Good morning, Gainesville.

Over 500 local students began the school year after receiving backpacks and supplies at the Alachua PD’s Back 2 School Giveaway Saturday at Legacy Park from 9 a.m. to noon.

Community partners also supplied bike helmets, safety materials and a kids pizza voucher—easing costs for families.

The inaugural FL Legends Card Show will be held August 22-23 at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center with vendor displays starting at 9:30 a.m. each day and a free Saturday Trade Night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; $5 admission will support construction of a local home for children.

Florida law bans wireless device use for elementary and middle school students during school hours and allows high school phones only when teachers instruct + individual districts may set extra rules and pilot a full ban in six counties with a report due by year-end.

University of Florida awarded degrees to 3,100 students during its Summer 2026 commencement on Aug.

8 in Gainesville. President Stuart Bell presided over his first ceremony, marking an important milestone for the graduating class.

A partial solar eclipse is visible today starting at about 11:34 a.m. ET and peaking at 1:46 p.m. ET across Gainesville.

Local viewers should use certified eclipse glasses or a safe pinhole projector to protect their eyes.

A heat advisory remains in effect today (affecting Gainesville and most counties) with dangerous heat indices expected to reach 108 to 112 until Friday, officials said.

Residents are urged to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

Florida health officials reported 342 cyclosporiasis cases by Aug.

1 with no deaths, and experts said local lettuce is safe since recalled products are off shelves — washing produce remains advisable.

Florida basketball finalized its 2026-27 schedule by adding two non-conference games; the team will play Georgia Tech (Orlando, Dec.

12 for the Hall of Fame series) and face Grand Canyon in Jacksonville on Dec. 18 at the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown.

The Gainesville Sun asked locals to vote for the best high school defensive back from 11 nominees ahead of the 2026 season — the poll closes at noon Saturday, Aug.

15.

Florida football held its sixth practice on Tuesday, Aug.

11 at Sanders Practice Fields as the team prepared for its season opener on Sept. 5. The practice featured live passing drills & competition in edge rush and offensive line positions, with the first live tackling scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15.

Florida football edge rusher Jayden Woods changed his uniform number to 0 during the offseason as a tribute to his father; he is training under strength coach Rusty Whitt and aims to break the UF sack record this season (boosting his power clean from 365 to 404 pounds).