Good morning, Gainesville.

Walmart and Sam's Club are lowering prices on thousands of items (including beef and household essentials) for summer, offering savings that will benefit local shoppers in nearby Florida stores.

The discounts come as part of efforts to ease rising grocery bills.

UF/IFAS researchers found that high-pressure fungicide spraying can create droplets that may spread bacterial spot disease among tomato plants + they are now testing low-volume sprayer technology to help growers protect fields.

Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday runs from July 20 to Aug.

20, offering tax breaks on select school supplies (including computers and clothing). Most school districts start classes on Aug. 10; Alachua County, where Gainesville is located, follows this schedule while Hamilton County begins on Aug. 5.

A University of Florida lab is creating transparent voting machine technology to boost election security as election season nears & researchers plan further tests in Gainesville.

Florida football secured its first 2027 commitment as 3-star cornerback Kamauri Whitfield from Orlando pledged on July 6; coach Jon Sumrall said the early win strengthens his team's recruiting efforts at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

On July 6, 2026, the Gainesville Sun began its countdown of the top 30 players from the 1996 national championship team, featuring Tim Beauchamp as No. 25.

The defensive end from New Smyrna Beach recorded 7 sacks + earned second-team All-SEC honors and now works in law enforcement in Daytona Beach.

Recruiting experts graded Florida football programs after the busy July 4 window; 12 top recruits remained uncommitted as Miami and the Gators showcased strong local signings while Florida State and FAU received lower marks ahead of Signing Day in December.

On July 7, blue-chip cornerback Raheem Floyd chose Florida as he joins a top 2027 class that now ranks seventh nationally.

Coach Sumrall (in Gainesville) said more top players will commit in the coming days.

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.