🌱 How a new grant-funded manager could reshape Gainesville’s economic opportunities

Hello Gainesville! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How a new grant-funded manager could reshape Gainesville’s economic opportunities
• How did Gainesville’s youth rowers earn three spots at Nationals?
• How Gainesville researchers are using satellites to make beach driving safer

Today's riddle: what do you call a rabbit with fleas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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From our Partner
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Find a T-Mobile store near Gainesville.

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Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: A stray afternoon t-storm, with a high of 83 and low of 65 degrees.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 89, low: 56. 🌶 Hot!
• Friday: Sunny with low humidity, with a high of 88 and low of 63 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

1. Grant-funded manager to lead Gainesville economic mobility efforts (gainesville.com) — Gainesville has hired a grant-funded economic mobility program manager to focus on helping residents in underserved neighborhoods access better jobs, training, and financial tools. Backed by a multi-year Gates Foundation–supported grant, Eric Estevez will coordinate across city departments and community partners, especially around ongoing projects in East Gainesville and downtown, aiming to make Gainesville a statewide model for opportunity.
   

2. Gainesville Area Rowing qualifies 3 boats for USRowing Youth National Championships (alachuachronicle.com) — Gainesville Area Rowing has qualified three boats for the USRowing Youth National Championships after standout performances at the Southeast regional regatta. The program, founded in Gainesville and now training on Lake Santa Fe, is also inviting local middle and high schoolers to join its summer Learn to Row camp and build on this momentum.
   

3. UF research uses satellite imagery to assess beach vehicle safety (wcjb.com) — UF researchers in Gainesville are using high-resolution satellite imagery to figure out which sandy beach areas can safely support vehicles, especially during emergencies. Their work, backed by the Office of Naval Research, could improve evacuation routes, search-and-rescue efforts, and public awareness about where it’s safe to drive along complex coastlines.
   

4. North Florida water project canceled after senator calls for new approach (wcjb.com) — A regional water project that could have affected Gainesville’s water resources has been halted after State Sen. Corey Simon urged planners to rethink their approach. The Water First North Florida Project, which aimed to pump reclaimed Jacksonville water into the Floridan Aquifer, now lacks funding as local leaders in Union and Columbia counties push for a safer, more complete plan.
   

5. This Quiet Florida Town Feels Like A Step Back In Time (southernliving.com) — If you’re looking for an easy escape from Gainesville, nearby Micanopy offers a tiny, historic downtown packed with antique shops, cafes, and tree-lined streets that feel frozen in time. Just minutes away, you’ll also find nature preserves, Paynes Prairie, and cozy stays like the Herlong Mansion for a relaxed weekend close to home.
   

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📸 Around Gainesville

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📣 Gainesville Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday May 13

• Artful Adventures & Hidden Clues
  Archer Branch Library Archer Branch -
  2:00 pm
• Read with a Dog
  Alachua Branch - Snuggle-Up Center
  2:15 pm
• Teen / Tween Book Club
  Alachua Branch - Learning Center
  3:00 pm
• W.A.C.K.Y. Wednesdays
  Alachua Branch - Meeting Room
  3:00 pm

Thursday May 14

• Story Time
  Alachua Branch - Meeting Room
  10:30 am
• ArtSpace: Popsicle Stick Weaving
  Waldo Branch - ARTspace
  4:00 pm

Friday May 15

• Micanopy Craft 'n' Quilt
  Micanopy Branch - Dance Hall
  10:00 am
• Stitch & Chat
  Alachua Branch - Meeting Room
  2:00 pm
• Clay Brooker @ Daft Cow Brewery - Alachua, FL. →
  Daft Cow Brewery, 13800 Tech City Cir Suite 100, Alachua
  6:00 pm

Saturday May 16

• Saturday Story Time
  Waldo Branch - Meeting Room
  11:00 am
• Family Art Time
  Waldo Branch - ARTspace
  11:30 am
• Beekeeping 101
  Micanopy Branch - Dance Hall
  2:00 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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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Swap your lawn for a "Mowable Meadow.
  " https://www.realsimple.com/mowable-meadows-trend-11968573 Save money and help improve the environment. Best of all, if you use any of a long… (Nextdoor Blues Creek)
• Does anyone know this van and it's driver?
  He pulled up into our yard with me outside before, like to scare me. Comes into the neighborhood at random and even teens go opposite of it when they… (Nextdoor Duval Heights)

• CROM posted a job opening for Sr Accounts Payable Specialist in Gainesville. Apply here.
• Target posted a job opening for Overnight Inbound (Stocking) (T0687) in Gainesville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Gainesville here.

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Ok Gainesville! 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: Bugs Bunny ! (Thank you bruce A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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