Good morning, Gainesville.

The Child Advocacy Center and the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club are teaming up for the 2nd Annual Helping Kids Heal Poker Run Motorcycle Ride on May 3.

Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. at the center on 500 E University Avenue and the ride—beginning at 10:30 a.m.—will visit local spots for riders to collect cards and compete for the best poker hand.

On April 30th at about 9:55 p.m., officers from Gainesville, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to a shooting at Butler Plaza Walmart—witnesses reported a verbal altercation turned physical when a suspect fired a gun, leaving one victim with life-threatening injuries and later voluntarily turning himself in.

Melody Watson, a 15-year-old sophomore at Hawthorne Middle/High School, was surprised on April 30 with a $40,000 BigFuture scholarship that will help fund her nursing studies starting with dual enrollment at Santa Fe College.

She is one of two students nationwide to win the award—she also participates in the TRIO Educational Talent Search program supporting first-generation college students.

Alachua County launched its Road Projects website on April 30 to show residents progress on a 10-year plan for better roads, sidewalks, and traffic signals.

The site uses interactive maps & infographics to update the public on road upgrades, multi-use trails, and safer crosswalks.

Kevin Brockway + Noah Ram talked with Ryan Aber about transfers in Florida basketball and football and UF's upcoming softball showdown with Oklahoma.

They said the talk gave fresh insight on player moves + more news will follow.

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.

Kyran Daniel Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Check event page for details — Experience the remarkable musical talent that's been captivating audiences.