Friday, August 21, 2026 · The Gainesville Ledger

Vol. 1 · No. 108 · Friday, August 21, 2026

Education

Alachua County School Board hires Nebraska firm for superintendent search

The Alachua County School Board voted to contract with Omaha-based McPherson and Jacobson, LLC for a national superintendent search at a cost of $47,200, which includes a redo of the search within the first two years if the selected candidate does not work out. The district expects to complete the search and make a final selection before the end of the year, followed by a six-month transition period. Interim Superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton’s contract runs through next June.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20 · Mainstreet Daily News

State & National

Three dead, including two teens, in Lake City hit-and-run; driver arrested

A weekend crash on U.S. Highway 90 in Lake City has claimed three lives after 15-year-old Mae Waters died at the hospital on Wednesday, joining 16-year-old Mya Raulerson and 44-year-old Bonnie Jean Welker. Investigators say 31-year-old Jaron Carr was driving an F-150 at high speed when it struck a turning minivan at the intersection of Northwest Centurion Court, then fled the scene before being located at a nearby hotel. Carr faces charges including leaving the scene of a crash and driving with a suspended license, and also has active warrants from Brevard County and Missouri.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · Mainstreet Daily News

Education

UF terminates Krishna Lunch campus agreement months after truck struck student

The University of Florida has formally revoked all campus privileges for Krishna Lunch, the longtime student meal program affiliated with Krishna House, citing a February vehicle accident in which a Krishna box truck struck a 19-year-old student near Buckman Drive and University Avenue, leaving her critically injured. UF sent the organization a letter this week stating it is no longer authorized to conduct any activities on campus, but did not provide a specific reason in the letter itself. Krishna House senior advisor Bob Cohen said the organization was blindsided and frustrated that university officials have declined to explain the decision or engage in conversation.

Read both sides →

Sources: WCJB TV20 · The Gainesville Sun

Education

New UF President Stuart Bell shares vision as first semester begins

Stuart Bell, who officially took over as University of Florida president after Ben Sasse resigned in July 2024 and Kent Fuchs served as interim, gave his first on-camera interview as students returned to class. Bell outlined his priorities for the university, emphasizing academic excellence, leadership stability, and preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Rising costs were also among the topics he addressed in conversations with local media.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator · WCJB TV20

City

In Brief

High Springs Commission races set after qualifying do-over — WCJB TV20

Education

UF sets aside $40.7 million for merit-based faculty and staff raises

University of Florida President Stuart Bell announced the university is reserving $40.7 million for raises, including a 5% merit pool for faculty described as the largest in the institution’s history. A separate 3% raise pool was established for staff. The increases are scheduled to take effect October 1.

Sources: WCJB TV20 · The Gainesville Sun

In Brief

Independent Florida Alligator launches Jacksonville Jaguars NFL beat — The Independent Florida Alligator
Chris Adin named next dean of UF College of Veterinary Medicine — Mainstreet Daily News

Public Safety

Alachua deputies arrest convicted felon after finding nearly 100 grams of drugs at his home

Nathaniel Carter III, 43, was taken into custody Wednesday after Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of an armed disturbance on Southwest 61st Street. With Carter’s consent, deputies searched his home and discovered approximately 100 grams of multiple substances including fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, Xanax, and marijuana. Carter, whose criminal history confirmed his status as a convicted felon, faces multiple charges related to assault, possession, and drug offenses.

Sources: WCJB TV20

In Brief

Gainesville man receives 14-month federal prison term for illegal firearm possession — Mainstreet Daily News

Sports

Gators football previewed on both sides of ball ahead of 2026 season

The Independent Florida Alligator published back-to-back previews of the UF football team’s offense and defense heading into the 2026 season. The defensive outlook centers on returning linebackers and a rebuilt secondary under coordinator Brad White, while the offensive preview highlights an unsettled quarterback competition as the team’s most pressing question mark.

Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator

In Brief

P.K. Yonge hires alum Israel Wilcox as football coach after winless season — Mainstreet Daily News
Court ruling grants fifth-year eligibility to all college seniors, affecting UF men’s basketball — The Independent Florida Alligator
Hawthorne to host Miami Northwestern football game Sept. 10 — Mainstreet Daily News
Predictions out for Gainesville-area high school football Week 1 matchups — The Gainesville Sun

Environment

Investigation: Florida flood resilience funds flow mostly to coast, bypassing inland areas

A six-month WUFT investigation found that a state resilience program directed nearly all of its funding to coastal communities, even as inland areas have experienced significant flooding in recent years. The reporting raises questions about whether state flood-mitigation dollars are reaching Gainesville and other non-coastal Florida communities that have faced growing flood risk.

Sources: WUFT News

Community

In Brief

Fade Wellness Experience returns to Gainesville with free health event Aug. 29 — Mainstreet Daily News
Red Shoe Affair raises record $590K for Ronald McDonald House Charities — Mainstreet Daily News
Gainesville card shop Meelypops to vend at Florida Legends Experience — WCJB TV20

State & National

In Brief

Florida’s top emergency management official resigns as peak hurricane season arrives — The Gainesville Sun
GOP primary turnout outpaced Democrats, raising questions for November — The Gainesville Sun
Journalists and military personnel held at gunpoint at Space Force base — The Gainesville Sun
Trump’s DC race event draws mixed reaction from city residents — The Gainesville Sun