The theme for Earth Day 2022 is “Invest in Our Planet.” To celebrate Earth Day 2022, Alachua County, the City of Gainesville, UF, Santa Fe College, and other organizations have planned a wide variety of events for citizens to enjoy.
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County Needs Information, Particularly from Residents with no Internet Service |
Alachua County needs resident assistance in gathering internet service information. It is particularly crucial that we gather information from those with no service. This information will help in formulating a plan to spend millions in available funding to improve service.
We are getting questions about how people can participate if they have no service. Residents can use their phone (or a computer at the library) to go to the speed test, where they will see the screen pictured. The third option on the speed test allows those without internet to provide their address.
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Volunteer at Animal Resources and Care |
Animal Resources and Care is looking for volunteers. Watch the video below to learn how you can help our furry friends.
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Cuscowilla Summer Camp Offering Scholarships |
Cuscowilla (formerly Camp McConnell, 210 S.E. 134th Avenue, Micanopy) is registering children from kindergarten to twelfth grade for Overnight and Day camps. Cuscowilla is offering scholarships and financial aid opportunities for camp programs this year. Scholarships are need-based and include both full and partial payment for families that qualify. Children from families at or below 200% of the 2021 federal poverty threshold, children with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan, children from families receiving SNAP benefits, children in foster care, children in voluntary and formal kinship care, and children under in-home case management supervision all qualify for full scholarship while additional partial scholarships may be offered on a sliding scale based on income.
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Alachua County EMPOWER Program Chosen to Participate in Communities LEAP |
The US Department of Energy's (DOE) Communities Local Energy Action Program (LEAP) has chosen the Alachua County EMPOWER Program to receive technical assistance. Their assistance will advance clean energy-related economic development in the County. Communities LEAP is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help energy-overburdened communities take direct control of their clean energy future.
Partners in this effort include the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Committee (NAACP ECJC); Alachua County; City of Gainesville-Gainesville Regional Utilities; Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area and Economic Development and Innovation Department; and the Community Weatherization Coalition/Rebuilding Together North Central Florida (CWC/RTNCF).
"This technical assistance is an important first step in addressing the critical energy burden for our low-income neighbors," said John Nix, NAACP ECJC project lead.
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NW 16th Lane Road Closure |
Due to needed emergency repairs to the railroad crossing on N.W. 16th Lane (just off of N.W. County Road 235) in Newberry, the road will be closed on April 20, 2022, beginning at 9 a.m., and will reopen no later than 6 p.m.
This is a total closure, meaning that no traffic will be allowed across the track until the work is complete. A variable message board will be placed at the crossing on Friday, April 15, to notify residents of the impending closure.
This is a one way in/out crossing, so there will be no detour route activated. Please note that the date is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists should anticipate extended travel times and delays. Please avoid this closure area if at all possible.
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Alachua County Health Department’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program |
The Alachua County Health Department and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is proud to announce that Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons are now available for qualified WIC participants. Starting April 15, 2022, pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women and children ages one to five who are enrolled in the WIC Program can receive coupons to purchase fresh Florida produce at the WIC sponsored Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). The market is located at 224 S.E. 24th Street, Gainesville. It takes place in the main parking lot of the Alachua County Health Department and operates on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. FMNP allows WIC participants and the public to have access to locally grown, farm-fresh produce.
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Fire Rescue Debuts Life Saving Emergency Response Equipment at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium |
In anticipation of the University of Florida’s upcoming Orange and Blue game, Alachua County Fire Rescue is proud to announce the debut of new life-saving emergency response equipment at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The purchasing of this equipment, which includes two LUCAS chest compression devices and battery-operated automated stair chairs, was made possible by generous contributions from both the University of Florida’s Athletic Association and Collegiate Veterans Society in honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
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Barr Hammock South Trails Reopen for Public Use |
The Alachua County Barr Hammock Preserve South Trailhead (300 S.E. 175th Avenue, Micanopy) has reopened for public use beginning Friday, April 8, 2022. Due to ongoing heavy rainfall and associated site wetness, the planned land management activities prompting trail closure have been postponed. The preserve trails will remain open until the site conditions improve and the management activities can resume. |
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Florida Department of Health in Alachua County Advises on Meningococcal Disease and Vaccines in Florida |
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida. However, it can be prevented and treated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease.
Thus far, the number of cases identified in 2022 surpasses the 5-year average of meningococcal disease cases in Florida. FDOH epidemiologists are investigating each case as well as contacting people with potential or direct exposure to known cases to provide them with information and treatment options.
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Alachua County has joined numerous governments, utilities, and agencies across Florida in declaring April as Water Conservation Month.
To learn about water and ways to conserve it, look for the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department’s (EPD) Aquifer Awareness campaign on social media, billboards, and print media, or participate in an upcoming webinar on how to convert thirsty yards to Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL). This webinar is on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Participants will learn about the benefits of FFL and about the County’s FFL for Homeowners Association’s (HOA) Code which prevents HOAs from prohibiting FFL.
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Florida Department of Health in Alachua County Receives Platinum Practice Designation |
The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County recently received the Platinum Practice designation from Liberty Dental Plan. The Platinum Practice designation recognizes dental offices for outstanding quality performance, comprehensive patient care, and accessibility in serving Liberty Dental Plan’s child members in the Florida Medicaid Program.
Alachua County is one of 100 providers that received this award (out of 1500).
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Commissioner Nikki Fried Recognizes Kim Davis as the March 2022 Veteran of the Month |
Alachua County is proud to announce that County Veteran Services Director Kim Davis was recognized as the March 2022 Veteran of the Month by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried.
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Save Your Spot at Free Library Programs for All Ages |
Popular favorites and new library programs for all ages are back at the Alachua Library District this spring. Programs are held across Alachua County at library branches from High Springs to Hawthorne and Waldo to Archer. Register for story times, art classes, book clubs, community resource workshops, and more. Sign up at least 12 hours before a program through the online events calendar or by calling your preferred library branch. Registration for each program opens two weeks before the event. For families or groups, please include all individuals as guests during registration. Check-in starts 15 minutes before a program’s start time. All programs are free, and a library card is not required to register or attend. |
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