Good morning, Gainesville.

The Gainesville Community Band will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 18 at 3 p.m. at Santa Fe College and will perform music from every decade—ranging from Broadway medleys to classical works and an audience sing-along that echoes its rich local history.

Jason Saul, 40, was sentenced to 15 years for a DUI manslaughter that killed Andra Paul Driggers when he rear-ended a pickup truck stopped at a red light on U.S. Highway 441 in January + he will serve 7.5 years in prison followed by 7.5 years of probation.

The Gainesville Police Department is looking for a male suspect seen peering into apartment windows in several southwest Gainesville complexes & behaving inappropriately while multiple victims were identified.

Gainesville city leaders held an evening awards ceremony to honor six local champions who have dedicated decades to restoring historic buildings and preserving the city’s heritage.

The awards recognized efforts by individuals and businesses such as the Montalto family and Trimark Properties (which renovated the Seagle Building) in strengthening Gainesville’s cultural legacy (including projects that date back to the restoration of key historic sites).

The Frazer School Physics Team earned the highest national and international score at the 2025 AAPT Physics Bowl on May 14 by summing the top five scores from a 40-question, 45-minute test (according to the school press release).

The Alachua County Commission awarded $14 million in ARPA funds to Windstream to expand rural broadband in four areas and selected a bronze sculpture called Justice for All for the new court complex—it also approved funding to adjust County bus services for GRACE Marketplace and discussed matters including a funds request from Archer, a pilot for 24-hour childcare for first responders, extra literacy funding, redistricting for new Commission districts, and repairs for Sid Martin Park. These actions were taken at the May 13 meeting with almost all motions passing unanimously.

Florida star Kendra Falby was named a top 10 finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award on May 14 and led the Gators with a .439 batting average, 82 hits and 35 stolen bases—she will join two other finalists when the winner is announced on May 19.

Fifth Avenue Arts Festival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Santa Fe College Charles L. Blount Center — Free entry — Celebrate local arts and culture at the 45th Annual Arts Festival featuring artists, performers, and vendors.

Business League Workshop Series

2-4 p.m. — Good Life Station — Free entry — Enhance your marketing and networking skills at this informative workshop featuring Shelley Vickers.

Kyran Daniel Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Check event page for details — Experience the remarkable musical talent that's been captivating audiences.

Story Time at the Zoo

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful story time in a natural setting, perfect for families and children.

Southeast Outdoor Sectionals 2025

8 a.m. — 10404 SW Williston Rd — Registration required — Compete in 14 Field, 14 Hunter, and 14 Animal rounds in the quest for Outdoor National Series Champions.

S.G. Goodman Live

7-11 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Experience S.G. Goodman's roots-inflected rock with haunting vocals and personal storytelling.

Boys High School Summer Basketball Showcase

Monday & Wednesday evenings — Alachua County Sports & Event Center — $375 per Team — Compete in Gainesville's top high school basketball league this summer.

Xie Qi and Human-level Treatment

1-5 p.m. — Academy for Five Element Acupuncture — $100 — Enhance your understanding of xie qi and explore human-level treatment in this interactive course for acupuncturists.

Do Business with the City

9-11 a.m. — Thomas Center — Free entry — Connect with City of Gainesville purchasing pros and discover resources for local business growth.

Gainesville Toddler Multi-Sport Program

9-10:50 a.m. — Veterans Memorial Park — $85 — Enjoy a fun and active multisport program for toddlers over four weeks.