To have your event included on Community Update, please send all relevant information to:
Sue Wagner
Community Update
P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611-8405
The e-mail address is swagner@wuft.org, with the words “Community Update” in the subject line.
Community Update and Public Service Announcements are available to non-profit organizations only. All submissions must be received TWO weeks prior to the event. Please include only the basic facts: who, what, where, when and why and a phone number or website address for more information.
Events will be included in this online listing and if time permits they will be featured in on-air public service announcements.
All About Watermelons
May 19 | 11 am ti 1:30 p.m.
Alachua County Ag Auditorium
22716 W. Newberry Rd.
Newberry
Learn more about watermelon production in Florida and how to create healthy, tasty recipes.Dive into the world of Florida watermelon production with an educational session led by Alachua County Extension Commercial Horticulture Agent, Dr. Tatiana Sanchez-Jones. Then watch as fresh watermelon are transformed in an interactive cooking demonstration, with Alachua County FCS Agent, Ebony Griffin, followed by tastings of locally sourced melons and recipe samples. This class is perfect for growers, home gardeners, food lovers, and anyone curious about Florida agriculture. Participants must register online by Friday, May 15, 2026. Limited to 50 participants.
Grace Marketplace Annual Luncheon
May 21| 11 a.m.
Gainesville Woman's Club
2809 W. University Avenue
Gainesville
GRACE's Annual Luncheon, which will focus on our housing programs, features an inside look at GRACE’s housing programs and how their team ensures that housing remains a human right. More information at https://www.gracemarketplace.org/events
Celebrating Florida's Emancipation
May 23 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center
837 SE 7th Avenue
Gainesville
The community is invited to celebrate “Emancipation Day in Florida” on May 23. At 9 a.m., the festivities begin with a walk from Depot Park to the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center (CCMCC). The procession will be led by Mangnye Vivian Filer and Mayor Harvey Ward. This event is part of the City of Gainesville’s “Journey to Juneteenth” programming and is in partnership with historic neighborhoods in Gainesville. The event is free and open to the public but please register at www.cottonclubmuseum.com/events. After the march, there will be music, dance, exhibits and educational activities and a variety of vendors including food. A panel discussion, “Then & Now," will be moderated by Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward, at 12:15 p.m. Check the website (http://cottonclubnuseum.com/) the week of the event for a schedule.
Soundscapes as Oral History Workshop
May 23 | 3 to 4:45 p.m.
Alachua County Public Library Headquarters Foundation Room
401 E. University Avenue
Gainesville
During this free 1 hour and 45 minutes long workshop, participants will learn how to create a soundscape that tells a personal story. The Workshop will begin with a consideration of links between sound and our memories/personal histories. Participants will then collect sounds in and around the Library and learn how to use the free Audacity software to tell a story through recorded sound. This workshop will be led by Dr. Jill Rogers. Advance registration is requested. To register, visit arts.ufl.edu and click on News & Events. The workshop is listed in Upcoming Events. The Stories for Sustainability series is sponsored by the Center for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Florida. Workshop instructors are members of the School of Music and the School of Theatre and Dance, both of which are in the College of the Arts. An additional workshop will be offered the afternoon of June 20 and will feature interactive work on public storytelling practices. The final showcase, featuring participants’ work, will be Aug. 8.
74th Annual Florida Folk Festival
May 22-24
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
11016 Lillian Saunders Drive
White Springs
The festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. More information available at https://www.floridastateparks.org/FloridaFolkFestival
Alachua County Crisis Center Volunteers Needed
Training Starts May 26
The Center is currently recruiting volunteers to answer our local crisis hotline, as well as the the Nationall Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988). The Alachua County Crisis Center provides free and confidential crisis response services to Gainesville and the surrounding community, almost all of which are provided by highly trained volunteers. Volunteering with the Crisis Center is a great way to support the community and those in need; while also learning valuable communication skills you can use for the rest of your life. Training starts on Tuesday, May 26, and is over 70 hours over the course of eight weeks. Volunteers learn crisis intervention and suicide prevention skills, which prepares them to answer phones on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) and our local crisis hotline. The training is free and is conducted entirely online. For more information about training, click here
Voices of Life: The Legacy of the Alachua County Crisis Center Documentary Premiere
May 27 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Matheson Museum
513 E. University Avenue
Gainesville
The documentary explores the history and impact of the Alachua County Crisis Center. The event includes a Q&A with community leaders and the filmmaker, offering insight into the organization’s legacy and ongoing work. More information and registration available at https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/97867-voices-of-life-the-legacy-of-the-alachua-county-crisis-center.
