Highlights from the March 24, 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.
NW 122nd St. extension project/ancient oak tree discussion
The commission voted unanimously to have the chair send a letter to Gainesville Regional Utilities, asking the utility to reconsider its decision and allow Alachua County to reroute Northwest 122nd Street through a portion of its right-of-way. The reversal would preserve five ancient oak trees currently in the roadway’s path.
Read the complete highlights for this meeting.
| | Last Chance to Register for 2026 Citizens Academy | | |
A limited number of spots remain for Alachua County’s 2026 Citizens Academy.
This free, nine-week program gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at county operations in partnership with local agencies, including the sheriff’s office, supervisor of elections, tax collector, property appraiser, judicial system, health department and school district.
Sessions feature presentations from top county officials and staff, offering a fast-paced, engaging learning experience.
The program begins on April 2 and runs through May 28, meeting on consecutive Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Interested residents are encouraged to register today online, as space is limited and expected to fill quickly.
To view the full schedule and register, visit the Citizens Academy website. The registration form is located at the bottom of the schedule page.
Read the Citizens Academy feature story.
| | Cuscowilla Summer Camp Registration and Open House | |
Registration is open for summer camp at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, and families are encouraged to sign up online today, as spaces are filling quickly and typically reach capacity in advance.
Those interested in the camp can also attend an open house on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon. Families can drop in to try camp activities, meet summer staff and tour the facility (210 SE 134th Ave., Micanopy).
Camp will be offered for seven weeks, from June 8 to July 24, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Children ages 7 to 11 may register for individual weeks or the full session. Each week includes archery, swimming lessons and recreational swimming, outdoor skills, arts and crafts, kayaking and more.
Read more about the summer camp.
| | County to Host Final Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan Open House | | |
Alachua County, in collaboration with the City of Gainesville and the University of Florida, will host an open house to present and receive input on the draft Countywide Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan. The meeting will be held on April 15, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (22712 W. Newberry Road, Newberry).
The meeting will present draft prioritized bicycle and pedestrian projects, along with other supportive policies and programs, all intended to make biking and walking safe, attractive, and comfortable choices for residents of Alachua County. This plan is informed by significant community engagement, including two previous community meetings, multiple other ‘pop-up’ engagement events, an interactive web-map, and an online survey.
This is the third and final public meeting planned for this important project.
RSVP to the event on Facebook.
Those who cannot attend the open house but want to share input can visit the project website and provide comments on the web map.
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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 27, 2026.
Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution as severe drought conditions continue to significantly increase wildfire risk across our community. If you see any fires, please call 911 to report them.
Find out more about the burn ban.
| | Severe Water Shortage Declared in the Region | | |
The St. Johns River and Suwannee Water Management Districts have adopted a Phase II Severe Water Shortage Order for the region due to ongoing drought conditions and declining water levels. The order applies throughout Alachua County, including the municipalities. The restrictions apply to private wells, water supplied by public or private utilities and water pumped from surface waters.
Landscape irrigation is limited to one day per week based on the last number of your address. Addresses ending with an odd number may water on Saturday, even numbers on Sunday, and commercial (including common areas of subdivisions) may water on Tuesday. Homeowners Associations (HOAs) cannot require extra watering for appearance. The washing of streets, driveways, or sidewalks is prohibited unless for safety. Low-volume pressure washing is only permitted for painting, sealing, or construction preparation.
“To protect our springs, rivers, lakes, and water supply, property owners are encouraged to leave irrigation systems off and hand water plants that are wilting and showing stress,” said Stacie Greco, the county’s water resources program manager.
For more information on watering restrictions and a link to report water waste, visit the Alachua County Environmental Protection website.
| | Third Annual Santa Fe Springs Celebration | | |
Alachua County and the Florida Springs Council are proud to announce the third annual Santa Fe Springs Celebration, which highlights the importance of showcasing, protecting and preserving the region’s springs and rivers.
The free, family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Poe Springs Park (28800 NW 182nd Ave., High Springs).
Activities include live music from The Tom Smith band, Harber Wynn and Holy River; interactive educational exhibits; local craft vendors; hands-on plein air painting experience; yoga sessions with a Yoga Pod instructor; and a mermaid encounter. Food vendors include Low & Slow Almost Bar & Grill, Caribbean Spice and Reina’s Italian Ice.
