Good morning, Gainesville.

Celebrate the Child is a free event at the MLK Jr. Multi-Purpose Center on July 21 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Families will enjoy youth circus performers, carnival-style games, free treats for the first 500 attendees, and developmental screenings by Help Me Grow as community agencies offer family resources.

Project YouthBuild AmeriCorps is accepting applications for its 2026-27 program for low-income young adults aged 16-24 to earn a high school diploma while building job skills.

Apply online or pick up forms at 635 NW 6th Street, Gainesville (applications opened July 15).

The Frazer School secured a preliminary injunction yesterday from bankruptcy Judge Karen K.

Specie — the ruling protects its building at 4700 NW 89th Boulevard while a trial is set for Tuesday, Aug. 18, ensuring the school remains set to welcome students for its new year.

UF’s Lakes, Vegetation and Landscape Committee proposed to remove more than 1,100 trees from Graham Woods to improve stormwater drainage for the Lake Alice watershed; the plan endangers the home of a beloved campus cat colony.

Poe Springs swimming area is temporarily closed starting Thursday due to unsafe water clarity, county officials announced.

They will monitor water quality weekly while other park facilities (boat ramp, picnic areas, and trails) remain open.

The county commission voted Tuesday to explore funding for Gainesville Thrives—a literacy nonprofit serving nearly 2,000 students—and approved buying over 600 acres near Watermelon Pond plus a 19-acre lot near Lake Alto Preserve, with sales closing in November and August 3 respectively.

Neurosurgeons at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital performed a neuro-oncology procedure on Wednesday, July 15, using Gleolan (a fluorescent dye) to help spotlight cancerous brain tissue during surgery.

The technique allowed doctors to remove tumors more precisely while preserving healthy tissue.

Following the end of the spring sports season, The Gainesville Sun released its All-Area teams and opened a fan poll for best big school baseball player in 2026, allowing fans to vote repeatedly until noon Sunday (July 19) after editors selected Gainesville High's Colin Cabrera as Player of the Year.

Tavis Honeycutt, a local high school slugger, competed in MLB All-Star festivities after leading Florida players with 16 home runs early this season.

He committed to the Gators and now aims to build on his power records as he enters senior year (focusing on his game).

The Gainesville Sun released its All-Area teams for spring sports & voters now may cast ballots for the top girls tennis player among five nominees, with voting open until noon on Sunday, July 19.

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.