January 16, 2025

On January 11, Alachua County hosted the “Discover 200 – A Bicentennial Celebration” at Depot Park and Heartwood Soundstage. Visitors enjoyed a full day of great music, free kids’ activities, food trucks, vendors and exhibits.

Watch a short video recap of the event.

Learn more about the bands and performers that played.

2024 - A landmark year for Alachua County road projects

​​As 2024 draws to a close, Alachua County is pleased to share its progress on road projects.

The funding sources for these road projects include the voter-approved Wild Spaces Public Places surtax (placed on the 2022 ballot by the Alachua County Commission), gas tax, property taxes and grants. Between now and 2032, Alachua County will devote over a quarter of a billion dollars to road projects through these sources.

Read more about the road projects.

​​​2024 was a very productive year for the county’s efforts to invest in East Gainesville and the eastern portion of the county.

A cornerstone of this effort is transforming the site of the old fairgrounds near the airport into the U.S. Army Reserve equipment concentration site.

The fairground relocation was a strategic step to boost economic development and create quality jobs for our community. It’s also a key part of the county’s ongoing efforts to revitalize East Gainesville through thoughtful investments and partnerships. The main event at the fairgrounds is the annual Youth Fair, which highlights the achievements of our future farmers and ranchers. Relocating it to a more rural setting, close to the county’s Agricultural Cooperative Extension/IFAS building, just made sense.

Find out more about Forward Focus.

Meridian Healthcare recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Central Receiving Facility (CRF). This innovative facility is set to revolutionize the way mental health and substance use crises are managed in the community, providing a single point of access for individuals in need of emergency evaluation and stabilization. Individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can also walk in voluntarily.

Watch a video of the Ribbon Cutting.

​​The Alachua County Public Works Department is pleased to announce the completion of the resurfacing of Southwest 143rd Avenue, located in the City of Archer.

This roadway improvement was made possible through collaboration between the City of Archer and Alachua County, with funding from the voter-approved Wild Spaces Public Places/Infrastructure surtax.

Learn more about the completed project.

​The Alachua County Equity Advisory Board (EAB) is hosting a listening session to gather input from the community on equity-related issues within county programs, services, and policies. The listening session is on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Greater Bethel AME Church (701 SE 43rd St., Gainesville). 

The event's goal is to foster an open dialogue and ensure the voices of all residents, especially those from communities most impacted by racial and social inequities, are heard and considered. Participants can share insights on equity challenges and opportunities in Alachua County and help shape policies and services that impact the community.

"Your voice matters," said EAB Chair Ron Rawls. "Join us to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future for Alachua County."

Find out more about the event.

All New Alachua County Parks and Open Space Programs for Children

​It’s a new year for Alachua County Parks and Open Space with new and continuing programs for children. 

Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is continuing its popular Homeschool Junior Naturalist Program for grades K-6. Each month, a different topic, hands-on activities, and science-based programming are offered. Students will explore topics like life cycles, habitats, trees and more. These programs are offered the second Wednesday of every month, beginning in February 2025 through April, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is also offering a new program for preschoolers. Preschool Environmental Education Program Series (PEEPS) will be offered on the first Wednesday of each month, starting in February 2025. This is a program for ages 2 to 4. PEEPS encourages outdoor exploration that supports child development and helps children grow independence and confidence while helping them build a relationship with the natural world. This program begins Feb. 5 and runs from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. 

Read more about the programs.

Celebrate Arbor Day 2025 with Alachua County

Alachua County, the City of Waldo and Alachua Conservation Trust would like to invite the public to join us for a tree-filled celebration for Florida Arbor Day 2025.

This year’s celebration will be held at Lake Alto Park (17800 NE 134th Place, Waldo) on Jan. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This special event offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about planting, growing, and preserving trees while enjoying the beauty of nature. Participants can take part in a guided walk through the woods led by local forest and tree experts and discover fascinating insights about our environment.

As a bonus, free fruit trees will be available to attendees while supplies last.

“Florida’s cool January weather provides the perfect conditions to plant and study trees,” said Alachua County Arborist Lacy Holtzworth. “Shorter days and cooler temperatures allow trees to be dormant, making it easier to observe their structure without the stress of heat, pests, or active photosynthesis. For tree enthusiasts, this is the ideal season to connect with nature.”

Find out more about Arbor Day.

Public Works Installs Hundreds of Signs to Improve Safety

​​The Alachua County Public Works Department announced the installation of over 240 "No Trucks" signs across 44 road segments in the county. This initiative is aimed at improving safety by encouraging large commercial trucks to utilize wider, more suitable state and county roads.

The decision to install these signs comes after numerous citizen inquiries regarding the safety concerns posed by large trucks traveling at high speeds on narrow roads. In response, the Alachua County Commission directed Public Works to implement the "No Trucks" restriction on collector roads with travel lanes 11 feet wide or narrower. These roads make up about 14% of the county's collector road system.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol's Bureau of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement in the Ocala District, enforcing a "No Trucks" restriction is simpler and more effective than weight-based restrictions. As a result, some roads previously restricted by weight limits have now been designated with the "No Trucks" sign, which law enforcement can enforce more easily.

It is important to note that these restrictions apply to commercial trucks passing through, not trucks making deliveries to addresses located on these roads. Local deliveries, including those during the busy holiday season, won't be impacted by the new regulations.

