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Vol. 1 · No. 97 · Sunday, August 9, 2026

The Gainesville Ledger

Arts & Culture

Gainesville artist Sarah Hinds chosen to create public artwork for new GPD building

Local artist Sarah Hinds was selected through a competitive, community-informed process to create a 5-by-10-foot fencing installation called “Common Light” for the Gainesville Police Department’s new Property and Evidence Building. The piece features circular forms evoking citrus slices, bicycle wheels, and sunlight, with flowing bands referencing pathways and rail lines. Hinds, a University of Florida graduate, will collaborate with the city’s Cultural Affairs office and GPD through completion, estimated for mid-2027.

Sources: Mainstreet Daily News · City of Gainesville · WCJB TV20

Environment

Inland thunderstorms and dangerous rip currents expected across Florida this weekend

High pressure east of Florida is pushing east winds onto the Peninsula, fueling inland afternoon thunderstorms while driving southerly winds that are pushing temperatures higher across the Panhandle. Rip Current Statements are in place along all Atlantic beaches through Saturday, with forecasters warning of elevated wave heights that could pose hazards for beachgoers.

Sources: WUFT News

Sports

Jones Jr. and Philo battle for Florida football’s starting QB spot in fall camp

Two quarterbacks, Jones Jr. and Philo, have been competing for the starting position with the Florida Gators since January and continue that rivalry as fall camp gets underway. Multiple outlets report the competition remains unresolved heading into the season, with the two players building a relationship off the field while pushing each other on it.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · The Independent Florida Alligator

City

In Brief

Education

In Brief

Public Safety

Alachua police make arrests after drunk driver, stolen gun found in July traffic stop

Alachua police released footage Friday of a July 26 stop on US 441 in which officers rammed a swerving, speeding vehicle that refused to pull over. Driver Graham Foster had been coming from a local bar, while passenger Homer Wiggins was found carrying a firearm reported stolen just hours before the incident. Criminal charges are moving forward against both individuals.

Sources: WCJB TV20

GPD arrests Gainesville man on 10 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material

The Gainesville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit arrested Anthony T. Leslie, 36, after receiving tips that a Google account was being used to store child sexual abuse material. Leslie told investigators they would find around 500 files on his phone; deputies ultimately recovered nearly 800 images. He now faces ten counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Business

In Brief

Sports

In Brief

Environment

In Brief

Community

In Brief

State & National

Five Democrats compete for Florida House District 21 seat in Aug. 18 primary

Five Democratic candidates are seeking to fill the State House District 21 seat being vacated by Rep. Yvonne Hinson, who is not running for re-election. Voters in both Alachua and Marion counties will decide the primary on August 18. Among the candidates, Antione Fields has highlighted universal healthcare access as a central issue, while Xaiver Monroe entered politics as a teenager.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Florida Amendment 3 could shift tax burden from homeowners to renters, groups warn

A proposed Florida constitutional amendment that would raise the homestead property tax exemption applies only to property owners, leaving renters unprotected, according to advocacy groups opposing the measure. Save Our Services, a group fighting Amendment 3, argues that local governments would compensate for lost revenue by increasing taxes on rental properties, costs that landlords would pass on to tenants. A judge has also ordered the amendment’s ballot language to be rewritten after ruling the original wording was defective.

Read both sides →

Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

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