Good morning, Gainesville.

Mercury will join Venus and Jupiter in a planet parade visible this week after sunset from Gainesville and nearby areas; locals should look west with a clear view to catch all three planets without a telescope.

Alachua County Public Schools mailed letters in May informing families that around 3,200 students will be rezoned to a new school for the academic year 2026 to 2027 as part of its Our Schools (Future Ready) plan, which also includes closing three elementary schools.

Gainesville residents are advised to set their AC thermostats at 78 degrees (which may save up to 5% per degree) to balance comfort and energy costs as a heat wave is set to push the heat index above 105 later today and into the weekend.

Experts also recommend using fans and blocking sunlight to keep homes cooler.

UF’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved finalist Stuart Bell on Wednesday — moving him to the final stage as the Florida Board of Governors will vote on June 24 and June 25; Bell said he aims to make the university one of the top three public institutions.

Florida announced a 1.45 billion dollars upgrade to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium featuring improved concessions, restrooms and technology.

Construction will begin after the season and finish before the 2030 offseason.

UF students are preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Argentina will open its group-stage game against Algeria on Tuesday in Kansas City; local student groups are hosting watch parties + community events to celebrate the tournament.

Florida has unveiled plans for a $1.45 billion renovation at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium following planning steps on June 11.

The multi-phase project will begin after the 2026 season and span four years to update key systems while keeping Florida Football at The Swamp.

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.

Parrotfish Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Signal Lounge — $10 cover — Experience the scummiest, most lovable rock band from Florida that promises an unforgettable live show.