HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MAY 13, 2025 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.
Facilities Management Master Plan quarterly update
The commission heard a quarterly update on the Facilities Management Master Plan, which includes construction timelines and updates.
The master plan includes the relocation of the Fire Rescue and headquarters, a new Emergency Operations Center, construction of the Animal Resources shelter, a new fire station in Tech City, and a civil court complex, which consists of a central energy plant, a new parking garage, and a courthouse. The master plan also includes the renovations of the Sunrise Residence Inn, Budget Inn, and Scottish Inns to convert the structures into housing for some of the county’s most vulnerable population.
Read the complete highlights for this meeting.
| | Alachua County Launches Dynamic "Road Projects" Website | |
To keep residents informed on the progress of road projects, Alachua County is unveiling its "Road Projects" website. The site will keep residents informed and engaged about the major improvements happening across the county.
This digital resource shines a light on the county's ambitious Transportation Capital Improvement Program (TCIP), a 10-year initiative backed by over a quarter of a billion dollars in funding from the Wild Spaces & Public Places surtax, state and federal grants, gas tax, and property taxes.
While road upgrades take center stage, the TCIP is about much more — it's about safe, accessible, and modern infrastructure that enhances everyday life for everyone in Alachua County. The TCIP program includes new sidewalks, improved traffic signals, multi-use trails, and safer pedestrian crossings.
"Keeping our residents informed about these projects is critical," said Alachua County Commission Chair Charles Chestnut IV. "Investing in our transportation system is investing in our community's safety, connectivity, and future. With a clear plan and full transparency, our community can follow along as we deliver on these long-awaited capital investments."
Read more about the Road Projects website.
| | County Begins Transforming Former Budget Inn and Scottish Inn for Housing | | |
Renovations are officially underway at two former motels in Gainesville, marking a significant step in Alachua County’s effort to expand housing options for its most vulnerable residents.
The county is transforming the former Budget Inn and Scottish Inns into 67 housing units for the homeless by the end of September 2025. This initiative is part of a best practice model where older and underused motels and hotels are converted into housing.
In 2021, the Alachua County Commission approved the purchase of the Budget Inn, followed by the acquisition of the adjacent Scottish Inns in 2023. Both properties were earmarked for conversion into permanent housing, with each renovation projected to cost about $4 million to be funded by state and federal grants.
Find out more about the renovations.
| | Resurfacing of 53rd Avenue Set to Begin Construction | | |
Alachua County’s Public Works Department is pleased to announce that another major roadway project under the Transportation Capital Improvement Program is set to begin construction this month.
The 3.8-mile resurfacing of Northeast/Northwest 53rd Avenue will stretch from U.S. 441 to State Road 24 (Waldo Road). The Newberry-based Watson Construction Co. will oversee the $7.6-million project.
This vital collector road is used by more than 13,500 vehicles daily -- 15% of which are heavy trucks -- and has developed deep ruts over time. The resurfacing process involves milling 6 inches of the existing asphalt and replacing it with a new surface.
In addition to resurfacing, safety and traffic flow improvements are planned. A new left-turn lane will be added at Northeast 15th Street, and the existing left-turn lane at the Waldo Road intersection will be extended.
Lane closures will occur primarily at night between 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. to minimize disruptions, with detours marked for drivers. Daytime work will focus on the road shoulders, keeping lanes mostly open for traffic. Construction is estimated to be completed by the fall, but is contingent on weather and other factors.
Residents can track the progress of this and other projects under the county’s 10-year Transportation Capital Improvement Program by visiting the new Road Projects website and signing up for updates.
| | SHIP Program Provides Housing Assistance for Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation, Down Payment Assistance, and Disaster Assistance | | |
The Alachua County State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program offers financial assistance for owner-occupied rehabilitation, down payment assistance, and disaster assistance for qualified applicants.
Funds for all programs are awarded on a first-qualified, first-served basis, based on income guidelines, priorities identified, and preference given to very low-income families, the elderly, essential personnel, and special-needs households as defined in the SHIP Local Housing Assistance Plan.
The Alachua County SHIP team offers a user-friendly and efficient online application portal for Alachua County residents to participate in the SHIP program.
Learn more about the SHIP program.
| | County Seeks Applicants for New Agricultural Land Conservation Board | | |
Alachua County is seeking applicants to become the first members of the new Agricultural Land Conservation Board (ALCB). This board will play an essential role in conserving farmlands within Alachua County through the Alachua County Forever Program, which is funded by the voter-approved Wild Spaces & Public Places surtax.
Those passionate about protecting farmland, water resources, and open spaces are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is June 13, 2025.
