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š± Thinking about a pet? Mark your calendar for free adoptions.
Alachua, Florida Patch AM: a 5 min readGreetings Alachua! Weāre your go-to source for whatās happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! āļøļø
In today's newsletter:
- Thinking about a pet? Mark your calendar for free adoptions.
- Is your childās school on the new free-meals list?
- Want a new nearby trail to explore this weekend?
Also on today's calendar: Stitch & Dish and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What is seen in the middle of March and April that canāt be seen at the beginning or end of either month? š¤ (Answer below!)
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 SpeedtestĀ®. Based on analysis by OoklaĀ® of Speedtest IntelligenceĀ® 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.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 93 and low of 73 degrees. š¶ Hot!
- Thursday: An afternoon thunderstorm, temps: high: 93, low: 72.
- Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 93 and low of 73 degrees.
š° News we're reading
1. Animal Resources to host Annual Summer Lovin' Adopt-A-Thon (alachuachronicle.com) ā Alachua County Animal Resources is preparing a massive free pet adoption event, the Summer Lovin' Adopt-A-Thon, on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the county shelter in Gainesville. Hundreds of cats and dogs will go home spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and fully vetted, giving local families a low-cost way to adopt while easing summer crowding at the shelter. 
Ā Ā Ā 
2. These Alachua County Schools Qualify for Federal Free Meal Program for 2026-27 School Year (352today.com) ā Families in Alachua County should know that 23 local schools, including Alachua Elementary and several charters, will offer free breakfast and lunch to all students next school year through a federal program. Other schools still require families to meet income guidelines and submit applications for free or reduced-price meals, which can be completed online or via paper forms available at schools. Ā Ā Ā
3. Little Lake Santa Fe Preserve is now open to visitors (alachuachronicle.com) ā Alachua County residents can now explore the new 69-acre Little Lake Santa Fe Preserve near Waldo, featuring a mile-long multiuse trail and protected shoreline within the Santa Fe River headwaters. Managed by the county under a long-term state lease, the preserve safeguards wildlife habitat and water resources while offering daily access for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature viewing. Ā Ā Ā
4. Florida cyclosporiasis cases up to 60: Here's where, when, latest updates (fox35orlando.com) ā Alachua County has reported one confirmed or suspected case of cyclosporiasis so far this year, as Floridaās total climbs to at least 60 cases, mostly in June. Health officials explain that this foodborne parasite, often linked to contaminated produce or water, can cause severe diarrhea but is rarely life-threatening, and they urge careful washing and handling of fresh fruits and vegetables. Ā Ā Ā
šø Around Alachua
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
š
Upcoming Events in
Alachua
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
ā Featured events ā
-
Community Resource Navigator ā
Alachua Branch | Alachua County Library District, 14913 NW 140th St, Alachua
11:00 am
Thursday July 16
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Dinosaur Scavenger Hunts!
Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch - -
Community Resource Navigator
Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch - Learning Center
11:00 am -
Battle of the Books- Practice
Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch - Meeting Room
3:00 pm -
Stitch & Dish ā
Tower Road Branch | Alachua County Library District, 3020 SW 75th St, Gainesville
5:00 pm -
Dinosaur Scavenger Hunts!
Alachua Branch Library Alachua Branch - -
Stitch & Chat ā
Alachua Branch | Alachua County Library District, 14913 NW 140th St, Alachua
2:00 pm -
TinkerSpace ā
Millhopper Branch | Alachua County Library District, 3145 NW 43rd St, Gainesville
2:00 pm
Thursday July 16
Friday July 17
š£ Alachua Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
š Events Nearby
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Read With a Dog ā
High Springs Branch | Alachua County Library District, 23779 US-27, High Springs
3:30 pm -
High Springs Farmers Market ā
High Springs Farmers Market, 23517 NW 185th Rd, High Springs
3:00 pm -
Summer at the Library: Quite a Catch ā
High Springs Branch | Alachua County Library District, 23779 US-27, High Springs
3:00 pm -
Jasper Smitty Project - High Springs Lions Club ā
High Springs Lions Club, 26900 W U.S. Hwy 27, High Springs
6:00 pm
Wednesday July 15
Friday July 17
Saturday July 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
š¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Are you missing two little black puppies?
I have pictures, please reach out! They are at the playground area of Turkey Creek in the back (Nextdoor Turkey Creek) - Are you missing two little puppies??
Spotted at the playground in Turkey Creek and wouldnāt let us near them. Iām really afraid they ran towards San Felasco Forest. I went back out on myā¦ (Nextdoor Turkey Creek)
- Sandvik, Inc. posted a job opening for Quality Manager in Alachua. Apply here.
- Dollar Tree Family Dollar - Dollar Tree, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service Associate I in Alachua. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Alachua here.
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: The letter āR.ā (Thank you Manuela A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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