Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton reminded residents about Smart911, a tool used by first responders during emergencies. Residents can create a free account by visiting www.Smart911.com.
He also mentioned the success of the free agritourism workshop held at Cuscowilla Nature & Retreat Center last week.
Watch the announcements.
Sports and Event Center transition
The County Commission approved a transition plan that would bring operations and management of the Alachua County Sports and Event Center under the Department of Tourism and Economic Development.
The county will now oversee staffing, programming, booking, maintenance, and management of the 130,000-square-foot facility.
The operations of the facility are projected to cost nearly $2.16 million, which will be funded by a combination of revenue from events and rentals, and the tourist development tax (collected from visitors, not residents).
The commission also approved adding three positions to operate the facility, including a sports tourism and events manager.
Watch the discussion.
2027 World Masters
The commission authorized staff to proceed with steps to host the 2027 World Masters event.
The decision follows the success of the 2025 World Masters Indoor Championships, which attracted an estimated 17,433 visitors and 5,132 registrants from 98 countries.
Watch the discussion.
Food Systems Workforce Development Program
The commission heard a report on the Food Systems Workforce Development Program for its second year. The program is funded by Alachua County and operated by the nonprofit Working Food, promoting a more engaged and self-sufficient community by teaching culinary and gardening skills to youth.
Additionally, the program has fostered intergenerational connections, with youth participants growing up to become mentors for the next generation interested in food and culinary skills. These youth leaders collaborate with their elders, learning about growing food, family recipes, and food traditions.
The Farmer Value-Added Production initiative has helped local farmers generate over $95,000 in gross revenue, with some participants experiencing a 300% increase in annual sales.
Watch the discussion.
Climate Action Plan workshop
The commission heard a presentation on the county’s Climate Action Plan (CAP).
The purpose of the plan is to guide, develop, and cultivate environmentally, socially, and economically resilient strategies and solutions to address climate change for the entire community.
The plan includes agriculture and food security, energy efficiency, flood management and infrastructure, land use, transportation, natural resources, waste management, and water/aquifer protection.
Staff plans to bring a final version to the commission later this year for approval.
See the presentation.
Watch the discussion.
Recognitions
The commission recognized the 2025 graduates of the Certified Public Manager Program.
The CPM program is a nationally recognized leadership development initiative for public managers and supervisors, currently offered in 42 states and by the federal government. Designed to elevate the standards and effectiveness of public sector management, the program consists of 31 days of intensive classroom instruction, supplemented by real-world homework assignments and exams.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has officially recognized Alachua County for completing a five-year cycle of improvements and for demonstrating strong age-friendly leadership in building a community where people of all ages can thrive.
Commissioner Charles “Chuck” Chestnut IV proclaimed the week of Aug. 25-29 as Be SMART week in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Watch the presentations.
See the full Aug. 27 agenda and video.
