Good morning, Gainesville.

Gainesville has commissioned local artist Sarah Hinds to create Common Light, a 5-foot-by-10-foot artwork for the new Police Department Property and Evidence Building fence at NW Sixth Street and the Rails-to-Trails pathway; it was chosen after over a thousand community reviews and will be unveiled after facility completion in mid-2027.

Florida changed its school start time rules in a law rollback — giving districts freedom though no school may begin before Aug.

10. In Alachua, local schools will start on Monday, Aug. 10 as officials plan for the new academic year.

Florida's Department of Health monitors eight mosquito-borne illnesses (including dengue and West Nile) and has issued advisories in Alachua and other counties; residents are urged to use repellent and remove standing water to reduce risk.

Gators center Harrison Moore from Georgia Tech is drawing comparisons to retired center Jake Slaughter as teammates praise his leadership and toughness during daily practice sessions for the upcoming season.

The offensive line works together + builds strong unity for game days.

Former Gator O’Cyrus Torrence and the Bills agreed on a four-year, $78.4 million contract extension with over $46 million guaranteed, cementing his role as a Week One starter after an unblemished rookie season.

The agreement was reached on August 7.

Gators coaches evaluate redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. and redshirt sophomore Aaron Philo ahead of the season opener on Sept.

5 at The Swamp. Both quarterbacks show strong skill improvements plus a healthy competitive spirit as they vie for the starting role.

Florida Gators soccer will televise three matches on ESPN networks including the opening game at Central Florida on Aug.

13 and a home opener on SEC+ on Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m., marking the first season under Head Coach Nick Zimmerman.

Florida kicker Patrick Durkin was named to the Lou Groza Award preseason watch list on Friday—after a 2025 season where he made 25 field goals and 41 extra points.

He will compete for the honor this season.

Baseball America released its top-100 prospects for the 2027 MLB Draft, with the Gators as the only college program hosting four players in the top 50.

Junior shortstop Brendan Lawson is No. 3 overall while pitchers Aidan King, Jackson Barberi and Joshua Whritenour (USA Collegiate National Team members) follow.

Florida volleyball will air five games on ESPN family networks this fall; the Gators will face Kentucky on Oct.

4 at 8:30 p.m. and Texas on Oct. 18 at 8:30 p.m. with further SEC Network coverage planned.