BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY INTERNET SPEED TEST |
Alachua County encourages residents to participate in the Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) internet speed test. Taking the test will help users know their internet speeds and assist with local governments’ understanding of what the local needs are regarding internet accessibility.
DEO has developed Florida’s Broadband Availability Map to identify broadband internet service availability throughout the state. The Broadband Availability Map identifies a location’s speed, connectivity, and access to broadband services. These insights allow the state of Florida to better identify and reach unserved and underserved areas of the state. The map will be an asset to local communities and internet service providers to assist with broadband planning efforts.
As part of DEO’s efforts to encourage public participation collaboration and ensure a high level of transparency, the Florida Broadband Availability Map will be continuously updated on their webpage. Please note that the map is incomplete and will continue to be updated as more data is added and changes in broadband availability are identified.
|
|
County Seeks Proposals for EcoLoop |
The County is seeking information and qualifications from companies with innovative waste processing, conversion, research, or beneficial technologies and is interested in developing projects within the EcoLoop. Those wishing to submit proposals for the project may do so via the County’s e-Procurement Public Portal (EcoLoop. RFP 22-328-MM).
The EcoLoop consists of 31 acres of shovel-ready parcels available for long-term lease for private sector entrepreneurs invested in recycling, reuse, reprocessing, and remanufacturing. Located in Northeast Gainesville, with easy access to State Road 24 (Waldo Road), the Park is adjacent to the Alachua County Leveda Brown Environmental Park and Transfer Station.
|
|
Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center Arena Named in Honor of Lee Pinkoson |
Alachua County, in partnership with the City of Newberry, has dedicated the arena at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center (23100 W. Newberry Road, Newberry) in honor of former Alachua County Commissioner Lee Pinkoson.
“Commissioner Pinkoson was instrumental and a driving force in re-locating the Alachua County Fairgrounds, and in signing the agreements to purchase the Agriculture & Equestrian Center property as his final act as Chair and a Commissioner,” stated Chair Wheeler. “He was known county-wide by citizens for his knowledge and support of agriculture in Alachua County, which is why this dedication is so fitting.”
|
|
Cuscowilla Summer Camp Registration |
Cuscowilla (formerly Camp McConnell, 210 S.E. 134th Avenue, Micanopy) has begun registering children from kindergarten to twelfth grade for Overnight and Day camps. New this summer, Cuscowilla will be offering one and two week options for Overnight camp experiences as well as Monday – Friday Day Camps. The summer programs sessions begin June 5, 2022.
“Summer Camp is a great way to continue to engage youth during out-of-school time,” says Camp Manager Lexi Green. “At Cuscowilla, we strive to engage youth in hands-on activities throughout their time with us as well as create a space where youth feel free to be themselves, build community, and develop skills like problem-solving and communication with their peers.”
|
|
Survivors of Violence Art Exhibit Call for Submissions |
Alachua County Community Support Services, Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center invites survivors of violence to contribute original artwork to the 2022 Survivors of Violence Art Exhibit in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April). The extended deadline for submissions is Thursday, March 31, 2022.
Those interested in submitting art for the show should fill out the online application and contact Community Support Services - Victim Services Community Education Project Coordinator Cassandra Moore at 352-262-7748.
All survivors of interpersonal violence are welcome to submit original work, including performance pieces, to be presented at the reception. The exhibit will be held at the Harn Museum of Art (3259 Hull Road, Gainesville) from Tuesday, April 12, to Sunday, April 17. A reception for the artists will be held on Tuesday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to noon. The reception is free and open to the public.
"Art can be utilized as an expressive outlet to process one’s emotional wellbeing," said Alachua County Project Coordinator Cassandra Moore. “We are honored to host this event and share the stories of those in our community who have been impacted by interpersonal violence.”
|
|
Tomatillos are April’s Plant of the Month |
The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce that the April “Plant of the Month” is the tomatillo.
April is a good time to grow tomatillos in North Central Florida. Check the Plant of the Month website for information on planting, harvesting, recipes, and more.
The Plant of the Month program is a collaborative effort between Alachua County Commission, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteers, Alachua County Public Library, and Working Food.
“At first glance, tomatillos look very similar to green tomatoes, but they’re actually two very different fruits,” said Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford. “Fresh tomatillos have a unique flavor that is tart, bright and almost citrusy. They have a good amount of dietary fiber, and are also rich in antioxidants, niacin, potassium, and manganese.”
|
|
County Temporarily Closes Barr Hammock Preserve South Trailhead |
The Alachua County Barr Hammock Preserve South Trailhead (300 S.E. 175th Avenue, Micanopy) will be temporarily closed for habitat restoration activities. The trails will be closed beginning March 24, 2022. The closure is expected to remain in effect through late May (depending on the weather). A timber harvest will occur over 311 acres of the Preserve during this time.
In addition to heavy logging equipment operating in the woods and trees falling, there will be logging trucks on the service roads, which partially overlap with the trail system. The trail closure was identified as the best way to protect public safety during the timber sale operation.
|
|
|
Alachua County Offering Free Training for the Irrigation Industry |
Alachua County; the St John’s Water Management District; and the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association are offering Florida Water Star (FWS) Accredited Professional training for the irrigation industry.
The free FWS Accredited Professional training class will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at the UF/IFAS Alachua County Extension office (22712 W. Newberry Road, Newberry). Continuing education credits are available for Landscape Architects, FNGLA Certified Professionals, and Florida Water Star Professionals.
|
|
|
|
Historical Commission Vacancies |
The Alachua County Historical Commission (ACHC) has five upcoming vacancies for the positions of Citizen at Large. County residents with a knowledge of local history are encouraged to apply. The County Commission makes appointments. The application deadline is April 7, 2022. An in-person quorum is required for the advisory board meetings held in downtown Gainesville, at 5:30 p.m. on the second Monday most months of the year. These appointments will be for volunteer terms through April 30, 2025.
The mission of the ACHC is "To promote, preserve and protect Alachua County's historic resources." The Board provides research and recommendations to the Alachua County Commission on matters related to County history. The Historical Commission provides leadership in advancing the identification, protection, preservation, and interpretation of Alachua County's cultural heritage. They provide historical research and documentation for exhibits, educational programs, and pamphlets about County history. In addition, they may assist local organizations such as museums, libraries and archives, historical, archaeological, genealogical societies, and other institutions with historical objectives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
