Good morning, Gainesville.

Letter carriers will pick up non-perishable food donations on Saturday, May 9, from residents in Gainesville for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive — the collected items go to local food pantries to help those facing food insecurity.

Long-time Mac’s Drive Thru employee stars in a locally produced short film that will screen in Gainesville soon.

The screening is set to offer the community a glimpse into his inspiring journey — connecting work life with art.

For the 2025–2026 school year, most Florida students will finish after Memorial Day (May 25), with some counties ending as early as May 21 and others as late as June 4.

The list breaks down the different end dates by county for clear guidance.

Florida's hurricane season begins June 1, so Gainesville residents are advised to update emergency kits and review evacuation routes (local authorities urge preparing for potential storms).

City leaders invite neighbors to celebrate City Hall Plaza’s reopening on Friday, May 8 from 10 to 11 a.m. at City Hall Plaza (200 E.

University Ave.) after $1.8 million in renovations improved structural features, gardens, seating, lighting and landscaping.

Alachua County officials extended the burn ban through May 8 to protect air quality and reduce wildfire risks.

The order was issued on May 1 and remains in effect until further notice.

Florida baseball will face Oklahoma in a three-game SEC series starting Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network+; game 2 is today at 7 p.m. and game 3 Sunday at 3 p.m.

Softball postseason brackets were announced Friday for 13 Gainesville-area teams, including top seeds Columbia, Trenton, Santa Fe, Gainesville High and Branford.

Buchholz made its playoff debut since 2014 — the teams will compete in the FHSAA tournament over the next two weeks.

SEC league presidents and coaches will meet in Destin next month to discuss changes to the championship game and playoff format (a move that could shape future college football revenue), a development that might affect schedules for local Gators fans.

The Florida men's golf team was eliminated from the SEC Championship (4-1) after Fischer beat Zack Swanwick by five holes and Collins Trolio beat Kress by four in match play.

The Gators will continue in the postseason NCAA Regionals starting May 18.

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.

UF Short Course in Horticulture

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM — Straughn IFAS Extension Center — Registration fees apply — Explore emerging environmental challenges and innovative horticultural solutions.