Good morning, Gainesville.

The Matheson History Museum will host Sarah's Birthday Bash on Sept.

12 with free cupcakes, a mini exhibit about Sarah Hamilton Matheson, self-guided tours, and a gift shop, starting with a reception from 11 a.m. to noon led by Robert Mounts. The event is free and open to the community.

After school rezoning left students living under 2 miles ineligible for bus service, local parents voiced frustration over denied requests due to a driver shortage + the district plans to hire more drivers to improve service.

Today, over 16,000 Alachua County high school students were named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Students from Buchholz, Eastside, Gainesville, Loften, and Oak Hall schools will compete for nearly $24 million in scholarships (awards announced from April through July).

Drivers in Gainesville are facing a return of lovebugs (a seasonal nuisance) on busy highways that can damage car paint if not cleaned off within 24 hours.

Experts advise using hot water and soap to remove the bugs and maintain clear visibility while driving.

Alachua County commissioners proclaimed Suicide Prevention Month and plan to work with local agencies (the city, Children’s Trust, and the school board) to review homelessness data after two recent suicides in Gainesville.

They will examine housing waitlists to better support vulnerable residents.

Florida baseball released its 2027 schedule yesterday (Sept.

8), featuring 56 games with 38 home matches including 16 at Condron Family Ballpark (the venue for early games), and will open with a series against Queens from Feb. 19-21.

Gainesville-area high school football kicks off Week 4 with district play beginning Thursday at Annie Mae Phillips Stadium when Hawthorne hosts Miami-Northwestern (both undefeated) and continues Friday with games including Gainesville High versus Lecanto at Citizens Field.

Other key matchups feature Columbia at Jacksonville-Ribault and Buchholz at Ocala-West Port.

Florida earned a 66-21 win over FAU on Saturday night at The Swamp—transfer QB Aaron Philo set a record efficiency as coach Sumrall noted early defensive struggles that improved later.

The Gainesville Sun is accepting nominations from coaches, family, and friends for the Athlete of the Week poll to honor top local high school athletes (nominations are due Monday and voting runs until Saturday at 12 p.m. for performances from Aug.

31 to Sept. 7).