HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JUNE 10, 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.
West End Park update
The commission heard an update on the status of West End Park following two highly attended public engagement meetings.
In June 2024, the county purchased the former golf course site for $3.8 million.
Improvements to the 75-acre site will be implemented in a phased approach over the coming years. Staff plans to hire a design team to help develop a plan for the property, which will also include future amenities not yet funded. Preliminary plans include restrooms, playgrounds, pavilions, walking paths, pickleball courts, tables, benches, grills, and additional amenities.
Staff will also explore public-private partnership opportunities for additional features that the community desires.
Read the complete highlights for this meeting.
| | 15th Annual Gainesville-Alachua County Employment Law Seminar | |
Alachua County invites private and public employers to the 15th Annual Gainesville-Alachua County Employment Law Seminar on June 25, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This is a free virtual seminar via Zoom. Attendees must register online. The Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office and the City of Gainesville Office of Equity and Inclusion are sponsoring the webinar.
This year’s topics include:
- Recent developments in employment law
- Accommodating pregnancy and religion in the workplace
Guest speakers include Colin Thakkar, senior counsel at Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP, and Stephanie Marchman, shareholder at GrayRobinson PA.
“Whether you're an HR professional, compliance investigator, business owner, or legal practitioner, this seminar is a must-attend session to gain knowledge about the ever-changing landscape of employment law,” said Alachua County Equal Opportunity Manager Jacqueline Chung.
| | County Juneteenth Hours and Waste Collection | | |
Other than essential services, all Alachua County offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in observance of Juneteenth.
Residential curbside collection service for solid waste, recycling, and yard trash will not be affected by the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday, June 19. In addition, the Leveda Brown Environmental Park and Transfer Station and the Hazardous Waste Collection Center will be open during regularly scheduled hours on Thursday. All Rural Collection Centers, including the High Springs site, will be closed on Thursday, June 19.
The Office of Waste Collection will be closed on Thursday, June 19, and will resume its normal schedule on Monday, June 23.
Alachua County Animal Resources will close on Thursday and will reopen on Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Animal Resources officers respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, to matters affecting public safety and animals in immediate danger. Citizens should dial 911 to report such emergencies on Sundays, holidays, and between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.
| | Alachua County Launches Youth Academy, Now Accepting Applications | | |
Alachua County is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural Youth Academy, a new initiative aimed at inspiring and educating the next generation of community leaders.
Modeled after the county’s acclaimed Citizens Academy, the Youth Academy is a free, four-day summer program that offers students a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how local government operates. Through interactive sessions, hands-on activities, and meaningful conversations with county officials and staff, participants will explore key functions of government and discover how they can play an active role in shaping their communities.
The Youth Academy is open to Alachua County residents ages 11 to 14. It will take place Monday, June 30 through Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center (210 SE 134th Ave., Micanopy).
Space is limited to 15 participants, and early application is encouraged. The deadline to apply is June 25 or until capacity is reached.
Register today.
| | County Adds Right-of-Way, Tree-Branch Trimming Vehicle to Fleet | | |
Alachua County’s Department of Public Works, through a “Trail-Go” grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, recently added a state-of-the-art, tree-branch trimmer to its trail maintenance fleet.
The tool was initially designed to prune citrus groves in South Florida. Its precision and power, however, have made it a popular choice for trail maintenance across the state. Featuring two 24-inch spinning saw blades mounted on a boom, the machine delivers a 7-foot cutting width and can be attached to a variety of equipment, including skid steers and mini excavators.
“Staff are very impressed with this new tool,” said Lonnie Wilkerson, lead equipment operator with one of the county’s trimming units. “The machine is just the right size to trim the trails and will significantly increase our precision and operational efficiency.”
The tool will first be deployed along the Archer Braid Trail, and then will be used on other county-maintained sidewalks and multi-use trails to manage encroaching vegetation and improve accessibility.
| | County Seeks Advisory Board Volunteers | | |
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 various advisory boards.
For example, the Veteran Services Advisory Board has three vacancies. The board makes recommendations to the commission regarding the veteran community in Alachua County. It also assists and advises on future policies and directions concerning veterans.
Learn more about current advisory board openings.
| | | | |
