Good morning, Gainesville.

The Matheson History Museum will host historian Judith A.

Bense, Ph.D. on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. to discuss her book Early Spanish Florida: Unearthing the History of America's Oldest Colony & answer audience questions; books will be sold at the event.

The School Board of Alachua County will hold three meetings on July 30 — a special budget meeting at 5:00 p.m., a regular meeting at 6:00 p.m., and a Leasing Corporation meeting immediately following — to address key school board issues.

The Headquarters Library hosts a Spanish Conversation Club every Friday at 4:30 p.m. where volunteer Angela Couret guides residents through language lessons and discussions (a family-like atmosphere) to boost skills and community bonds.

UF/IFAS and the Florida Well Owner Network will host a free Zoom webinar series to help homeowners maintain private wells amid lingering drought.

The English session on well basics is scheduled for Aug. 25 from 2 to 3 p.m. (additional sessions will address septic systems, storm impacts and treatment options).

Gainesville families can shop tax-free for school supplies during Florida’s back-to-school tax holiday until Aug.

20 as eligible items cost under $50 and computers under $1,500; Alachua schools begin on Aug. 10, so tax-free deals are available online and locally (including Walmart).

Florida teacher salaries increased statewide to nearly $58,000 for the 2025-26 school year, though the state ranks 50th nationally in average pay.

In Alachua County, salaries rose by nearly $2,500 (an increase from last year) to about $54,000 as union talks continue.

On June 30, Florida's State Board of Education ruled undocumented students must verify their status for admission into 28 state colleges and general education programs effective 2027-28, meaning Santa Fe College will treat such students as international applicants while UF remains unaffected.

The Gainesville Housing Authority and city are awaiting a decision on a $26 million HUD grant that would revitalize Lake Terrace and Pine Meadows in east Gainesville — officials expect word any day now.

The Florida men's basketball team released its 2026-27 schedule on July 27.

The season begins on Nov. 2 versus Miami at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa and includes nonconference games against Florida State and Duke, with SEC play starting on Jan. 2 at Texas.

Florida baseball will return top players for a 2027 Omaha push as the Gators build on a strong 2026 season.

Sophomore shortstop Brendan Lawson leads the team alongside pitchers Aidan King and Jackson Barberi + key contributors poised for impact.

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.