November 16, 2020
ALACHUA COUNTY SPORTS EVENT CENTER, AIRBOAT ORDINANCE, AND AFFORDABLE
HOUSING COMPLEX
From the Gainesville Sun
Alachua County commissioners voted Tuesday to begin negotiations with Celebration Pointe Holdings for a potential sports events center at the shopping center west of Interstate 75.  

"I know the hoteliers have been on us for four to five years on this and I know the community’s been looking for something like this for a long time," said Commissioner Ken Cornell. "I'm looking forward to this and I'm grateful that there’s a potential partner that’s stepping forward."
Amendment to Emergency Order 20-50
The County Commission amended EO 20-50, Paragraph 3, item g, by changing how businesses can be cited for their employees not wearing masks. The amendment to paragraph reads: 

g. Businesses and employers are required to ensure that their employees are using appropriate facial coverings and other methods to protect the employees and public unless the employee meets an exception in Sec. 3(c) of this Emergency Order. The business or employer may be cited, along with the employee, for an employee’s violation of this Section, if the employee is actually engaged in employment-related activities at the time of the violation. Each employee failing to wear a facial covering without an exemption as set forth in this Order shall be treated as a separate violation for which the employer may be cited.
Children’s Trust of Alachua County Seeking Applicants for Gubernatorial Recommendation
The Alachua County Commission is now accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on the Children’s Trust of Alachua County. The Children's Trust is governed by a ten-member Board, and there is one four-year appointed term coming available. Applications must be received by Monday, November 23, 2020, to be considered at the December 8, 2020 County Commission meeting. 
Virtual Veterans Day Celebration Video
Alachua County Community Support Services' Veteran Services Division and the Alachua County Communications Office produced a Veterans Day Celebration video program honoring our veterans' community. The program includes interviews with local veterans who discuss their service to our nation and what Veterans Day means to them.


Alachua County Veterans Services Director Kim Davis and North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System Director Tom Wysneski are also featured, along with profiles of area veterans, and a look back at past Alachua County Veterans Day celebrations.
Tax Collector Mural Unveiling video
As part of a recent remodeling, the Alachua County Tax Collector's Office unveiled a new art installation. 
Alachua County Hosting a Rain Barrel Sale
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department is pleased to announce they are now offering Ivy rain barrels at a discounted price to encourage residents to conserve precious water resources and to protect water quality.

The retail price is $129.00, but through this special promotion, Ivy Rain Barrels are on sale for $75. The rain barrels must be purchased directly through the program’s website using a credit card by December 6, 2020. 

Ivy rain barrels are made in the USA of 100% recycled plastic. The dimensions are 42.5” high x 22” wide by 18” long. All parts are included (including a 3/4" ball valve, which connects to a garden hose).
County Performance Management Program Recognized with Two Awards
Alachua County is honored to announce that the Budget and Fiscal Services Department was recognized with two prestigious awards for its countywide Performance Management Program this year.  

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) has recognized Alachua County with the 2020 Certificate of Excellence in Performance Management. The Certificate of Excellence is awarded to those agencies who attain the highest standards in performance management, leadership, and reporting.
Irrigation Limited to One Day a Week as of November First
Irrigation restrictions changed on Sunday, November 1, 2020. When Alachua County residents set their clocks back, they also needed to cut back on their watering also. Landscape irrigation is limited to one day a week in Alachua County. 
Call to Artists
Alachua County has two Call to Artists announcements:

Call to Artists for Outdoor Sculpture for Alachua County Agricultural & Equestrian Center

Alachua County is advertising a Call-to-Artists for an outdoor sculpture for Alachua County Agricultural & Equestrian Center. Submittals are due to Alachua County Procurement by Wednesday, January 13, 2021, no later than 2 p.m. via CODAWorx.com. Artists or artist teams are encouraged to apply.


Call to Artists for Outdoor Sculpture and Indoor Mural for Alachua County UF/IFAS Office

Alachua County is advertising a Call-to-Artists for an outdoor sculpture and indoor mural for Alachua County UF/IFAS Office. Submittals are due to Alachua County Procurement by Wednesday, January 13, 2021, no later than 2 p.m. via CODAWorx.com. Artists or artist teams are encouraged to apply.
Recreation and Open Space Advisory Committee Vacancies
​Alachua County is seeking applicants to fill two openings on the Recreation and Open Space Advisory Committee (ROSCO). ROSCO has one citizen-at-large vacancy and one alternate vacancy. The committee meets monthly on the first Wednesday of every other month at 1:30 p.m. in the Alachua County EPD Conference Room A (408 W. University Ave, Gainesville).