Good morning, Gainesville.

Humane Society of North Central Florida is the chosen charity for the upcoming UF Homecoming and Gator Growl, partnering with student organizers on events like restaurant spirit nights, a 5K run and a parade with adoptable dogs.

The initiative aims to boost community support for pets — a local effort.

Florida officials approved new AI rules on Sept.

16 that ban tools simulating friendship and restrict student use on graded assignments unless permitted (parents must be notified), with schools required to adopt guidelines by July 1 for the 2027-2028 school year.

The University of Florida has unveiled plans to build an 18-hole championship golf course covering over 500 acres off Parker Road in West Gainesville.

The facility, named the Evans UF Golf Club (honoring donor Ed Evans), will host competitions and support UF/IFAS research in turf and water management.

Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward plans to conserve 1,000 more acres and add 1,000 affordable homes before he leaves office in 2031 (after nearly 2,000 acres were conserved in nine years).

The city will use tree ordinance funds to target creekside lands while completing the Hogtown Creek greenway.

Florida Gators junior Alec Rothe recorded a school-high hitting percentage of .909 (beating the previous record from 2011) in Sunday's game against the Troy Trojans, and she currently has 36 blocks and 63 kills this season.

The team will face Florida State today and Jacksonville on Wednesday.

The Gators cross country teams will travel to Terre Haute to compete at the John McNichols Invitational on Saturday; the women start at 8:30 a.m. and the men's race begins at 9:05 a.m. after strong showings in a recent meet.

Florida basketball will host two exhibition games later this month, playing Baylor on Oct.

18 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Stadium and Stetson on Oct. 27 at the Stephen O’Connell Center. Season ticket holders for the Stetson game can claim complimentary tickets while Baylor tickets are on sale.

The Eastside Rams meet Gainesville High today at 7 p.m. at Citizens Field as both teams host a renewed local rivalry; coach Harold (Gator) Hoskins said his team will focus on mistake-free, quick plays to build on last week’s win.

Florida football is set for its SEC opener at Auburn on Saturday at 7 p.m. on ESPN with key players - QB Aaron Philo, RB Jadan Baugh, WR Vernell Brown III, LB Myles Graham and CB J'Vari Flowers aiming to end a road losing streak.