Good morning, Gainesville.

John Grumbar’s nearly 30-year-old Brazilian rain tree Princess (the sole winner among 100 entries) won Best in Show at the U.S. National Tropical Bonsai Exhibition in High Springs, a unique local achievement now on display at the Alachua County Farmers Market.

The 22nd Gainesville Latino Film Festival, organized by the Latina Women’s League, is running today through Sept.

27 at local venues while spotlighting Puerto Rico with screenings, concerts, dance, art, food, and children’s events.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, gasoline prices in Gainesville reached $4.12 a gallon as Florida’s statewide average climbed to $4.07, driven by rising oil costs amid ongoing international tensions (record-setting for post-Labor Day rates).

Local stations adjusted as forecasts suggested prices might remain high.

Twenty ACPS seniors earned National Merit Semifinalist status for the 2027 program on Sept.

9 (a 25% increase over last year) and must now complete further application steps to move to finalist status.

Eleven seniors from The Frazer School were named semifinalists for the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, setting a new record with 79% of the senior class.

They will be notified in February if they advance to Finalist status for approximately $24 million in scholarships.

Many Florida home insurance policies do not cover flood damage, sinkholes, or aging maintenance issues, and flood insurance usually requires a 30-day waiting period.

With hurricane season peaking this week, residents may face difficulties purchasing new coverage (insurers often impose moratoriums before storms) and should verify their policy details.

Florida officials propose new school immunization guidance after CDC data shows around 89% of kindergartners are vaccinated.

Under the proposal, requirements for Hepatitis B, chickenpox, Hib, and pneumococcal vaccines would be dropped (comments accepted until Sept. 14).

Paige’s Kitchen shares a local recipe for a delicious bacon ranch dip that you can prep the night before.

It blends cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar (with bacon and green onions) and is best served with baguette, pretzel thins or carrot slices.

Downtown Gainesville’s Streatery, a $4.5 million project, opened on Sept.

9 (a day before today) along Southwest First Avenue, reconnecting visitors with shops and restaurants. Crews will finish installing lighting and pavers while construction wrapped up a month ahead of schedule.

Former Gator Ben Shelton defeated reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set U.S. Open quarterfinal that ended at 3:33 a.m. ET Wednesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium (he now prepares to face Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals).

UF alum Ben Shelton stunned No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in a 4-hour five-set duel at Arthur Ashe Stadium last Tuesday night — he will face No. 11 Frances Tiafoe Friday in the semifinals.