Hi there, Gainesville! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Alberto Lombardi and 3 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. 'Gainesville blooms': UF students return, mayor gives first assignment (mainstreetdailynews.com) — With UF students pouring back into town, Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward is urging newcomers to explore spots like Depot Park, downtown's evolving "foodie paradise," Thornebrook shops, Grove Street's Monday market, and Fourth Avenue Food Park. He says the student surge helps small businesses survive the slow summer and makes each Gator part of Gainesville's ongoing story.
2. Gainesville City Commission Approves $500K Grant Program for Streatery Upgrade (352today.com) — Downtown Gainesville businesses will soon be able to tap into a new $500,000 city grant program to upgrade storefronts and outdoor spaces around The Streatery. The Gainesville City Commission's General Policy Committee approved grants of up to $50,000 per address to boost walkability, dining, and events along Southwest First Avenue, with applications expected to open this fall.
3. See how Alachua County high schools fared in latest US News rankings (gainesville.com) — Families in Gainesville can see exactly how Buchholz, Gainesville High, Eastside, Loften and other Alachua County schools stack up in the new U.S. News rankings released today. Buchholz leads the county and cracks Florida's top 100, while several other local schools earn strong statewide and national placements that could influence school choices and community pride.
4. Gainesville logs 2 scam reports for week ending Aug. 8, 2026 (ncfloridanews.com) — Gainesville saw two scams reported to the Better Business Bureau for the week ending August 8, including a $150 loss tied to a shoddy online dress purchase. With fraud losses surging nationwide, residents are urged to use BBB Scam Tracker to research companies, report suspicious activity, and help neighbors avoid similar online purchase traps.
5. Child Advocacy Center celebrates 18th Annual Signature Fundraiser on October 22 (alachuachronicle.com) — Gainesville's Child Advocacy Center is gearing up for its 18th Annual Signature Fundraiser, "Gainesville Gone Home," on October 22 at Santa Fe River Ranch. The themed evening will support services for thousands of abused and neglected children across Alachua County, with dinner, music, auctions, and sponsorship and ticket options available now through the CAC's website.
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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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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