Good morning, Gainesville.

Tom Petty Park reopened on June 6 with new pickleball courts, seating, shade canopies, a multiuse trail, and a concessions building as part of a $2.6 million renovation funded by a voter-approved sales tax.

The 22.5-acre park now features updated landscaping, a stormwater pond, and a Bee City Gainesville pollinator garden (WSPP led the project).

First Baptist Church of Gainesville severed ties with three Baptist organizations after ordaining a female pastor.

The church said it will stop funding the groups and using their materials to avoid policies that restrict women in ministry.

Miss Ocala's Madison Parolini and Miss Gainesville's Tia Unsell will compete at Miss Florida 2026 from June 24-27 in Lakeland, where the winner will be crowned.

Parolini is a UF BFA Musical Theatre student and Unsell, an FSU graduate, supports dancers battling cancer.

UF’s PATHS program trains autistic individuals for semiconductor roles using VR and hands-on training.

It hosted its first class in spring and will enroll about 40 for the next cohort this fall (PATHS stands for Preparing the Autistic Population Toward Hardware Security).

A 6.1 earthquake occurred off Cuba on June 8 and was felt across Florida, including Gainesville.

The USGS described it as the largest instrumentally recorded quake in the Gulf since 1950 — residents reported strong tremors across the peninsula.

On June 8, Alachua County and Gainesville Commissions held a joint meeting to approve moving the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire to the Gainesville Raceway for two weekends + review east side economic development and food access projects including a UF Health urgent care update and Farm Stop model study.

GHA and UF Saving Smiles are hosting free Dental Clinic Days from Tuesday, June 9 through Friday, June 12 at Eastwood Meadows + offering youth 18 and under routine screenings, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral hygiene education.

Florida officials have enacted emergency rules to stop the spread of the flesh-eating New World screwworm (a parasite that threatens livestock) after cases were reported in Texas and New Mexico.

Veterinary experts advise pet and livestock owners to stay alert for signs of painful, weepy wounds.

Florida rising senior forward Thomas Haugh announced his return to the team after discussing his options with family and receiving advice from NBA veteran Draymond Green.

He joins key players in an experienced roster that will aim to contend for a national championship this season.

Florida early enrollee Caroline Stanton was named the 2025-26 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year on Tuesday, June 9 at Buford High School.

She carried an undefeated senior season (36-0 record) and earned Tournament Defensive MVP honors while boosting national success with USA Softball’s Junior National Team.

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.

Skweezy Jibbs Movie Premiere

6:30-8:00 p.m. — The Wooly — Tickets required — Enjoy the premiere of a comedy mockumentary about the making of a blockbuster film.