Highlights from the April 14, 2026 County Commission Meeting | | |
These highlights will give residents a quick review of the most recent County Commission meeting and provide video, agenda, and other useful links.
National Association of Counties’ (NACo) inaugural Public Health Leadership Initiative
During the announcements portion of the meeting, Communications Director Mark Sexton announced that County Commissioner Mary Alford and Nicole Williams, with the Florida Department of Health of Alachua County, were selected among an overwhelming number of applications to join the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) inaugural Public Health Leadership Initiative. It will include cohort programs and one-off peer exchange events and best practices focused on highlighting successful strategies for empowering county officials to help improve health outcomes in their communities.
Read the complete highlights for this meeting.
| | Ribbon Cutting for East Tumblin Creek and Forest Edge Housing Communities | | |
Alachua County invites residents and community members to a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the East Tumblin Creek and Forest Edge housing communities. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Forest Edge (4341 SW 13th St., Gainesville).
The Alachua County Commission approved the purchase of the former Budget Inn in February 2021 and the former Scottish Inns in December 2023 as part of a coordinated, communitywide response to homelessness that prioritizes individuals based on vulnerability and need. The former motels have since been transformed into safe, stable housing for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. These projects reflect a growing nationwide best practice of repurposing motel properties into permanent housing to expand access and reduce homelessness.
Read more about the housing communities.
| | Michele Lieberman Named National County Administrator of the Year | |
Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman has received the first David J. Krings County Administrator of the Year Award from the National Association of County Administrators (NACA), recognizing exceptional service, ethical leadership and contributions to county government.
Read the announcement article in the International City/County Managers Association’s (ICMA) PM Magazine.
Lieberman’s leadership has built a strong organizational culture grounded in accountability, excellence and service. With more than 20 years of local government experience, she has devoted her career to public service and now serves as Alachua County manager after previously serving as the county’s attorney. She was nominated by her staff, selected by peers and colleagues for reflecting the values of integrity, humility, professionalism and service above self.
Learn more about award.
| | Public Invited to Meet with Animal Resources Director Finalists | | |
Alachua County residents will have two opportunities to meet the two finalists for the Animal Resources director position before a selection is made.
On Monday, April 20, 2026, at 4 p.m., the finalists will attend the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee meeting in the Grace Knight Conference Room at the Alachua County Administration Building (12 SE 1st St., Gainesville).
Immediately following the meeting, residents are invited to attend an informal meet-and-greet from 5 to 7 p.m. in the basement of the Hippodrome State Theatre (25 SE 2nd Place, Gainesville). This event will allow community members to meet the candidates, ask questions, and learn about their professional experience and vision for Animal Resources. Light refreshments will be served.
Community input is an important part of the selection process, and all interested residents are encouraged to attend.
| | Fire Rescue to Carry Whole Blood for Emergency Transfusions | | |
Alachua County Fire Rescue is proud to announce the launch of a new program, in partnership with UF Health, to provide whole-blood transfusions at emergency scenes to help save lives.
The initiative is designed to improve survival rates for patients suffering traumatic injuries, particularly those experiencing severe blood loss. Trauma is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 44.
Uncontrolled bleeding is the most common cause of preventable death in trauma cases. While first responders work to stop bleeding, emergency blood transfusions are among the most effective life-saving treatments. However, only about 1% of emergency medical service agencies nationwide currently carry blood products.
Find out more about the announcement.
| | What’s Good Event Guide Highlights Events Across County | | |
Residents and visitors looking for things to do in Alachua County can turn to the Flagler Award-winning What’s Good® guide of weekly events, the county’s official resource for discovering local festivals, performances, outdoor gatherings, sporting events and cultural experiences.
Produced by the Visit Gainesville, Alachua County tourism office, the guide gathers events from across the county into one trusted source, helping residents plan meaningful time with family and friends while also providing visitors a simple way to discover what’s happening during their stay.
Read more about What's Good.
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To celebrate Earth Day 2026, Alachua County, the City of Gainesville, UF, Santa Fe College and other organizations have planned a wide variety of events for our citizens to enjoy.
This year's theme for Earth Day is “Our Power, Our Planet.”
