Good morning, Gainesville.

Depot Park celebrates its 10th anniversary with a free, family-friendly evening of music, crafts & games scheduled for Saturday, Aug.

1 from 7-11 p.m. at Depot Park, 874 SE 4th St.

Alachua County Recycles reported two fires late last week when improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries ignited, and fire crews quickly extinguished the flames + officials urge proper battery disposal to prevent future incidents.

Gainesville-based parking app Parkey is recruiting homeowners near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to list driveways for reserved parking during fall football season.

The service, launched by UF students, lets hosts set prices & collects a 15% fee from reservations.

Most Gainesville-area students in Alachua will head back to class on Monday, Aug.

10 as 38 of Florida's 67 counties start the 2026-2027 school year, while a few counties begin later in the week.

Florida is experiencing one of its hottest Julys as a heat dome drives extreme temperatures and high humidity.

Gainesville recorded a record wind gust (48 mph) from a thunderstorm downburst on July 27, and forecasts predict near 100-degree highs statewide.

The Alachua County Crisis Center offers 24/7 support by providing walk-in counseling, scheduled sessions, and a Mobile Response Team for Gainesville residents facing emotional distress (including trauma and mental-health challenges).

It also runs community outreach and volunteer training programs to ensure accessible care for thousands annually.

Florida men's basketball released its 2026-27 schedule with 16 home games; the season tips off on Nov.

2 against Miami in Tampa and returns home for a game against Jacksonville three days later, including the Players Era 8 Tournament (Las Vegas) and the SEC Tournament starting on March 10.

The Gators vs. Gator Greats volleyball match will be held on Aug.

16 at 2 p.m. at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center where nine alumni return to face the current team (the first 500 attendees will receive an autograph book) and other Gator legends may make surprise appearances.

Florida football junior receiver Micah Mays Jr credits daily father-son workouts (including broad jumps and catch drills) for building his explosive skill set as he preps for fall camp with the Gators.

He maintains his disciplined routine to compete for targets in a crowded receiver room.

Florida's new Gators coach Jon Sumrall shows a softer side by enjoying a pedicure every two weeks during football season, his wife said at Florida’s Ladies Clinic Friday.

Sumrall will debut at the Swamp on Sept. 5 against FAU and plans to recalibrate the team.

Gators football announced that Greg McMahon is joining as a special teams analyst with a 40-year coaching background from Tulane, LSU, and the NFL, and he will join coach Jon Sumrall’s staff ahead of fall camp on Aug.

5.

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.