Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton introduced Shani Allman as the county’s new Code Administration director.
Sexton announced the recent Alachua County appointments to committees for the National Association of Counties (NACo). Florida’s 67 counties had 24 leadership appointments, seven of which were from Alachua County.
See the recent appointments.
He also shared the FY 2026 3rd-quarter update on the Transportation Capital Improvement Program. Since the County Commission adopted the 10-year, $250 million program in 2023, 42 projects have been completed, totaling $46 million.
Currently, there are 12 projects under construction, totaling $20.4 million, and 32 projects in the pre-construction phase, totaling $53.6 million.
See the 3rd quarter update.
Sexton reminded residents that they can visit the county’s Property Tax Amendment Portal to view frequently asked questions about the proposed Florida constitutional amendment regarding the homestead property tax exemption.
He also showed a video about the recently completed roundabout on County Road 235 and Newberry Road.
Watch the announcements.
Immigration Enforcement Resolution
The commission adopted a resolution expressing support for community concerns about immigration enforcement practices and encouraged transparency in law enforcement identification practices.
The resolution doesn’t conflict with state laws and affirms compliance. It doesn’t direct county staff or law enforcement agencies to take any action that would violate statutory requirements.
The resolution expresses support for local law enforcement duties; a commitment to community safety and constitutional protections; an urgent concern regarding federal immigration enforcement facility siting; concerns about indiscriminate or destructive arrest practices; and support for the identification of all law enforcement personnel.
Read the resolution.
Watch the discussion.
Food System/Working Food
The commission heard a presentation on its Food System Workforce Development agreement with Working Food Inc. The partnership enabled the launch of several new programs and the strengthening of existing ones, building a more resilient local food system while creating opportunities for youth and local farmers in historically excluded communities.
Over the course of this agreement, the funding helped address the lasting economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by creating safe, supportive environments where young people gained practical culinary, leadership, and workforce skills, while local farmers expanded their businesses through value-added food production. Most farms reported 100%-500% boost in sales through the program.
Staff will return to the commission with a food systems partnership grant program proposal that would continue similar work with organizations and will continue working with local entrepreneurs at Santa Fe College or other interested parties to create a local kitchen incubator program.
Watch the discussion.
Facilities Master Space Plan Quarterly Update
The commission heard a presentation on the quarterly update of the Facilities Management Master Space Plan.
The update includes projects that include the new civil courthouse, energy plant, parking garage, Fire Rescue Headquarters, the Emergency Operations Center, a tiny home project and more.
Watch the discussion.
Meridian Healthcare Annual Report
The commission heard an annual report from Meridian Healthcare and approved a funding request of $895,556 for FY2027, the same amount as last year. Of the funds, $200,000 will be designated for the Low-Income Pool (LIP) match program, for which Meridian is eligible as a designated central receiving facility.
The LIP Program allows Alachua County to leverage local funds to bring additional federal funding into the community, supporting services provided through the central receiving facility and helping offset the cost of care for uninsured and underinsured individuals.
Watch the discussion.
See the full Aug. 11 agenda and video.
