Good morning, Gainesville.

A Lake City man, Eric Javah Baker, 22, was sentenced Aug.

26 by an Alachua County judge to 15 years in prison for fleeing a traffic stop that led to a fatal crash in Gainesville in July 2024—this crash killed 20-year-old Christopher Alvord and seriously injured three passengers.

Alachua Police arrested Kenneth Bruce Scott Jr., 31, on August 27 for repeatedly sexually abusing an 11-year-old who trusted him after her family moved in 2023—detectives charged him after a forensic interview confirmed the abuse and the case remains active.

The A.L. Mebane Alumni Association met at the Hathcock Community Center and planned a celebration honoring the legacy of the historic school serving Black students to take place on Friday, Sept.

5 at the Santa Fe High School football field—organizers said the event will connect past achievements with today's students.

At its Aug. 11 meeting, the Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency approved work on a mural by Jesus Martinez on a city building at 25439 W.

Newberry Road and a Commercial Façade Grant for Pabst Personal Care at 25050 W. Newberry Road—work estimated at $12,125 with up to 75 percent covered by the CRA. The board also discussed new programs for business marketing and residential painting to boost downtown Newberry but took no further action yet.

Chipotle has partnered with UF student-athletes for the 2025-26 season by giving them free entrees on a weekly basis—this deal covers both scholarship players and walk-ons and follows an ad featuring DJ Lagway and Walter Clayton Jr. The chain’s nonprofit also will offer $100,000 in research awards to UF’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences—boosting support for local agriculture studies.

Florida’s NCAA cross country season begins tomorrow as the women’s team, reloaded with key returners and promising newcomers, looks to rebound from last year’s SEC title loss while the men’s team adjusts to a smaller roster amid a push for stronger team culture—coaches expect the fresh talent to boost competitiveness at the opening race in Jacksonville.

The Saints volleyball team lost their home opener—then won back-to-back games on the road to finish two wins in three matches.

This result boosted their early season performance.

Alachua County commissioners approved two plans to boost the county as a sports destination.

They will take over the Sports and Events Center at Celebration Pointe starting Oct. 1 and may host the 2027 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships with up to $750,000 to prepare — an effort to grow local tourism.

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.

Sugaray Rayford Live in Concert

8-11 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — Tickets required — Experience the powerful voice and message of Sugaray Rayford in a vibrant live performance.

Florida Gators Volleyball vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

7-8:30 p.m. — Stephen C. O'Connell Center — VIP tickets and packages available — Catch the Florida Gators take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in an exciting volleyball showdown.

D & S Classic Car and Antique Tractor Show

8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — The Barn at Rembert Farms — $25 per vehicle — Cruise into nostalgia with classic cars and antique tractors on display.