November 1, 2022

Alachua County Fire Rescue has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services for its compliance with national standards of excellence. Alachua County Fire Rescue is one of 190 ambulance services in the country to successfully complete the voluntary review process, which included completing a comprehensive application and on-site review by national experts in emergency medical services (EMS). With this achievement, Alachua County Fire Rescue became the 22nd ambulance service to be accredited in the state of Florida.

Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus said, “The accreditation shows the public the commitment the Board of County Commissioners has in ensuring Fire Rescue services provide the highest quality of pre-hospital medical care and transport.” He continued, “Our staff has been key to making this process a success. Daily, our crews work diligently to make sure they are the best. It shows their commitment as public servants and professionals in a very challenging industry. The accreditation lets them know that they are the best of the best.”

Find out more about the Accreditation.

Alachua County Community Support Services, in collaboration with faith-based community organizations, recently held a ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery to memorialize indigent individuals interred by the County.

Watch this short video of the “Honoring the Departed” ceremony.

Alachua County Community Support Services' Veteran Services Division (and other Alachua County departments); the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center; and multiple veterans, non-profit, and community organizations are hosting their annual Veterans Day Celebration on Friday, November 11, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at the Veterans Memorial Park (7400 S.W. 41st Place, Gainesville).

"Alachua County Veteran Services is proud to serve America's veterans with all the heart and strategy we can offer," said Alachua County Veteran Services Director Kim Davis. "Veterans Day, for us, is the day to celebrate with our veteran family and recognize our veterans' dedication, service, and sacrifices. Please come and enjoy the comradery as we gather to honor you, America's heroes who served to keep us safe and free." 

Read more about the Veterans Day Celebration.

In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Alachua County announced that County buildings would be illuminated green from November 7 through November 13, 2022, as part of "Operation Green Light." Operation Green Light is a new national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to support military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.  

"Since the beginning of our nation's history, we have had those who would step up to defend our freedom, safety, and security. They and their families have made immense sacrifices for our country," said Alachua County Veteran Services Director Kim Davis. "Our servicemembers have sacrificed for generations, and this service to the country also often results in significant stress to many veterans who served in times of war and conflict. We want to make sure our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our turn to make sure their County government and our community serve them." 

Find out more about the Operation Green Light.

Alachua County is now accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on the Children's Trust of Alachua County for a four-year term. There are two appointments coming available. Applications must be received by Friday, November 18, 2022, to be considered at the December 13, 2022, County Commission meeting for possible recommendation to the Governor's Office.

The County Commission will consider all applications received and recommend at least three individuals for each vacancy. The Governor makes appointments to the Children's Trust Board from the list of applicants recommended by the County Commission.

Learn more about the Children's Trust of Alachua County. 

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

A cup of fresh cauliflower has 25 calories, 0 grams of total fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and 30 milligrams of sodium. Cauliflower is also high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in the body’s immune system.

November is a good time to grow cauliflower 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 the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteers, Alachua County Public Library, and Working Food. 

The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) is offering the influenza vaccine. “Receiving an influenza vaccine is a primary preventive measure against influenza infection, ” stated Paul Myers, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. “In addition to getting a flu immunization, staying home when ill, practicing proper cough etiquette, and washing your hands are effective personal means to protect yourself and the community from a variety of illnesses. Popular, painless, safe, and effective FluMist® has been available at school clinics, while FluMist® and shots are available at all health department sites.”

Find out more about the flu vaccine.

Commercial Horticulture Programs

Environmental Horticulture Program

Agriculture and Natural Resources Program

Family and Consumer Sciences Program