Sunday, July 12, 2026 · The Gainesville Ledger

Vol. 1 · No. 72 · Sunday, July 12, 2026

Environment

Thunderstorms knock out power to more than 13,000 Alachua County customers

Severe thunderstorms swept through North Central Florida on Saturday evening, cutting power to more than 13,000 customers in Alachua County at the storm’s peak and knocking out service to thousands more across neighboring counties. Downed trees blocked intersections in Gainesville, including on 34th Street near Zion Lutheran Church, while Ocala fire crews spent hours clearing roads around damaged power lines. By late Sunday night, more than a thousand customers in the region remained without power.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Sports

UF’s Liam Peterson selected No. 19 overall by Cleveland Guardians in MLB Draft

Florida Gators right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson was chosen by the Cleveland Guardians with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Peterson becomes one of the highest-drafted Gator pitchers in recent years, heading to a major-league organization directly from Gainesville.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · The Independent Florida Alligator

Education

School board candidates debate charter schools, rezoning at Democratic forum

Candidates vying for two open Alachua County School Board seats appeared at a community forum organized by the Alachua County Democratic Party ahead of the August 18 election. Discussions centered on the role of charter schools versus traditional public schools, the future of magnet programs, and school rezoning. The District 1 race is for an open seat following longtime member Tina Certain’s decision to run for Alachua County Commission instead.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Public Safety

Woman fatally struck at High Springs intersection Saturday afternoon

A 69-year-old woman from Sarasota died Saturday after a pickup truck collided with her SUV while she was stopped at the intersection of Main Street and Northwest 174th Avenue in High Springs. The crash happened around 12:45 p.m., and she was taken to a hospital where she later died. The intersection was closed for several hours following the collision, according to state troopers.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Community

Gainesville mango festival proceeds despite tough growing season, UF expert says

A mango-themed community festival took place in Gainesville on Saturday, even as a University of Florida tropical fruit specialist noted this year’s season was shorter and less fruitful than usual. Extension agent Jeff Wasielewski said a winter freeze damaged trees and killed young fruit early in the season, and a prolonged dry period then led to powdery mildew attacking mango flowers. The combination pushed the season earlier than normal and left far less fruit on trees by the time of the event.

Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

Gainesville community rallies at cancer awareness event to honor those affected — WUFT News
Free fix-it clinic helps Gainesville residents repair household items at no charge — WUFT News
Philadelphia Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell brings youth football camp to Williston — WCJB TV20
Gainesville hosts youth financial literacy summit for middle and high schoolers — WCJB TV20
Young game designers showcase original creations at Cade Museum — The Gainesville Sun

State & National

In Brief

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after sudden illness — The Gainesville Sun