HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FEBRUARY 25, 2025 COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING | |
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These highlights will give residents a quick review of the most recent County Commission meeting and provide video, agenda, and other useful links.
Raises for law enforcement, detention officers
The commission agreed to have staff work with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office on a five-year plan for salary increases to make the agency more competitive and to deal with compression concerns. The commission also approved an immediate 3.8% pay increase from the current law enforcement budget, with the understanding that this increase will be subtracted from next fiscal year’s salary increase.
Read the complete highlights for this meeting.
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Registration now open for Alachua County's 2025 Citizens Academy | |
Alachua County is excited to once again offer residents an exclusive opportunity to explore the inner workings of local government through its highly praised Citizens Academy.
Registration for the 2025 sessions is now open through March 16.
This free, eight-week program provides a behind-the-scenes look at county operations, partnering with various local agencies, including the sheriff's office, supervisor of elections, tax collector, property appraiser, clerk of the court, the health department, school district, judicial system and much more. Participants will gain firsthand insight into how their tax dollars are utilized and how local government functions.
The program begins on April 3 and will be held on consecutive Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Sessions will feature presentations from top county officials and staff, offering attendees a fast-paced and engaging learning experience.
"Citizen engagement is essential to effective governance," said County Manager Michele Lieberman. "This program is truly a unique opportunity for residents to learn more about the county's operations and discover ways to actively participate in shaping our community's future."
To view the full schedule and learn more about the program, visit the Alachua County Citizens Academy website. The registration form can be found at the bottom of the home page. Residents interested should not wait to register, as classes do reach capacity.
See last year's feature stories on last year's academy.
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CDS Behavioral and Family Health Services CEO Phil Kabler on Alachua County Talks | |
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A new episode of Alachua County Talks featuring an interview with CDS Behavioral and Family Health Services CEO Phil Kabler is now available. The interview focuses on the organization’s efforts to empower youth and build stronger families through a wide variety of programs including youth shelters and counseling services for children and families.
The show is available to watch on YouTube now. It is also available on Alachua County’s AC TV app on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV. It premieres on Community12 TV on Cox Cable on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
In speaking of the interview, Alachua County Talks host Mark Sexton said, “CDS Behavioral and Family Health Services is an institution in Alachua County and in neighboring counties. Their crucial work helps our youth learn valuable social and cognitive-behavioral skills, manage emotions, and handle situations better at home and school.”
For more information visit CDS Family and Behavioral Health Services, Inc.
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Alachua County Resuscitation Rates Exceed State and National Averages | |
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A recently released groundbreaking report revealed that the resuscitation rates in Alachua County have surpassed both state and national averages. The data collected over the past year confirms that Alachua County's resuscitation efforts have resulted in a remarkable 36.8% success rate, compared to the state average of 27.6% and the national average of 24.8%. These figures reflect the county's commitment to implementing best practices in emergency care and the rigorous training programs established for our crews.
Contributing to this success are our partnerships with other local departments, including Gainesville Fire Rescue, Newberry Fire Department, High Springs Fire Department, Cross Creek Fire Department, Lacrosse Fire Department and Windsor Fire Department.
"These impressive resuscitation rates are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our crews," said Misty Woods, assistant chief of EMS. "Through continuous training in advanced medical techniques, we save lives and make a real difference in our community."
Read more about the resuscitation rates.
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Poe Springs Plein Air Paint-Out Call to Artists | |
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The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department invites artists to participate in the Poe Springs Plein Air event during the upcoming Second Annual Santa Fe Springs Celebration.
The event will be held at Poe Springs Park (28800 NW 182nd Ave., High Springs) on March 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is a free opportunity for artists to paint, exhibit, and sell their work in a vibrant outdoor setting. There are no registration fees, just a chance to showcase your talent while enjoying a lively festival atmosphere. The deadline to register is March 7, with check-in on the day of the event at 8:30 a.m.
The event includes live music, educational exhibits, vendors, food trucks, and more. Artists must bring their table, equipment, chairs, and tent (if needed), and we will bring the crowds.
Find out more about the call to artists.
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Enjoy Florida’s Springs at the Second Annual Santa Fe Springs Celebration | |
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Get ready for a day of fun, music, art, and environmental inspiration at the Second Annual Santa Fe Springs Celebration.
This free, family-friendly event is hosted by Alachua County and the Florida Springs Council and will take place Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Poe Springs County Park (28800 NW 182nd Ave., High Springs).
“The goal of the event is to bring the community together to celebrate our springs, rivers and aquifer while learning how to protect water that is essential to our economy and life,” said Stacie Greco, Alachua County’s water resources program manager.
The event will feature entertainment for all ages and interests, including:
- Live music from Porch Swing, Scott Free & Richard Patrick Combo, and Holy River
- Educational exhibits and craft vendors
- Plein Air art event featuring local renowned artists and hands-on activity with Corks & Colors Studio
- Dog soccer games by Soccer Collies
- Food trucks
Learn more about the Springs Celebration.
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Summer Camp at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center | |
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Registration for summer camp at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center opens on March 1, 2025. This year's theme is "Wild About Nature." Those registering for summer camps should visit the Camp Cuscowilla program page. Links to register will be available starting March 1, at 8 a.m.
Day camps will be offered for seven weeks from June 9 to July 25, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Children ages 7 to 12 can register for one week or the whole summer. Each week offers archery, swimming lessons and recreational swimming, outdoor skills, arts and crafts, kayaking and more. Campers will also attend field trips once a week to places in Alachua County, such as the Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation, the Alachua County Sports Complex, Poe Springs, the Cade Museum and more.
All new this summer, those entering first grade can experience summer camp at Cuscowilla for two weeks. Mini Camp is a way for campers to try camp for maybe the first time. Campers would be in a small number to provide age-appropriate activities while still having fun.
Find out more about the Summer Day Camps.
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The February Plantings of the Month is Soil Amendments | |
The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce that the “Plantings of the Month” for February is soil amendments.
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden or landscape. Whether you’re growing flowers, vegetables, or lawns, understanding local soil conditions and health is essential. By choosing the right amendments, homeowners can improve plant growth and sustainability.
Check the Plantings of the Month website for information on planting, harvesting, and more. Listen to the Extension Cord Podcast to get further insights on the Plantings of the Month.
The Plantings 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, Grow Hub and Working Food.
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