Good morning, Gainesville.

A local family started a GoFundMe to support Randy Dexter— a decorated combat veteran and teacher who suffered severe, self-inflicted injuries during a mental health crisis on June 14th.

The fundraiser will help cover his emergency medical care, lost income, and ongoing recovery costs as his family faces financial and emotional challenges.

A new Mi Apa Latin Cafe will open soon in Alachua County.

The free-standing building will have a drive thru and is located near an existing outlet—Benmar Construction has shared photos of the site.

Crystal Hehnly and James Weaver were arrested in North Central Florida near Waldo on U.S. Highway 301 after deputies tracked a vehicle stolen from Pennsylvania — they are now held in Alachua County Jail.

Gainesville officials are making nine changes to downtown parking after residents complained in September.

Director Jesus Gomez said some changes are already in place while others (including new parking signs, fewer metered spots, extended limits from 30 minutes to two hours, and the addition of 25 spots along NW 1st Avenue and 1st Street in October) will be completed.

Two local Gator pitchers—sophomore Liam Peterson and freshman Aidan King—have been invited to the USA Collegiate National Team Training Camp and will vie for a spot on the national squad, with the final roster announced on July 3rd.

Peterson, named to the 2024 All-American squad, and King, honored as a Freshman First-Team All-American, will show their skills before the USA vs Japan series begins on July 8th.

Florida football secured a commitment from four-star running back Carsyn Baker—who rushed for 1,282 yards and 13 touchdowns last season at Langston Hughes High School—for the 2026 class as he chose the Gators over offers from South Carolina, Florida State, Alabama and Auburn.

Florida baseball landed a commitment from Jacksonville outfielder Jaden Bastian, a five-tool junior from Winter Garden, from the transfer portal.

He played 55 games last season, hitting .302 with 11 home runs, 33 RBIs and 36 steals in 40 attempts — his skills boost the team’s power and speed.

Florida football secured a commitment from a rated four stars edge rusher JaReylan McCoy on June 14 + he is 6 ft 6 in and weighs 245 lb, choosing Florida over offers from LSU, Ole Miss, Alabama and Alcorn State.

This adds to Florida’s 10 commitments in the 2026 class, ranked 28 nationally + making him the third recruit in the last day.

Lift & Lengthen: Cupping and Stretching Techniques

9 AM – 6 PM — Florida School of Massage — $205 — Learn to blend cupping and stretching for enhanced recovery and flexibility in bodywork.

3-Day Virtual CRASH Training

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — The Virtual CRASH Training Center — 21 ACTAR CEUs available — Enhance your skills in video analysis and 3-D environments with expert guidance from Bob Scurlock, Ph.D.

Foot Reflexology Training for Massage Therapists

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Florida School of Massage — $400, $350 if paid by June 14th — Enhance your massage practice with specialized reflexology techniques and insights.

Vacation Bible School 2025

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. — 8001 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL — Free entry — Engage kids from Kindergarten to 5th grade in a week of fun, learning, and community service.

Learn to Draw From Life Workshop

6-9 p.m. — Nightjar, Gainesville, FL — Class 1: $5 Reservation Fee, Classes 2 & 3: Pay-What-You-Can — Explore the fundamentals of drawing through engaging lessons in a supportive setting.

Jack Gamble Melon Run

8-11 a.m. — Albert Ray Massey Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate Independence Day with a refreshing three-mile run in Gainesville's favorite tradition.

Live Music with Kenna Dee

7-11 p.m. — Mother's Pub & Grill North — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of acoustic favorites and delicious bites in a lively atmosphere.

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen

6:30-8:45 p.m. — Hippodrome Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a live orchestra's candlelit homage to the legendary rock band Queen.

An Evening with Dauzat St. Marie

7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Check event for cost — Experience the powerful Americana duo Dauzat St. Marie weaving soulful melodies.