HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DECEMBER 9, 2025 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.
Eastwood Preserve
The County Commission approved a preliminary development plan for Eastwood Preserve, an 81-acre site located along the intersection of Southeast Hawthorne Road and Lakeshore Drive. The historic move will be the county’s first approved development in the eastern unincorporated area in decades.
Project developers worked with area neighbors on the design of the site, which will feature a mix of conservation and a low-density residential development. The development will allow one to four units per acre, with a total of 149 detached units. About 39% of the site will be a conservation management area, with 100% of wetlands preserved and 47% of the existing tree canopy remaining.
See the full release.
Read the complete highlights for this meeting.
| | Cents & Sensibility Chapters 5 and 6 | | |
aWith all the discussions happening across Florida about local government budgets, Alachua County is joining the conversation through this series: Cents & Sensibility: Alachua County’s Budget in Eight Chapters.
Chapter 5: Why Budgets Grow Over Time
When people hear that the county’s budget has grown, it’s easy to assume government is expanding. Most of that growth, however, stems from increasing costs — not necessarily from new programs. Budget growth means keeping pace with inflation, population growth, and the rising costs of providing the same services to more people.
Census data from the past five years shows Alachua County’s population has grown by about 8%, while regional inflation has increased by roughly 21%. In some cases, costs for goods and services far exceed that. Paired together, that means the same level of service now costs more than it did five years ago, even without any new additions.
Read Chapter 5: Why Budgets Grow Over Time
Chapter 6: Reserves - Planning for Rainy Days
One of the fundamentals of responsible fiscal management is maintaining strong policies for holding money in reserve for unpredictable and uncontrollable events. By establishing reserves, local governments create a financial safety net against the unexpected, such as natural disasters and economic downturns. Reserves also provide a tool for capitalizing on unforeseen opportunities that may arise outside of the budget process.
Credit analysts look for solid, well-managed reserves when rating counties, which helps maintain strong credit and lower borrowing costs.
When a hurricane hits, the economy changes, or if funds from federal and state governments are reduced, Alachua County still has to continue serving its residents by keeping ambulances running, firefighters and sheriff's deputies responding, roads clear, and the government operating. Reserves help ensure that there are no sudden service cuts.
Read Chapter 6: Reserves - Planning for Rainy Days
Catch up on previous chapters:
Read Chapter 4: Unfunded Mandates in full
Read Chapter 3: Understanding Property Taxes
Read Chapter 2: What is the General Fund
Read Chapter 1: How You Shape the County Budget
| | Alachua County 2025 Climate Festival Video | |
Alachua County recently celebrated the completion of the county’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) with a climate festival at the UF/IFAS Extension Office. The plan, the product of years of collaboration across the community, represents an important milestone reflecting the community’s commitment to safeguarding the environment.
The climate festival celebrated that teamwork, and included panel discussions, local food systems leaders, exhibitors, food trucks, a performance by the Star Center Theater Youth, and a keynote address from award-winning journalist and author Michael Grunwald, sponsored by the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, UF College of Journalism and Communications, WUFT’s Environment & Ag Desk, the Florida Climate Institute, and the Rothman Family Chair in the Humanities.
Watch the video.
| | Registering with Smart911 Is Quick and Easy - And Could Save Your Life | | |
In an emergency, every second counts. Knowing who you are, where you are, and what’s happening can save lives—but it often takes time for responders to gather that information.
That’s where Smart911 comes in. It’s a free and easy way to share vital details with emergency dispatchers before an emergency happens. By creating a safety profile at Smart911.com, you can securely provide information such as your address, medical conditions, gate codes, emergency contacts, and details about children or pets.
Don’t wait until an emergency strikes. Create your Smart911 profile today at Smart911.com. It’s free, takes just a few minutes, and could save your life—or the life of someone you love.
Watch a short video about Smart911.
| | Alachua County to Host 2027 World Masters | | |
Alachua County is proud to announce that it has secured the 2027 World Masters Athletics (WMA) Indoor Championships to be held at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center and West End Park. Building on the success of the 2025 championships, this prestigious international event will once again bring elite masters athletes and visitors from around the world to Alachua County.
“Alachua County’s investment in our Sports and Events Center has positioned us to host world-class athletic events,” said County Manager Michele Lieberman. “We welcomed the world in 2025 and look forward to the world joining us again in 2027.”
Find out more about the World Wasters Championships.
| | Alachua County Partners with Kinetic to Expand Broadband Access | | |
Alachua County and Kinetic have announced a $22.9 million public-private partnership to expand high-speed fiber broadband to more than 4,200 homes and businesses across the county, with completion expected over the next two years. The project represents a major step toward closing the digital divide and ensuring all residents have access to reliable, modern internet service.
Kinetic is a premier fiber internet provider that delivers residential and business broadband, phone, and internet security services. The company operates across 18 states, with a focus on expanding fiber infrastructure and enhancing connectivity in both rural and urban areas.
