The Alachua County Commission continues its community listening sessions for the Forward Focus initiative. The next listening session is on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Melrose United Methodist Church (5807 Hampton St., Melrose). The listening session begins at 9 a.m.
The Forward Focus: Eastern Alachua County initiative is designed to enhance quality of life, boost economic opportunities, and address community needs in eastern Alachua County. Following productive meetings in Hawthorne, Waldo, Micanopy, Monteocha and Island Grove/Cross Creek, the project team will hold an additional session in Melrose the first weekend of May. All Alachua County residents, community leaders, and business owners are encouraged to attend.
Attendees learn more about the Forward Focus project goals and timeline at the meeting. They can also provide feedback and networks with neighbors and local leaders.
These community listening sessions are crucial for developing a comprehensive strategy to address this region's unique needs and aspirations. Following the Melrose session, the Forward Focus team plans to host their next listening session in the Winsor/Rochelle area in June, with more details to come.
“We have found our community listening sessions to be extremely helpful in identifying opportunities across eastern Alachua County,” said Assistant County Manager Missy Daniels, who is leading the Forward Focus team. “We’re looking forward to hearing from Melrose next, and we encourage everyone to participate in these important conversations.”
View the comments and feedback the Forward Focus team has collected.
Learn more about the project and provide comments directly to the county.
For more information, contact Forward Focus: Eastern Alachua County at 352-374-5204 or ForwardFocus@alachuacounty.us.
