April 25, 2025

These highlights will give residents a quick review of the most recent County Commission meeting and provide video, agenda, and other useful links.

Saving Champion and Landmark Trees

The County Commission took bold action to protect the county’s irreplaceable trees and native landscapes by advancing significant amendments to the Unified Land Development Code. These updates reflect a firm commitment to environmental stewardship and smarter growth.

Key changes include a codified tree rating system, updated standards for tree protection, and a strengthened hierarchy prioritizing the preservation of champion trees, landmark live oaks, and heritage trees. Landmark live oaks — those 45 inches or more in diameter — now require commission approval for removal, ensuring only the most necessary exceptions.

The amendments also modernize open space planning, requiring preservation of tree canopy and native habitats as a first step.

Rural subdivisions with fewer than nine lots and family homestead projects are exempt, reflecting a balanced approach to growth. New code enforcement and penalty provisions ensure compliance.

These updates are part of a broader Climate Action Plan, which includes a comprehensive urban forest inventory by 2026. With strong public engagement and staff support, the commission’s action preserves the county’s natural heritage for future generations.

Read the complete highlights for this meeting.

Strategic Plan Online Survey

​Your Input Matters – Share your ideas for the new Alachua County Strategic Plan

As a valued member of our community, your insights and ideas are crucial to inform our commissioners as they develop a new Alachua County Strategic Plan. The new Strategic Plan will serve as a roadmap for the foreseeable future, guiding decisions on key issues and resource allocation.

You can submit your input by completing the online survey between now and April 25, 2025. The quick and easy survey can be accessed from your computer or smartphone by clicking on the following link: https://www.research.net/r/alachuacounty2025

Given the importance of the county’s Strategic Plan, public input is invaluable.

Watch the video of a recent Strategic Planning Community Workshop. 

​The Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office, the City of Gainesville, along with other community partners are celebrating Fair Housing Month with the “Breaking Down Barriers” housing resources fair. The fair will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center (1025 NE 14th St., Gainesville). Light refreshments will be provided.

Participants will discover various resources and information to help them in their housing search (from affordable housing options to financial assistance programs). 

Read more about the resources fair.

​Alachua County Public Works reminds residents that hurricane season is approaching and that they should evaluate and prepare for the risks of floods in Alachua County.

View or download Determining Flood Risk in Alachua County. This document is a quick guide for residents and property owners to prepare for flood safety measures, evaluate their flood insurance needs, and be prepared for storms and hurricanes.

Alachua County Public Works staff can assist with the required permitting and storm/hurricane preparedness.

Visit the Development Review & Flood Zone Information website for additional information about flood zones and risks.

​Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) encourages residents and visitors to recreate responsibly and protect springs. Thanks to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s “Protect Florida Springs” tag grant, ACEPD distributes free materials to vacation rental properties, encouraging visitors to “Feet Up and Float” and follow important guidelines around manatee viewing.

"Many visitors come to Florida and Alachua County to enjoy the beauty of the springs, but it's important to recognize how we can all play a role in protecting these delicate ecosystems,” said Alachua County Senior Environmental Specialist Lindsey Pavao. “By practicing safe and responsible behaviors, we can help preserve the health of these springs for future generations to enjoy.” 

Sandy bottoms in springs and rivers are evidence of human foot traffic or anchoring, which damages aquatic plants. A healthy spring has a variety of vegetation that helps with water quality and wildlife habitat. Fish, turtles, manatees, and other wildlife rely on submerged plants for food and shelter. 

Learn more about the resources.

Celebrate Earth Day and help plant 25 new trees at Lincoln Middle School

The Alachua County Arborist and the Lincoln Middle School staff and student body would like to invite the public to a tree-planting celebration for Earth Day. The tree planting is on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Lincoln Middle School (1001 SE 12th St., Gainesville). Participants will help plant 25 new trees across the front of the historic campus.

This event offers an opportunity to beautify the school campus by planting trees. Participants will also have an opportunity to visit the new memorial dedicated to historic Abraham Lincoln High School graduates. 

“Come celebrate the health of our planet, the beauty of our community, and the prosperity of our school,” said County Arborist Lacy Holzworth.

Current Legal Notices

City of Newberry - Notice of Public Hearings Concerning Amendments to the City of Newberry Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances

Invitation to Bid - ITB 25-538-MB: New Hawthorne Library Building

City of Newberry - Planning and Zoning Board Notice of Public Hearings for 5/5/2025