Good morning, Gainesville.

Firefighters extinguished a kitchen fire in a Gainesville residence yesterday—leaving three residents displaced and no one injured.

After a state Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, a parent accused a teacher of bullying her son — a charge that led Alachua County Public Schools to review if the teacher should be fired — with officials expecting a decision soon.

The University of Florida unveiled a new alligator statue in front of Library West to mark the 100th anniversary of the George A.

Smathers Libraries. The statue weighs over 400 pounds and measures nine feet long — it is the sixth on campus and students will rub its nose for luck before exams or athletic events.

As the new school year begins, local and state officials in Alachua County urge drivers, parents and cyclists to follow safety rules—bicycles are treated as vehicles and riders are urged to wear helmets and stay alert.

Officials also require hands-free device use in school zones and enforce this rule with patrols during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups.

Gainesville city commissioners will meet to review a recap of the $100,000 feasibility study on a proposed cultural arts center— the study was completed and presented in 2023 after a recap was requested in July.

UF researchers at CasNx are testing a CRISPR method that cleans donor organs from viruses before transplant using a normothermic pump—designed to cut infection risks for patients.

The team, made up of UF faculty and graduates, is using human organs for experiments and plans to seek FDA approval in coming years.

The Gainesville Sun has released a list ranking the top 25 Florida Gators football players who played since 2000—this ranking is based on honors, win impact and performance, and it features stars like Tebow and Harvin.

Spencer Thomas Concert

6:30-10 p.m. — The Bull — Cost Info Not Specified — Experience a night of raw and heartfelt songwriting with Spencer Thomas and special guest Johanna Warren.

Run for Recovery 5k

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Depot Park — Registration required — Participate in a vibrant 5k run aimed at supporting recovery efforts in the community.