July 10, 2025

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE JULY 8, 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.

Sports and Event Center Update

The County Commission unanimously approved Manager Michele Lieberman’s recommendation regarding the Alachua County Sports and Event Center. The county will transition from its current operator, Viking Companies LLC, which was sent a notice of default last month.

County staff will bring back options for a full-time operator before taking over management of the facility on October 1, 2025. Current programming at the center will not be disrupted.

Read the complete highlights for this meeting.

Alachua County Fire Rescue Station 21 Ribbon Cutting/Hose Decoupling Ceremony

Alachua County recently held a ribbon cutting/hose decoupling ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Fire Station #21 (16121 NW 173rd St., Alachua). The event featured speakers including Alachua County Commission Chair Charles S. Chestnut IV, Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus, Alachua Interim City Manager Rodolfo Valladares, and Alachua Mayor Walter Welch.

Watch the video.

“This new facility underscores Alachua County’s ongoing investment in public safety,” said Fire Chief Theus. “It represents an important step forward in our commitment to providing life-saving services for our residents.”

Fire Station #21 is a state-of-the-art, 11,500-square-foot facility with a project cost of $7 million. It is designed to serve the community for more than 50 years. The single-story, concrete masonry structure includes energy-efficient systems, sustainable design features, and 100% backup power generation, ensuring operational readiness in all conditions.

The Lunz Group of Lakeland provided architectural and engineering services, and D.E. Scorpio Corporation led construction management.

Feature Story - Alachua County Kicks Off Inaugural Youth Academy

Alachua County launched its inaugural Youth Academy on Monday at the Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, a new initiative aimed at educating and empowering the next generation of civic leaders.

Modeled after the county’s widely praised Citizens Academy, the Youth Academy is a free, four-day summer program for students ages 11 to 14. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at how local government operates.

The program is led by Shannon Hahn and includes participation from several county departments, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Alachua County Library District, the Tax Collector’s Office, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and other local agencies.

“The Youth Academy is an investment in Alachua County’s future,” Hahn said. “It empowers young people with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to become active participants in their community and future leaders in local government.”

Read the full story.

Commissioner Alford Appointed to Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors

Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford has been officially appointed as the District 9 Representative on the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Board of Directors. Her appointment took place during the recent 2025 FAC Annual Meeting & Conference, where county commissioners from across the state were selected to serve on FAC’s 46-member Board.

Alford will represent Florida Senate District 9, which includes Alachua, Levy, and Marion counties. In this role, she will work closely with other county leaders to shape statewide policy, advocate for local priorities, and provide strategic oversight for the association’s programs and operations.

“I’m honored to serve District 9 on the FAC Board of Directors,” said Commissioner Alford. “This role provides a vital platform to elevate the needs of Alachua County while collaborating with leaders statewide to strengthen Florida’s counties. I look forward to continuing my work on issues that impact our communities.”

Cornell Reappointed as Chair of FAC Policy Committee

At the recent Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Annual Meeting, Alachua County Commissioner Ken Cornell was re-appointed chair of the Community & Urban Affairs Policy Committee for the 2025–2026 term.

As one of FAC’s standing committees, the Community & Urban Affairs (CUA) Committee is tasked with developing and recommending an annual statewide legislative platform for counties based on the issue areas under their jurisdiction.

"I am so grateful for this opportunity to continue the work of this critical committee," Cornell said. "I have seen firsthand the importance of counties having a strong voice in Tallahassee as we advocate for home-rule protections and our residents."

Find out more about the appointment.

Art Grant Applications Now Open

Alachua County invites local artists, artist collaborators, and not-for-profit organizations to apply for its Art Grant program for Fiscal Year 2026. Incorporated cities within the county (Alachua, Archer, Hawthorne, High Springs, LaCrosse, Micanopy, Newberry, and Waldo) are also eligible.

Grant awards are available up to:

$3,000 for individual artists, collaborators, and not-for-profit organizations
$5,000 for incorporated municipalities

Funds may be used for a variety of project-related expenses, including visual art and music supplies, advertising, studio time, equipment, printing, and more.

Learn more about the grant applications.

Citizens needed for the Citizen Climate Advisory Committee

The Joint Water and Climate Policy Board is seeking applications to fill five openings on the Citizen Climate Advisory Committee (CCAC), including one position for a youth member. The CCAC currently meets in person in the Grace Knight Conference Room on the second floor of the Alachua County Administration Building (12 SE 1st St., Gainesville) on the third Monday of each month.

Interested residents may apply online (click on the "Vacancies" tab and scroll down the page to the Citizen Climate Advisory Committee). The deadline to apply is July 14, 2025.

Open CCAC positions include three at-large citizens with three-year terms, an alternate position for a one-year term, and a youth member (aged 16-21) for either a one- or two-year term, based on the selected applicant's age and/or preference.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE JULY 8, 2025

﻿COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

Cornell Reappointed as Chair of FAC Policy Committee

Art Grant Applications Now Open

Citizens needed for the Citizen Climate Advisory Committee

COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING