July 17, 2023

Alachua County Forever, the County’s environmental land acquisition program, has closed on purchasing 348.5 acres of land from Ona Colasante. The closing was held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, and protects over three-quarters of a mile of the Lochloosa Slough waterway and surrounding forest. Funding for this $1,815,440 conservation land purchase was provided by the voter-approved Wild Spaces and Public Places sales tax.

“We are pleased that our valued partner, Alachua County, has acquired an integral parcel of land in the Lochloosa Lake/Orange Lake watershed,” says St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Mike Register. “The Colasante property is a wonderful addition to the conservation lands in this region that protect water and natural resources. This property will directly protect Lochloosa Slough and is an important piece of the corridor between Orange Creek and Lochloosa Lake.”

Learn more about the acquisition.

Alachua County Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler was presented with the Advanced County Commissioner Level II (ACC II) designation from the Institute for County Government (ICG) at an award ceremony held at the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Annual Conference and Educational Exposition in Orange County, Florida.

The ACC II designation signifies the commissioner's completion of the most senior level of a comprehensive study program designed by ICG.

“I am so grateful that our friends at FAC have these offerings to assist County Commissioners in evolving as effective and knowledgeable leaders,” Commissioner Wheeler said. “I always bring home new tools that help me better serve our residents.”

Read more about Commissioner Wheeler's Achievement.

On June 28, Alachua County Commissioner Ken Cornell was chosen to serve on the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Finance and Audit Committee. He was appointed by the board, chaired by Commissioner and FAC President-Elect Terry Burroughs. 

In speaking of the appointment, Cornell said, "Being appointed to the Finance and Audit Committee by the board is truly an honor. The Florida Association of Counties has been instrumental in my growth as a leader, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back through my service on this committee."

Find out more about Commissioner Cornell's Appointment.

Alachua County and the City of Gainesville are co-sponsoring a Disability Awareness Expo on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center (1028 N.E. 14th Street, Gainesville). There will be over 30 vendors showcasing products, services, and resources for people with disabilities (including guide dogs and therapy dogs). The event is free.

Participants can visit the different vendors and learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act. They can also find out about community resources for people with disabilities. The Health Department is providing free A1C testing and giveaways while supplies last.

View the Disability Awareness Expo flyer.

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

Learn more about volunteering for Advisory Boards.

Alachua County is seeking volunteers to fill two upcoming Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board vacancies. Those interested should submit applications by August 1, 2023.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board (BPAB) makes recommendations to the Alachua County Commission, the Gainesville City Commission, and the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) on all matters concerning planning, implementation, and maintenance of policies, programs, and facilities for the safe and efficient integration of bicycle and pedestrian transportation into the Gainesville Metropolitan Area and Alachua County transportation systems. The BPAB consists of citizen volunteers with a special interest and expertise in bicycle and pedestrian issues. The City Commission, County Commission, and MTPO each appoint four members. In addition, one student seat is appointed. The County Commission currently needs to appoint citizens for two citizen at large vacancies.

Find out more about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board Vacancies.

The Alachua County Commission (hereinafter, the “County” or “Alachua County”) is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or entities (hereinafter, referred to as "Consultant” or the “proposer”) for the provision of RFP 24-38-LC Annual Alachua County Jail Inmate Phone System and Services.

Alachua County has moved to an Agency Paid inmate phone system where the County will be charged monthly for inmate calls either on a per-minute basis, fixed monthly cost per inmate based on the average daily inmate population, or an annual yearly cost as a lump sum for all services.

Learn more about the Request for Proposals.