Good morning, Gainesville.

On Thursday morning, an Alachua County deputy rescued ducklings trapped in a storm drain near NW 105th Drive and NW 28th Place after they were found with their watchful mother.

The rescue took about 40 minutes and returned the babies safely to her.

Depot Park celebrates its 10th anniversary on Aug.

1 with a free community event running from 7 to 11 p.m. The celebration includes food trucks, train rides, dance and glow parties plus live music, highlighting its transformation from a contaminated brownfield to a central downtown hub.

The Perseid meteor shower has been active since July 17 and will peak Aug.

12-13. Skywatchers are urged to seek dark sites away from city lights to view between midnight and dawn.

It is legal to collect rainwater in Florida, and Gainesville homeowners can use rain barrels for gardening and water conservation while following any HOA appearance guidelines; experts note that the rainwater is best used for non-drinking purposes + helps lower water bills.

Gainesville officials are inviting residents to share input on the design of a new public art fence outside the police facility; more details on feedback sessions will be provided soon.

Florida's permanent back-to-school tax holiday runs from July 20 to Aug.

20 with sales tax removed on select items, including clothing, supplies, learning aids and computers (with price limits of $100, $50, $30 and $1,500 respectively) as retailers plan ahead.

Taco Bell removed shredded iceberg lettuce from restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia after federal health officials linked it to a cyclosporiasis outbreak; Florida locations were not affected and the state reported 96 cases since May 1.

Sweetwater Veterinary Clinic is holding affordable pet vaccination events at Curia on the Drag today from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The clinic helps locals manage pet costs — services start at $35 and these events will continue monthly.

The Track Group, led by former UF golfer Tyler Rucarean, is bidding to buy and renovate Ironwood Golf Course near the Gainesville Regional Airport.

They will match a $1.1M offer and invest over $4M to add new features + community programs.

Skylar Wallace became the first player in Athletes Unlimited Softball League history to hit three home runs in one game on Thursday night, lifting the Chicago Bandits to a 15-7 win over the Carolina Blaze.

Wallace went 5-for-5 with 7 RBIs as her performance helped clinch a playoff spot.

Former Florida Gator pitcher Russell Sandefer signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday for a $434,000 contract after being chosen in the fourth round; he impressed in the Gainesville Regional and is set to join a rookie affiliate this summer + boosting his pro career.

Gainesville fans are invited to vote online for the best small school softball player with the poll closing at noon Tuesday, July 21; the poll features 12 nominees including Trenton's Addison Allaire and allows multiple votes.

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.