Good morning, Gainesville.

The Humane Society of North Central Florida is asking locals to foster kittens as kitten season increases the number of cats arriving at its facilities+ community members who foster help ease the intake strain and provide temporary homes until adoption.

DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers soft opened its first brick-and-mortar store at 5141 NW 43rd St. on Wednesday, with co-owners Miguel Cardona and Jose Nieves welcoming a crowd as they finalize changes for a grand opening next month.

Gainesville’s Bard and Broadside: North Central Florida Poetry Festival began in April with the Swamp-Berry Jam Poetry Slam at Vecinos Neighborhood Restaurant and Bar.

The event will offer open mics, workshops, and community panels (including a reading on Sunday, Aug. 30 at the Historic Thomas Center) celebrating local literary arts.

The Alachua County School Board will welcome soon-to-be member Jancie Vinson, the only candidate for District 5 known for her community service (including a long career in corrections); elections are on Aug.

18 and she will take office in November.

The Humane Society of North Central Florida is hosting Purrs & Tales, a free event where kids read with kittens and borrow books from its Thrift Store.

The program began on June 18 and runs from Thursday to Saturday until Aug. 8 and will continue during the school year.

Suwannee River Water Management District staff discovered two undocumented springs along the Suwannee River last year and in June, naming them Ule Spring (for 'baby') and Yustaga Spring (honoring Native heritage).

The findings bring the total documented springs to more than 450 and reveal new secrets in our local waterways.

Alachua officials said that parking will no longer be allowed on Northwest 140th Street between Northwest U.S. Highway 441 and Northwest 142nd Ave, starting the week of June 22, to improve roadway safety.

Work crews are active and motorists are urged to slow down (speeding fines double in construction zones).

Ethan Surowiec, a Gators infielder who batted .317 in 62 games, said he will return next season after re-signing with Florida Victorious last month — he remains eligible for three more years.

Florida football begins fall camp on Aug.

5 with first team practice—two scrimmages are set for Aug. 15 and Aug. 22, and coach Sumrall and staff join SEC Media Day in Tampa on July 22 before the Sept. 5 opener at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Fans celebrated England's tense World Cup quarterfinal win at Queens Arm Pub in Haile Plantation today + joined in a rousing rendition of Football's Coming Home.

Residents can vote for the best big school baseball player of the 2026 season as the Gainesville Sun unveils All-Area teams for six sports.

The poll (12 nominees) will close at noon on Friday, July 17.

Florida Gator relief pitcher Luke McNeillie was picked in the fifth round with the 152nd overall spot on July 12.

He posted a career-best 3.97 ERA and secured a slot value of $467,700, and he will join the New York Mets.

The MLB Draft took place July 11-12, and several Florida baseball players stood out with junior pitcher Liam Peterson predicted as a first-round pick by multiple outlets.

Other Gator players and high school commits added excitement + hope, with some expected to sign while others return to campus next season.

Florida baseball confirmed that infielder Ethan Surowiec will return next season after he re-signed last month and announced his decision via social media on Sunday, July 12 — the Gators' cleanup hitter played all 62 games, batting .317 with 14 doubles and 12 homers.

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.