Read more about the Agricultural Land Conservation Board.
| | County to Host Second SS4A and Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan Meeting | | |
Alachua County, in collaboration with the City of Gainesville and the University of Florida, will host a community workshop to address pressing concerns about street safety and bike and pedestrian infrastructure planning. The workshop will be held on May 20, 2025, at the Thomas Center (302 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville) from 4 to 6 p.m.
The meeting will present the current status of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan and the Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan, two major initiatives aimed at making streets safer for all residents. This is the second of three public meetings planned for these initiatives.
Find out more about the meeting.
| | Alachua County Releases Tourism Economic Data for National Travel and Tourism Week | | |
In advance of National Travel and Tourism Week, Alachua County is pleased to announce continued growth in tourism's economic impact.
National Travel and Tourism Week, taking place May 4–10, 2025, celebrates the essential role of travel in the U.S. economy and in building connected, thriving communities. According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel generated $2.9 trillion in economic output and supported more than 15 million American jobs in 2024.
Locally, in 2024, visitors staying in paid accommodations generated $766.3 million in economic impact, which is a growth over the prior year and reflects the tourism sector’s critical importance to Florida communities.
Nearly 1.4 million visitors stayed in paid accommodations in Alachua County last year, and their direct spending on lodging, dining, shopping, groceries, and transportation totaled a record-setting $513.3 million. This visitor activity supported an estimated 6,400 local jobs, generated $250.8 million in wages and salaries, and contributed $75.3 million in state and local tax revenue, strengthening the local tax base and helping offset the tax burden for Alachua County residents.
Learn more about tourism in Alachua County.
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Memorial Vigil to Honor Survivors of Gun Violence | | |
In recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month, Alachua County Community Support Services, in partnership with Gainesville Fire Rescue, will host a community remembrance vigil to honor those whose lives have been impacted by gun violence.
The vigil will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Squirrel Ridge Park (1603 SW Williston Road, Gainesville).
This event will provide a space for collective reflection, remembrance, and healing, while offering hope and support to survivors and their families. Community members are invited to participate in a meaningful morning of remembrance, connection, and inspiration.
A special feature of the vigil will be the creation of art stones—personalized tokens of remembrance. Attendees can write messages of hope, healing, or tribute to be placed in the park’s memorial garden, creating a lasting symbol of community solidarity and compassion.
In addition to remembrance activities, the event will highlight local resources and support services available to those impacted by gun violence.
“We hope this vigil serves as a space for our community to mourn, reflect, and, most importantly, instill hope,” said Project Coordinator Cassandra Moore. “Together, we will honor the lives affected by gun violence, share in the healing process, and reaffirm our commitment to change.”
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Annual Memorial Day Ceremony | |
Alachua County Veteran Services, in collaboration with the City of Gainesville, Vystar Credit Union, and Milam Funeral Homes, invites the community to attend the annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Historic Evergreen Cemetery (401 SE 21st Ave., Gainesville). The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. (attendees are encouraged to arrive by 9:30 a.m.). The event is free and a free lunch is provided.
This ceremony honors and remembers veterans and military service members who lost their lives in service to the nation. This event features multiple patriotic ceremonies, a presentation of colors, an American flag ceremony, musical tributes and inspirational words from area leaders.
Alachua County Veteran Services remembers our fallen brothers and sisters who valiantly serve our country.
| Alachua County Selected for National Economic Mobility Cohort and Grant Program | |
Alachua County is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of only 15 local governments nationwide to join the 2025 Economic Mobility and Opportunity Peer Learning Cohort and Mini-Grant Program.
This opportunity is hosted by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and supported by the Gates Foundation.
This prestigious program provides selected communities funding and resources to develop and implement strategies that enhance residents' upward economic mobility. ICMA, the leading professional association for local government professionals, selected Alachua County through a competitive application process. It recognized its deep understanding of community needs and readiness to drive impactful change.
As part of the cohort, Alachua County will receive a $20,000 grant and access to professional development, coaching, peer learning, and expert guidance.
Learn more about the Economic Mobility and Opportunity Peer Learning Cohort and Mini-Grant Program.
| Spanish Language Survivors of Sexual Violence Support Group | |
Lee esto en español.
The Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center is offering a free support group in Spanish for survivors of sexual violence. This eight-week group will begin on May 27, 2025, and meet every Tuesday afternoon. All support groups are free, confidential, and led by trained advocates.
“We're excited to facilitate our first-ever Spanish support group led by the two bilingual victim advocates,” said Alachua County Victim Advocate Laura Mena. “We've seen the need in our community and are excited to start offering this service for this population. This is a way of building community while addressing important topics related to trauma.”
Learn more about the Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center.
For more information, contact Laura Mena at 352-681-1978.
| 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 various advisory boards.
Read more about advisory boards.
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