Hippodrome Theatre Summer Spectacular Camp
Session 1: June 8-26
Session 2: July 8-24
25 SE 2nd Place
Gainesville
Step into the spotlight at the Hippodrome Theatre camp where creativity, confidence and collaboration take center stage. This immersive camp offers young performers the chance to explore the world of theatre through a variety of dynamic classes designed to inspire and challenge artists of all experience levels. Campers will build quick thinking and teamwork skills in Improv, learning to trust their instincts and create stories on the spot. In Stagecraft, they’ll discover the behind-the-scenes magic of theatre, exploring sets, props, and the technical elements that bring productions to life. Shakespeare classes introduce campers to the language and stories of the Bard in an accessible, engaging way, helping them find confidence in classical text and performance. In Musical Theatre, campers will sing, dance, and act as they learn how to bring characters to life through music and movement. More information available at thehipp.org
Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way
Sept. 2|1 to 3 p.m.
Alachua County Ag Auditorium
22716 W. Newberry Rd.
Newberry
Join us for a journey through healthy eating, the Mediterranean Way. This six-week series is based on the Med Instead of Meds program developed by NC State University. It teaches participants how to plan meals and explore recipes inspired by the Mediterranean Diet—a way of eating that emphasizes fresh, flavorful, and nutritionally balanced foods. Research shows that following this style of eating can promote overall health and significantly reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular (heart) disease, and some types of cancer.
The registration cost includes all materials and food. Participants can register online starting May 23, 2026. For more information about this program contact Ebony Griffin - ebonygriffin@ufl.edu.
Navigating Together: Cancer Education & Support Sessions
Bi-Monthly Virtual Sessions via Zoom
Through Oct. 21, 2026
The UF Health Oncology Nurse Navigation team is launching a new virtual program designed to expand educational and support services for all types of cancer. During these bimonthly sessions, patients, survivors, caregivers and friends will learn from UF Health's multidisciplinary cancer experts about different cancer-related topics and have opportunities to connect with others experiencing similar situations.
Sessions include:
June 17, 2026: Whole Self-Healing: Occupational Therapy for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Aug. 19. 2026: Understanding Cancer’s Impact: A Social Work Perspective
Oct. 21, 2026: Understanding Genetics and Cancer Risk
To register visit https://go.ufl.edu/cancer-support. For more information, call the Multidisciplinary Cancer Coordination Program at (352) 594-7900 or email MultiDCCP@shands.ufl.edu.
Alachua County Energy Efficiency Program
Ongoing
Are you a landlord looking for ways to improve your rental property? The Alachua County Energy Efficiency Program is offering no-cost upgrades for affordable rentals in Alachua County. Get up to $15k per unit in free upgrades includes weatherproofing, new major appliances such as HVAC systems and kitchen equipment, window replacement and more.
More information available at www.communityweatherization.org/rental-program-aceep/,
or call the Community Weatherization Coalition at 352-450-4965 or email to aceep@rebuildingtogetherncf.org.
Dementia Caregiver Monthly In-Person Support Group
Third Wednesday of each month | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | Trinity UMC in Gainesville
The public is invited to be a part of a monthly support group to find group connections while becoming more knowledgeable and skilled in dementia care. A portion of each meeting is devoted to a specific topic chosen in advance by the group, and a portion is open (yet guided) discussion. . The group is led by a Positive Approach to Care certified independent consultant, trainer, and coach. All are welcome to attend. Please call 352-376-6615 or email hello@trinitygnv.org for more information.
