Good morning, Gainesville.

Carol Virginia Couch, a 101-year-old World War II veteran who joined the Women’s Army Corps in April 1944 to decode enemy messages is now being honored nationally by the Military Women’s Memorial for her service; her daughter said the recognition confirms her lifelong commitment to service (including military and business achievements).

On Saturday, over 40 Black business owners from Gainesville gathered at the Black Business Expo to network and socialize.

On July 20, 2025, Zion Maurice Berroa, 23, was arrested after he pointed a gun at family members, including children, at a birthday party at Bouncers on NW 34th Street and now faces charges of aggravated assault, child abuse, and improper firearm exhibition while being held without bail.

Sam Eric Haywood, Jr., 36—participating in a Drug Court program after previous theft cases—was arrested on July 20 for allegedly stealing $375 in snow crab clusters from a Publix on NW 13th Street and NW 39th Avenue and was later found hiding in an attic amid additional charges.

Lubee Bat Conservatory in Gainesville welcomed four new bats—Marceline, Prudence, and two unnamed bats—and said two bat pups will come soon.

A police union+ after negotiations+ secured a $13,000 pay raise for University of Florida police officers on Jul.

20; the increase will boost their salaries going forward.

GRU CEO Ed Bielarski answered City Commissioner Bryan Eastman's letter by saying GRU’s audited financials show true profit while critics wrongly compare its finances to a simple household checkbook—he warned that a referendum on November’s ballot to remove limits on general fund transfers could worsen debt ratings and raise rates. His response stressed that using simplified figures misleads the public about the utility’s complex financial health.

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.