Sunrise Residence Inn
The County Commission approved the purchase of the 35-unit Sunrise Residence Inn complex, located at 2105 SW 14th St. in Gainesville.
In May, the commission entered an option contract with St. Francis House to purchase the complex to prevent the loss of dozens of federal housing vouchers for those living in these units. The property was initially slated to be purchased by a developer who wished to turn the complex into student housing.
The purchase price for the property is $1.95 million. The commission directed staff to look for state and federal dollars to assist in the renovation costs of the property.
Watch the discussion.
New animal shelter update
The commission approved a ranking list of vendors who will help during the construction of the county’s planned Animal Resources and Care facility. The proposed new facility location is along Southwest 23rd Terrace on a University of Florida location.
The top three ranked vendors for architecture and engineering services are:
- Borrelli & Partners, Inc.
- PGAL, Inc.
- Walker Architects, Inc.
The top three ranked vendors for construction manager at risk are:
- Oelrich Construction Inc.
- Parrish McCall Constructors, Inc.
- D.E. Scorpio Corporation
Staff will negotiate an agreement with each top-ranked firm for services. If those negotiations fail, staff will enter into talks with each second-ranked firm.
Watch the discussion.
Old Dollar General site in Micanopy
The commission authorized the sale of the former Dollar General site on the corner of Southeast Cuscowilla Road and US HWY 441 to the Town of Micanopy.
The county previously purchased the land in June 2022. Micanopy will acquire the parcel for $170,000.
Watch the discussion.
Wild Spaces Public Places in Micanopy
The commission approved a grant request from the Town of Micanopy to jointly fund the purchase of the Micanopy Annex property adjacent to the town’s Native American Heritage Preserve.
The $170,000 purchase will be evenly split between the county and Micanopy with Wild Spaces and Public Places funding.
Watch the discussion.
Canvassing Board
The commission appointed substitutes for the Alachua County Canvassing Board for the 2024 general election.
The commission appointed Commissioner Chuck Chestnut as an alternate for Chair Mary Alford, who is seeking reelection. Former commissioner Lee Pinkoson was appointed a substitute for Supervisor Kim Barton, who is seeking reelection.
Watch the discussion.
Recognitions
Retirement
The commission acknowledged the retirement of Fleet Manager Gerald Bailey who has worked for Alachua County for 36 years. Bailey was hired on Aug. 1, 1988 and retired on July 31, 2024. 
Watch the recognition.
CARES Award
David and Gail Hodge, owners of Hodge Farm in Newberry, were presented with the 2024 County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) Award by UF/IFAS Alachua County Extension Director Cynthia Sanders. The farm, established in 1919, grows watermelon, blueberries, tobacco, raises cattle and more.
The CARES program publicly recognizes Florida farmers and ranchers who demonstrate exemplary efforts to protect Florida's natural resources by implementing best management practices. Recipients are awarded yearly to ag producers and families that are fully committed to protecting Florida's environment.
Watch the recognition.
See the full Aug. 13 agenda and video.
