Good morning, Gainesville.

UF Health Florida Recovery Center opened on July 16 with increased capacity to 124 beds and new amenities including a pool, gym, and pickleball court; a community cleanup in the Pineridge neighborhood will be held tomorrow from 9 a.m. to noon at the community center.

GRU’s Murphree Water Treatment Plant received awards for best-tasting water, and Frazer School won the Mu Alpha Theta national math championship with a total of 7283 points.

State troopers said a dump truck collided with an SUV on Thursday morning near Archer, where the truck overturned and injured several people while delaying traffic on Archer Road (further details are pending).

Santa Fe College will launch a two-year diesel mechanics program this fall at the Alachua County Public Works site in east Gainesville—costing about $5,600—and teaching students to become diesel truck technicians for jobs paying around $60,000 a year.

Applicants must submit their forms by Aug. 25 and complete the admissions process to enroll.

Gainesville city commissioners are set to meet and discuss a plan for a 14-story apartment complex on a site zoned for 40 apartments (if approved in a second reading, the project could include up to 240 units and 750 bedrooms).

Florida and Oklahoma face tough schedules this season and could push the College Football Playoff committee to consider a 9–3 team if they beat top-ranked opponents—coaches stress that their challenging games are designed to prove the strength-of-schedule factor.

Florida and Oklahoma face very tough schedules in 2025 that may force the College Football Playoff committee to consider a 9-3 record for a playoff spot—coaches say winning key matchups against top teams is crucial.

The teams must avoid losses to weaker opponents and secure wins over high-ranked foes to boost their playoff chances.

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.

Veterans Living With Cancer Support Program

7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Hilton University of Florida Conference Center — Free entry — A supportive initiative tailored for veterans facing cancer treatment and survivorship.