Highlights from the March 10, 2026 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.
Animal Resources update
During the public comment portion of the meeting, the County Commission heard from citizens about concerns regarding our Animal Resources operations. Following the comment period, County Manager Michele Lieberman and County Attorney Sylvia Torres provided the commission with an update on Animal Resources.
The update included:
- On March 2, the county received a whistleblower complaint. The matter is currently being investigated by an independent third party, and the investigation is expected to be completed within 90 days.
- The county is in the final stages of hiring a new veterinarian and is conducting finalist interviews for a new director of Alachua County Animal Resources (ACAR).
- The county has entered into an agreement with the University of Florida to build a new $29 million state-of-the-art shelter located near the Veterinary School.
After much discussion, the commission voted unanimously on the following:
- An Animal Welfare Advisory Committee meeting should be held as soon as possible to provide input on operational SOPs that could be revised and/or responses to some of the challenges that the shelter is facing and recommendations based on current operational challenges. This way, the committee will know the scope of the investigation.
- Explore the Whistle Blower Ordinance policy applying to volunteers to file a formal complaint.
- The county provides any resources or temporary help necessary to support our Animal Resources staff in the interim while awaiting on the director and other hires to be made permanently.
- The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee be allowed to weigh in on the design of the new facility once the county has architecture and engineering.
- Refer to the county manager to consider alternative management of the shelter during the investigation.
Read the complete highlights for this meeting.
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After reviewing Alachua County’s current wildland fire conditions and in consultation with state officials, the mandatory countywide burn ban has been extended and will remain in effect through March 13, 2026.
Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution as severe drought conditions continue to significantly increase wildfire risk across our community. If you see fires, please call 911 to report.
In response to worsening drought conditions and elevated wildfire activity statewide, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-33, declaring a State of Emergency that includes Alachua County. The order recognizes the growing wildfire threat resulting from critically dry conditions across Florida.
Learn more about the burn ban.
| | Severe Water Shortage Declared in the Region | |
The St. Johns River Water Management District has declared a Phase II Severe Water Shortage for portions of northeast and central Florida due to ongoing drought conditions and declining water levels.
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department encourages all residents and commercial properties to conserve water and avoid any unnecessary use.
Landscape irrigation is limited to one day per week throughout Gainesville, Hawthorne, and Micanopy and will remain in effect into Daylight Saving Time. It is anticipated that the Suwannee River Water Management District will adopt similar restrictions next week, resulting in consistent restrictions throughout Alachua County and northeast Florida.
“Working as a community to reduce water use is always important, but especially critical during periods of drought. Conserving water helps protect our regional water supply and local spring and river flows,” said Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Director Stephen Hofstetter.
For more information on the water shortage and further watering restrictions for the region, visit the St. Johns River Water Management District website.
| | Registration open for 2026 Citizens Academy | | |
Alachua County is excited to once again offer residents an exclusive opportunity to explore the inner workings of local government through its highly praised Citizens Academy.
Registration for the 2026 sessions is now open through March 23.
This free, nine-week program provides a behind-the-scenes look at county operations, partnering with various local agencies, including the sheriff's office, supervisor of elections, tax collector, property appraiser, clerk of the court, the health department, school district, judicial system and much more. Participants will gain firsthand insight into how their tax dollars are utilized and how local government functions.
Read more about the Citizens Academy.
| | County Firefighters Receive New Turnout Gear | | |
Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) has received more than 60 sets of new firefighter protective gear, including one of the newest firefighter turnout jackets available to first responders in North America.
The gear was purchased as part of its ongoing investment in providing ACFR firefighters with the latest innovations in firefighter safety equipment. These new turnout sets include the Globe G-XTREME PRO Jacket, pant system, and exposure reduction system.
“New innovations help to move the fire service forward, and we’re committed to investing in our firefighters and equipping them with the best products available,” said Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus. “The department was able to fund this enhancement without any additional budget requests. The new gear helps to enhance firefighter safety, so our firefighters are ready and prepared to serve our communities.”
Find out more about the new gear.
| | Small Business Administration Offers Disaster Relief Loans to Florida Businesses and Nonprofits | | |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida who sustained economic losses caused by freeze, frost and high winds occurring Jan. 23 to Feb 5, 2026.
The disaster declaration covers the Florida counties of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Broward, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Desoto, Gilchrist, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Levy, Marion, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Putnam, Sarasota and Union.
Learn more about the disaster relief loans.
| | Plein Air Painting at Barr Hammock Preserve- Levy Loop | | |
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department invites local artists to set up their easels and connect with the natural world for a plein air painting session at Barr Hammock Levy Loop (14920 SE 11th Dr, Micanopy). The event is on March 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artists are responsible for bringing their own chairs and supplies. A limited number of chairs and art materials will be available for use during the event. This event is offered free of charge. Please RSVP for this event by emailing mneelands@alachuacounty.us.
Participants should check the weather and wear comfortable, seasonally appropriate clothing. Sunscreen and at least one liter of drinking water are recommended. There is no restroom on site.
Learn more about Alachua County Forever.
| | Safety and Best Practices for Bicyclists and Motorists | | |
March is Florida Bicycle Month, and Alachua County is reminding the community of essential safety protocols and the legal responsibilities shared by all road users.
Bicycling offers numerous health benefits, including increased cardiovascular fitness, improved joint mobility, and decreased stress. However, while bicycles are legally defined as vehicles under Florida law, they lack the structural protections of automobiles, such as seat belts and airbags, making bicyclists among the most vulnerable users on our roadways.
Read more about bicycle safety.
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