

Residents in Gainesville found the Eastern Market suddenly closed with a dumpster full of discarded international food — leaving shoppers like Kora Flanders confused about the abrupt shutdown.

Tong Zhang owns the business and Leasing Broker Jason Hurst said he was not told why the store closed while noting rising overseas shipping costs may be impacting similar grocery stores.

At a joint meeting on April 21, the Alachua County Commission approved at least $250,000 to establish a central organization that will coordinate literacy efforts with the Children's Trust—aiming to streamline resources and improve reading skills among local third-graders.

The funding will support a comprehensive literacy plan set to develop over the next three to five months.

Florida residents must get a REAL ID by May 7 if they plan to fly or enter federal buildings, and the first REAL ID must be obtained in person at a DMV or tax collector's office+ visitors need to bring documents that prove their identity, legal status, and residence.

The No. 29 Florida Gators men's tennis team earned a spot in the NCAA tournament and will face No. 30 South Florida at the Orlando Regional at the USTA National Campus on May 2-3.

The Gators softball team lost its series to LSU on Saturday in Baton Rouge after LSU scored eight runs in the sixth inning, marking their first series loss since 2019.

The team will host Oklahoma in their final regular-season series on Thursday at 6 p.m.—a game that will set their seeding in the SEC tournament.

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.

Melody Trucks & Fitzkee Brothers Concert

7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Experience a powerful blend of Southern rock and improvisational fire.

Fifth Avenue Arts Festival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Santa Fe College Charles L. Blount Center — Free entry — Celebrate local arts and culture at the 45th Annual Arts Festival featuring artists, performers, and vendors.

Business League Workshop Series

2-4 p.m. — Good Life Station — Free entry — Enhance your marketing and networking skills at this informative workshop featuring Shelley Vickers.