Good morning, Gainesville.

UF grad Zoë Larson will make her Broadway debut in Wicked after finishing track rehearsals last week; she will soon join the National Tour company for additional rehearsals and upcoming performance dates, building on her strong background from UF's Theatre and Dance program.

Gregory Pelham, a youth advocate with decades of work with children (including roles at Eastside High and Teen Court), is running for the District 3 School Board seat to expand education on vaping risks and address school closures and financial challenges.

Sarah Rockwell is running for a second term on the school board for District 3 to continue boosting literacy and standardizing support for struggling students.

If reelected on Aug. 18, she will work to improve transparency and operations while aiming to raise the district rating.

Alachua County School Board approved a five-year contract with staffing firm Unlimited Instruction (UI) to recruit and train new teachers to ease shortages ahead of classes beginning Aug.

10. The plan targets candidates with bachelor's degrees from within 45 miles to become long-term educators.

New rules now require ENR septic systems for all new and existing installations in parts of Alachua County to cut nitrogen pollution and improve water quality; eligible homeowners in the (Silver and Santa Fe) basins can receive up to $16,000 in rebates by using an online tool.

Colorado State University revised its forecast for the 2026 hurricane season to expect nine named storms including four hurricanes — seven more storms will occur through Nov.

30 as tropical activity is predicted to be about 40% of an average season.

UF Health Shands in Gainesville ranked No. 3 statewide on Aug.

5 and earned national recognition in five specialties based on patient care and outcomes. UF Health Jacksonville also placed in Florida's top 20, highlighting strong performance in several key treatments.

With over 10,000 US Cyclospora cases reported by the CDC, health officials advise residents to wash produce thoroughly (including pre-packaged greens linked to a Taylor Farms recall) to prevent cyclosporiasis.

Florida has recorded 254 cases since May, prompting extra care with leafy vegetables.

Florida football began fall camp on Aug.

5 under coach Jon Sumrall at The Swamp. The team practiced gunner drills+strength training as players compete for starting spots ahead of their Sept. 5 opener against Florida Atlantic.

Florida Special Olympian Kiondre Brown helped his team finish fourth in basketball at the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota on Aug.

5. TV20 interviewed Brown (a local standout) to capture his thoughts on the experience.

Florida football held its first fall camp practice on Wednesday, Aug.

5 under new coach Jon Sumrall at The Swamp, featuring special teams drills and improved offensive line workouts; the team will continue practicing as they prepare for their season opener on Sept. 5.