March 30, 2021
COVID-19 VACCINE ELIGIBILITY EXPANSION
“Expanding the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccines is an exciting milestone in our community’s battle against COVID-19,” stated Paul Myers, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. “The benefits of receiving this safe and effective vaccine, developed through a rigorous and transparent process, is a significant step towards a return to normal.”

Effective Monday, March 29, 2021, those 40 years of age and older are eligible to receive the vaccine, and this qualification expands to those 18 and older on Monday, April 5, 2021. All Alachua County residents 18 years of age and older who have not registered at Alachua.FloridaHealth.gov are encouraged to do so immediately. Once you are eligible, the system will automatically send you text and email alerts inviting you to make an appointment at a time and clinic location that is most convenient. If you are already registered, there is no need to do so again. If you have already been vaccinated, then please visit the site to opt-out of notifications.

For more information, visit http://www.alachua.floridahealth.gov/
County Issues Emergency Order 21-13
Alachua County has released Emergency Order 21-13. Our most recent Emergency Order dealing with responses to the pandemic was EO 20-50 issued last Fall. EO 21-13 reflects the current state of the pandemic, particularly the advent of mass vaccinations.
Alachua County to Purchase 4,000 Acre Preserve
The Alachua County Commission has approved an agreement to purchase roughly 4,000 acres from the Weyerhaeuser Company. When the transaction closes in late August, it will be the largest single acquisition for the Alachua County Forever land conservation program. The property is being purchased with funds from Wild Spaces and Public Places, the one-half-cent sales tax approved by the voters in 2016. Funding for the Alachua County Forever program is used to protect lands for water quality, wildlife habitat, and natural areas suitable for resource-based recreation.

“The Fox Pen Connector is a beautiful and vital new land conservation acquisition for the County,” said County Commission Chair Ken Cornell. “This purchase will protect the natural ecology and creates a much needed corridor for wildlife.”
Commission Seeks Proposals for CAPP Funding
The Alachua County Commission is seeking proposals from non-profit 501(c)(3) agencies with a physical address in Alachua County. The Community Agency Partnership Program (CAPP) is designed to leverage the expertise, resources, and services provided by our local non-profit 501c3 organizations to benefit Alachua County citizens living in poverty. Non-profit agencies must have a current IRS 501(c)(3) designation by the time of application.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Alachua County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is now taking applications.

ERAP is a Federal Grant intended to assist households who cannot pay or are having difficulty paying rent and/or utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It can assist eligible households with the payment of late rent and/or utilities and may also assist with rent payment in advance. Payments will generally be made only to landlords/property managers and/or utility companies, not the households themselves. Alachua County is distributing over $8 million in ERAP funds. Each household is limited to a maximum of $15,000 in assistance.


If you have questions regarding this application or need assistance, please call the Alachua County ERAP Helpline at 352-704-0301.​
NW 94th Avenue Road Closure
A section of N.W. 94th Avenue, east of N.W. 153rd Terrace, is closed to all thru traffic as County crews complete road repairs. The section is scheduled to be opened on April 3, 2021. 

Please use N.W. 78th Avenue as a detour route for thru traffic on N.W. 94th Avenue during this time.
April Extension Programs