Good morning, Gainesville.

Sunny and Share Stems, a flower service started during COVID-19, is expanding into weddings as owner Nicole Germany secures two bridal bookings for next year and inquiries as far ahead as 2028.

Known for its signature Bloom Bar (a DIY bouquet experience), the business creates custom arrangements.

Tela Latin Grill will open its second location (at Butler Plaza next to Dave's Hot Chicken) in early December.

Founders Felipe Mayen and Gerhard Matamoros hope to attract more locals with their traditional Honduran dishes and a homey atmosphere like their first University Avenue spot.

Earlier this fall, 12 UF College of Journalism and Communications students went to New York Fashion Week to work behind the scenes at shows and network with professionals.

The CJCxNYC program (headed by Christine Bucan) offered hands-on experience in PR and production that enriched their career skills.

Local artists have begun painting at Evergreen Cemetery for 'The Art of Death' event — part of its 170th anniversary — and will submit entries for judging at the Thomas Center on Oct.

26, with a free award reception on Oct. 31.

WalletHub ranked Florida universities among the top 100 on its 2027 list, with the University of Florida placing 25th and Florida State University 48th.

The evaluation considered factors like student selectivity, career outcomes, and cost and financing.

UF president, honored to lead the school, announced plans to expand higher ed with a new campus and hospital that will open in the coming months while underscoring low tuition and high graduation rates as key factors (helping drive community progress).

UF’s new Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical and Health Sciences master’s program began this Fall at the Gainesville campus (28 students enrolled) as students from different fields learn to work with AI to improve healthcare and keep information clear.

Florida energy experts and environmental advocates worry that the EPA repeal of CO2 rules may lead to higher insurance costs + increased flood damage risks for communities near natural gas power plants.

Residents can submit their concerns on the rollbacks by Nov. 2 as legal challenges progress.

Gainesville residents will see their waste collection services change as a contract with GFL Environmental shifts billing from monthly bills to annual property tax and extends pickup to five days.

Rates vary by bin size (for example, 20-gal bins cost $30.68 monthly) and landlords must adjust leases accordingly.

Arbor offers affordable compounded GLP‑1 medications through its online telehealth service starting at $99 a month + free shipping.

Patients complete an online health assessment and consultation with a licensed provider before approved medication is delivered to their door in Gainesville.

UF Health opened its new Durbin Park Hospital (a 99-bed facility with a 24-hour emergency department built on 42.5 acres off State Road 9B) in northern St. Johns County on Sept.

22 to improve local access to quality care.

Florida's football program has added a key recruit, cornerback Raheem Floyd, one of 26 commitments in the (2027) class that ranks seventh nationally.

More visits and decisions are expected as Coach Sumrall builds a blue-chip team in Gainesville.

Florida football will play Texas on Saturday, Oct.

17 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The game airs on ABC at 12 p.m. ET with ESPN+ and FUBO offering live streaming.

On Friday, UF’s annual Homecoming Parade will roll down University Avenue at 6:30 a.m. after eight months of student planning, and the event will bring together students, alumni, and local residents to celebrate Gator pride ahead of Saturday’s game.

Florida's Gators will face No. 6 Texas on Saturday, Oct.

17 at 12 p.m. ET at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. The game will broadcast on ABC and stream on ESPN+ and FUBO.