May 28, 2025

These highlights will give residents a quick review of the most recent County Commission meeting and provide video, agenda, and other useful links.

Housing development on Hawthorne Road near Newnans Lake

In a historic move, the County Commission approved a Comprehensive Plan amendment that would ultimately allow a 149-unit, single-family home subdivision in the urban cluster outside east Gainesville. The homes will be set at market-rate values and will be clustered on 82 acres of land outside the surrounding conservation areas and green spaces.

The Florida Department of Commerce will now review the proposal before returning to the commission at a later date for final adoption.

Read the complete highlights for this meeting.

Alachua County to Host Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Fire Station #21

​​Alachua County is pleased to invite the public to a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Fire Station #21 (16121 NW 173rd St., Alachua). The event will take place on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 10 a.m., with light refreshments served.

Alachua County Fire Chief Harold Theus will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Featured speakers include Alachua County Commission Chair Charles S. Chestnut IV, Alachua City Manager Mike DaRoza, and Alachua Mayor Walter Welch.

“This new facility underscores Alachua County’s ongoing investment in public safety,” said Fire Chief Theus. “It represents an important step forward in our commitment to providing life-saving services for our residents.”

Fire Station #21 is a state-of-the-art, 11,500-square-foot facility with a project cost of $7 million. Completed earlier this month, it is designed to serve the community for more than 50 years. The single-story, concrete masonry structure includes energy-efficient systems, sustainable design features, and 100% backup power generation, ensuring operational readiness in all conditions.

The Lunz Group of Lakeland provided architectural and engineering services, and D.E. Scorpio Corporation led construction management.

​Alachua County seeks volunteers to fill two citizen-at-large Local Planning Agency (LPA)/Planning Commission vacancies. The LPA/Planning Commission meets once a month on the third Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Alachua County Administration Building (12 SE 1st St., Gainesville).

The LPA/Planning Commission comprises eight members serving four-year terms. The membership includes seven citizen-at-large positions and one School Board of Alachua County member (appointed by the SBAC). The two terms to be filled begin Aug. 1, 2025 and run through July 31, 2029.

The LPA/Planning Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the County Commission for updates to the comprehensive plan, reviewing and making recommendations on rezonings, special use permits, special exceptions, and land development regulations upon the County Commission's request.

View the Local Planning Agency/Planning Commission openings.

​May 20th holds deep historical significance in Florida as it marks the day in 1865 when the Emancipation Proclamation was publicly announced in the state. Although President Abraham Lincoln had issued the proclamation on January 1, 1863, it was not until Union troops arrived in Tallahassee and declared freedom for enslaved people on May 20, 1865, that emancipation became a reality in Florida.

The announcement was made from the steps of the Knott House in Tallahassee by Union Brigadier General Edward M. McCook, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the state’s history and the lives of thousands of African Americans who had remained enslaved even after the war had effectively ended.

May 20th serves as a solemn reminder of the struggles for freedom and justice, and a celebration of African American resilience, culture, and contribution. It is a powerful moment for reflection on the enduring impact of slavery and the ongoing pursuit of freedom, equity, and civil rights in Florida and beyond.

June Extension Programs

Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs

Environmental Horticulture Program

Commercial Horticulture Program

Current Legal Notices

2024 Alachua County Delinquent Tangible Tax List

2024 Alachua County Delinquent Real Estate Tax List

Neighborhood Workshop - Park Avenue Preliminary Development Plan

City of Newberry - Planning and Zoning Board Notice of Public Hearing for Ordinance 2025-13

City of Newberry - Notice of Public Hearings for the Text Amendments to the Code of Ordinances



City of Newberry - Planning and Zoning Board Notice of Public Hearings for 6/2/2025