July 26, 2021
THE ALACHUA INSTITUTE FOR COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES DESIGNATIONS AND AWARDS
At the recent Florida Association of Counties Annual Conference, all five Alachua County Commissioners and one staff member received awards and designations presented by the Institute for County Government (ICG) and the Florida Association of Counties (FAC).

In speaking of the conference, Chair Ken Cornell said, “I was very proud that all of our Commissioners attended the FAC Annual Conference. Participation in FAC is a crucial part of our efforts to influence the State legislative process and share ideas with other Florida counties.”
Alachua County Earns NACo Achievement Award for Human Services
On July 11, 2021, the National Association of Counties (NACo) announced its Achievement Award winners. Alachua County’s program, “County Response to Food Disparity and Insecurity” was selected as a winner in the category of Human Services. This initiative was led by Alachua County Foster Grandparent Program Manager Satori Days. 

Since the launch of the Alachua County emergency and ongoing Food Assistance Programs, the initiative has bridged the gap to ensure food access for households with food insecurities and those that refrain from seeking services. This program enhances self-sufficiency in the community and opens opportunities for households to connect with social service agencies, reduces the barriers of fear, and increases inclusionary opportunities for individuals who are homebound, have disabilities, limited transportation, limited income, and lack support.
ELSA UPDATES: Storm Damaged Trail Closure Update and Disaster Loan Assistance Availability
The Alachua County Preserves sustained impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa, including flooding and trees uprooting on some trails. County staff has assessed trail conditions and re-opened some preserves to public access. For visitor safety, please respect preserve and trail closures and stay off of closed trail areas. 

Turkey Creek Preserve and Barr Hammock Levy Loop Trailhead remain closed due to unsafe conditions, including flooding, erosion, and/or hazardous trees.

All other County preserves are open, but many have standing water on portions of the trails. Learn more about the Alachua County Preserves online. 
Alachua County has received a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) following the damages caused by Tropical Storm Elsa. As a result, the SBA is offering disaster loan assistance to those whose homes or businesses have been damaged by the storm. The application filing deadline for physical damage loans is September 20, 2021, and the deadline for economic injury loans is April 22, 2022.
Landscape Fertilizer Ban in Effect through February within Alachua County
Alachua County’s landscape fertilizer regulations prohibit the use of landscape fertilizers with nitrogen from July through February and require that fertilizers containing nitrogen contain no less than 50 percent slow-release nitrogen. New regulations also prohibit phosphorus unless a deficiency is verified. The three numbers on a fertilizer bag are nitrogen, then phosphorus, and finally potassium. This means the middle number on the bag must be zero unless you have conducted a soil or tissue test to verify the need for phosphorus. Signage about the fertilizer rules must be displayed at all stores that sell fertilizer. Alachua County Environmental Protection staff are currently distributing signage.

“Fertilizers are a source of pollution to our surface waters, groundwater, and springs, so we want to ensure that citizens are aware of the fertilizer ban,” said Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Water Resources Program Manager Stacie Greco. She continued, “In a recent survey of more than 1,000 residents, 55% said they don’t use fertilizer at all. If you want to commit to joining the 55%, go to the water resources website to sign the pledge, and we will send you a bumper sticker to show your support of our water quality!”
Now Accepting FY22 Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grant Applications
The County Commission is seeking applications for the Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grant Program. In order to support and enhance Alachua County as a culturally interesting and vibrant destination, the County Commission has allocated a portion of the Tourist Development Tax revenue to aid in the operations and promotions of nature, arts, and cultural events.

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021, at the Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau (33 North Main Street, Gainesville). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Jen Grice Selected as County Emergency Management Director
Alachua County Fire Rescue is pleased to announce the selection of Jen Grice as Alachua County’s next Emergency Management Director. Mrs. Grice will begin her career as the Emergency Management Director on August 2, 2021.

Mrs. Grice has served the citizens of Alachua County since 2013, most recently as our Acting Director of Emergency Management. Mrs. Grice holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University, a Master of Public Health from Drexel University, and is certified in emergency management through the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA). She brings with her a wealth of experience and has worked locally through numerous tropical storms, hurricanes, and major events.

Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus said, “Alachua County conducted an exhaustive search and interviewed some talented and very qualified individuals.” He continued, “Ultimately, I believe that Mrs. Grice’s experience, her knowledge of our community, and leadership roles in industry associations has prepared her for this opportunity. Her hard work, willingness to serve, and local experiences have established her as the clear choice to lead Alachua County’s Emergency Management Team into the future.”
Video: Lundgren Land Preservation Donation
​Take a moment to watch this short video on the Lundgren family’s extremely generous and important preservation land donation to Alachua County. It’s a beautiful property that Dr. and Mrs. Lundgren wanted to see preserved for future generations. Alachua County is honored to be entrusted with this ecologically important land along the Santa Fe River.
Health Officials Rescind Rabies Alert
The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County has rescinded a rabies alert for N.E. Gainesville. This was in response to a stray cat that tested positive on Friday, May 14, 2021.

Although the alert is being rescinded, all residents and visitors in Alachua County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is still a concern.