March 28, 2024

These highlights will give residents a quick review of the commission meeting and provide video, agenda, and other useful links.

​CareerSource consolidation

The commission approved a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the consolidation of North Central Florida CareerSource offices, a move that came at the request of the state of Florida.

CareerSource Florida previously recommended to the governor’s office that several workforce areas be consolidated to minimize the duplication of services, improve consistency, and maximize resources to enhance outcomes for businesses and individuals. As a result, districts 7 and 9 were recommended for consolidation.

The proposed consolidation creates a new six-county local workforce development area (LWDA) that comprises Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist and Union counties. Under the MOU, the new board will be made up of one elected commissioner from each county, with Alachua County having two voting members.

Read the complete highlights for this meeting.

The Alachua County Commission held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the beginning of the construction of the new Alachua County Fire Station #21 (16121 NW 173rd St, Alachua).

Speakers included Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman, Fire Chief Harold Theus and County Commission Chair Mary Alford.

View the video of the groundbreaking ceremony.

Station 21 will be the second fire station of the new ACFR prototype design. The single-story concrete masonry facility features energy-efficient equipment and sustainable design features, with 100% backup generated power. It is an 11,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art building that will last 50-plus years. The Lunz Group, from Lakeland, provided architectural and engineering services for the project and the D.E. Scorpio Corporation is the construction management firm "At Risk."

This new fire station provides adequate space for the existing fire rescue crew and will enhance the service delivered to this growing area of unincorporated Alachua County. Building and opening this facility provides critical space for staff and equipment. 

Once the construction is complete, Station 21 will move from its current location at 15040 NW U.S. HWY 441, Alachua. 

On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 10 a.m., the Alachua County Commission is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Alachua County Fire Rescue Training Building (5801 N.W. 34th Blvd, Gainesville). The ribbon cutting is open to the public, and refreshments will be served. 

Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman is the Master of Ceremonies. The event includes comments from Fire Chief Harold Theus and Alachua County Commission Chair Mary C. Alford. 

"This training center will provide our Fire Rescue employees with a state-of-the-art facility. It offers a cutting-edge simulation lab plus space for classes, ceremonies, and meetings," said Fire Chief Harold Theus. 

The 5000-square-foot training building, located at the old Tax Collector office, has been completely renovated. This space will give employees opportunities to hone their skills to serve the citizens of Alachua County better. This facility will provide critical space for staff and equipment. 

Registration for summer camp at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is open. This year's theme is "EPIC Summer Adventure. Where campers will Explore, Play, Investigate, and Create!" Those registering for summer camps should visit the Camp Cuscowilla program page.

Day camps are offered for seven weeks from June 10 to July 26, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Children ages 7 to 12 can register for one week or the whole summer. Each week offers archery, swimming lessons, recreational swimming, outdoor skills, arts and crafts, kayaking, and more. Campers will also attend field trips once a week to places in Alachua County, such as the Santa Fe Zoo, the Alachua County Sports Complex, Poe Springs, the Cade Museum, and more.

Learn more about the available camps.

The Alachua County Solid Waste & Resource Recovery Department invites residents to participate in two “Community Reuse & Recycle Days” on Saturday, April 6, 2024, and Saturday, May 11, 2024. The events are free and all residents are encouraged to participate.

Non-profit organizations will be on-site to receive clothing in wearable condition (no dirty or damaged items); non-perishable food (no expired or open items); housewares in usable condition; school, office, and art supplies; household hazardous waste, such as paint, chemicals, old electronics, etc., for recycling or proper disposal. Household garbage, general recycling, damaged/soiled items, and other materials unsuitable for donation will not be accepted.

Find out more about the Community Reuse and Recycle Days. 

Rebates Available for Upgrading Existing Septic Systems

The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has received funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to provide qualifying property owners with 50% rebates, up to $5,000, to upgrade existing septic systems to enhanced nutrient-reducing systems to improve water quality in our lakes, rivers and springs. 

“Traditional septic systems do not treat nitrogen from our waste,” said Stacie Greco, Alachua County’s water resources program manager. “Nitrogen is the main pollutant harming our water bodies and contributes to harmful algal outbreaks.”

The first step to upgrade your septic system is to fill out and submit this form so staff can verify if your property is located within an eligible basin. You will receive an email with the program fact sheet and the next steps. These steps include working with the Alachua County Health Department and a registered septic contractor or certified plumber to determine which system is right for you. Aerobic Treatment Units (ATU), In-Ground Nutrient Reducing Bioreactors (INRB), and performance-based systems qualify for funding.

Learn more about septic systems, wastewater, and this program. 

For more information, contact Stacie Greco at 352-264-6829.

Alachua County recently announced that the EMPOWER Coalition was chosen for Cohort 2 of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Communities Local Energy Action Program (LEAP). The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) administers LEAP technical assistance to low-income communities for clean energy initiatives.

In 2021, the EMPOWER Coalition was an awardee for the Communities LEAP initiative.

"This new DOE award aligns with our commitment to a clean energy future for all residents," said Alachua County Sustainability Manager Dr. Betsy Riley.

Read more about the award.

April Extension Programs

Environmental Horticulture Programs

Bringing the Farm to School Training

Commercial Horticulture Program

Are you looking for the ideal way to get involved and make a difference in our community? Joining a County Advisory Board is the perfect way to discover your ideal volunteer role tailored to your passions and interests! Are you an avid animal lover? Dive into the rewarding world of the Animal Welfare Board, where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of our furry friends. Perhaps you're captivated by the rich tapestry of local history - in that case, the Historical Commission awaits your expertise and enthusiasm. With a myriad of board openings available, residents across the county are invited to explore and uncover the perfect match for their skills and passions. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our community - one volunteer opportunity at a time.

The County Commission relies on input from these boards to make informed decisions and set policies. Over 250 citizens serve on the advisory boards, advising county government and local agencies on many topics. 

Find out more about Advisory Board openings.