Good morning, Gainesville.

City leaders and neighbors cut the ribbon at Duval Nature Park in East Gainesville Friday afternoon to mark the completion of renovations that began in early March.

The upgrades include an ADA accessible walking trail, new playground, pedestrian entrance, grill with water fountain, new signage, stormwater improvements, parking, and native landscaping — all funded by the Wild Spaces and Public Places surtax at a cost of more than $320,000.

Planning is underway for the third annual A Very GNV Holiday Parade set for Dec.

6, which will begin at noon downtown with a dance party, tree lighting at the Thomas Center, and carriage rides in the Duckpond neighborhood—city officials say it will boost local business and community spirit.

UF Health Shands Hospital's Project SEARCH program helps neurodivergent young adults gain job skills and secure employment, with Stephanie Arguello excelling in a patient transport role.

The program began in Gainesville in August 2023 (initially enrolling eight students), saw nine interns graduate on May 21 and will accept 10 new students as applications open in early 2026.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and U.S. Reps.

Greg Steube and Byron Donalds sent a letter on June 18 to UF’s Board of Trustees asking for a more open process for choosing the next president after UF rejected Dr. Santa Ono. The letter questions Florida law that hides search details and asks lawmakers to review it in 2026+ it calls for candidate information to be shared with the public.

Gainesville residents learn that high summer heat above 95°F can lead to dangerous heat stroke when body temperatures exceed 104°F—local doctors and firefighters advise staying cool, drinking water, and cutting back on caffeine to prevent illness.

Columnist Pat Dooley outlined a five-tier breakdown of Florida’s football schedule, saying wins in key matchups against LSU, Miami and Texas — crucial games on both home and away legs — will be needed to reach a 10-2 record.

His analysis breaks the season into stages that highlight the challenges each set of games will pose for the team.

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.

Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA

8 p.m. — Hippodrome Theatre — Experience the iconic hits of ABBA performed by a string quartet in a spectacular setting.