Good morning, Gainesville.

Alachua County Circle K stores will honor first responders on July 24 by offering a free hot dog, cookie, and medium Polar Pop drink (ID or uniform required) at 24 locations.

UF's 14th president, Stuart Bell, began his role on July 1 and aims to rebuild institutional trust — recruiting top faculty and balancing academic priorities amid political scrutiny.

Poe Springs swimming area is closed because low groundwater levels have led to poor water quality — scientists report the aquifer is now at its lowest point in over a decade.

University of Florida researchers are developing a python forecasting app that will use snake tracking data to help hunters know the best times and spots to find Burmese pythons.

It uses data from snake removals during the wet season and may boost state efforts to manage the invasive species.

Alachua County announced it was awarded the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Grant (RSVP) to expand volunteer opportunities for adults 55 and older.

Community organizations can apply to serve as host sites as the program promotes healthy aging, digital literacy, and social connection.

UF Health has named Donnie McLaughlin as chief operating officer for UF Health Shands Hospital; he will lead operations in Gainesville + Ocala.

McLaughlin brings 15 years of academic medicine leadership and will work with teams to enhance strategic priorities and care delivery.

Seven Gators were drafted in the MLB Draft, yet key players returned to Gainesville to keep the team strong.

Junior pitcher Liam Peterson was picked 19th overall while undrafted Ethan Surowiec and two-way player Caden McDonald will boost the 2027 roster.

Sophomore libero Lily Hayes helped Team USA win gold at the 2026 NORCECA Cup held July 7-12 in Columbus, Ohio.

She recorded six digs and seven receptions in the gold medal match, boosting her Gators' defense ahead of a season with key player departures.

TV20 Football Play of the Year offers fans 16 plays from teams like Vanguard, Buchholz and Bradford to vote on, with voting ending Thursday so Gainesville residents can see which plays advance to the semifinals.

Florida football was picked to finish ninth in the SEC by a panel of 15 writers, and no player was named to the preseason All-SEC team, one of four schools with that result.

Coach Jon Sumrall (in his first season) will speak at SEC football media days on Jul. 22 in Tampa.

Junior Skye Blakely swept bars and beam at the 2026 U.S. Classic, while fellow Gators had mixed performances ahead of the U.S. Championships in Phoenix next month.

The coach noted the strong season debut (boosting team confidence) as the road to the world team continues.

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.