Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – At the Tuesday, April 25, 2017, Alachua County Commission Regular Meeting, the Board will recognize those students selected as winners in the County's fourth annual "Saving My Alachua" Environmental Art Contest. Winners from each grade will be recognized. The meeting begins at 5 p.m., in the Jack Durrance Auditorium (Room 209) on the second floor of the Alachua County Administration Building (12 SE 1st Street, downtown Gainesville). The awards recognition is the first item on the meeting agenda.

The winning artwork is on display in the hallways of the second floor of the County Administration Building outside the Commission Chamber during the month of April.

The contest was open to all K-12 students in Alachua County, including homeschoolers, and encourages students to create artwork depicting their passion for the environment. Their artwork addressed many environmental topics including water conservation, stormwater pollution, natural habitat protection, wilderness and wildlife protection, and proper disposal of toxic waste. Ribbons will be awarded for first, second, and third place in each Kindergarten through Eighth Grade category and a High School category. Selected winners will be featured in the 2018 Saving My Alachua Calendar and will also contain tips on protecting the environment.

Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Director Chris Bird said, “It is inspiring to observe the environmental awareness of our community’s emerging citizen artists.” He continued, “Their work communicates environmental themes that are often confused by scientific jargon.”

This event will be televised on Cox Channel 12, and is available on the County’s Video on Demand website.

Visit the Saving My Alachua Art Contest Facebook page.

For more information, contact Eliana Bardi at 352-264-6810 or ebardi@alachuacounty.us.