Good morning, Gainesville.

Newk’s Eatery in Gainesville introduced a new Pick 3 meal option on July 12th that lets customers mix and match half portions of sandwiches, salads, and mac & cheese—for $12.99.

The restaurant also launched new seasonal items including a 6oz sirloin steak sandwich and salad—at its Plaza Boulevard location.

Alachua Hitchcock's employee Denzell Romel Singleton, 31, was arrested on Thursday and charged with grand theft after investigators found bank bags holding over $16,000 from the store's safe in his car—he is accused of staging an attack to cover up the April theft.

On July 12, the Frazer School math team won a national championship in Orlando by scoring 7,283 points against American Heritage Broward's 7,177 points—56 students competed, winning two divisions and earning 255 trophies.

Governor Ron DeSantis appointed UF graduate Jon Philipson to the Florida Commission on Ethics yesterday to help set standards for state government conduct.

Philipson will serve on the commission as part of efforts to uphold ethical practices in government.

Operation Catnip celebrated spaying and neutering 100,000 cats at a Gainesville clinic that hosted hundreds of cats, UF veterinary alumni, and local volunteers + 79 cats were brought from nearby Putnam County to help control shelter overpopulation that once led to high euthanasia rates.

Florida football secured a commitment from four-star edge rusher KJ Ford on July 11; he chose the Gators over offers from other top programs.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound player from Duncanville, Texas becomes the 17th commit in Florida’s 2026 class — his pledge adds to a strong recruiting effort.

Heze Kent, a four-star recruit rated No. 149 in the 2026 class, has committed to Florida football under coach Billy Napier.

The 6-foot-6, 310-pound athlete—expected to play tight end—becomes the Gators' 18th commit as the team builds its future roster.

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.

Tech Coffee Social

9-10 a.m. — Karma Cream — Free entry — A relaxed morning gathering for tech enthusiasts to network and enjoy coffee conversations.