July 18, 2022
PETS NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER
​Alachua County Animal Resources and Care (AR&C) is partnering with Best Friends Animal Society for a FREE National Adoption Weekend event on Friday and Saturday, July 22 and 23, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the AR&C (3400 N.E. 53rd Avenue, Gainesville). During the event, all adoption fees are waived. Pet adopters must be 18 or older and show identification with proof of current address. All adoptable cats and dogs are vaccinated, microchipped, and sterilized before going home.

Best Friends Animal Society is a national organization that is leading the no-kill movement by running lifesaving community programs for dogs and cats, providing support and training for animal shelters and rescue groups, and mobilizing community members on behalf of pets in need across the county. AR&C is proud to be one of the thousands of shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter organizations, and other animal welfare organizations working with Best Friends Animal Society to save the lives of homeless cats and dogs through collaboration, education initiatives, information-sharing, and implementation of proven lifesaving strategies.

When you adopt from AR&C, you're not only bringing home happiness by welcoming a new family member, you're saving lives. You can give a pet a forever home this weekend while freeing up space for another pet to be rescued.
Cornell Elected to the Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors
​Alachua County Commissioner Ken Cornell was elected to the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Board of Directors at the Association’s Annual Conference and Educational Exhibit on July 1st in Orange County, Florida. At that same event Commissioner Cornell received a Presidential Appointment naming him Vice Chair of the FAC’s Federal Affairs Committee.
 
“I am honored that my colleagues from around the state have placed this trust in me by electing me to the Board,” Cornell commented. “I am also excited about the Federal Affairs Committee appointment which will enable me to advocate for policies important to Floridians.”

During his two-year term as an elected member of the FAC Board of Directors, Commissioner Cornell will represent the interests of Florida counties by overseeing the Association’s efforts and initiatives.
Animal Resources and Care Volunteer Update
As a follow-up to a recent special meeting focused on animal welfare, Alachua County Animal Resources and Care (AR&C) is reporting on recent enhancements to its volunteer program.

"We appreciate the community's patience and understanding while navigating through this unique time," said Shelter Supervisor Faren Healey. "We want to assure the community that we are working on programs, strategies, and techniques to lead us to a manageable population and allow us to resume our intake of animals."

"One of the most important steps we are taking is rebuilding the Volunteer Program," commented Education, Volunteerism, & Outreach (EVO) Coordinator Sarah Gilley. "We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our animal-loving community, and we know many of you are eager to get involved. We hear you; we see you, and we appreciate you. We are building a structured program that our volunteers and community will be proud of."
Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grant Application Available
The Alachua County Commission is seeking applications for the Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grant Program. Completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022, at the Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau, 33 North Main Street, Gainesville, Florida, 32601. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 

To support and enhance Alachua County as a culturally interesting and vibrant destination, the Alachua County Commission has allocated a portion of the Tourist Development Tax revenue to aid in the operations and promotions of arts, cultural, and nature events that have, as one of their main purposes, the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the event to tourists.
Archer Road SUN Trail Construction to Begin
​Alachua County Public Works is constructing 2.4 miles of Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) trail along Archer Road from SW 75th Terrace to SW 41st Boulevard. The trail will be a 10-foot-wide asphalt surface for walking, biking, and other non-motorized use. This project provides connectivity to the Archer Braid Trail which begins at the trailhead in Archer Florida.
 
Onyx Site Services is the County’s contractor for the project. The project will be constructed in FDOT and GRU rights-of-way and will be maintained by the County. The construction cost is $1,180,423.92 and is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation as part of its SUN Trail network. Construction is set to begin in July 2022 and is expected to reach completion in December 2022.

“The County is very grateful for this funding from FDOT’s SUN Trail program,” said Alachua County Public Works Director Ramon Gavarrete. “This facility will be a great addition to this trail and provide enhanced recreation and transportation opportunities to our residents.”