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Good morning, Gainesville! ☀️ It's a steamy 90-degree Sunday with just a 23% chance of rain, though afternoon thunderstorms build back in by midweek.
Another buzzing week in North Central Florida, with football season ramping up and a calendar stacked from blues at a historic cultural center to goat yoga out in Archer. Whether you're catching Free Fridays at Bo Diddley Plaza or tracking what City Hall and the Sheriff's Office are doing, we've got your local pulse covered.
Here's what's making waves this week:
🚨 Manhunt continues - Deputies are still searching for attempted-murder suspect Adrion Flowers, with a $5,000 reward for tips.
🏘️ $25 million for Lake Terrace and Pine Meadows - A federal HUD grant rebuilds the east Gainesville neighborhoods with 180 new housing units.
💰 Your GRU bill is shifting - Stormwater and trash fees move onto your November property tax bill.
🐊 Gators season opener week - Pep rallies and the Waldo Sweet Potato Festival lead into Saturday's Campbell kickoff at The Swamp.
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-Your Neighbor
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
[PUBLIC SAFETY]
Alachua County deputies still searching for attempted murder suspect
What this means: A $5,000 reward is active for information on Adrion Flowers, wanted since the Aug. 24 shooting in Alachua County; tips route to Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867.
Alachua County Sheriff's Office is offering a $5,000 reward for tips leading to the arrest of Adrion Flowers, wanted since an Aug. 24 shooting.
Here's what to know:
Flowers, 27, faces attempted murder and firearm charges from the Aug. 24 shooting and was still at large as of Sept. 3.
He may be driving a black Dodge Durango with a red stripe; deputies say his location remains unknown across Alachua County.
Report tips to ACSO's Warrants Bureau at 352-367-4138 or Crime Stoppers of North Central Florida at 352-372-7867 (anonymous, $5,000 reward).
[ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT]
Gainesville lands $25 million federal grant to rebuild Lake Terrace and Pine Meadows
What this means: HUD's $25 million Choice Neighborhoods grant funds 180 new housing units in Lake Terrace and Pine Meadows, building on the city's 2023 planning grant.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Gainesville $25 million to redevelop Lake Terrace and Pine Meadows into 180 new housing units.
Here's what to know:
HUD's $25 million Choice Neighborhoods grant follows the city's 2023 planning grant, one of 13 awarded nationally that year.
The money rebuilds Lake Terrace and Pine Meadows into 180 housing units near the ELITE Force Training Center in east Gainesville.
Community surveys shaped the plan, prioritizing safer road crossings and new grocery and banking options for the redevelopment area.
[MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS]
Gainesville moves stormwater and trash fees to your November property tax bill
What this means: Starting with November 2026 property tax bills, Gainesville shifts stormwater and solid waste fees off monthly GRU bills; customers outside city limits see no change.
Gainesville will move stormwater and solid waste charges from monthly GRU bills to an annual special assessment on November 2026 property tax bills.
Here's what to know:
The new special assessment appears on November 2026 property tax bills, covering the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.
GRU customers outside Gainesville city limits already pay for garbage through county property taxes and see no change.
GRU will also cap standard billing periods at 31 days; electric, gas and water charges stay on the regular monthly bill.
[PUBLIC SAFETY]
Gainesville police and Alachua County deputies shut off license plate readers after state order
What this means: Gainesville police suspended all Flock-style cameras Sept. 3 at 3 p.m., and Alachua County is removing 27 of its 42 readers, cutting a tool investigators used to solve crimes.
Gainesville Police suspended all license plate reader cameras Sept. 3, and Alachua County Sheriff's deputies are removing 27 units, following a state order.
Here's what to know:
Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya suspended citywide Flock camera use effective Sept. 3 at 3 p.m., following Gov. DeSantis's removal order.
Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott is taking down 27 readers, leaving the county with 15 cameras outside the Flock system.
Chief Moya says the cameras helped solve crimes and emergencies; the city commission revisits the policy at its Oct. 8 meeting.
