December 14, 2020
ALACHUA COUNTY HOUSING PROGRAM CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUNDS
​The Alachua County Housing Program has been awarded funding, through the Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF), in the amount of $556,533.00 to assist with back rental, mortgage, and utility payments. This is for assistance to those that can demonstrate direct COVID-19 impacts as the cause of the inability to pay. This assistance is for households in Alachua County, including in the City of Gainesville. Awards are up to $10,000. 
County Launches Interactive Housing Map
Alachua County is pleased to announce the launch of an Interactive Housing Map. The map guides individuals in finding affordable housing options as they consider making Alachua County a place to call home. The map is also for residents looking to move within the County. 
Virtual Alachua County Driver License Clinic
Multiple agencies will be working together to help individuals restore suspended or revoked driver licenses in a virtual Alachua County Driver License Clinic on February 1 through 5, 2021. Those wishing to participate must register online​ by January 5.

The Clinic is an opportunity for individuals in Alachua County with suspended, canceled, or revoked driver licenses to meet with multiple agencies and work on getting their driver license reinstated in a one-stop event.
Visit Gainesville, Alachua County Earns Top Florida Tourism Industry Award
Alachua County is pleased to announce that the Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) "What's Good" weekly event guide received the state’s highest honor, the "Henry Award," in the category of Consumer Resource Communications at the recent Visit Florida Flagler Award ceremony.

"It is an honor to be recognized by Florida's tourism industry leaders," said Tourism Development Manager Jessica Hurov. "What's Good is the region's premier source of information on the hundreds of events and attractions that make Alachua County a great destination. The guide is timely and easy to navigate, creating opportunities for visitors and residents to choose from a variety of arts, nature, cultural and sporting events to incorporate into their weekend and travel plans."
County Mental Health First Aid Training Initiative Recognized in NACo Newsletter
The Alachua County Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Initiative was recently recognized in the National Association of Counties (NACo) newsletter “County News.” The Department of Court Services manages this initiative. Court Services is hopeful that they can share their model and what they accomplished with other counties in the U.S.

 “The current public health crisis makes it even more likely that communities are affected by mental health,” said Alachua County Court Services Criminal Justice Liaison Stuart Wegener. “Extending MHFA training to those who are on the front lines is one of the best ways to help our communities.”
Rural Concerns Advisory Committee Vacancy
Alachua County is seeking applicants to fill a current vacancy on the Rural Concerns Advisory Committee for the position of Actively Involved in Agriculture and/or Silviculture for a term ending September 30, 2022. The County Commission established the Committee in 2003 to provide guidance and advice to the Board regarding rural concerns and issues in Alachua County. They generally meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m.