These highlights will give residents a quick review of the commission meeting and provide video and agenda, and other useful links.
New county department
The County Commission approved the tentative creation of a new medical examiner department under Alachua County. The medical examiner’s office, which currently falls under the University of Florida College of Medicine Department of Pathology, will begin its transition to continue to provide autopsies, toxicology reporters and other services for county residents.
As medical examiner, Thomas Coyne, who is appointed by the governor, has the ability to change who oversees his department. He said he plans to resign as a professor at UF to begin the transition. County staff will begin contract negotiations with Coyne at a competitive rate, conduct a compensation study for employees and develop a budget that will come back to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
Coyne said he conducts approximately 400 autopsies and certifies 900 deaths annually. His office also covers brain injury reviews for 10 other counties under the current model under UF. State Attorney Brian Kramer, whose office uses the medical examiner’s services routinely, said there are no other known similar models in the state and believes the change would benefit the community.
Currently, the county pays 63.5% of the office’s total expenses. Savings from no longer paying administrative fees to UF will help cover expenses and costs for services to other entities.
Free inmate calls at the jail
The County Commission heard an update from Sheriff Emery Gainey about the county’s effort to provide free jail calls for inmates.
Gainey said the change has created some challenges, including more fights over phone time, due to the shortage of allowable phones in the jail.
In October, the sheriff’s office implemented three free 15-minute calls and unlimited calls with attorneys.
The commission reaffirmed its previous directive to institute free and unlimited calls at the jail and asked the sheriff to find the best way make this happen. The sheriff agreed to supply the commission with monthly reports on the number of available phones and the number needing repair.
Trunked radio system
The County Commission gave its final approval for the $8.4 million purchase of the city of Gainesville’s emergency radio system. This followed last week’s required approval from the Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) Authority.
The radio system is the tool for communicating with first responders to assist those in need during emergencies.
At the upcoming Dec. 14 meeting, the Gainesville City Commission must approve an estoppel agreement for the sale to be final. The agreement assures the county that the city will not attempt nullify the system should pending litigation about the legality of the GRU Authority be successful.
The agreement states that GRU will pay the county $164,000 annually for five years, while the City of Gainesville will pay $937,000 for two years and then $750,000 for the following three years.
Assuming that the city signs the estoppel agreement, the county commission also authorized County Manager Michele Lieberman to execute agreements with all 10 users of the trunked radio system.
Lochloosa Slough Flatwoods
The commission voted to purchase 116 acres of conservation land in southeastern Alachua County. The land, known as the Jackson Heirs tract, will improve habitat connectivity in the Lochloosa Slough Preserve.
The total acquisition price is $307,000, with another $49,000 in due diligence and closing costs. The costs will be paid for with voter-approved Wild Spaces and Public Places funds. The county anticipates closing on the property in April of 2024.
Micanopy fire station
A special permit was approved to pave the way for a new county fire station near Micanopy on the county owned Cuscowilla property.
In May 2023, the commission entered into an agreement with Micanopy for Alachua County Fire Rescue to assume fire rescue and emergency services for the town and its surrounding 25-square-mile area. The plan calls for moving the location of the town’s station to the 5-acre parcel already owned by the county.
The county will reimburse the Wild Spaces and Public Places funds the $26,770 value of the property.
Update on Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center
The commission heard a presentation about Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center in Micanopy. The 211-acre center features a summer camp, lodge, nature trails, archery, Olympic size pool, fishing and kayaking on George’s pond, frisbee golf, climbing wall, and more.
The commission viewed the video produced by WUFT's Greater Good program which shined a light on Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center and the Friends of Cuscowilla. Watch the video.
Staff announced the new Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center Facebook page. Follow this link to "LIKE" the site.
During its 2023 summer camp, Cuscowilla saw 520 registrations and 65 weekly campers. The Alachua County Children’s Trust and the Friends of Cuscowilla funded dozens of scholarships allowing many campers to attend at no cost.
At his year’s camp, the county is launching its EPIC (Explore, Play, Investigate and Create) Summer Adventure. Registration opens in the spring. For more information, visit
www.cuscowilla.org.
Proclamation/Resolution
The commission proclaimed November 2024 as “Family Court Awareness Month” in Alachua County. The commission also passed a resolution in support of the “Medicare for All” effort during the 2024 state legislative session. If successful, it would provide coverage without premiums, copays or deductibles to millions of Floridians.
