February 1, 2021
AGENCIES IN ALACHUA COUNTY NOT OPTING
INTO STATE VACCINE PROCESS
The State recently announced the launch of a statewide preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments for individuals 65 and older and frontline health care workers. The State Department of Health in Alachua County is currently not opting into this system. Please do not register through this system. It will not serve you in getting a vaccine in Alachua County.

Currently, Alachua County vaccination agencies are among the leaders in the State in vaccines per capita for our residents. There are multiple processes in place for vaccine appointments and delivery. Rather than start from scratch with a new State system, our agencies will continue to refine existing systems.

Current State Department of Health in Alachua County efforts include:

  • Calling those over 65 to set appointments
  • A call-in number to assist with registration and set appointments 352-334-8810
  • Multiped vaccine events, including events that are providing direct outreach to underserved communities and those who don’t have access to digital platforms
  • COMING SOON: A new web-based form for registering and setting appointments for upcoming events. The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County has temporarily closed their registration form for COVID-19 vaccination as the transition to the new site is happening. If you registered using the old form, you have not lost your place in line, and there will be no need to re-register using the new form.

Each hospital in the county is also employing multiple processes and events to deliver vaccines.

Again, please do not go online or call-in to the new state system if you are an Alachua County resident.
Fire Station 25 May Reduce Homeowner’s Insurance
Alachua County Fire Rescue is informing homeowners within five miles of Fire Station #25 (12825 N.W. US Highway 441, Alachua) that they may be able to save money on their homeowner’s insurance.

Alachua County Fire Rescue recently finished construction on the bay that houses the fire engine at this location. The completed construction lowers the Insurance Services Office - Public Protection Classification (ISO-PPC) from a PPC of 10 to a 3. This improved rating can reduce insurance rates up to 40% for homeowners within five miles of the Station.
New Alachua County Forever Preserve Protects Newnans Lake Watershed
With funding from the Alachua County Forever portion of Wild Spaces and Public Places, Alachua County has finalized the purchase of 1,250.85 acres in the Newnans Lake watershed. Public ownership of the property formerly held by the Weyerhaeuser Company will contribute to maintaining or improving water quality in Hatchet Creek and downstream into Newnans Lake.

The property, known as Parcel E, is located on the north side of State Road 26, approximately one mile west of Orange Heights. Its location is strategic, filling the gap between Alachua County’s Balu Forest on the east and St. Johns River Water Management District’s Newnans Lake Conservation Area on the west. Together with UF’s Austin Cary Memorial Forest and Gainesville’s Gum Root Park, these properties combine to make 11,550 acres of contiguous protected property in the headwaters of Newnans Lake.
West Lawn Statue Call-to-Artist Extended
The Call-to-Artists for a statue on the West Lawn of the County Administration Building has been extended. Submittals are due to Alachua County Procurement by Tuesday, February 9, 2021, no later than 11:59 p.m. via the Codaworx website (Registration is free). Artists or artist teams are encouraged to apply.

The Alachua County Arts Council (“the Committee”) invites artists or artist teams to submit their proposals for the West Lawn Art, a public, outdoor artwork that amplifies aspirations and truly listens to the community. The statue will be installed on a 12’x12’ concrete slab on the S.E. corner of University and Main Street (located at 12 S.E. 1st Street, Gainesville). The budget for the project is $37,550.

For more information, contact Alachua County Procurement Agent Leira Cruz Cáliz at 352-337-6268.
County Environmental Protection's Water Wisdom series
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department has produced 13 episodes of their "Water Wisdom" video series. In this series, they help viewers expand their water wisdom by exploring Alachua County's local waters.
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.
February Extension Programs