The initiative will extend broadband service to communities that currently lack adequate access, which supports education, healthcare, and local business development. The project focuses on areas around the greater unincorporated High Springs, the Waldo-Earleton-Melrose area, and Island Grove.
Learn more about the broadband expansion.
| | The Holiday Edition of The Wader Now Available | | |
The Water Resources Division of the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department publishes “The Wader” online newsletter quarterly to keep residents updated on water-related issues and campaigns.
The current holiday edition highlights the Florida Springs Heartland Manatee Sighting Network, reminds property owners that yards need less water in the cooler months and describes requirements for commercial irrigation systems. It also outlines how to handle cooking grease this holiday season without damaging plumbing and waterways, provides information on holiday recycling, and has information on the Alachua County Climate Festival this weekend.
Subscribe to receive The Wader via email.
| | Day of Remembrance to Honor Lives Lost to Violence | | |
The Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center will host “A Day of Remembrance: Honoring Lives Lost to Violence and Survivors Who Continue the Journey of Healing” on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Squirrel Ridge Park (1603 Williston Road in Gainesville).
The event will feature local resources, light refreshments, a candle-lighting ceremony and speakers offering messages of support, healing and hope.
“As we enter the season of holiday celebration and time with family, the center is offering a space for reflection, connection and hope, where families and friends who have lost a loved one to violence, and feel their absence more deeply during the holidays, can find both understanding and supportive community,” said Director Laura Kalt.
| | Veterans Memorial Park to Host Community Engagement Meeting | | |
Alachua County Parks & Open Space will host a community engagement meeting on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the roller hockey rink at Veterans Memorial Park (7400 SW 41st Place, Gainesville).
The open-house-style event invites residents to drop in at any time to provide feedback on the future of the roller hockey rink.
The current asphalt rink, which is also informally used for pickleball, is in poor condition and requires replacement. Due to the significant differences between standard pickleball and roller hockey surfaces, the parks department is seeking public input on how to best use the space moving forward.
| | Alachua County Forever 25 Anniversary Hike at Mill Creek Preserve | |
Alachua County invites the community to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Alachua County Forever land conservation program with a special guided hike at Mill Creek Preserve (14505 NW County Road 236, Alachua).
The hike will take place on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Mill Creek Preserve spans 1,230 acres and was the first property acquired under the original Alachua County Forever bond in 2002. The preserve protects a rich mosaic of natural communities. It is home to one of the southernmost known populations of the American beech (Fagus grandifolia), which will be showcased in its fall color during the hike.
Read more about the hike.
| | Lake Alto Park Boat Ramp Closed to Motorized Watercrafts | |
Alachua County Parks and Open Spaces is notifying residents and visitors that the Lake Alto Park boat ramp (17800 NE 31st Place, Waldo) is temporarily closed to the launching of motorized watercraft. Water levels on Lake Alto have dropped significantly due to ongoing dry conditions, making motorized launching unsafe.
The boat ramp remains open for paddlecrafts, such as kayaks and canoes.
At this time, there is no estimated date for reopening the boat ramp to motorized vessels. The timeline will depend on future rainfall and resulting water level increases.
| | Alachua County Announces Fresh Produce Distribution Amid SNAP Disruptions | | |
As thousands of our residents face rising food insecurity due to disruptions in their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the County Commission has taken immediate action to help Alachua County residents enrolled in the program meet their basic needs.
Earlier this month, commissioners approved $200,000 in emergency funding to expand food distribution across the county, with half of the funds targeted for providing fresh fruits and vegetables. The county is utilizing multiple resources to distribute this food to families in need.
Read more about the produce distribution.
| | NE/NW 156th Ave. Resurfacing Project to Begin Nov. 18 | |
As part of the county’s $250 million 10-year plan, Alachua County Public Works will begin the resurfacing of Northeast/Northwest 156th Avenue on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.
Learn more about Alachua County’s road projects.
During construction, drivers can expect lane closures from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling through the construction area and to seek alternate routes whenever possible.
Learn more about the project
| | County Tests Innovative Material to Extend Road Life | | |
The Alachua County Public Works Department recently hosted a field demonstration on County Road 235 to evaluate Mastic One, a new crack-sealing material developed by Crafco Inc., Preservation Products.
The roadway was chosen for the test because of its pavement condition and high volume of truck traffic.
Public Works staff is always looking for innovative and cost-effective processes to extend the life of roads that won’t be repaved for a few years. While this type of treatment is not a long-term fix, it can help slow deterioration and preserve driving conditions until full resurfacing can occur.
Find out more about the new material.
| | County Seeks Young Volunteers for Advisory Boards | | |
Alachua County is inviting young residents to apply for volunteer positions on several county advisory boards. This initiative provides youth, ages 16 to 21 at the time of appointment, with the opportunity to share their perspectives, develop leadership skills, and play an active role in shaping local policies that impact their community and future.
Read more about the advisory board vacancies.
| | December Commercial Horticulture Program | | |
The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture program for December. Commercial Horticulture Agent Tatiana Sanchez-Jones is offering this program.
Green Industries Best Management Practices – Dec. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry).
Learn more about this program.
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