March 6, 2023

Watch this edition of Alachua County Talks.

This edition of Alachua County Talks features an interview with Alachua County Tourism Development Manager Jessica Hurov. The program focuses on the efforts and accomplishments of the County’s Visitors & Convention Bureau’s in promoting tourism in Alachua County. In speaking of the interview, Alachua County Talks host Mark Sexton said, “Whether you're a tourist or a resident, there is just so much to see and do in Alachua County. The Alachua County Visitors and Convention Bureau is working to grow our local economy by sharing our community's natural and cultural assets.”

For more information, visit www.visitgainesville.com or call 352-374-5260 or toll free at 866-778-5002.

Alachua County Veteran Services, in collaboration with multiple area agencies and organizations, is hosting the "Veteran's Resource Fair and Homeless Veteran Stand Down" on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center (1028 N.E. 14th Street, Gainesville).

This event provides veterans with employment assistance, housing resources, VA medical enrollment, medical screenings, education, veteran benefits assistance, clothing resources, legal services, food stamp information and applications, social services, and more.

Alachua County Veteran Services Director Kim Davis said, "The goal is to bring as many resources and services together in one location for our veterans to access, so they may utilize them or know where to go if they need them."

Exciting news! Alachua County is hiring a Language Access and Immigrant Inclusion Specialist. The position is now open and is housed in the SEEDS Office. Please share with your networks.

Learn more and apply.

Alachua County has an official TikTok page. We invite everyone to visit, like, and follow our page.

Visit the County's TikTok page.

The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce that the March “Plant of the Month” is turmeric.

Turmeric is a perennial herb that is a golden-colored spice with excellent flavor that will complement a variety of foods. Turmeric roots and powder are available year-round and are found in many Indian, Thai, and Asian dishes.

“Turmeric is a tropical plant that prefers a warm and humid climate,” said County Commissioner Mary Alford. “It is a hardy plant that is relatively low maintenance but does require regular watering and protection from frost.”

March is a good time to grow turmeric in North Central Florida. Check the Plant of the Month website for information on planting, harvesting, recipes, and more. Listen to the Extension Cord Podcast to get further insights on the Plant of the Month.

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.

The Alachua County Commission seeks applicants to fill two Rural Concerns Advisory Committee (RCAC) openings. The application deadline is March 31, 2023. The County Commission established the RCAC in 2003 to provide guidance and advice to the Board regarding rural concerns and issues in Alachua County. The Committee generally meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m.

Positions are available for one Member Actively Involved in Agriculture and/or Silviculture (for a term ending 9/30/2025) and one Member Residing in the Unincorporated Area Outside the Urban Cluster (for a partial term ending 9/30/2024 followed by a full term ending 9/30/2027).

“The Rural Concerns Advisory Committee provides valuable input to the Board of County Commissioners on important issues affecting the rural and agricultural areas of unincorporated Alachua County,” said Alachua County Planner and RCAC Staff Liaison Ken McMurry. “In the past few years, the Committee has provided input to the County Commission on matters relating to a proposed meat processing and training facility, new ‘Farm Stay’ regulations, the new Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, countywide public safety radio system, local foods procurement standards, and development standards for clustered rural residential subdivisions.”

Learn more about the Rural Concerns Advisory Board.

Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs

Environmental Horticulture Program

Commercial Horticulture Programs