.Olympic Influence.

On Friday I was lucky enough to photograph the High Tide Aquatics swim club early in the morning and spend an exhilarating two hours shooting their practice at Northeast Pool underwater. Then scooting across town, I met up with the Florida Fencing Academy and tried my best to get close to the action and still walk out with both eyes and all four limbs still in tact. It was a great day to be a photojournalist in Gainesville. Brandon Kruse/The Gainesville Sun

.POW/MIA.

JoAnn Shaw's brother, a United States Airforce pilot, was shot down while serving his second term during the vietnam war in 1970. Shaw has been searching for her missing brother ever since, and currently serves as the Florida coordinator for the National League of POW/MIA.

.GPD Block Party.

The Gainesville Police Department sponsored a block party Thursday evening in the Pineridge neighborhood in NW Gainesville. The event featured music sponsored by the Reichert House, free food, and a firefighter challenge for kids. Brandon Kruse/The Gainesville Sun

.Sister Hazel.

Sister Hazel takes a break while sorting through bags of clothing that were brought to her by the Gainesville Ministries. Hazel currently has a large backlog of donated items that she will be sending to the victims of the recent mid-west floods.Brandon Kruse/The Gainesville Sun

.The Gainesville Sun Spring Athletes of the Year.

.Consolation.

Christine Dautel, right, hugs a supporter outside the Alachua County Civil Courthouse on Friday afternoon. Dautel was protesting the recent actions of Judge Stan Griffis. Jeremiah Stanley/Special to the Sun

.It's About Time.

Fernando Rico cheers while waving several American flags upon leaving the Federal Courthouse in downtown Gainesville Thursday, July 17, 2008. Rico, who is native to Columbia, received his U.S. Citizenship on Thursday after 23 years. Doug Finger/The Gainesville Sun