Good morning, Gainesville.

Florida’s minimum wage will rise to $15 per hour for non-tipped employees and $11.98 for tipped staff on Sept.

30, 2026 (following a voter-approved constitutional amendment from 2020). Future wage increases will be tied to inflation.

More than 60,000 students returned to campus on Aug.

20 to start the fall semester while UF President Stuart Bell greeted students across Gainesville, setting a positive tone for the academic year.

Over the summer, Duke Energy Florida held Youth Energy Academy events with local partners — featuring interactive workshops and facility tours — where Gainesville students reported an 89% increase in interest in energy, utility or STEM careers.

The board picked McPherson & Jacobson to lead its superintendent search at a Sept.

9 workshop, where it will set timelines and outreach plans. The $47,200 plan includes a two-year guarantee and could result in a new hire by year’s end.

The University of Florida will invest $40.7 million to provide merit-based raises effective Oct.

1. Faculty & staff will receive 5% and 3% raise pools as new President Dr. Stuart Bell announced the measure to recognize performance and retain top talent.

UF president Stuart Bell (five weeks in office) toured colleges and labs while meeting with deans to fill vacant roles and build trust with faculty.

He said UF will follow excellence as its North Star as it prepares students for a changing future.

UF named Dr. Chris Adin as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, effective Sept.

4 — he brings over 30 years of clinical and research experience to guide the college during its 50th anniversary and upcoming curriculum changes.

The National Hurricane Center and AccuWeather note that although over 60% of Atlantic activity occurs between Aug.

20 and Sept. 30, no tropical cyclone is expected to form over the next week (with four tropical waves being tracked), so Florida residents should stay alert.

Florida health officials added 43 probable and confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in 17 counties from May 1 through Aug.

15, bringing the state total to 450 cases across 45 counties & noting that the foodborne illness, which causes watery diarrhea, remains under close monitoring.

Florida football will work on red zone execution in its second scrimmage tomorrow (Aug.

22) at The Swamp after missing scoring chances in the last scrimmage; coaches say better finishing and fewer penalties will help the team score more touchdowns.

Florida soccer will return to Donald R.

Dizney Stadium on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for its first home match under coach Nick Zimmerman, marking the program’s 700th game as the Gators face Coastal Carolina.