Quick updates
City commission moves to erase historic buffers near University Heights - Gainesville commissioners voted 5-1 Aug. 28 to eliminate historic buffer rules near University Heights, directing staff to draft a replacement ordinance by January 2027. - Read more
Newberry standoff ends peacefully after nine hours - Newberry man Earnest Coleman, 44, surrendered Sept. 2 after a nine-hour SWAT standoff at CountryWay TownSquare over an alleged elderly assault. - Read more
UF names new veterinary college dean - UF named Dr. Chris Adin dean of its College of Veterinary Medicine effective Sept. 4, promoting the school's longtime executive associate dean. - Read more
Ben & Jerry's returns to Alachua County - Ben & Jerry's opened its first Alachua County scoop shop in over a decade at Jonesville's Steeplechase Plaza, 14128 W Newberry Rd. - Read more
📅 THIS WEEK IN GAINESVILLE
Must-Attend Events
🏈 Florida Gators Football vs. Campbell - Saturday, September 12, 5:30 PM (SECN+) · Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 157 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville
The Gators host the Fighting Camels for the first time in program history; expect the usual 90,000-fan gameday traffic squeeze all around campus. 📅 Add to calendar
🍖 Ribs & R&B Festival - Saturday, September 12, 2:00-8:00 PM · The Oaks Mall, 6419 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville
Free admission and parking for a day of slow-smoked barbecue, live R&B performances and local vendors at the mall's outdoor plaza. 📅 Add to calendar
🏅 25th Annual HCA Florida Healthcare Gainesville Senior Games - Weekend 1 - September 11-13 · Alachua County Sports & Events Center, 4870 Celebration Pointe Ave, Gainesville (plus venues countywide)
Hundreds of athletes 50 and older compete in archery, cycling, golf, pickleball, swimming, track and more across eight Gainesville-area venues in this milestone 25th edition. 📅 Add to calendar
🍠 Waldo Sweet Potato Festival - Saturday, September 12, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM · Waldo City Square, 14450 NE 148th Ave, Waldo
The second annual small-town festival celebrates the region's sweet potato farming heritage with food, entertainment and a car show, free to attend. 📅 Add to calendar
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
🎷 Jimmy Buffett Fest - Sunday, September 6, 3:00-7:00 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville
Local musicians pay tribute to the hometown legend with tropical-inspired sets; proceeds benefit Save the Manatee Club. 📅 Add to calendar
🎺 Blues by Sheba and Dr. Jules - Sunday, September 6, 6:45-9:00 PM · A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, 1013 NW 7th Ave, Gainesville
A blues performance at the historic museum and cultural center honoring Gainesville's first Black school principal. 📅 Add to calendar
🪕 Old-Time Pickin' Party - Tuesday, September 8, 6:30-9:00 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville
An open old-time and bluegrass jam session on the south Main district soundstage. 📅 Add to calendar
🎸 Free Porch Sessions - Wednesday, September 9, 6:30-9:30 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville
A free weekly acoustic set on Heartwood's porch, open to all ages. 📅 Add to calendar
🎧 Snow Strippers with evilgiane, nation and hopper1000 - Friday, September 11, 7:15-9:15 PM · Heartwood Soundstage, 619 S Main St, Gainesville
Touring EDM and electropop acts headline the south Main district soundstage. 📅 Add to calendar
🌴 Funk, Soul and Reggae by The Head Tones - Levitt AMP Alachua Concert Series - Friday, September 11, 6:00-9:00 PM · Skinner Park, 15100 NW 142nd Terrace, Alachua
Free live music and food trucks come to Skinner Park in Alachua as part of the Levitt AMP concert series. 📅 Add to calendar
🎺 Jazz-Funk by Mode 7 - Friday, September 11, 7:00-9:00 PM · Cypress & Grove Brewing Company, 1001 NW 4th St, Gainesville
Live jazz-funk from local group Mode 7 on the brewery's taproom patio in downtown Gainesville. 📅 Add to calendar
👪 Family-Friendly
🔧 Free Fix It Clinic at Gainesville Hackerspace - Saturday, September 12, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM · Gainesville Hackerspace, 4101 NW 6th St, Gainesville
Bring broken household items and small appliances for free hands-on repair help from local volunteers. 📅 Add to calendar
🎃 Great Halloween Costume Sale by Dance Alive - Saturday, September 12, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM · Pofahl Studios, 1325 NW 2nd St, Gainesville
A community costume and dancewear sale benefiting the local ballet company, open to all ages. 📅 Add to calendar
🎒 Kids and Teens Saturday: Back to School Bookmarks and Backpack Charms - Saturday, September 12, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM · Pinspiration Gainesville, 1132 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville
A drop-in craft workshop for kids and teens making bookmarks and backpack charms. 📅 Add to calendar
📚 40 Years of Library Service Craft Programs - Sunday, September 6 - Saturday, September 12 (times vary by branch) · Alachua County Library District branches countywide, incl. Hawthorne (6640 SE 221 St, Hawthorne), Tower Road (3020 SW 75th St, Gainesville), Waldo (14998 US Hwy 301, Waldo) and Micanopy (706 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy)
Free anniversary craft drop-ins celebrating four decades of county library service, rotating through branches all week. 📅 Add to calendar
🏃 Sports & Fitness
🏐 Florida Gators Volleyball vs. Miami - Wednesday, September 9, 8:00-10:00 PM · Exactech Arena, Stephen C. O'Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville
The Gators host in-state rival Miami in a non-conference volleyball match. 📅 Add to calendar
