Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton congratulated Animal Resources on the success of its Summer Lovin’ Adopt-A-Thon. The event resulted in 116 pet adoptions. Animal Resources will continue to waive all adoption fees for the remainder of August.
The county, Santa Fe College, and CareerSource North Central Florida celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its new heavy diesel mechanic training and certification program.
The program is aimed at strengthening the region’s skilled labor force and supporting long-term economic development. It will equip students with the practical skills needed for careers in diesel engine repair, agricultural equipment maintenance, mobile heavy machinery service and related high-demand fields.
Sexton also reminded residents about the proposed updates to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the Waccasassa Basin and surrounding areas.
Residents have a chance to have input before these maps are adopted by submitting online comments or attending one of three upcoming public meetings.
Learn more about the proposed flood map changes and see the meeting schedule.
Watch the announcements.
24-hour childcare survey
The commission heard a presentation and survey results concerning the possibility of establishing a 24-hour childcare program for first responders and other county employees who work traditional and non-traditional work hours.
The commission voted to create a team across county departments and other community partners to help explore a pilot process and to begin conversations with legislators about funding possibilities. The topic will be brought back to the commission at a later date.
Watch the presentation.
Comp Plan amendment and rezoning on Hawthorne Road
The commission approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and the rezoning proposal along Hawthorne Road near Newnans Lake. The property will soon become a single-family home subdivision with no more than 149 units.
Watch the discussions and/or read an in-depth summary of the meeting from Mainstreet Daily News.
Meridian Healthcare annual report
The commission heard a presentation from Meridian Healthcare for its 2025 annual report and approved a funding request of nearly $900,000.
Watch the discussion.
Basin Management Action Plan
The commission heard an update on the Basin Management Action Plan, which aims to improve local water quality by removing pollutants.
Watch the discussion.
Recognitions
The commission celebrated Alachua County Fire Rescue’s Technical Rescue Team #309 after being recognized by the state of Florida as one of 15 Type 1 teams statewide for its distinguished service, excellence, and commitment to public safety. This designation affirms that our team can rapidly deploy eight certified rescue technicians within 3 hours to take on the toughest challenges around the state.
Watch the recognition.
See the morning agenda and video.
See the evening agenda and video.
