HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DECEMBER 12, 2023 COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING | |
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These highlights will give residents a quick review of the commission meeting and provide video and agenda, and other useful links.
New county department
The County Commission approved the tentative creation of a new medical examiner department under Alachua County. The medical examiner’s office, which currently falls under the University of Florida College of Medicine Department of Pathology, will begin its transition to continue to provide autopsies, toxicology reporters and other services for county residents.
As medical examiner, Thomas Coyne, who is appointed by the governor, has the ability to change who oversees his department. He said he plans to resign as a professor at UF to begin the transition. County staff will begin contract negotiations with Coyne at a competitive rate, conduct a compensation study for employees and develop a budget that will come back to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
Coyne said he conducts approximately 400 autopsies and certifies 900 deaths annually. His office also covers brain injury reviews for 10 other counties under the current model under UF. State Attorney Brian Kramer, whose office uses the medical examiner’s services routinely, said there are no other known similar models in the state and believes the change would benefit the community.
Currently, the county pays 63.5% of the office’s total expenses. Savings from no longer paying administrative fees to UF will help cover expenses and costs for services to other entities.
Read the complete highlights for this meeting.
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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of former County Commissioner Charles Chestnut III | |
FEATURE STORY: Housing first: Breaking the cycle of Homelessness | |
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Andrew Caplan
Alachua County
Stori Sandridge still remembers watching the tents come down at Dignity Village.
For years, the encampment was the closest thing to a home for hundreds who surrounded the gates of Grace Marketplace, a one-stop shop homeless service center located in northeast Gainesville.
It was a place where people could rely on hot meals, blankets and a place to rest, but it was also known for being dangerous due to its frequent crime and substance abuse among some already coping with mental health issues.
Read the entire Feature Story.
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County Water Resources Program Manager on Alachua County Talks | |
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A new episode of Alachua County Talks featuring an interview with Alachua County Water Resources Program Manager Stacie Greco is now available. The program focuses on the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department’s efforts to ensure the future of our water resources through science-based regulatory and educational teamwork.
The interview is available to watch on YouTube now. It premieres on Community12 TV on Cox Cable at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023.
In speaking of the interview, Alachua County Talks host Mark Sexton said, “The importance of preserving our water resources cannot be overstated. The County Water Resources Program is helping us to do that through a combination of public education and regulation designed to protect our aquifer for current residents and future generations.”
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Alachua County Digital Black Heritage Trail Map and Website | |
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In partnership with the University of Florida’s Museum Studies Program, the Alachua County Community Remembrance Project (ACCRP) is pleased to announce the Alachua County Digital Black Heritage Trail Map and website.
The Digital Black Heritage Trail Map includes 140 community-identified places of significance. It can be viewed independently or by visiting the Alachua County Truth & Reconciliation website.
The website is redesigned to feature entirely new content, including ACCRP media and archival resources, trauma-informed resources and curricula for educators, and a custom video animation that honors the victims of racial terror lynching in Alachua County.
Learn more about the Black Heritage Trail Map.
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Public Works Plants Native Wildflowers in Road Medians | |
The Alachua County Public Works Department teamed up last week with the Gainesville Garden Club and the Florida Department of Transportation to plant native wildflowers in county road medians. The five medians planted include Northwest 16th Avenue at Northwest 27th Terrace, Northwest 43rd Street at Northwest 19th Place, Southwest 24th Avenue at Southwest 103rd Street, Southwest 34th Avenue at Williston Road, and Southeast 43rd Street at Eastside High School and Lake Forest Elementary School.
The Lanceleaf Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata) and Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa) were the two native species planted this year. The seed was produced locally by the Florida Wildflower Cooperative and generously provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Read more about the native wildflower planting.
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Legal assistance for eviction and landlord/tenant issues | |
Alachua County encourages residents to take advantage of legal assistance available through the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which offers services to renters who may be experiencing tenant issues, including evictions or legal barriers affecting their housing stability.
There are three ways for people to receive assistance.
1. County residents who make 50% or less than the area medium income (AMI) can receive direct legal aid and representation when facing eviction by reaching out to:
- Florida Legal Services eviction prevention helpline - 888-780-0443
- Three Rivers Legal Services - 352-372-0519
The AMI is based on household size and gross income. Check AMI income amounts.
2. Florida Legal Services (FLS) and the county are offering monthly tenant legal workshops that are available to the public where county residents can ask questions and speak with attorneys on-site to discuss their own situation. For information on upcoming workshops, call 888-780-0443.
