In today's Scoop:
🔬 UF research spending reaches a record $1.34 billion
🍽️ The Streatery opens after a $4.5 million rebuild
🗑️ Unincorporated county trash routes change Oct. 1
🍢 Yakitori and an open-air patio on Bo Diddley Plaza
On Bo Diddley Plaza at 104 SE 1st Avenue, Kushi & Co. serves yakitori, rice dishes, and small plates from chef and co-owner Charlie Keller. The restaurant opened March 4 in a space that had sat empty for nearly two years.
Chicken, steak, shrimp, pork belly, tofu, and mushrooms come off the grill on skewers. The patio opens onto the plaza, and every recipe is gluten-free.
Read more here.
🔬 UF research spending reaches record $1.34 billion
The Gist: UF faculty spent an estimated $1.34 billion on research in fiscal 2026, up $6.5 million from the prior year. State and local support rose 5.8% to $245.4 million, industry funding climbed 10.5% to $45.8 million and federal spending fell 4.3% to $586.2 million.
Why It Matters: Nearly half went to biomedical sciences. The colleges of medicine in Gainesville and Jacksonville accounted for $368 million, while UF/IFAS recorded $302.8 million.
What's Next: The National Science Foundation survey figures are estimates and will be finalized early next year.
Read more here.
🍽️ The Streatery opens after $4.5 million rebuild
The Gist: Gainesville opened the rebuilt stretch of Southwest First Avenue between South Main and Southwest Second streets on Sept. 4. Crews replaced aging underground infrastructure and built a curbless brick corridor for pedestrians, outdoor dining and events.
Why It Matters: Businesses endured months of fencing and lost foot traffic. The block is now open before October's FEST crowds arrive.
What's Next: The city plans an official ribbon-cutting in November, after crews install the remaining lights and street furniture.
Read more here.
🗑️ County trash routes and set-out limits change Oct. 1
The Gist: GFL Solid Waste Southeast begins pickups for unincorporated Alachua County on Oct. 1 under a new contract. Collection days may change, while weekly yard trash and bulky-item pickups will each be capped at 2 cubic yards and large appliances at three items per household.
Why It Matters: Anything over the new limits will stay at the curb until the next scheduled collection day.
What's Next: Residents can enter their address on the county's Community Hub to check their new pickup day before Oct. 1.
Read more here.
🔬 SOAR: Science-Oriented Activities and Recreation | Outside the Elite Training Center | Gainesville | Friday, September 11, 3:30-4:30 p.m. | More
All ages can drop in for free science activities and team games.
🌿 Young Leaders for Wild Florida and Creek Family Fest | Bubbie's Secret Garden | Gainesville | Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | More
Spend the day on environmental education and activities; bring water.
⚡ Little Sparks | Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention | Gainesville | Sunday, September 13, 10:15-11 a.m. | More
Kids 5 and under explore science through music, movement, crafts, and stories.
📚 Sensory Story Time | Headquarters Library | Gainesville | Sunday, September 13, 12:30-1 p.m. | More
Preschoolers with autism or sensory sensitivities can enjoy a gentle story time.
🐄 Barnyard Buddies | Morningside Nature Center Living History Farm | Gainesville | Wednesday, September 16, 3-4 p.m. | More
Children meet farm animals and help hand out afternoon snacks.
🎸 Free Fridays Concert Series: Fest 24 Showcase | Bo Diddley Plaza | Gainesville | Friday, September 11, 7-9 p.m. | More
Wolf Face, Night Mayor, and The Mermers play a free downtown set.
🎭 Antigone Opening Weekend | Acrosstown Repertory Theatre | Gainesville | Friday-Sunday, September 11-13, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday | More
Sophocles' tragedy follows Antigone as she defies her king to bury her brother.
🎬 Le Rendez-vous de l'été (That Summer in Paris) | Reitz Union Auditorium | Gainesville | Monday, September 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | More
A Normandy visitor reconnects with family during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
🎶 Old Mervs with Rustler | Heartwood Soundstage | Gainesville | Wednesday, September 16, 7 p.m. | More
Australian duo Old Mervs headlines with Rustler; tickets are $29.
📖 Meet the Author: Kevin Powers | A. Quinn Jones Museum & Cultural Center | Gainesville | Thursday, September 17, 6 p.m. | More
Kevin Powers presents Children of the Wind; admission is free.
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