Good morning, Gainesville.

On May 2, Kathy Cafazzo Photography presented a check for $1,100 to Shakespeare Animal Fund at One Love Cafe (dog-friendly venue) using funds raised by the 2026 Pooch Playoffs photography campaign (held in March).

UF alumni are serving in Kenya with the Peace Corps, crediting UF’s prep classes & campus programs for preparing them for health outreach and teaching roles.

Their work shows how UF builds community service skills to help overcome language and cultural challenges abroad.

At an April 29 board meeting, officials clarified that teacher non‑renewals were based on performance and certification issues, not favoritism, even amid school closures linked to declining enrollment and funding shifts; teachers can request a review if they challenge the decision.

Alachua County's school zone speed cameras caught 2,400 speeding violations in their first week (the new program aims to boost safety around schools).

UF researchers developed a synthetic mucus that may treat IBD by restoring the gut’s barrier; tested on mice for 10 days, the substance showed safety and could soon be added to drinking water for easing digestive inflammation once FDA approval is granted.

Florida softball lost 10-9 to Georgia on Friday night after the Bulldogs rallied with seven runs in the fifth inning.

The Gators now prepare for their regular-season finale on Saturday at noon.

Florida softball lost its final SEC series Saturday afternoon, falling 9-1 to Georgia when a walk-off grand slam ended the game early; the team struggled against strong pitching as both schools now await seeding for the SEC Tournament in Lexington.

The Florida Gators lost 8-6 to Colorado in the Big 12 Championship game Saturday evening, ending their 12-game win streak.

Multiple delays due to weather + 17 turnovers contributed to the upset as coach Amanda O’Leary prepares the team for the upcoming NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Selection Show Sunday.

Florida softball secured a double-bye as the No. 3 seed following a third-place finish in the regular season; they will play their first tournament game at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 7 (facing the winner of Game 4) on the SEC Network.

SEC softball tournament will take place May 5-9 at John Cropp Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky where teams like Florida, Alabama and Oklahoma will compete + games air on SEC Network and ESPN from 1 p.m. on May 5 through the championship on May 9.

Florida’s softball team ended its regular season with a 9-1 run-rule loss to Georgia in a five-inning game in Athens.

The Gators now set their sights on the SEC Tournament starting Tuesday at John Cropp Stadium.

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.