🌱 How scammers drained over $1,000 from one Alachua resident’s account

Good morning to you Alachua! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How scammers drained over $1,000 from one Alachua resident’s account
• How a new literacy hub could change reading in Alachua County
• Which Alachua schools improved—and which landed in turnaround status?

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Deborah J.!

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the Doctor ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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From our Partner
Today's Alachua Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Alachua Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Alachua.

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Weather forecast:

• Thursday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 90 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 92, low: 73.
• Saturday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 90 and low of 72 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

1. 4 scam reports filed in Alachua in June (ncfloridanews.com) — Alachua residents reported four scams to the Better Business Bureau in June 2026, after having none the previous month, with losses totaling just over $2,000. Tech-support schemes were the most common, including one case where a caller posing as a Robinhood representative allegedly drained more than $1,000 from a local bank account.
   

2. Alachua County Reads collaborative literacy initiative takes big steps forward (alachuachronicle.com) — Alachua County Reads is ramping up a countywide literacy push that now includes a new Virtual Literacy Hub and expanded tutoring for children and adults through Alachua County Public Schools and community partners. Backed by county and Children’s Trust funding, the effort supports K–3 teachers, boosts school readiness, and grows adult literacy options. Local leaders say they want every Alachua County resident ready to read, work, and thrive.
   

3. School Board of Alachua County reviews 2025-26 school grades, learning gaps (mainstreetdailynews.com) — Alachua County’s school board just reviewed new 2025–26 school grades, celebrating gains at several campuses while flagging four elementary schools that will remain or enter state turnaround status. District data show strong improvement in secondary reading but significant gaps in math and between white, Black, and disabled students. Leaders discussed adding math support, partnering with UF, and reversing controversial teacher reassignments for 25 educators.
   

4. State implements new septic system requirements (alachuachronicle.com) — New septic rules now apply in parts of Alachua County, requiring advanced nitrogen-reducing systems in several local basins and offering rebates up to $16,000 for eligible upgrades. If your property lies in the Silver or Santa Fe basins, these changes could affect your septic plans and budget, so checking the online map and rebate form is important.
   

5. Alachua non-profits with the highest government grant revenue in 2024 (ncfloridanews.com) — Nonprofits based in Alachua led by Foundation For Applied Molecular Evolution, brought in the highest reported government grant revenue in 2024, with nearly $2.9 million in grants. A new ranking of three local organizations breaks down how much of their total revenue comes from government support and how their assets and contributions are changing.
   

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📸 Around Alachua

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Alachua

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Friday August 7

• Dinosaur Scavenger Hunts!
  Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch -
• UF IFAS Presents: Plant Propagation
  Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch - Meeting Room
  10:00 am

Saturday August 8

• Dinosaur Scavenger Hunts!
  Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch -
• Saturday Story Time
  Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch - Meeting Room
  11:00 am
• Financial Wellness: Considering Home Ownership
  Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch - Learning Center
  1:00 pm
• Back to School Bash
  Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch - Meeting Room
  2:30 pm

Sunday August 9

• Dinosaur Scavenger Hunts!
  Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch -
• Reiki Circle
  Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch - Meeting Room
  3:00 pm

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🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday August 6

• Fantastic Florida Spiders
  Newberry Branch Library Newberry Branch - Meeting Room
  4:00 pm

Saturday August 8

• Spanish for Kids
  Newberry Branch Library Newberry Branch - Meeting Room
  11:00 am
• Journey of Chad's Mission 2nd Annual Back-To-School Giveaway →
  Freddie Warmack Park, 24505 Newberry Ln, Newberry
  12:00 pm
• Florida Gators Soccer vs Florida International (Exhibition)
  University of Florida Athletics Gainesville, FL, Donald R. Dizney Stadium
  4:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Wendy's posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Alachua. Apply here.
• State of Florida posted a job opening for Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) - AmeriCorps Non-native Plant Terminators (A.N.T.) in Alachua. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Alachua here.

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Ok Alachua! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because he felt CRUMMY ! (Thank you Michelle S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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