Good morning, Gainesville.

Jim and Sharon Skiles from Melrose are raising their 24th puppy through Dogs Inc. as they continue a long-standing pet fostering tradition — a community effort that supports animal welfare.

Fire crews responded to flames at Outreach Thrift Store on Tuesday night at NW 6th Street (near NW 23rd Ave) and no injuries were reported as officials investigate a suspicious cause.

Today, the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce named Ian Fletcher as interim managing director.

He will lead the group in supporting local businesses until a permanent director is chosen.

Florida gas prices increased again on April 29 when the cost for a gallon of regular fuel rose 7 cents after a 14-cent jump on April 28.

The change brought statewide averages to $4.153 and Gainesville prices to $4.202, and experts say rates may stay high for months.

Four middle school students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society at Millhopper Montessori School on April 28 as families, faculty, and staff celebrated their academic and personal achievements (an honor for scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship).

Florida men’s basketball signed Lithuanian prospect Artūras Butajevas for the 2026–27 season; the 6-foot-10 freshman—known for his international play—will start summer workouts as coach Todd Golden expects him to add depth to the frontcourt.

Florida baseball is projected to host an NCAA regional and will travel to face No. 14 Oklahoma this weekend (according to USA Today and D1Baseball).

The Gators dropped seven of their last 10 games but still hold a strong schedule ranking.

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.

Gainesville Speed Dating for Singles in Their 20s and 30s

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Tinker Restaurant — Ticket cost unknown — Connect with up to 12 local singles through engaging 6-minute dates.

Ole 60 Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets starting at $83 each — Enjoy a night of live music in Gainesville's vibrant venue.