May 13, 2026

Highlights from the May 12, 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.

Special Recognition

The County Commission held a special recognition to proclaim May 12, 2026 as Latoya Gainey Day in Alachua County, honoring County Commission Executive Manager Latoya Gainey, who passed away last month.

During her more than 21 years of service to Alachua County, Gainey was known for her professionalism, compassion, leadership and unwavering dedication to the community. 

Remembered by many as the County’s “North Star” and the “heart and soul” of the team, her legacy of kindness and public service will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Read the complete highlights for this meeting.

Fire Chief Harold Theus Announces Retirement from Alachua County Fire Rescue

​​Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus has announced his retirement, bringing nearly 32 years of dedicated service to the residents of Alachua County to a close.

Chief Theus began his career with ACFR on Aug. 1, 1994, as an EMT/firefighter. He steadily rose through the ranks and was appointed fire chief in March 2019. His tenure as chief has been marked by unprecedented growth, forward-thinking leadership, and a commitment to innovation that has positioned ACFR among the leading fire service agencies in the region and beyond.

Read more about Chief Theus' retirement and career.

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 May 15, 2026.

Alachua County remains under a State of Emergency declaration due to multiple active wildfires throughout the county. Continued historic drought conditions and lack of rainfall over the past week have left the county’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) levels largely unchanged, sustaining a high wildfire risk across the county. The KBDI is a continuous reference scale for estimating the dryness of the soil and duff layers.



Read more about the burn ban.

Alachua County Public Works wants to inform residents about an upcoming, temporary overnight closure of Southwest 20th Avenue to support construction activities associated with the Zaya Project (formerly Gilbane Apartments).

The overnight closure is on Southwest 20th Avenue, from Southwest 34th Street to Southwest 38th Terrace, beginning Monday, May 18, through Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly. Residents within the closure limits will retain access to their homes.

Detour routes along Southwest 38th Terrace and Hull Road will be clearly marked to guide motorists safely around the closure area.

Drivers should expect delays, follow posted signage and allow extra travel time when navigating the area during closure hours. Through traffic will not be permitted within the work zone.

The closure is necessary to allow crews to safely install a GRU Electric Vault, an essential component of ongoing utility infrastructure improvements.

Survivors of Gun Violence Memorial

The Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center, in partnership with IMPACT GNV, invites residents to the annual Survivors of Gun Violence Memorial on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Squirrel Ridge Park (1603 SW Williston Road, Gainesville).

This memorial is dedicated to honoring those whose lives have been impacted by violence. Together, they hope to create a space for remembering the past and hope for the future.

The event will feature local community resources, light refreshments, an art activity and guest speakers. 

“Gun violence harms us all, and our goal is to spend the morning reflecting on this impact,” said Cassandra Moore, program manager for Alachua County Community Support Services. “Not only does it impact us all, it will take all of us to end gun violence.”

This memorial is part of a series of events recognizing Gun Violence Awareness Month. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the City of Gainesville’s IMPACT GNV’s mailing list to be notified about other upcoming events.

County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center Seeks Community Ambassador Program Volunteers

The Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center is looking for volunteers to serve in the Community Ambassador Program.

This opportunity allows volunteers to play an active role in raising awareness and engaging the community on important topics. Ambassadors receive 15 hours of training, followed by a shadowing period. The center asks for a six-month commitment to join the program. Applications are due by May 18, 2026. View the application. Training starts May 20. 

Learn more about the Community Ambassador Program.

Pool Passes and Swim Lessons Now Available at Cuscowilla

Seasonal pool memberships and swim lesson registrations at the Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center are now available for purchase, offering residents the opportunity to plan for a summer of outdoor recreation.

The center (210 SE 134th Ave., Micanopy) will open its pool to the public beginning Saturday, May 23. Pool hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays through Sept. 7.

Alachua County residents can purchase a season membership for $25, which provides access for the entire summer. Day passes are also available for $5 per person. Patrons are encouraged to purchase memberships and passes online in advance. Users must create an account before purchasing.

Find out more about pool passes and swim lessons.

County Seeks Advisory Board Volunteers

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to give back to your community and participate in your county's decision-making process? Serving on an Alachua County advisory board offers you this chance. The County Commission relies on input from these boards to make informed decisions and set policies.

Over 250 citizens serve on the advisory boards advising county government and local agencies on many topics. They include affordable housing, economic development, environmental protection, human rights, county finances and many other issues. The Alachua County Commission seeks citizen volunteers to serve on several advisory boards.

Read more about current advisory board vacancies.

Current Legal Notices

2025 Delinquent Real Estate Tax List: Notice of Delinquent Real Estate Tax

2025 Delinquent Tangible Tax List: Notice of Delinquent Personal Property Tax

Public Hearing - Development Review Committee Hearing

Public Hearing - Board of County Commissioner Meeting - Project DR26-000003 Westside Christian School

Public Hearing - Board of County Commissioner Meeting - Z26-000006 Wahoo Springhills Comprehensive Plan Amendment

Public Hearing - Board of County Commissioner Meeting - Z26-000007 Wahoo Springhills Rezoning

City of Newberry - Request for Qualifications 2026-06 (“ITB 2026-06”) City of Newberry Professional Engineering and Consulting Services

City of Newberry - Invitation to Bid 2026-08 (“ITB 2026-08”) Newberry SR 26 Elevated Storage Tank (Re-Bid)

Invitation to Bid - ITB 26-590-LC: Alachua County Sunrise Inn Renovation and Modernization - Phase 1



City of Newberry - Invitation to Bid 2026-09 (“ITB 2026-09”) Restoration of the Historic Newberry Power Plant Phase I (Construction)