Fire Rescue Adds New Equipment

​Alachua County Fire Rescue is excited to announce the addition of state-of-the-art Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment and new Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) bags to its arsenal, significantly advancing firefighter safety and efficiency.

The SCBAs, funded through Alachua County tax dollars and grant funding, feature improved communication systems and lightweight materials to reduce fatigue during critical operations. These SCBAs are of an improved technology to replace aging equipment that has been in service for the last 10 years and has met the operational life span.

Complementing the SCBAs are new RIT bags designed to expedite rescue operations for downed firefighters. These specialized bags include a dedicated air supply, quick-connect fittings, and essential rescue tools, enabling rapid deployment during emergencies. Together, these upgrades ensure the department is equipped with the latest technology to address the most challenging scenarios.

The department has implemented comprehensive training programs to ensure all personnel are proficient in using the new equipment. These investments demonstrate the ongoing dedication to protecting both our first responders and the citizens of Alachua County.

2025 Survivors of Violence Art Exhibit Submissions

The Alachua County Community Support Services, Victim Services, and Rape Crisis Center invites survivors of violence to contribute original artwork to the 2025 Survivors of Violence Art Exhibit in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April). The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 3, 2025.

All survivors of interpersonal violence are welcome to submit original work, including performance pieces, to be presented at the reception. The exhibit is at the Harn Museum of Art (3259 Hull Road, Gainesville) from April 1-30. A reception for the artists will be held on Thursday, April 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. 

“This year’s theme, Community Is Healing, will highlight how survivors are not defined by their past but by their strength to rise, heal, and embody resilience," said Project Coordinator Cassandra Moore. "Together, we can demonstrate the transformative power of art in the healing journey.” 

Participants should apply online.

Cold Weather Alert- Keep Animals Safe from Freezing Temperatures

​​As temperatures dip below 40 degrees, Alachua County Animal Resources reminds pet owners to prioritize their pets' safety by bringing dogs and cats indoors.

Cold weather can be unexpectedly harsh on pets, even during outdoor exercise. To keep them safe, consider moderating outdoor activities, such as shortening walks for dogs and ensuring cats remain indoors during the coldest parts of the day.

Certain pets, such as those with medical conditions like diabetes, older animals, and very young ones, may struggle to regulate their body temperature in extreme cold. Extra care should be taken to keep these pets warm and comfortable.

For cat owners and drivers alike, it’s essential to “make some noise” before starting your car. Outdoor and feral cats may seek shelter under the warmth of vehicle hoods, which can lead to fatal accidents. Always check under your car, tap on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to prevent harm.

Please contact Alachua County Animal Resources at 352-264-6880 during business hours if you see an animal in distress due to the cold. Call 911 for emergencies.

Let’s work together to keep all our furry friends safe and warm this winter.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Waste Collection and County Office Schedule

​Other than emergency services, all Alachua County government offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Due to the observance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20, residential curbside collection services for solid waste, recycling and yard trash will be delayed by one day for the entire week. The regular schedule for these services will resume the following week on Monday, Jan. 27.

The five Alachua County Rural Collection Centers, the Leveda Brown Environmental Park and Transfer Station, the Hazardous Waste Collection Center and the Office of Waste Collection will also be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 and will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Writing to Heal: Survivors of Sexual Violence Support Group

​Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center is offering an eight-week, in-person writing-based support group. This group is open to women and nonbinary survivors of sexual violence. 

The group begins February 2025 and will meet in person on Monday afternoons from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The group is free of charge, all skill levels are welcome, and all necessary supplies will be provided. The meeting location will be disclosed to participants.

“Writing is a healing process, and we encourage participants to write in whatever form they find most healing, whether that be journaling, songwriting, poetry, or anything beyond,” said Kylee Field, a victim advocate counselor. “Prompts will be provided each week to allow survivors the opportunity to explore their journey of healing in a way that feels safe and authentic to them.” 

To participate in the support group, call or text Kylee Field at 352-681-2428.

Florida Stormwater, Erosion and Sedimentation Control Inspector Training and Certification Program

​The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) is offering the Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector Training and Certification Program on Jan. 28 - 29, 2025, at Gainesville Regional Utilities (4747 N. Main St., Gainesville). The training is free, but participants must register by Jan. 24.

Participants will learn the importance of preventing construction site sedimentation from polluting local water bodies and become familiar with techniques to minimize erosion to keep construction sites in compliance.

This certification program, developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, is team-taught by a group of local industry professionals. The class is co-sponsored by the Gainesville Clean Water Partnership.

Qualifying participants can earn eight Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for their contractor’s license and/or eight Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for their Florida professional engineer’s license.

Register online.

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 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 Alachua County Commission seeks citizen volunteers to serve on several advisory boards.

Read more about volunteering for advisory boards.

Native Trees are January’s Plantings of the Month

The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce that the “Plantings of the Month” for January is native trees.

North Central Florida is home to a diverse range of native trees that contribute to the region’s rich biodiversity and provide numerous benefits to the environment and local communities. Native trees are adapted to the unique conditions of North Central Florida, including its sandy soils, humid climate and periodic droughts.

Check the Plantings of the Month website for information on planting, harvesting and more. Listen to the Extension Cord Podcast for further insights on the Plantings of the Month.

The Plantings of the Month program is a collaborative effort between the Alachua County Commission, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteers, Alachua County Public Library, Grow Hub and Working Food.