Good morning, Gainesville.

Gainesville Police arrested 39-year-old Matthew Friedman on charges of child exploitation after a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported he sent sexual content of himself to underage users on Kik—investigators said a search warrant of his devices revealed he communicated with at least six minors and possessed images of child abuse material.

Gainesville man Dallvion Jarrell Parker (31) was convicted by an Alachua County jury on July 25 for double homicide and attempted murder and was sentenced to life in prison after he killed Brittany Avery-Hoisington and Trayvon Sheppard in a February 2023 incident.

At Gainesville researcher John Lednicky’s home, his cat Pepper hunts rodents in the garden—rodent samples that led to the discovery of Florida’s first case of jeilong virus—and his lab continues to study other viruses linked to local animals and insects.

His team uses this unconventional approach to improve health research and better understand virus transmission.

Florida lost a key sports icon when wrestler Hulk Hogan died July 24 in Clearwater at age 71 from cardiac arrest — his passing reminds us that top talents like Tom Brady and Tiger Woods also call the Sunshine State home.

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.

Meet and Greet at Ballyhoo Grill

6-8 p.m. — Ballyhoo Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a casual evening of conversation and discover the Adventure Club of Gainesville.