HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FEBRUARY 10, 2026 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.
WildFlowers Music Festival
The County Commission approved a temporary use permit for the WildFlowers Music Park in eastern Alachua County, near Melrose. The organization will host a music festival scheduled for March 12-16.
Among the conditions required by the county, the festival can’t exceed specified sound levels, can’t exceed 5,000 people at any one time, and must post no trespassing signs for neighboring properties. The festival must also obtain a right-of-way permit from Public Works.
Read the complete highlights for this meeting.
| | County Extends Burn Ban, New Florida Forest Service Restrictions | | |
After reviewing Alachua County’s current wildland fire conditions and in consultation with the Florida Forest Service (FFS), the mandatory countywide burn ban has been extended and will remain in effect through Feb. 13, 2026.
Additionally, from the state, through the FFS, no permits will be issued for any broadcast (acreage/land-clearing) burning in a county with a burn ban in effect. The FFS itself will not be conducting any burns.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall be liable for all damages caused by such violation, which damages shall be recoverable in any court of competent jurisdiction, as well as the costs associated with suppressing and extinguishing the fire. Liability for the costs of suppression may extend to the person, firm, or corporation causing, directing, or permitting the activity, as well as the actual violator.
Read more about the burn ban.
| | County Releases ‘Cents & Sensibility’ Budget Guide | |
In response to confusing property tax information put out in recent months by the State of Florida, Alachua County has released all eight chapters of its Cents & Sensibility budget series as a digital, interactive booklet designed to help residents better understand how county government is funded and how spending decisions are made.
Cents & Sensibility explains how the county budget works, where revenue comes from and how funds are used to support services that affect daily life. The guide uses plain language, infographics and links to break down complex financial topics.
Each chapter, released incrementally over the past three months, focuses on a key part of the budget process, including how residents can provide input, the General Fund, understanding property taxes, the impact of unfunded mandates, why budgets grow, the purpose of reserve funding, the total budget and the importance of future planning.
“Our residents deserve clear, accessible information about how public dollars are collected and spent,” said Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton. “This guide is meant to give people the context they need to better understand county finances and participate in the budget process.”
View the interactive booklet.
| | Community Partners Promote FindHelp Resource Platform | | |
The Children’s Trust, UF Health, the Safety Net Collaborative and Alachua County have aligned with FindHelp to promote its free, centralized online resource guide for residents to access local services.
FindHelp is a user-friendly platform that connects individuals and families to community resources, including food assistance, housing support, health care and other essential services. The tool is designed to be easily accessible to all community members while also offering key benefits for service providers.
For participating organizations, FindHelp also allows agencies to track referrals, better understand how residents are accessing services and identify gaps in available support. The platform helps reduce service duplication and improve coordination among providers.
Learn more about FindHelp.
| | Fire Rescue Earns National Accreditation | | |
Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) is proud to announce it has been awarded national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), recognizing the department’s commitment to excellence in emergency medical services, patient care and operational performance.
The commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that sets national standards for ambulance services. Accreditation is voluntary and requires agencies to undergo a comprehensive review of clinical care, leadership, safety practices, quality improvement and community involvement.
“This accreditation affirms our commitment to public safety and to providing high-quality, patient-centered emergency medical care,” Fire Chief Harold Theus said. “It reflects the professionalism of our paramedics, emergency medical technicians and support staff, as well as our focus on accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.”
Find out more about the accreditation.
| | NE/NW 156th Avenue Resurfacing Nears Completion | | |
Alachua County Public Works is pleased to announce that the resurfacing project on Northeast/Northwest 156th Avenue is on schedule and nearing completion.
The nearly $4-million project covers 3.8 miles from County Road 231 to County Road 225 and is intended to improve roadway safety, driving conditions, and pavement longevity.
Crews have completed resurfacing of the westbound lane and are currently working on the eastbound lane. Asphalt resurfacing is expected to be completed by Friday, Feb. 13, weather permitting. Final pavement markings will be installed after the new asphalt completes a required 14-day curing period.
“This project reflects Public Works’ ongoing commitment to providing safe, efficient and reliable roadways for residents and visitors,” said Aaron Burke, the county’s construction inspections superintendent.
Temporary traffic adjustments and minor delays may continue as crews complete the remaining work. Motorists are urged to use caution in the construction zone and remain alert for workers and equipment.
| | Transportation Planning Organization Rebrands, Begins Drafting Next 2-Year Plan | | |
The Gainesville & Alachua County Transportation Planning Organization (GACTPO), formerly known as the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO), is amending its current Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for FYs 24-26 and preparing the draft for FYs 26-28.
The name change was approved at the organization’s Feb. 2, 2026 board meeting.
The UPWP is a federally required statement of work that outlines transportation planning priorities and activities within the metropolitan planning area. It identifies planned tasks and products, responsible parties, timelines, costs and funding sources over a two-year period. The program is required by the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation.
Read more about the Gainesville & Alachua County Transportation Planning Organization.
| | Watermelon Pond Park Boat Ramp Temporarily Closed | | |
Alachua County Parks and Open Spaces has temporarily closed the Watermelon Pond Park boat ramp to the launching of watercraft due to low water levels caused by ongoing dry conditions.
The Watermelon Pond Park boat ramp (10700 SW 250th St., Newberry) is unsafe for vessel launching as water levels at the site have dropped significantly.
There is no estimated date for reopening the boat ramp. The closure will remain in effect until sufficient rainfall raises water levels that allow for safe access.
| | County Seeks Advisory Board Volunteers | |
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to give back to your community and participate in your county's decision-making process? Serving on an Alachua County advisory board offers you this chance. The Alachua 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 County Commission seeks citizen volunteers to serve on several advisory boards.
Learn more about advisory board vacancies.
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