January 30, 2025

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JANUARY 28, 2025 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.


World Masters


The commission heard an update on the upcoming World Masters Indoor Athletics Championship. The event is open to the public and will be held March 23-30, making it the first World Masters Indoor Athletics Championship to be held in the U.S.


The event will feature about 3,700 participants from 97 countries representing all the continents. Registration and other event information can be found at www.wmaci2025.com.


Read the complete highlights for this meeting.

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Plein Air Painting at Barr Hammock Levy Loop

​Alachua County Environmental Protection Department invites local artists to set up their easels and get in touch with the natural world for a plein air painting session on Feb. 15, 2025, from 12 to 5 p.m., at Barr Hammock Levy Loop 14920 SE 11th Dr., Micanopy). The painting session is free. Those wanting to participate can RSVP by calling 352-451-7818 or mneelands@alachuacounty.us.


Artists are responsible for bringing in their supplies. Please check the weather and wear comfortable, seasonally appropriate clothing. Participants should bring sunscreen and at least one liter of drinking water. There is no potable water or restroom on site.


"I'm excited to see the painters' interpretations of Barr Hammock,” said Alachua County Environmental Specialist Milo Neelands. “I think the beauty of wetland landscapes is underappreciated."


Learn more about Alachua County Forever.

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Artists Conference Seeks Presenters and Sponsors

The Alachua County Arts Council is pleased to announce the fourth annual Artists Conference on Friday, April 25, 2025. The conference committee is accepting applications from those wishing to present. Sessions should interest the arts community and should be between 30 to 60 minutes (which includes time for questions/answers).


The council is also looking for conference sponsors.


The presentation and sponsor fillable forms are under “Artists Conference” on the Arts Council’s website. Those interests should complete and submit the relevant form by Jan. 31, 2025.


The Alachua County Arts Council’s mission is to “improve the quality of life of Alachua County residents by increasing exposure to the arts, expanding opportunities for creative expression by local artists, and increasing community resources for the arts.”

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Crisis Line Counselor Volunteers Needed

The Alachua County Crisis Center is seeking volunteers to become Crisis Line Counselors. The next training class begins on Saturday, February 1, 2025. After the initial session, training continues for eight weeks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There is no fee for training, and applicants do not need to possess any specific degrees or certifications. Training is held online and can be done remotely. After training, the Crisis Center asks for a commitment of 24 shifts (each shift is 4 hours long).


“Volunteers learn active listening, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, community disaster response and more,” said Alachua County Crisis Center Training Coordinator Kevin Sosa. “Volunteering is an opportunity to impact the lives of fellow community members and gain life-enhancing communication skills.” 


Volunteer and find out more at the How to Volunteer website​.

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Land Development Code Revisions to Enhance Quality of Life

​At its January 7, 2025, meeting, the Alachua County Commission made significant decisions to improve residents' quality of life. The Commission voted to enhance tree preservation in new developments, incentivize the construction of mixed-use traditional neighborhoods and transit-oriented developments, and ban the parking of commercial trucks in certain areas. 


Read more about the Land Development Code Revisions.

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February Extension Programs

Environmental Horticulture Program.


Commercial Horticulture Program.


2025 Alachua County Youth Fair & Livestock Show.

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