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Vol. 1 · No. 95 · Thursday, August 6, 2026
Sports
UF football began fall camp with Jon Sumrall leading the program for the first time as head coach, with the team emphasizing growth and cohesion heading into the new season. Sumrall also added specialist coach Greg McMahon to his staff, a hire attributed to the coach’s persistent recruiting efforts.
Sources: The Gainesville Sun · Mainstreet Daily News
Environment
Colorado State University’s August outlook projects nine named storms, four hurricanes, and one major hurricane for the 2026 Atlantic season, making it among the quietest in more than ten years. The Gainesville Sun reports that Florida’s odds of a direct strike have also fallen, with only seven additional named storms expected for the remainder of the season.
Sources: WUFT News · The Gainesville Sun
Environment
Florida has enacted updated septic system requirements affecting portions of Alachua County, aimed at improving water quality and reducing nitrogen pollution. The new rules represent a state-level regulatory change with direct implications for county residents who rely on onsite sewage systems.
Sources: Alachua County · Mainstreet Daily News
Business
Brick & Copper, a Newberry restaurant, has generated a mixed community response over a 16% service charge that owner James Parris says is listed on the menu and distributed to both servers and kitchen staff. Some customers, including at least one who spoke publicly, say the fee was not made sufficiently clear before they sat down to eat. Parris argues the practice mirrors longstanding industry norms, comparing it to automatic gratuities restaurants have long added for large parties.
Sources: WCJB TV20
Four candidates — Donna Bradbrook, Tina Certain, Charlie Jackson, and Byran Williams — are competing for the Alachua County Commission District 2 seat being vacated by Marihelen Wheeler, who is not seeking re-election. The race marks the first universal primary in an Alachua County commission contest, allowing all registered voters regardless of party affiliation to participate, with the winner advancing unopposed in November. Growth management and local control are among the key issues separating the candidates.
Sources: WCJB TV20
In Brief
In Brief
In Brief
In Brief
In Brief
In Brief
Florida Democrats are days away from a primary that analysts say will signal the party’s direction, with the U.S. Senate race between Rep. Angie Nixon and retired Col. Alex Vindman serving as the clearest test of progressive versus establishment leanings. The winner will face Sen. Ashley Moody, a Republican appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis who previously served as state attorney general and is considered a heavy favorite in November.
Sources: WCJB TV20
In Brief
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