Good morning, Gainesville.

Byron Saxton, WWE SmackDown commentator and UF alum, will serve as the keynote speaker at the Back to School Stop the Violence rally at the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center in Gainesville on July 26—where 1,500 children will receive free backpacks with school supplies while community members gather to address violence in schools and homes.

GROW HUB is a local nonprofit nursery near the Morningside Nature Center that trains adults with disabilities in gardening and other work, and it also hosts art classes and market events to help build skills and community—offering new job opportunities since it began in 2016.

Bob Hochmuth has spent over 40 years working with farmers and mentoring new professionals in North Florida and was inducted into the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Hall of Fame in July for his leadership and research work.

The UF/IFAS assistant director will strengthen the North Florida Research and Education Center to support future agricultural innovation.

Gainesville and county officials cut the ribbon on July 18 to mark the second phase of the Eastside Health and Economic Development Initiative in east Gainesville.

The effort includes a UF Health Urgent Care Center that opened in 2024, new roads and a transit station set to begin in mid-2026 — steps meant to create more jobs and help people get care.

Incoming freshman Lily Hayes and the U.S. Girls U19 Team won a silver medal at the FIVB Girls U19 World Championships in Osijek, Croatia after losing the gold medal match to Bulgaria 3 to 1 (25 to 21, 16 to 25, 17 to 25, 27 to 29).

Hayes had 14 digs in the match and the team has medaled in the last four world tournaments for its age group.

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.