Good morning, Gainesville.

Dozens of preschoolers celebrated the third annual VPK prom this morning as the Early Learning Coalition hosted an event to mark the end of prekindergarten and help families prepare for kindergarten this fall + children shared their school hopes.

Families with children in Alachua County Public Schools will soon receive personalized letters detailing the new school zones for the 2026-27 school year starting Aug.

10, with notices dispatched in English and Spanish. District officials say about 3,200 students are affected and families not receiving their letter by May 15 should call for assistance.

City Hall Plaza reopened on May 8 after a redesign fixed old pond issues and added seating, lighting, landscaping, and improved access for all neighbors; the $1.8 million project featured repurposed bricks from old crosswalks — helping the city build a grand community space.

Health officials issued an algae advisory for Orange Lake on Wednesday after blue-green algae was found near the Eagles Nest dock (this is the second alert in a month).

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.