Good morning, Gainesville.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launched from Cape Canaveral at 5:25 a.m. yesterday — its exhaust plume created a glowing, jellyfish effect as part of a Starlink mission to improve rural internet, and local observers in Gainesville reported the sight.

A ranch in Micanopy will feature two rare water buffalo that jump fire at a traveling rodeo in Alachua and Levy Counties, with shows in Williston (Friday, July 24 at 7 p.m.) and Newberry (Saturday, July 25 at 7 p.m.).

Gainesville Cultural Affairs invites neighbors to view finalist artists' proposals online and submit feedback through Friday, July 31.

The poster exhibition runs from July 17-31 at the A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, with an opening reception set for 6-8 p.m. on July 17.

The City of Gainesville invites neighbors to review proposals from three finalists online and submit feedback for a new public art project along the GPD fence.

The proposals will be on display at the A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center from July 17-31 with a reception from 6-8 p.m.

Weather experts said a strong El Niño is emerging with an 81% chance to become very strong by October, which may reduce hurricanes this season but bring a stormier, wetter winter and increased tornado risk for Gainesville.

AccuWeather and Colorado State University updated hurricane forecasts on July 9 predicting fewer tropical storms this season while hurricane and major hurricane numbers remain steady.

Experts warn that rapid-intensification storms could still affect Florida, so residents should prepare as the season runs until Nov.-30.

Jancie Vinson (a regular at school board meetings) qualified as the only candidate for the District 5 seat on the Alachua County School Board; the election is on Aug.

18 and she will take her seat in November.

Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday begins Monday, July 20 and runs through Aug.

20, offering tax exemptions on clothing, school supplies, and computers under $1,500 — with the earliest school start on Aug. 10.

Medicare now offers GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for a $50 monthly co-pay to eligible beneficiaries who meet BMI criteria and have Part D.

The temporary GLP-1 Bridge program began July 9 and will run for 18 months—seniors may save out-of-pocket costs for these drugs.

A Gainesville development firm filed plans on Tuesday, July 7 for a gym and childcare facility on parcels west of I-75 near Celebration Pointe next to Texas Roadhouse.

The project will boost local amenities as the commercial hub grows.

At Wednesday’s Big 12 Football Media Days, Baylor coach Dave Aranda said former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway has found freedom after feeling confined in Gainesville when he transferred in December 2025.

He struggled last season but now (with renewed confidence) is regaining his rhythm at Baylor.

The Florida Gators have hired Todd Butler as an assistant baseball coach, joining a revamped staff to reload after the season; Butler, fresh off a national championship with Oklahoma, brings 30 years of college coaching experience (including stints at Alabama, Arkansas and Missouri).

Former Florida Gators coach Billy Napier and quarterback DJ Lagway said health issues and coaching challenges affected the team's performance last season (a 10-8 record) and led them to move on, stressing a need to delegate better and improve recovery plans.

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.