Good morning, Gainesville.

UF graduate Madison Cannady faced a long job search after finishing her civil engineering and water systems degrees in fall 2025 as fewer internships and a federal hiring freeze tightened the market; she secured work after attending a UF career fair, mirroring challenges many grads are now facing.

School board member Janine Plavac advised withholding borrowing for new school buildings at Lincoln, Mebane and Oak View until budget clarity emerges; she questioned a $2000/month temporary housing allowance for Dr. Patton and a $200M resolution (intended for tax exempt financing) amid ongoing funding uncertainty.

Florida Gators softball hosted a Regional after bracket projections placed the team among top eight seeds, keeping the door open for a Super Regional.

The NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Florida football begins its first season under coach Jon Sumrall with a tough schedule; the Gators face key games - Auburn on Sept.

19, Ole Miss on Sept. 26, and matchups with Texas, Georgia and Oklahoma, plus contests with Florida Atlantic and Campbell.

Florida softball will host the Gainesville Regional starting Friday, May 15 at 11 a.m. at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium (featuring Texas State, Georgia Tech and Florida A&M) after earning the No. 6 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Gainesville native Chandler Blanchet carded an ace on the 17th hole during the Truist Championship's second round on May 8 at the Quail Hallow Club + his shot marked a highlight of the event.

Florida baseball player Caden McDonald hit a go-ahead home run and pitched over four hitless innings as his team won the series against Kentucky.

Three local teams have reached Ft. Myers for the 2026 FHSAA State Baseball Tournaments.

In 6A, Buchholz beat Pace to secure a state semifinal spot while Union County and Trenton won regional championships in the Rural class to punch their tickets.

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.

Tech Coffee Social

9-10 a.m. — Resident Coffee — Free entry — Kick-start your day with stimulating conversations and connections among tech professionals.