Learn more about this year's Earth Day events.
| | Temporary Partial Trail Closure at Turkey Creek Preserve | | |
A section of the Hammock Loop Trail at Alachua County Turkey Creek Preserve (6300 NW 93rd Ave., Alachua) will be temporarily closed for construction activities of a wildlife observation platform. The closure will occur between trail markers 11 and 13. All other trails remain open.
The section of the trail will be closed beginning Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The closure is expected to remain in effect through the end of June, depending on project progress. During this time, construction will occur within the preserve. Equipment will be operating on the roads and trail system in this area. The closure was identified as the best way to protect public safety during these construction activities.
Find out more about the closure.
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After reviewing Alachua County’s current wildland fire conditions and in consultation with state officials, the mandatory countywide burn ban has been extended and will remain in effect through April 17, 2026.
With no appreciable rain over the past week, Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) numbers throughout the county remain largely unchanged and the threat of wildfire danger remains high.
Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution as severe drought conditions continue to significantly increase wildfire risk across our community. Locally, dry soils, stressed vegetation and elevated fire danger have created hazardous conditions countywide. As a result, a countywide burn ban remains in effect.
Read more about the burn ban.
| | Alachua County Announces Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale | |
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department and UF/IFAS Extension are pleased to announce a rain barrel and compost bin sale in partnership with Rain Water Solutions, offering residents an affordable and practical way to conserve water and reduce waste. The deadline to place online orders is April 29, 2026, at 11 p.m.
Through this limited-time program, residents can purchase high-quality rain barrels for $85 each. These barrels capture and store rainwater from rooftops, reducing stormwater runoff. Rain barrels provide a simple and sustainable water source for landscape irrigation, helping homeowners reduce utility costs while supporting water conservation efforts that protect our springs and water supply.
Learn more about the sale.
| | Public Works Employee Wins Regional Equipment Rodeo | | |
Alachua County is proud to share that Public Works employee Nicholas Gianos took home top honors at the regional heavy equipment rodeo organized by the Santa Fe Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA).
The event, co-hosted by Alachua County and the City of Gainesville, took place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Alachua County Equestrian Center.
This large-scale regional competition drew 75 skilled operators from surrounding municipalities and counties. Some participants traveled from all over the state to showcase their proficiency in precision heavy machinery operation.
"Nicholas is without a doubt one of our best equipment operators," said Brian Kauffman, the county’s assistant Public Works director. "He has a great career ahead of him here at Public Works."
Equipment rodeos serve as a vital platform for public works professionals to demonstrate the technical skills and safety standards required to maintain the county’s critical infrastructure. These competitions test an operator's ability to handle massive machinery with surgical precision, often under simulated emergency or high-pressure conditions.
Following his regional victory, Gianos and other top finishers will travel to Tampa in April to represent North Central Florida and compete for state honors at the Florida APWA Expo.
| | County Moves Forward on West End Park Transformation | | |
Alachua County is excited to share the latest progress on the transformation of the 75-acre West End Community Park (12830 W. Newberry Road). The park's next round of improvements is currently estimated at $6.3 million.
To do a deep dive and listen to all the options discussed, watch the County Commission discussion.
At the Tuesday, March 24, 2026, County Commission meeting, officials received an update on the park’s development. Staff will return in June to discuss the commission’s amenity priorities and funding options. Amenity discussions have included a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, walking trails, disc golf, pavilions, pétanque, parking and a dog park. Future phases may involve public-private partnerships and additional amenities to enhance the park experience.
Find out more about project.
| | Cuscowilla Day Camp Spots Filling Quickly | | |
Registration for Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center’s 2026 summer Day Camp is filling up fast, with more than 60% of spots already reserved and some weeks nearing capacity. Families are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to secure their child’s place.
“This is one of the premier and most affordable summer camp options in Alachua County,” said Camp Manager Jamie Bass. “If families are considering enrolling, now is the time to act.”
Read more about the camps.
| | County Seeks Advisory Board Volunteers | |
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity to give back to your community and participate in your county's decision-making process? Serving on an Alachua County advisory board offers you this chance. The Alachua County Commission relies on input from these boards to make informed decisions and set policies.
Over 250 citizens serve on the advisory boards advising county government and local agencies on many topics. They include affordable housing, economic development, environmental protection, human rights, county finances and many other issues. The County Commission seeks citizen volunteers to serve on several advisory boards.
Learn more about Advisory Board openings.
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