Good morning, Gainesville.

Gainesville invites neighbors to help shape the future of the Southwest Study Area at a community meeting on Wed.

Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. held at UF/IFAS Beef Teaching Unit South (3721 SW 23rd St) and to share ideas during the question period.

Celebration Pointe will host its annual CHOMP the Block on Friday nights before each Gator home game this season — featuring pep rallies with team appearances, live music, food trucks and family fun.

Most grocery stores in Gainesville will operate with regular hours on Labor Day (Monday, Sept.

7), including Publix, Walmart, and Target, while Costco remains closed and Aldi offers limited hours.

Nearly 300 students entered Santa Fe College’s gym on Monday to attend the annual college fair featuring over 50 colleges and universities.

The event helped high schoolers (and current students) learn about scholarships and transfer options while meeting school representatives.

Residents in Leighton Estates have been without safe drinking water for two weeks after a well collapse led to an equipment failure, and officials are working to restore reliable service soon.

The University of Florida has named Duane A.

Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., as the new director of UF Health Cancer Institute effective Sept. 21 (he is known for pioneering brain tumor immunotherapy) and will lead expansion in research and trials to improve cancer care.

Wide receiver Kahleil Jackson returns after overcoming knee surgeries and coaching changes; he will play in Florida’s season opener against FAU on Saturday, Sept.

5 at The Swamp (7:45 p.m.).

Gators volleyball overcame a 21-18 deficit and built a 7-0 run to win four sets against No. 11 Minnesota at Wisconsin Fieldhouse.

Coach Ryan Theis said the win boosted the team's momentum as they prepare to face No. 5 Wisconsin.

Florida football sophomore Vernell Brown III is set to boost UF special teams in 2026 with his punt returns and can also return kickoffs (he aims to score on a punt, a feat UF last saw when Kadarius Toney scored on Nov.

28, 2020).