3. Those who make 80% or less of the AMI and have additional questions concerning landlord/tenant issues are encouraged to call the FLS helpline at 888-780-0443.
Since January 2021, Alachua County has received more than $32.9 million in grants to go toward various ERAP initiatives, which include rent, utilities, housing stability, affordable housing and administrative costs. To date, Alachua County has received more than 4,600 applications for ERAP assistance.
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Roof Replacement and Home Repair Funding Available for County Residents | |
State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) funding for roof replacement and home repair as part of the Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation program is available through the Alachua County Housing Division. The funds are for low and very low-income eligible applicants who reside in Alachua County. Those living in the City of Gainesville are ineligible. This program is first come, first serve.
To qualify for the funds, you must meet the following criteria:
- The assisted unit must be owner-occupied, the owner’s primary residence, and located in Alachua County and outside the City of Gainesville.
- Property taxes must be paid current on the unit to be assisted.
- Homeowners must be very low or low income, depending on the funding source.
- Except for emergency repairs, each unit must meet or exceed the minimum housing code.
- Other requirements may need to be met, depending on the funding source.
Click to see low and very low-income household sizes.
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County Seeks Advisory Board Volunteers | |
Alachua County seeks volunteers to serve on Advisory Boards. Those looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows them to give back to their community and participate in their County's decision-making process should consider serving on one of the many Board vacancies currently open. The 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 Alachua County Commission seeks citizen volunteers to serve on several Advisory Boards.
Find out more about Advisory Boards.
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Seeking Applicants for the Children's Trust of Alachua County | |
Alachua County is accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on the Children's Trust of Alachua County. There is one appointment coming available. Applications must be received by Friday, January 5, 2024, to be considered at the January 23, 2024, County Commission meeting for possible recommendation to the Governor's Office.
The Children's Trust is governed by a ten-member board of which the Governor appoints five members. The Governor makes appointments from a list of names recommended by the Alachua County Board of Commissioners. The Governor's Appointments Office has requested three additional names for consideration.
Applications are available online. Applicants should fill out the application in its entirety, save it, and email it to ttonkavich@alachuacounty.us.
The Children's Trust of Alachua County is an Independent Special District with taxing authority empowered to provide local children preventive, developmental, and treatment services.
Learn more about the Children's Trust of Alachua County.
For more information, contact Alachua County Community Support Services Assistant Director Tom Tonkavich at 352-264-6738 or ttonkavich@alachuacounty.us.
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Faith-Based Organizations Invited to Join Disaster Response Group | |
Alachua County Emergency Management (ACEM) has created a new group called the Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD). The county is inviting county faith-based organizations to complete an interest form that will provide the department with the contact information for their organizations. The form is a short questionnaire that will provide ACEM with a comprehensive list of faith-based groups expressing interest in joining the COAD to serve and assist our community during emergencies.
In cooperating with faith-based organizations, ACEM hopes to strengthen the community’s resilience during disasters. Partnering with these groups, particularly in the aftermath of a disaster, will significantly enhance the county’s response efforts.
“I am very excited for the chance to work with these groups and add their resources to our community response in times of need,” said Emergency Management Director Jen Grice.
Complete the interest form.
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The December Plant of the Month is Parsley | |
The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce that the December “Plant of the Month” is parsley.
Parsley is more than a garnish. It is an herb used in Italian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Parsley is a great source of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in iron, potassium, and Vitamins A, K, and C. The two main types of parsley are flat leaf or Italian Parsley, which has a bold aromatic flavor, and curly leaf, which has a more pungent flavor.
December is a good time to grow parsley in North Central Florida. Check the Plant of the Month website for information on planting, harvesting, recipes, and more. Listen to the Extension Cord Podcast for further insights on the Plant of the Month.
“When added at the last minute of cooking, parsley adds crispness and flavor to a dish,” said County Commission Chair Mary Alford. “You can add it to soups, stews, salads, pasta, beans, and many other dishes.”
The Plant of the Month program is a collaborative effort between Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteers, Alachua County Public Library, and Working Food.
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Health Officials Issue Rabies Alert | |
The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County has issued a rabies alert for Northwest Alachua County in an area between Newberry and High Springs along State Road 45 (U.S. HWY 27). This is in response to a stray cat that tested positive on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.
All residents and visitors in Alachua County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population, and domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Alachua County. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public, but they should not get a false sense of security in areas that have not been named as under an alert.
Read more about the rabies alert.
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Animal Services Opening Late on December 20 | |
Alachua County Animal Resources (3400 NE 53rd Ave., Gainesville) will not open until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, due to an internal holiday lunch. The regular hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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