Good morning, Gainesville.

Local UF Venezuelan Student Association and community groups are leading donation drives to aid Venezuela after earthquakes on June 27 (including food drives and a watch party on July 11).

Volunteers at Marston Science Library and Tinker restaurant are gathering supplies to help affected families.

Dance Alive National Ballet in Gainesville is asking locals for support after Gov. DeSantis vetoed $1.7 million for a new studio.

The ballet group plans to raise funds to continue its dance programs.

Dance Alive National Ballet acquired four works by John A.

O'Connor — Swan Lake/Black Swan, Mozart, Sleight of Hand, and Arabella — which will join the permanent collection at the new Dance Alive Khoury Family Center for the Arts in Gainesville.

Anne Powell, a first grade teacher at Wiles Elementary, was awarded $500 and is preparing kindergarteners this summer to boost their reading skills and set clear expectations for first grade (she has taught this age for 16 years).

Native coontie plantings are helping atala butterflies reappear in Gainesville as local gardeners restore their food source.

Researchers say a warming climate (boosting northern expansion) is playing a key role in the species’ recovery.

UF Health Shands Hospital and its nurses union ratified a three-year contract on July 6 (yesterday) that provided over $18 million in wage increases and benefit improvements for about 3,000 nurses.

The agreement includes hourly raises, merit-based increases and measures to prevent insurance premium hikes.

Florida’s Alex Condon made his debut with Australia’s senior team as he helped secure wins over Guam and the Philippines in FIBA qualifiers.

He will return to Gainesville for summer workouts ahead of the season opener against Miami in Tampa on Nov. 2.

Three Gators pitchers from Condron Family Ballpark were picked on Sunday for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, which will compete in Taiwan for the inaugural World Collegiate Baseball Championship from July 11 to 15.

They earned their spots after impressive training camp performances.

Florida added nine transfers to its baseball roster for the 2027 season, including left-handed pitcher Trey Morris, yet lefty depth remains a concern.

The Gators may seek additional left-handed pitching after the MLB Draft on July 11-12.

Elli McKissock signed with the Orlando Valkyries for the 2027 season and aims to lead the team to another championship + reunite with former UF teammates from her hometown.

The veteran player also cited the chance to be near family as a key factor in her decision.

Florida football landed a commitment from in-state defensive back Kamauri Whitfield on Monday, making him the team’s 25th prospect for the 2027 class.

The 5'11 (190) junior from The First Academy in Orlando chose the Gators over offers from Oregon and Nebraska.

Gainesville-area voters can select the best Girls Track and Field athlete in an online poll featuring nine nominees (including Oak Hall's Estella Collante) that closes at noon Saturday, July 11.

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.