Good morning, Gainesville.

Gainesville Books to Prisoners delivers safe-to-mail books to inmates by matching their requests and wrapping them in pre-cut paper bags—volunteers have worked since 2021 to meet increasing demands while dealing with rising postage costs, which went from $5 to $7—.

This project promotes media literacy and helps restore a sense of care for incarcerated residents.

Leonard Lee Jones, 36, was arrested on July 11 after he allegedly hit a man with a hatchet on the 800 block of SW 63rd Street and left visible wounds—he now faces aggravated battery charges while being held without bail pending a hearing.

Andrew Manuel Cabeza (38) of Hawthorne was arrested yesterday near SW Archer Road and SW 37th Boulevard after a crash on July 10 for allegedly threatening a crash victim and construction workers with a gun, and he was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after officers recovered a CO2 air pistol that looks like a real firearm.

University of Florida leaders plan to discuss raising tuition for out-of-state students at the Board of Trustees meeting (July 23).

This move may lead to higher costs for nonresident students in future academic sessions.

A new law is in effect ahead of the school year that lets children transfer to a different voluntary prekindergarten program if their family moves.

Today, the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County will host its second annual Ready-2-Learn Rally from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center—850 children up to age 12 will receive a backpack of school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis—while families enjoy additional giveaways and games.

Cornerstone Academy held a dinner on July 10 at Northwest Grille to celebrate an 80% AP pass rate after 15 tests were taken by 25 students and 12 scores were 3 or higher.

The school, led by Headmaster Jaime Cline, also noted strong results in English and STEM subjects compared to national averages.

Immigrant rights advocates held a rally outside the Federal Courthouse on Friday to protest a proposed ICE detention center at Camp Blanding.

The state may begin construction soon — organizers plan another peaceful protest at Camp Blanding on July 19.

Gainesville City Commissioner Ed Book is investigating recent noise complaints downtown and will review community reports—he plans to decide on next steps soon.

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.

Spooks N Sips Night Market

6-10 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Free entry — Enjoy a spooky-themed evening market with over 70 unique vendors.

Together We Rise - Recovery Is Possible

12-5 p.m. — Cellon Oak Park — Free admission — A day dedicated to healing and learning about recovery support services in Alachua County.