Good morning, Gainesville.

The Matheson History Museum in Gainesville will open 'Chains of Steele: Money, Power, and Influence' on Wed, Aug.

19 with a reception at 7 p.m — the exhibit explores two family ancestors and their ties to slavery, featuring rare photos, documents, and a memorial wall.

The Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak tomorrow through Aug.

13 in Florida amid clear skies and a nearly invisible new moon. Residents are advised to watch the meteors between midnight and dawn at dark sky sites (locations away from city lights).

Schools in Alachua County began classes on Monday, Aug.

10, as 38 Florida counties started the school year at the earliest date & three counties plan later openings following local district decisions.

On Monday, Aug. 10, two Newberry schools began a new chapter for local education.

Oak View K-8 School offered classes from kindergarten to eighth grade while Newberry Community School opened its first year as a charter school.

UF named longtime neurosurgeon Dr. Brian Hoh as the new dean of the College of Medicine, and he started on Aug.

7 to lead efforts in educating future physicians and expanding groundbreaking research initiatives — filling a key leadership role at the university.

Florida law changes for the 2026-2027 school year require elementary students to learn cursive writing and impose strict phone rules at school; high school marching band and Special Olympics now count for PE.

Teachers may regain expired licenses and college staff may carry concealed weapons (changes took effect July 1).

Taylor Farms recalled salsas and guacamole with jalapeños due to a salmonella outbreak; the recalled products were sold by major retailers in Florida with Best If Used By dates from Aug.

7 to Aug. 16. Consumers are advised to check their fridges and discard any affected items.

Health inspectors for Aug.

3-9 reported that while some Gainesville restaurants earned perfect scores, Scuola Pizza was temporarily closed after 12 violations (including five high-priority issues). Other local eateries, including Clock Restaurant and La Cocina De Abuela, faced follow-up inspections to correct high-priority concerns.

The Gainesville Sun is counting down the top 30 players from the 1996 championship team, with a spotlight on No. 6 Jeff Mitchell for his role on the offensive line and All-SEC honors.

Mitchell started all 13 games and later secured a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens.

Coach Jon Sumrall said Florida’s players have improved during Fall camp and are building mental toughness ahead of the season opener on Sept.

5 (against Florida Atlantic). He noted that while several players have minor injuries, all should be ready in time.

Florida football players were named to award watch lists ahead of the season (Brown and Baugh on the Hornung Award list, Durkin on the Groza Award list, Moore on the Rimington Trophy list, and Baugh on the Maxwell Award list).

On Monday, the Florida Gators football team unveiled retro uniforms inspired by Steve Spurrier’s 1966 Heisman season, and head coach Jon Sumrall said he is excited about the tribute.

The design marks a new chapter in the historic program.