Good morning, Gainesville.

Alachua County waived pet adoption fees for June to help families bring home a pet from local shelters.

The fee waiver applies to all centers (including Gainesville locations) and will be available throughout the month.

Gainesville officials announced on June 6 that Tom Petty Park will get a full makeover that adds new facilities + improved green space for community events.

Construction is expected to begin soon.

Construction begins on a project that will preserve the historic Florida Theater in Gainesville.

Renovations will update key features and support its role in the local arts scene.

Mainstreet Daily News collected a record 10 awards (Florida Press Association contest) on Friday, Jun.

5 at the Florida Media Conference in Orlando. With its circulation boosted to 20,000, team members Hamman and Johnson earned multiple honors that moved the paper to Division A.

Gainesville’s Free Fridays concert series featured local and regional bands at Bo Diddley Plaza on Friday, June 5 and will continue offering free outdoor music through Sept.

26.

Local social media personality Gerald (Mr. Gainesville) Jones is promoting a new coloring book that showcases the city's landmarks and history, inviting residents to explore Gainesville's charm.

The project highlights community art and culture.

The Alachua County School Board debated plans to reassign about 10 principals amid community concerns over frequent changes (including at Parker Elementary) during Tuesday’s meeting.

Board members asked for more transparency, but the superintendent said details remain confidential.

Florida infielder Cade Kurland entered the transfer portal on June 6 to boost his options ahead of the MLB Draft (which will begin on July 11 after the portal closes on June 30).

He plans to pursue professional baseball following his graduation and a season-ending shoulder injury.

The Gators have secured 22 blue-chip commits for their 2027 football class + five-star offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller stands out after coach Phil Trautwein’s recruitment efforts, boosting Florida’s ranking to No. 3 nationwide.

Florida football head coach Jon Sumrall welcomed linebacker Ellis McGaskin as the fifth commitment for the 2027 class at Gainesville after his visit (May 28 to May 30).

McGaskin from Mobile, Alabama, chose the Gators over LSU, Florida State and Georgia.

Caroline Stanton was named Georgia softball Gatorade Player of the Year on Friday after a strong season at Buford High School, where she earned a 14-0 record and a 0.35 ERA.

She will pitch for the Gators under coach Tim Walton next season.

Trenton’s Addison Allaire was named Florida’s Gatorade Softball Player of the Year after leading the Tigers to a state title; the class of 2027 commit posted an 18-3 record and joins just the second Gainesville-area honoree since Katie Chronstier in 2016.

Tech Coffee Social

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

FREE Live on the Lawn: The Savants with The Shambles

6-9 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxing outdoor concert featuring classic rock favorites in Gainesville.

Gainesville Toddler Multi-Sport Program

9:00-10:50 a.m. — Veterans Memorial Park — $90 — Engaging multisport activities for toddlers aged 18 months to 4 years during summer.

Bird and Byron Acoustic Performance

6-9 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Check event page for pricing — Experience indie rock and soul with heartfelt songwriting from the Nashville-based duo Bird and Byron.

Eden Brent Live Blues Performance

7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of piano-driven blues and storytelling from award-winning artist Eden Brent.

Juvenile Live at Heartwood Soundstage

7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Ticket prices vary — Experience a high-energy hip-hop performance with classic hits and crowd favorites.

Celebrity Bingo Fundraiser

6-9 p.m. — Senior Recreation Center — Community support event — Enjoy an evening of celebrity bingo, games, prizes, and food while benefiting Gianna’s Place.

#iDoit4mycity Weekend: Services Event

3-7 p.m. — Pulp Arts — Free entry — Engage in a vibrant community experience with a mix of entertainment and education over the weekend.

WUFT’s Fanfares & Fireworks

6-10 p.m. — UF Bandshell at Flavet Field — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day Eve with live music, food trucks, and a dazzling fireworks finale.

AVELLO Concert

9:00 p.m. — Vivid Music Hall — Ticketed event — Experience an electrifying night with AVELLO in Gainesville.