February 13, 2025

These highlights will give residents a quick review of the most recent County Commission meeting and provide video, agenda, and other useful links.

2025 Springs Partner of the Year

Communications Director Mark Sexton announced that Alachua County Water Resource Program Manager Stacie Greco was awarded the 2025 Springs Partner of the Year by the Florida Springs Council at its annual summit.

Read the complete highlights for this meeting.

Stephen Rodriguez Discusses the 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships on Alachua County Talks

​A new episode of Alachua County Talks, featuring an interview with Senior Vice President of RADDSports, Stephen Rodriguez, is now available. The interview covers the upcoming 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championship. This is the first time the event has been held in the United States. Alachua County will play host to over 9,000 athletes and spectators from nearly 100 countries.



Watch this episode on YouTube. It is also available on Alachua County's AC TV app on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.

“Alachua County is in the midst of its Discover 200 Bicentennial Celebration. We are celebrating the past, the present and the future," said show host Mark Sexton. "A very near future event that we are excited about is the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships, which will be held from March 23rd-30th at The Alachua County Sports and Events Center."

Join us as we celebrate the Discover 200 Bicentennial by honoring Black History Month—a time to honor the history, culture, and groundbreaking achievements of Black leaders, artists, and trailblazers. Experience a dynamic fusion of thought-provoking exhibits and electrifying live performances that invite you to learn, reflect, and celebrate.

Explore this list of events and local resources designed to inspire and connect our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the past, embrace the present, and empower the future of Alachua County.

Learn more about local Black History Month events.

​​Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, is launching a pilot program to empower the local hospitality and tourism workforce with essential guest service skills. This initiative provides complimentary access to the prestigious Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) certification, a globally recognized credential through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The two-hour certification program consists of seven modules covering key topics such as professionalism, inclusivity, communication, service recovery and more. Designed to promote career development and continuing education, the program equips participants with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional service in every interaction. It reflects Alachua County’s commitment to fostering workforce growth and strengthening the hospitality sector as a vital driver of the local economy.

“Investing in our hospitality workforce is investing in the future of our local tourism industry,” said Jessica Hurov, director of Tourism and Economic Development for Alachua County. “This certification program ensures that our hospitality professionals have the tools and training to provide top-tier guest experiences, enhancing our region’s reputation as a welcoming and dynamic destination.”

Read more about the hospitality certification.

​Show your Discover 200 Bicentennial pride. 

To help support the Matheson History Museum, Alachua County has designated them as the official Alachua County Discover 200 Bicentennial merchandise retailer. 

The collection includes a teddy bear, puzzle, tote bag, poster, sticker, mug, t-shirts, magnet, and windbreaker. All purchases support the Matheson History Museum.

A sample of each item is on view in Matheson's gift shop, but items can only be purchased through the online store.

Friends of Cuscowilla Seeks Applicants for Board

​​Do you have a passion for nature, the outdoors and making a positive impact in your community? Friends of Cuscowilla (FOC) is looking for dedicated individuals to join its Board of Directors and help support the incredible work happening at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center.

As a nonprofit organization in Alachua County, FOC plays a vital role in enhancing Cuscowilla’s programs and events for people of all ages.

Find out more about the Cuscowilla Board of Directors.

Tree Trimming on Southeast County Road 234

The Alachua County Public Works Department announced today that T&K Tree Service is trimming trees and vegetation on Southeast County Road 234 in Micanopy from US 441 to State Road 20/Hawthorne Road.

The trimming is being done to improve visibility, travelway clearance and to open up the right of way for other maintenance operations, including mowing and resurfacing. Well-maintained and mowed shoulders make it safer to pull off the road in an emergency. 

The trimming is also being done before the road resurfacing, which is scheduled to begin early this summer. The repaving will start at US 441 and extend approximately four miles to the entrance of the Paynes Prairie Maintenance Office.

Public Works Horticulturist Neil Greishaw oversees the project to ensure that the heritage live oak trees like the ones pictured are being pruned correctly.

“Live Oak trees are some of the strongest trees in North America and can live several hundred years,” he said. “In fact, the old wooden sailing ship the U.S.S. Constitution was built from live oak wood. The ship was nicknamed ‘Old Ironsides’ because cannonballs reportedly bounced off its wooden hulls during the War of 1812.”

The trimming is expected to be completed by mid-February, so please use caution while traveling this road and expect some short delays.