Highlights from the Oct. 27, 2026 County Commission Meeting | | |
These highlights will give residents a quick review of the most recent County Commission meeting, including video, the agenda and other useful links.
Everlee Farmstead Community
The commission approved a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment and planned development rezoning request for the 2,750-unit Everlee Farmstead Community, a 996-acre mixed-use development located south of Oakmont and west of Haile Plantation.
The project is an outgrowth of the Hickory Sink Special Area Plan and includes a working farm, 200,000 square feet of non-residential development, 2,750 residential housing units, 250 of which must be affordable (at 80% of the area's median income). Additionally, the project will offset the increased units through participation in a transfer of development rights program.
The next step will be an agreement with the developer that will detail specifics on the affordable housing units, the transfer of development rights program and specific enforcement standards for the proposed irrigation utility. That will be followed by a Preliminary Development Plan later in 2027.
Read the complete highlights for this meeting.
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Alachua County is providing its weekly update on pothole repairs and roadway resurfacing throughout the county. Public Works crews continue to use reports submitted through the online Pothole Portal to identify areas needing repairs and prioritize work.
Since the previous update, during the week of Oct. 19-25, Public Works crews:
- Repaired 1,207 potholes, using 42.69 tons of material.
- Strip-milled and resurfaced 6,000 linear feet of roadway, using 243.14 tons of material.
Additionally, outside contractors strip-milled and resurfaced another 5,525 linear feet of roadway, using 478 tons of materials. The county has also partnered with Columbia County to bring in an additional pothole crew. The Columbia County crew repaired 283 potholes, using 4.03 tons of materials over the past week.
Alachua County will continue to provide weekly reports to keep residents informed about the progress being made. Updates will also be posted on the county’s website, social media channels and in the My Alachua County App.
Residents are encouraged to use the Pothole Portal to:
- Pinpoint the location of a pothole or other roadway issue on an interactive map.
- Submit a report with or without creating an account.
- Track pothole information through the county’s digital system.
| | Sixth Annual Operation Green Light for Veterans | | |
Alachua County is proud to announce its participation in Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort by counties, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO).
From Nov. 4 to 11, 2026 (Veterans Day), county buildings and landmarks will be illuminated in green lights to honor and show support for veterans, and to raise awareness of the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
Read more about Operation Green Light.
| | Alachua County to Host International Judo Competition and Olympic Qualifier | | |
More than 400 judo athletes from over 40 countries are expected at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center (4870 Celebration Pointe, Gainesville) from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 for an international competition and official qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The competition includes the Panamerican Cadet Cup Florida 2026 on Oct. 28, the Panamerican Junior Cup Florida 2026 on Oct. 29, and the Panamerican Open Florida 2026 on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Preliminaries begin at 9 a.m., with finals at 4 p.m. each competition day.
The Sports and Events Center is a 130,000-square-foot facility that opened in 2023 as part of the county’s effort to attract major sporting events, increase visitation, and support local businesses through tourism-related spending. Visiting athletes, coaches, officials and families are expected to contribute to the local economy through spending at hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
Learn more about the competition and qualifier.
| | Animal Shelter Reopens for Dog Adoptions | | |
Alachua County Animal Resources is reopened for dog adoptions effective today, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. Both dog and cat intakes will continue to be limited to emergency-only situations due to the high number of animals at the shelter.
The agency recently closed the shelter to intakes and adoptions in an abundance of caution after two dogs tested positive for Streptococcus Zooepidemicus. The bacterial infection can cause severe pneumonia, is highly contagious and can be fatal to dogs. The shelter quickly implemented protocols to prevent further spread of the illness.
During the closure, a University of Florida shelter medicine veterinarian, Dr. Cynda Crawford, visited the shelter twice and examined the dogs. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, Crawford found no contagious respiratory disease present at the shelter.
Respiratory illness can spread in facilities with high numbers of animals. Governmental shelters are particularly vulnerable because they are often a last resort for unwanted, neglected, and abused dogs and cats.
| | Alachua County to Host Annual Veterans Day Celebration | | |
Alachua County Veteran Services, in partnership with the Alachua County Veterans Memorial Committee, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System and local veteran nonprofit organizations, will host the county’s annual Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
The free, family-friendly event will be held from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (7400 SW 41st Place, Gainesville). This year’s theme, “The Strength Behind the Service,” honors not only those who have served the nation, but also the families, caregivers and loved ones who stand beside them.
Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy live music, family activities, aircraft displays, Veterans Row and other community activities.
Find out more about the Veterans Day celebration.
| | TPO Seeks Public Comment on Amendment to Transportation Program | | |
The Gainesville-Alachua County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is inviting public comment on a proposed amendment to its transportation planning work program.
The TPO has opened a 21-day public comment period for Amendment No. 1 to its Fiscal Year 2026-2028 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The draft amendment's task worktables and summary tables are available online.
Read more about the amendment.
| | TPO Seeks Applicants for Citizens Advisory Committee | | |
The Gainesville-Alachua County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is seeking residents to fill eight vacancies on its Citizens Advisory Committee.
The vacancies are for three-year terms and at-large positions, meaning anyone living anywhere in Alachua County can apply.
The committee reviews transportation plans and programs from a resident's perspective and makes recommendations to the TPO. Its input helps guide regional transportation planning for roads, public transit, bicycling and walking.
Read more about the committee.
| | County Seeks Residents for Citizens Disability Advisory Committee | |
Alachua County is seeking applicants to fill four vacancies on its Citizens Disability Advisory Committee (CDAC).
The committee works with the Equal Opportunity Office to raise disability awareness and help to ensure equal access to county programs, services, facilities, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Those interested in helping to make the community more accessible and disability-friendly can apply online.
Committee members serve three-year terms. Of the vacancies, three are for citizens at large. The other opening is for an alternate.
The committee meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. at the Alachua County Administration Building (12 SE 1st St., Gainesville). Meetings typically last 30 to 60 minutes.
| | November Extension Programs | | | | |
