Coffee in hand, Gainesville? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Alberto Lombardi and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: Where is the worst place to hide in a hospital ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. A student's guide to navigating Gainesville without a car - The Independent Florida Alligator (alligator.org) — New and returning UF students without cars can still navigate Gainesville easily using scooters, bikes, RTS buses and campus shuttles. This guide breaks down local scooter rentals, bike costs, bus schedules, helpful transit apps and UF's nighttime SNAP service so you can choose the option that best fits your budget, schedule and safety needs.
2. Alachua County schools deploy wearable alert devices for staff (wcjb.com) — Alachua County Public Schools, based in Gainesville, are rolling out new wearable Raptor alert badges so trained staff can quickly notify administrators and law enforcement during emergencies. The small devices, worn on lanyards, trigger a response when pressed three times. District officials say all employees will be trained, adding another layer of protection for students and staff on local campuses.
3. Gainesville blacksmith explains craft, history and her own passion (wuft.org) — A Gainesville-based blacksmith and artist, Leslie Tharp, is forging contemporary metal sculptures using tools like an induction forge and a self-built CNC plasma cutter. After discovering the craft post-UF graduation, she's installed pieces in public spaces around the city, blending traditional techniques with modern technology to shape Gainesville's visual landscape.
4. Mainstreet's Johnson, Hamman to wed (mainstreetdailynews.com) — Two familiar Mainstreet reporters, Seth Johnson and Lillian Hamman, are officially engaged after a proposal at UF's Natural Area Teaching Laboratory in Gainesville. Their relationship grew through shared reporting, Gainesville trails and landmarks, and long conversations after Hamman moved from North Carolina to join the newsroom. Readers may recognize their bylines from covering local meetings, parks, and everyday community life.
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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: In the ICU (Thank you Donna M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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