Good morning, Gainesville.

Gainesville officials urge residents to support downtown businesses as construction continues on a new outdoor dining space called The Streatery, a project intended to boost local commerce.

On Wednesday, May 6, Micanopy broke ground on its first stand-alone 5,000 sqft library at 829 NE 1 St.—the building will open in a year with updated technology, study rooms and a teen space while the former Town Hall library will be repurposed for rentals and a possible sheriff substation.

Gainesville’s Oak Hall School won the national chess title in the K-1 section at the U.S. Chess Federation’s championships in Baltimore from May 1-3, beating Spyer Legacy School on tiebreaks.

The school also finished first in its unofficial K-1 Under 500 category.

The Turbo Gatorbots from The Frazer School won the Innovation Project Finalist Award at the 2026 FIRST Championship in Houston from April 29-May 2.

They combined radar technology and acoustic positioning to develop high-accuracy 3D models for archaeology and underground detection (a creative solution with local impact).

The Alachua County School Board voted 3-2 on May 5 to keep Irby Elementary as a pre-K-2 school and shift Mebane Middle School to serve grades three through eight after plans to close Alachua Elementary in fall.

The decision reflected concerns about campus capacity, traffic, and outdoor space.

The 10th annual Treat Her Like a Lady workshop will be held Saturday, May 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church, 1515 SE 15th Street, offering free interactive sessions, meals and local speakers to help youth ages 12—18 build confidence and make healthy decisions.

Gainesville residents are advised to act quickly if a storm nears as Hurricane Preparedness Week runs May 3-9 (NOAA recommends boarding windows, moving vehicles, and preparing a go-bag).

These steps assist locals in safeguarding homes and planning evacuations.

Duke Energy Florida customers will see lower fuel charges on bills from June through September after a $90.5M refund was approved for excess hurricane restoration costs — the refund applies automatically, with no further sign-up needed.

Former UF pitcher Katie Chronister turned assistant coach at Santa Fe College after briefly attending law school following her graduation in May 2021.

Chronister, now in her fifth season, helped lead the Saints to a 40-12 record and uses lessons from her family and playing days to guide her athletes.

Florida Gators and Extreme Networks plan to launch Wi‑Fi 7 at the 90,000-seat stadium next season.

Announced on May 6, the upgrade will improve speed & capacity for streaming, in-seat ordering and real-time apps across all seating areas of The Swamp.

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.

Easy Star All-Stars Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Experience reggae-driven performances that reimagine classic albums.

Black Uhuru Live in Concert

8-11 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Kids 12 & Under get in free — Experience reggae legends Black Uhuru and local favorites Macca Reggae Samba perform live under the stars.