“This annual event brings the community together to celebrate our springs, rivers and aquifer, while raising awareness about how to protect the water that is vital to our environment, economy and daily lives,” said Stacie Greco, the county’s water resources manager with the Environmental Protection Department.
The event is supported by Visit Gainesville Alachua County, the Florida Springs Council and the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department.
For more information, contact Stacie Greco at 352-264-6829 or sgreco@alachuacounty.us, or visit the Facebook event page.
| | Community Reuse and Recycle Day | | |
The Alachua County Solid Waste & Resource Recovery Department, in collaboration with the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, invites residents to participate in the Community Reuse & Recycle Day.
This free event will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Santa Fe College Northwest Campus, parking lot #10 at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo entrance (3000 NW 83rd St., Building Z, Gainesville).
Nonprofit organizations will be on-site to receive clothing in wearable condition (no dirty or damaged items), nonperishable food (no expired or open items), housewares in usable condition, supplies for school, offices or art, and household hazardous waste (such as paint, chemicals, old electronics, etc.) for recycling or proper disposal. Household garbage, general recycling, damaged/soiled items and other materials unsuitable for donation will not be accepted.
Read more about the Community Reuse and Recycle Day.
| | County Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award | |
Alachua County is proud to share that it has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) at Tuesday’s County Commission meeting.
The organization recognizes governments that prepare budget documents in the highest quality for the benefit of citizens, documents that not only serve as financial plans but also effectively communicate priorities, build trust, and promote accountability within the community.
The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and marks the 41st consecutive year Alachua County has received the award.
Find out more about the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
| | County Partners with Parks Motor Group for Free Pet Adoption Event | |
Alachua County is proud to announce that Animal Resources is partnering with Parks Motor Group of Gainesville to host a free pet adoption event to help dogs and cats find loving homes.
The “Adopt a Pet” event will take place Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Parks Ford (3333 N. Main St., Gainesville).
As part of the partnership, Parks Motor Group will cover all adoption fees, allowing community members to adopt dogs and cats at no cost. The event is designed to reduce barriers to pet adoption while connecting residents with animals in need of permanent homes.
Alachua County Animal Resources will be on-site with adoptable pets and staff available to assist with the adoption process and answer questions about pet care and ownership.
This collaboration highlights a shared commitment between Alachua County and Parks Motor Group to support animal welfare and increase adoption opportunities throughout the community.
View the event on Facebook.
| | County Launches Food Hub Pilot Project | | |
Alachua County’s Fresh Food Pathways Project: Food Hub Feasibility Study is entering Phase II of its 30-month initiative to strengthen the local food system, support area farmers, and expand access to locally grown food.
This phase will assess how a community-based food hub could improve coordination across the local food system, create new market opportunities for farmers, and increase the availability of local products for institutions that purchase food at scale.
Working with food system consultants New Venture Advisors (NVA), the county will launch a 10-month pilot project with Frog Song Farms, a farm and food distribution company based in Hawthorne.
Read more about the food hub pilot program.
| | Animal Resources Closed April 1 | | |
Alachua County Animal Resources will be closed to the public on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to allow staff to participate in training and attend the annual county employee appreciation event.
The shelter will reopen during normal business hours on Thursday, April 2.
| | Land Conservation Board Vacancy | |
Alachua County is seeking applicants to fill one anticipated citizen-at-large vacancy on the Land Conservation Board (LCB). Those passionate about protecting water resources, creating larger, interconnected wildlife corridors, or protecting places for passive public recreation are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is April 3, 2026. The term for the volunteer position ends on Sept. 30, 2028.
The LCB provides an opportunity for citizen involvement in selecting Alachua County Forever conservation lands. The Board reviews and recommends properties for acquisition through the Alachua County Forever Program to the County Commission and provides feedback on stewardship issues.
The board meets in person, typically on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Alachua County Administration Building (12 SE 1st St., Gainesville) in the Grace Knight Conference Room. Meetings generally last one to two hours, though they may vary depending on the agenda.
Interested applicants may apply online here. Click on “View Vacancies” in the top right and scroll down to the Land Conservation Board.
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