January 19, 2021
REGISTRATION FOR COVID-19 VACCINE
AVAILABLE FOR THOSE OVER 65
“We are now accepting registrations from Alachua County residents who are age 65 and older," stated Paul Myers, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. 

Those who want to register to receive the first of two doses have two options: click here to register or, individuals can call 352-334-8810, 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week to register to receive the vaccine.
 
Registration requires your name, date of birth, phone number, and address. A representative from the Alachua County Health Department will contact registrants once vaccine availability is confirmed to provide vaccination time and location. The number that will appear on the caller ID will show as 352-334-7900. It is important that you answer the call on the first try for faster service. If a call goes unanswered, you will be placed back on the list and reached for the next event. 
New Dashboard Vaccination Feature
The Alachua County COVID-19 Recovery Dashboard now features cumulative and daily vaccinations administered in Alachua County. Alachua County will include these numbers in our daily COVID-19 updates on the Alachua County website and Alachua County’s social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).
Telephone Town Hall to Discuss Coronavirus Vaccine
Alachua County Commission Chair Ken Cornell will host a one-hour telephone town hall at 7 p.m. Monday, January 25, 2021, to discuss the safety, efficacy, and distribution of coronavirus vaccines in our community. Joining Chair Cornell will be City of Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe, Florida Department of Health Director Paul Myers, University of Florida Senior Vice President for Health Affairs and President of UF Health Dr. David Nelson, North Florida Regional Medical CEO Eric Lawson, and North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System Director Tom Wisnieski.
Alachua County 2020 CARES Act Closed - New Help Desk Available
​The Alachua County 2020 CARES Act Program came to a close on December 30, 2020. For applicants with outstanding issues, the County has established a new CARES Help Desk at 352-337-6151 or [email protected]. The help desk is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
County and City of Gainesville Hosting Joint Zero Waste Strategic Plan Webinar
​Alachua County and the City of Gainesville are seeking input on their Joint Zero Waste Strategic Plan. The County and City are hosting a webinar on January 21, 2021, at noon to provide an overview of the Joint Zero Waste Strategic Plan planning process and proposed strategies. 

Alachua County Interim Solid Waste Director Gus Olmos said, “Public input and participation is a critical step in finalizing the plan, and helps to identify the strategies that are most important to the community.”
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.
Three Call-to-Artist Projects Extended
Call-to-Artists for the “Outdoor Sculpture and Indoor Mural for Alachua County UF/IFAS Office” and “Outdoor Sculpture for Alachua County Agricultural & Equestrian Center” have been extended until Wednesday, January 20, 2021. The Call-to-Artist for the “West Lawn Statue” has been extended until January 27, 2021. Artists or artist teams are encouraged to apply.​
Kate Barnes Boat Ramp Dedication
Tax Collector Mural Naming Contest
The Alachua County’s Tax Collector, John Power, is holding a contest to name their recently unveiled alligator mural (made from repurposed license plates) in their Downtown office location. All submissions must be registered by midnight on Sunday, January 31, 2021. The winner will receive a goody bag and public recognition. 


For more information, contact Assistant County Manager/Chief of Staff Gina Peebles at 352-538-8265 or [email protected].
Driver Safety Around Bicyclists
The Alachua County Public Works Department informs drivers that with many children receiving bicycles for the holidays, there may be an increase in children riding bikes to schools. Public Works reminds drivers to take extra precautions.

Drivers should:

  • Always watch for bicyclists on the road.
  • Always stop and look in both directions before turning right on red.
  • Keep at least three feet between cars and cyclists.
  • Phone Down. Eyes Up. Buckle Up.