Good morning, Gainesville.

James Harold Major, 21, a former UF student and Shands employee, pleaded no contest on August 28 and was sentenced on August 31 to 20 years in state prison—10 years of which include sex offender probation—after Gainesville police investigated child pornography on his Google Drive account.

Members of the UF Ethnoecology Society said GRU workers damaged their on-campus garden near the bat houses by leaving trees on top of plants and a crushed power line — a potential fire hazard.

Gov. DeSantis signed House Bill 907—known as the Sunshine Genetics Act—to help families test newborns for rare diseases at no cost and to set up a new research center at FSU with a university group including UF.

State Rep. Adam Anderson introduced the bill after losing his son to a rare genetic disease so that families can find answers sooner.

Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin received a three-year contract extension through 2030 as sources confirmed his deal—he guided the Gators to 13 national titles in nine sports since his 2016 hiring.

His new deal follows his previous $1.8 million annual salary and reflects his leadership during major changes like COVID and Name, Image and Likeness rights—challenges that have reshaped college sports.

Florida Gators soccer improved their record to 3-2 after beating Maryland 3-1 on Sunday afternoon & redshirt freshman Addy Hess scored twice to secure the team’s first road win; the Gators will host Florida Gulf Coast University at home Thursday at 7 p.m.

Florida volleyball won its home opener against Norfolk State last Sunday at the Stephen C.

O’Connell Center—head coach Ryan Theis earned his first win as redshirt sophomore Jordyn Byrd led with 12 kills while the team will begin its three-game road stretch on Tuesday facing USF.

Freshman wide receiver Vernell Brown III made his debut Saturday night in Florida's 55 to 0 win over LIU by catching three passes for 79 yards and making a 41 yard grab that stood out plus coach Billy Napier said his play showed skill and maturity.

The Florida Gators soccer team closed out August with a 3—1 road win at Maryland on Sunday—Charlotte McClure, Addy Hess, and senior Njeri Butts scored key goals, and the team will build momentum for upcoming matches.

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.

JJ Grey & Mofro Live

6:30-9 p.m. — Heartwood Soundstage — $TBD — Experience powerful southern soul and rock with gritty vocals and personal songwriting.