Spring Hill Timebank
Ongoing
Timebank brings people together to match needs with skills. People of all ages and all abilities can join. For every hour of work done for a member, the individual will receive one time credit to “buy” an hours worth of work from another member. For more information contact Andy at 727-517-1148 or springhilltimeback.org.
Donate Used Musical Instruments to the Hernando Youth Orchestra
Ongoing
The Orchestra is collecting used musical instruments for talented young musicians who can’t afford to buy or replace their own. Donations of unneeded instruments will be repaired if necessary before passing it on to a student. Call 352-600-9555 for more information or to make a donation. We’ll pick up your instrument and give you a tax deductible receipt. More information
Nature Coast Community Services Foundation Homeless Services
Ongoing
The Nature Coast Community Services Foundation is serving the homeless of Hernando with food, clothing, shoes, job, IDs, food stamps, spaying and neutering pets, transportation and more. Volunteers are needed. For more information call Ellen at 352-600-9555.
Elder Options Referral Helpline
1-800-262-2243
Ongoing
Elder Options is the Area Agency on Aging for sixteen counties in North Central Florida. The agency oversees the efficient administration of home and community care programs and long term care services for elder Floridians. In partnership with lead agencies and local service providers, the agency serves thousands of frail, low-income seniors each year, providing home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels), personal care, transportation and other in-home services that help seniors to remain at home safely and with dignity and avoid or delay the need for more expensive nursing home care. Call the Elder Helpline for referral to resources.
Hernando Youth Orchestra needs young musicians, ages 6 to 18
Rehearsals are on Sundays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Heather Community Center
9100 Nakoma Way
Weeki Watchee
Hernando Youth Orchestra has resumed rehearsals and is recruiting new members. We need young musicians aged ages 6-18, and adult mentors to support them. HYO plays classical music and gives several concerts throughout the year. You must be able to read music and play an instrument. Instruments are also available to loan to those in need. Sign up at www.HernandoYouthOrchestra.org or call 352-600-9555. If you have an instrument to donate, call and it will be picked for a tax deductible receipt.
Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) Bicycle Collection
Hernando County
Ongoing
Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) and Grace Presbyterian Bicycle Ministry is collecting unwanted bicycles (or parts thereof) that will be reconditioned and given to the needy. Call 352-600-9555 to schedule a free pick up.
WhyHunger Hotline
Ongoing
Need help finding healthy, free food in your community? Call the WhyHunger Hotline at 1-800-5-HUNGRY to be connected to food assistance in your neighborhood. You can also text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479 to get a list to your phone and search online at whyhunger.org/findfood.
Be the Hope A Child Needs, Become a Foster Parent
Partnership for Strong Families
North Central Florida
Ongoing
North Central Florida has an urgent need for foster care parents. If you would like to become a partner family to help a child or teenager call 352-244-1684 or find details online at www.PartnerFamily.org.
Books & Toiletries Needed for Homeless People
Unitarian Universalist Church in the Pines
Weeki Wachee
Ongoing
The church is collecting books and toiletries for People Helping People.The PHP book drive will provide books offering information on marketable skills and possible work opportunities. ‘How to’ and text books on subjects such as cooking, culinary sciences, computer/office skills, sales, and gardening/landscaping are especially appreciated. Toiletry items needed include: tooth brushes, razors, combs, soap, lotions, shave creams etc. Call 352-600-9555 for information or to schedule your donation.
Gainesville Peer Respite
Ongoing
Gainesville Peer Respite is launching “Warmline” for peers in need of emotional support. The phone line will be open Wednesday night through Monday mornings from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The number is 352-559-4559. The phone line is staffed by those who have had their own experiences of trauma and mental illness.
