Good morning, Gainesville.

The Alachua County Library System, in partnership with Alachua County Emergency Management, is hosting Storm Ready Storytime events that help children learn hurricane safety through hands-on activities plus the events run through June 26 at various county libraries.

Reddick Brothers Hardware in Micanopy is stocking extra water, batteries, and flashlights as hurricane season nears and encourages residents to prepare ahead.

Alachua County offers a text alert system (for severe weather updates) to help locals stay informed.

Spirit Halloween is now hiring for over 52,000 seasonal positions — including 1,130 openings in Florida with wages ranging from $14 per hour to $1,075 per week for leadership roles.

Applications are open online and work will start in June following a kickoff meeting in about two weeks.

The Frazer School filed for Chapter 11 reorganization yesterday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to secure parent loans and ensure uninterrupted operations for the 2026-2027 school year.

The new board now in control plans to transform it into a nonprofit — a step to strengthen oversight and transparency.

Jancie Vinson secured a District 5 seat on the School Board as candidate qualifying ended yesterday — contests for Districts 1 and 3 continue ahead of the November election.

Oak Hall grad Jake Kasitz, a rising senior majoring in meteorology at MSU, was awarded the FOX Weather–MSU Scholarship on June 11.

He will receive financial aid, mentorship and internships with FOX Weather for the 2026–2027 period and the National Weather Service this summer.

The National Weather Service confirmed El Niño is here and expected to strengthen through winter, causing fewer tropical storms while hot, dry conditions persist in Florida.

Residents should prepare as changes in weather evolve and improvements in drought conditions are anticipated later this winter.

Tammi Reiss, a former standout at Virginia and accomplished coach with WNBA and international experience, has been named the head coach of the Florida Gators women's basketball team.

She credits lessons from past challenges with building a positive, forward-looking strategy for the squad in Gainesville.

Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said during a June 12 radio spot that renovations at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will remove about 8,000 lower bowl seats to meet building code and ADA standards (new seating and standing-room areas will help maintain capacity), and a mix of long-term loans, private donations, and capital reserves will finance the $1.45 billion project without using tuition funds.

Florida baseball players Aidan King, Brendan Lawson and Caden McDonald earned All-American honors on Friday, June 12 as Baseball America recognized them for their season performance and the Gators finished 41-21 with the No. 8 national seed.

Kaitlyn Davies (a leader) ended her Florida lacrosse career after four seasons, 83 games, and two Final Four trips, and she reflects on the bond with teammates as she returns to Wayne, New Jersey.

She said the memories of her 2024 Final Four run and friendships will guide her.

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.

Underoath Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Wooly — Tickets available — Experience an energetic performance by Underoath with soaring choruses and hard-hitting rhythms.