🏐 Florida Gators Volleyball vs. Florida Atlantic - Friday, September 11, 7:00-9:00 PM · Exactech Arena, Stephen C. O'Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville
A second home volleyball match this week against FAU ahead of the football pep rally across town. 📅 Add to calendar
🐊 CHOMP the Block Gator Football Pep Rally & Block Party - Friday, September 11, 5:30-9:30 PM · Celebration Pointe, 3528 SW 45th St, Gainesville
Free pregame block party the night before kickoff, with live music, food trucks, a Kids Zone and mascot appearances; wear orange and blue. 📅 Add to calendar
🏈 Swamp Head Brewery Football Friday: Campbell Watch Party - Friday, September 11, 12:00 PM-11:00 PM · Swamp Head Brewery, 3650 SW 42nd Ave, Gainesville
An all-day taproom watch party leading into Saturday's Gators season opener at home. 📅 Add to calendar
🚲 Summer Fun Series at High Springs BMX - Saturday, September 12, 6:30-9:30 PM · High Springs BMX, NW 2nd St, High Springs
BMX racing open to all skill levels at the county's High Springs track. 📅 Add to calendar
🏋️ Open Gym at Easton Newberry Sports Complex - Saturday, September 12, 8:00 AM-3:30 PM · Easton Newberry Sports Complex, 24880 NW 16th Ave, Newberry
Open-use gym hours for archery and general recreation at the county's sports tourism complex. 📅 Add to calendar
🎨 Arts & Culture
🎭 "Come From Away" Musical Opening Weekend - Sunday, September 6 (matinee, 3:00-5:00 PM); Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12 (evenings, 8:00-10:00 PM) · Star Center Theatre, 11 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville
The Tony-winning musical about strangers grounded together on 9/11 opens its community-theater run this week. 📅 Add to calendar
🎭 "Antigone" Opens - Opens Friday, September 11 (closes September 27), 8:00-10:00 PM · Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, 3501 SW 2nd Ave, Ste. O, Gainesville
Sophocles' tragedy about personal conviction versus lawful authority opens its run at the downtown black-box theater. 📅 Add to calendar
🎭 "You Can't Take It With You" Opens - Opens Wednesday, September 9 (closes September 27), Wed-Fri 7:00-9:00 PM, Sat 2:00-5:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM · Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE 2nd Pl, Gainesville
The classic screwball comedy opens its Hippodrome mainstage run this week. 📅 Add to calendar
🖼️ Art After Dark Museum Nights: Noche de Museo - Thursday, September 10, 6:00-9:00 PM · Harn Museum of Art, 3259 Hull Rd, Gainesville
An evening exploring the Florida Highwaymen art movement with a curator-led tour, hands-on activities and a museum scavenger hunt; free admission. 📅 Add to calendar
📖 Amaris Castillo with "Bodega Stories" - Friday, September 11, 6:00-7:00 PM · The Lynx Books, 601 S Main St, Gainesville
A local author reading and discussion at the independent Depot Park-area bookstore. 📅 Add to calendar
🔬 "Invention of Cool" Exhibit - Final Weekends - Through Saturday, September 12, Wed-Sat 10:00 AM-4:00 PM · Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811 S Main St, Gainesville
Last chance to catch this hands-on science exhibit before it closes, included with museum admission. 📅 Add to calendar
🎭 Ripple Theatricals Presents "Into the Woods, Sr." Opening Weekend - Sunday, September 6 and Saturday, September 12, 2:00-4:00 PM · Ripple Theatricals, 5505 SW 63rd Blvd, Gainesville
A youth cast opens its run of the Sondheim fairy-tale mashup at the south Gainesville musical theater studio. 📅 Add to calendar
🎓 Education & Business
💰 GGYP Financial Literacy with First Federal Bank - Tuesday, September 8, 5:30-7:00 PM · Collier Companies, 220 N Main St, Gainesville
A Greater Gainesville Chamber Young Professionals program on personal finance basics presented by First Federal Bank. 📅 Add to calendar
🌀 Lunch & Learn: Business Resiliency After Disasters - Wednesday, September 9, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM · LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, 1221 NW 13th St, Gainesville
Speaker Brett Wallace walks small businesses through disaster-resiliency planning; $15 members / $25 future members, lunch included, registration required. 📅 Add to calendar
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
🐦 Birds and Brews Guided Bird Walk - Sunday, September 6, 5:45-7:30 PM · First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville
A free guided bird walk starting at the brewery, weather permitting. 📅 Add to calendar
🎗️ 2026 Sickle Cell Walk - A Journey - Monday, September 7, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM · Depot Park, 874 SE 4th St, Gainesville
A community fundraising walk supporting sickle cell disease awareness and research. 📅 Add to calendar
🐆 Wildlife Tours at Carson Springs - Monday, September 7, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM · Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, 8528 E County Road 225, Gainesville
A guided walking tour of the sanctuary's big cats and exotic animals, weather permitting outdoors. 📅 Add to calendar
🌳 Perspectives in the Parks: Connecting Communities with the Outdoors - Sunday, September 6, 1:00-2:00 PM · Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park, 1500 NW 45th Ave, Gainesville
A free ranger-led talk on community connections to the local outdoors. 📅 Add to calendar
🐐 Goat Yoga with Krazy Hearts Farm - Sunday, September 6, 10:00-11:00 AM · Krazy Hearts Farm, 14879 SW 79th Pl, Archer
A yoga session with friendly farm goats out in Archer; pre-registration recommended. 📅 Add to calendar
⌚️ Recurring Events
Free Fridays Concert Series - Every Friday, 7:00-9:00 PM, through September 25 - Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E University Ave, downtown Gainesville - this week's lineup is Wolf Face, Night Mayor & The Mermers; free, weather permitting.
