May 3, 2021
UPCOMING WALK-UP VACCINATION CLINICS: NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED
The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) is offering free walk-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics. These clinics do not require appointments and are available for Florida residents ages 16 years or older in Alachua County.
 
To receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida, participants must bring proof of residency. Please see this residency notice for the requirements needed to prove residency.

The times and locations include:

  • May 4: Celebration United Methodist Church (9501 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This walk-up clinic is offering the Pfizer Vaccine and is available for those 16 and older.
  • May 5: Trinity United Methodist Church Worship Center (4000 N.W. 53rd Ave, Gainesville) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This walk-up clinic is offering the Pfizer Vaccine and is available for those 16 and older.
  • May 6: Celebration United Methodist Church (9501 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This walk-up clinic is offering the Pfizer Vaccine and is available for those 16 and older.
  • May 7: Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center (1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This walk-up clinic is offering the Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines and is available for those 16 and older.

For residents who are under 18 years old, DOH-Alachua is offering only the Pfizer vaccine. For all individuals under 18, a parent/guardian must be present at the time of vaccination and sign the COVID-19 vaccine consent form.

To expedite visits, participants should download and fill out the appropriate consent form and bring it with them to this event. For those who are unable to download this form and print it out, forms will be available at the event. Read and review the appropriate Fact Sheet and Notice of Privacy Practices.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Start by Believing Campaign
In commemoration of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April 2021), the Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center, the Gainesville Police Department, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office have launched an online platform as part of the local “Start by Believing” campaign. Community members are encouraged to participate in the campaign and become a voice for change by adding their name to the local online campaign.

When talking about the reason the Center chose this campaign, Jessie Lazarchik said, “Real change takes place when we confront stereotypes and myths, and listen more closely to voices that have been silenced for far too long. We want to be a community that listens and supports survivors, and we know that many others want that too.” 

City Nature Challenge
To celebrate Earth Day 2021, Alachua County and the City of Gainesville are joining 250 other cities and counties worldwide in participating in the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge from April 30 to May 3, 2021. Those interested in participating should visit the iNaturalist website and download the free smartphone app. Participants are encouraged to take photos of all the plants and animals found in their yards, neighborhoods, City and County parks, and preserves. They can post the photos to iNaturalist through the website or app (They can also report animal and plant sightings without a photo). 

“We want to embrace the healing power of nature and encourage people to get outside and enjoy nature, and we hope this friendly challenge to document as many plants, animals, and other organisms gives citizens that extra nudge to visit our great parks and preserves,” said Interim Director of the County’s Environmental Protection Department Stephen Hofstetter.

Renovated Squirrel Ridge Park Now Open
With funding from the Wild Spaces & Public Places program, the Alachua County Parks and Open Space Department announces that the renovation project at Squirrel Ridge Park (1603 S.W. Williston Road, Gainesville) is complete, and the park is now open.

“We’d like to extend thanks to all our neighbors, dog lovers, and the Gainesville Hogs Rugby Club who participated in the open houses that guided the improvement decisions,” said Alachua County Parks and Open Spaces Manager Jason Maurer. “The new play area at Squirrel Ridge is listed by ‘Playcore’ as a National Demonstration Site for ‘Play On!’ promoting physical activity as well as ‘7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design’.”

Clerk of the Court Surplus Auction
​The Alachua County Clerk of the Court’s office is holding a public auction of County property (no vehicles or land) on Monday, May 10, 2021. The auction is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (no late bids accepted) at 602 S.E. 9th Place, Gainesville. Item payment and pickup must be made on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., or Thursday, May 13, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For tie bids, the first payment wins the bid.

For more information, contact Jonathon Hembree at 352-374-3605 or jrh@alachuaclerk.org.
May Extension Programs