Good morning, Gainesville.

Florida’s minimum wage for non-tipped workers will rise to $15 an hour on Sept.

30, as mandated by the Fair Wage amendment approved in 2020; starting in 2027, the rate will adjust annually with inflation (managed by the Agency for Workforce Innovation).

Students returned to class at Oak View in Newberry, now serving grades K+8 in its first year of the new setup.

The change offers an integrated education option in Alachua County.

Florida law now restricts where people can sleep or camp in public, requiring designated areas that offer security and restroom access for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The rules also limit overnight vehicle sleeping to approved spots - an effort to connect homeless individuals with services and keep public spaces safe.

Gainesville Fire Rescue dedicated a new $800,000 fire engine at Station 4 on Thursday, Aug.

27 with a traditional push-in ceremony (celebrating its arrival and long-held local traditions).

Residents can expect the return of Our Town Home and Garden Show in Gainesville, featuring local home and garden trends and creative displays.

The event will give attendees a chance to learn new tips + connect with local growers and designers.

Florida basketball coach Todd Golden secured a one-year contract extension this month that raises his pay to $49.5 million through 2031-32, boosting his starting salary from $6 million next season to $7.5 million; he became the second-highest paid coach in the SEC.

Todd Golden signed a six year contract with Florida Friday to remain Gainesville's head coach until 2032.

The 41 year old coach who led the team to a 2025 national championship and earned 8.25 million dollars a year now holds the highest paid position in Gators history.

Florida football faces a challenging nine-game SEC season under new coach Jon Sumrall with predictions outlining close matchups and tough tests against rivals.

The season opens Sept. 5 against Florida Atlantic and includes games with Auburn, Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida State.

Micah Handlogten—a former Florida Gators player—is transferring to Ole Miss for a chance at a fifth season if granted final eligibility.

He will return to Gainesville in late February when Florida hosts Ole Miss.