Good morning, Gainesville.

Community groups in Alachua County will offer free supplies and safety resources at a back-to-school rally to ease financial pressures for families as the new school year approaches.

The event supports students and parents preparing for upcoming academic challenges.

Dance Alive National Ballet will hold auditions for its 2026-2027 productions, Nutcracker tour, & youth group Next Generation on Saturday, Aug.

15 from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Pofahl Studios, 1325 NW 2nd St.

The City of Gainesville has updated road closures and detours scheduled for tomorrow through August 2 due to construction (new closures include NE Second Avenue through NE Seventh Avenue and a Saturday closure on eastbound SW Depot Avenue) with maintenance planned on Archer Road and SW 34th Street.

Gainesville hosted the Florida Football Ladies Clinic on Friday night where women experienced an exclusive behind the scenes look at Gator football under first-year coach Jon Sumrall (with film sessions, drills, and a Q&A with Ginny Sumrall).

Coach Jon Sumrall said the offensive line is showing improvement after a slow spring, highlighting work in the weight room and transfers like Harrison Moore and TJ Shanahan to build the unit ahead of fall camp.

The Gators are adjusting their lineup with freshmen replacing key players lost last season.

Makel Snowden scored a pick six that sent the Ocala Bucs to the NFL Flag Semifinals this weekend.

The defensive back from Marion County Juice made a key play during a championship game that set his team's path ahead.

The Gainesville Sun is marking Florida football’s 30th anniversary by counting down the top 30 players from 1996, starting with No. 16, Reggie McGrew from Mayo, who earned Sporting News Freshman All-America honors.

More profiles will appear soon.

UF freshman Nylah Norris begins her season under new head coach Nick Zimmerman; she chose the Gators to stay near family (after moving from Texas) and will debut on Aug.

5 in an exhibition game against Miami.

Florida volleyball is preparing for the 2026 season with head coach Ryan Theis leading a revamped roster after longtime coach Mary Wise left (replacing past success).

Star setter Alexis Stucky transferred to Penn State, giving room for rising players like Taylor Parks to help restore the team’s success.

Former Florida pitcher Liam Peterson (selected 19th overall) signed with the Cleveland Guardians on Friday for his full slot value of $4,530,500 (the largest payout among Gator draftees) and joins a group of pitchers selected in the 2026 MLB Draft.

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.