Institute for Workforce Innovation
Ongoing
The Institute for Workforce Innovation (IWI) is dedicated to improving the communities’ quality of life through education, employment and advocacy. For more information or to volunteer call 352-225-3307 or online at www.iwionline.org
Savvy Caregiver Training
Elder Options, 100 NW 75th St., Suite 30, Gainesville
Ongoing
Elder Options in conjunction with the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs offers free six week training programs designed for family caregivers who assist persons with Alzheimer’s and or dementia. More information available at 352-378-6649.
Gone 4 Ever Shredding
Ongoing
The Arc of Alachua County is a local not for profit that provides employment services to adults with developmental disabilities through several small business it has created. One of its businesses, Gone 4 Ever shredding, offers a free paper shredding service to all residents of Alachua County every Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at its main location at 3303 NW 83rd Street. Gone 4 Ever shredding hold a AAA certification in document destruction so all paper is safely and securely destroyed. For more information please call 352-334-4060 ext. 132 or visit www.gone4evershredding.com
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve – Supporting our Nation’s Service Members
Ongoing
Today, nearly half our nation’s fighting forces are members of the Guard and Reserve. When they are called is called to active duty, they leave behind a family, a community, and a job. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, honors and products the bond between service members and their civilian employers. Whether serving our country or supporting those who do, we all serve. To learning more about ESGR, call 1-800-336-4590, or www.esgr.mil.
“Kidney Smart” Education Program
Ongoing
The “Kidney Smart” program educates and partners with people to take control of their health and helps them develop a plan to live a healthy life. The program features medication, diet and nutrition information, stresses the importance of choosing a heath care team, provides continuing education and treatment options. More information available at www.kidneysmart.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities NCF Seeks Long-Term Volunteers
Ongoing
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, is looking for long-term volunteers to serve as hosts for its two core programs: Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room at Shands Hospital for Children. For more information, visit www.rmhcncf.org,
Visiting Chef Program, Ronald McDonald House
Ongoing
Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, seeks volunteer groups or families to provide a full-course dinner or weekend-breakfast for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville. Chefs may come equipped with ingredients to serve approximately 50 people and cook in a spacious, well-stocked kitchen or they may cater a meal from a local restaurant. Meals are served 7 days a week, including holidays. For more information, call 352-374-4404 ext. 299.
MatchingDonors.com
Ongoing
In the U.S., 19 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant—most of them for kidneys. MatchingDonors.com has become the most successful nonprofit organization improving those odds by finding living altruistic donors for patients who desperately need transplants. Visit www.matchingdonors.com and meet some extraordinary people.
Help a Kid Start a Lemonade Stand
Ongoing
The National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., is urging parents to teach their children lessons about entrepreneurship and responsibility by helping them start a lemonade stand. They provide free classroom curriculum and other resources to enable students to learn first-hand about the risks and rewards of operating a small business. This curriculum can be found at http://eitccurriculum.com/. To learn more about the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation, visit www.NFIB.com/YEF.
Adoption from Foster Care
Ongoing
There are currently more than 107,000 children available for adoption in the U.S. Foster Care System. The Adoption from Foster Care campaign encourages potential parents to adopt and aims to increase the number of potential families inquiring about adoption. You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.
Veterans Outreach Program, Epilepsy Foundation
Ongoing
The Epilepsy Foundation wants to help men and women who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries or TBIs, which are a common form of injury that can lead to seizures and epilepsy in some cases. Symptoms can include confusion, momentary black-outs and uncontrollable shaking or twitching. For more information about the foundation’s Veterans Outreach Program and other services, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org or call 1-800-332-1000.
Three Rivers Legal Services
Ongoing
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. is a local, non-profit corporation that provides free, quality civil legal services to low-income, eligible clients in seventeen counties throughout North Florida. Three Rivers is now providing representation to eligible clients who live in Alachua, Levy, Gilchrist, Bradford or Union County for family law cases, regardless of domestic violence. For more information, call the Legal Helpline at 866-256-8091.