Good morning, Gainesville.

A 17-year-old (Archie Sundiata Townsend, Jr.) was charged as an adult with attempted homicide and battery by strangulation after allegedly attacking a woman leaving the gym at Reserve at Kanapaha at 2:30 a.m. on June 20, and he was detained on June 22 following an attempted vehicle burglary.

Gainesville resident Emmanuel Garilus, a Haitian-born saxophonist, won Amateur Night at the Apollo in Harlem on June 25—possibly becoming the first instrumentalist and four-round winner in the competition's history.

He earned a $20,000 prize and a weeklong professional development opportunity after being selected through the One Nation One Project GNV Talent Search.

Unity of Gainesville will host its second Live Young Musicians Showcase on Friday, July 11 at 7 p.m. at 8801 NW 39th Avenue — the event will feature local young musicians and a Q&A session, with a $5 cover charge at the door.

Alachua County Public Schools earned a B grade for the 2024–25 school year on July 7 — just two percentage points below an A as determined by the Florida Department of Education.

District leaders said they launched data-driven initiatives to boost student achievement for the upcoming school year.

NOAA funding cuts have reduced staff and tools for predicting hurricanes and may affect how families prepare for storms — Gainesville emergency managers are partnering with local agencies to fill gaps and warn residents as warmer Gulf waters could make storms stronger.

Florida baseball signed Ole Miss infielder Ethan Surowiec as its ninth portal commit this month + he is expected to fill left infield roles for the team.

He played in three games last season and showed strong results during summer ball that helped him earn a spot.

Gainesville native Ben Shelton reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the first time after beating Italy's Lorenzo Sonego 3-6, 6-1, 7-6, 7-5 in a four-set match Monday; he will next face either No. 1 Jannik Sinner or No. 19 Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Malik Morris, a 4-star linebacker (ranked No. 3 in the state), committed to the Gators on July 7 after choosing coach Billy Napier over offers from Miami and Texas A&M, making him the 15th recruit in a loaded 2026 class.

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.

Early Bird Metal Show: Nibiru, Northwood, Sardaukar

7-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — All ages — Experience an electrifying night of local metal with Nibiru, Northwood, and Sardaukar igniting the stage.

Open House at Eloise Gardens

4-7 p.m. — 6326 SW 90th St — Free entry — Discover a spacious, remodeled home with luxurious features in Gainesville's charming community.

Alachua County Farmers Market

8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Alachua County Farmers' Market — Free entry — Explore local produce and goods from growers within 50 miles.

Florida 4-H Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — Reitz Union — Ticket information available — Celebrate the 2025 inductees of the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame and their contributions to youth development.

Fire Rescue Cadets Compete at the Gator Fire Games

9 AM – 4 PM — Alachua County Sports & Event Center — Free entry — Watch aspiring first responders in action as they tackle challenges modeled after real-life situations.