Good morning, Gainesville.

Depot Park in downtown Gainesville offers a playground, splash pad, walking trails, picnic areas + access to the Cade Museum, providing a spot for community members to enjoy summer recreation.

Most local grocery stores will follow holiday hours for Fourth of July, with Publix, Aldi, Target, and Walmart offering modified schedules while Costco remains closed (verify local hours before shopping).

The City of Gainesville Cultural Affairs Division will remove and restore a public art mural by late artist Al Black from Main Street + NE Sixth Avenue to preserve it for future enjoyment; the final day to see it as is is Sunday, July 12.

On Wednesday, the Florida Department of Education released school grades showing Alachua County Public Schools held a B overall as 13 schools changed, with Oak View Middle School rising to A and Newberry Elementary falling to C (Oak View will expand to pre-K to 8 next school year).

Florida’s hurricane risk along the coast has dropped to about 11% after a strong El Niño and cool Atlantic waters reduced storm activity; experts still warn that even a slow season can yield major storms (similar to Hurricane Andrew).

Crews are working on downtown Gainesville’s Streatery project that will transform two blocks into a pedestrian destination set for completion in October, offering a refreshed urban space for local residents.

University of Florida released season student tickets at $376.25 including fees, 50% higher than last year, and students like Ally Wright weigh if the cost is worth future game days.

The University Athletic Association sold 15,000 tickets so far & said revenue will support student-athlete programs.

Florida baseball added transfer portal commit Eddie Marshall, a Samford catcher named to the SoCon All-Conference Freshman Team last season, to strengthen its roster ahead of the upcoming season.

This addition is the ninth from the transfer portal and boosts the team's catcher depth.

The Gainesville Sun is counting down its top 30 players from the 1996 national championship team, and number 26 is wide receiver Travis McGriff—who had a season-ending knee injury and now serves as offensive coordinator at Buchholz High School.

A Gainesville review graded Florida athletics: men's basketball earned an A- after an SEC title but faltered in March Madness, volleyball received a B- in coach Ryan Theis' first season, women's cross country earned an A with triple crown honors & men's cross country struggled despite Kelvin Cheruiyot's standout wins.

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.

Asian Food Festival in Downtown Gainesville

3-11 p.m. — Depot Park — Free admission — Celebrate Asian cuisine with 60+ food vendors, live entertainment, and cultural performances over a fun-filled weekend.

Health & Safety Camp

1-5 p.m. — Millhopper Station South Community Association — Cost not specified — Engage early adolescents in fun activities focused on health, safety, and social skills.

The Main Event Basketball Tournament

All Day — Alachua County Sports & Events Center — Admission fee varies — Experience a weekend of competitive youth basketball as regional teams showcase their talent.

Summer Indoor Market at The Abbey

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — The Abbey at Blackadder — Free entry — Shop local for fresh produce and unique crafts at this vibrant indoor market.

L'Eclair Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Ticket required — Experience the psychedelic funk sounds of 'L'Eclair' with hypnotic grooves and global rhythms.

Grant Peeples Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets available — Experience heartfelt folk music infused with storytelling and humor from Grant Peeples.