Jazz on the Green Live Music Series - Every Saturday, 7:00-9:00 PM - Celebration Pointe, 3528 SW 45th St, Gainesville - free weekly outdoor jazz series.
The Meet Up jazz, blues and R&B nights - Every Friday and Saturday, 7:30 PM-1:00 AM - The Meet Up, 22 W University Ave, downtown Gainesville - rotating live acts.
Little Sparks at the Cade Museum - Sundays and Saturdays 10:15-11:00 AM, Thursdays 10:15-11:00 AM - Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, 811 S Main St, Gainesville - interactive science program for ages 0-5, included with admission, no registration.
Monday Night Rally Run Club - Every Monday, 6:30-8:00 PM - The Queens Arms Pub, 5323 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville - free community group run, all paces welcome.
Depot Park parkrun - Every Saturday, 7:30 AM - Depot Park, 874 SE 4th St, Gainesville - free, timed 5K walk/run, all fitness levels.
Haile Farmers Market - Every Saturday, 8:30 AM-Noon - Haile Village Center, 5213 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville - 50+ vendors since 1998; this week features a costumed pet parade.
Alachua County Farmers Market - Every Saturday, 8:30 AM-Noon - San Felasco Tech City, 13900 Tech City Circle, Alachua - producer-only farmers market.
City of Alachua Farmers Market on Main - Every Saturday, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM - Main Street Alachua, 15000 Bob Hitchcock's Main St, Alachua - local produce and crafts.
Archer Farmers Market at the Historic Depot - Every Tuesday, 3:00-7:00 PM - Archer Depot, 16994 SW 134th Ave, Archer - local vendors at the historic railroad depot.
Waldo Farmers & Flea Market - Every Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM - Waldo Farmers and Flea Market, 17805 NE US Hwy 301, Waldo - hundreds of vendor booths.
Swamp Head Brewery Trivia Night - Every Monday, 6:30-9:30 PM - Swamp Head Brewery, 3650 SW 42nd Ave, Gainesville - free weekly trivia.
Daft Cow Brewery Trivia and Bingo Nights - Trivia Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 PM, Bingo Tuesdays 6:30-8:00 PM - Daft Cow Brewery, 13800 Tech City Circle, Alachua - free weekly games.
Quick Hits
Camp Miasma (Jane Schoenbrun film) - One-night screening at the downtown art-house cinema, Sunday Sep 6, 3:30 PM - Hippodrome Cinema
"Tony" (Anthony Bourdain biopic comedy) - Screens Thursday Sep 10 and Saturday Sep 12 - Hippodrome Cinema
Blackadder Brewing Music Bingo - Free weekly bingo night, Thursday Sep 10, 7:00-8:30 PM - Blackadder Brewing Company
Fire & Flow Performances with Flint Blade - Fire spinning and flow arts show, Saturday Sep 12, 7:30 PM - Somewhere, 5402 SW 105th Ave
High Springs Historical Society Museum - Local history open house, Saturday Sep 12, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM - High Springs Historical Society Museum
Looking Ahead
Florida Gators Football vs. Ole Miss - SEC home game, Saturday, September 26 - Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
HCA Florida Healthcare Gainesville Senior Games - Weekend 2 - Second weekend of the 25th annual senior athletics competition, September 18-20 - Gainesville Sports Commission
Fabiola Mendez - UF Performing Arts season opens with this Puerto Rican cuatro virtuoso, Friday, September 18 - Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me exploring what's happening in Gainesville!
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See you around town,
-Your Neighbor
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