Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton announced that registration for the 2025 Alachua County Citizens Academy is now open.
The free, eight-week program provides a behind-the-scenes look at county operations, partnering with various local agencies, including the sheriff's office, supervisor of elections, tax collector, property appraiser, clerk of the court, the health department, school district, judicial system and much more. Participants gain firsthand insight into how their tax dollars are utilized and how local government functions.
To register and for scheduling information, visit tinyurl.com/2025CitizensAcademy.
See last year’s feature stories on the Citizens Academy.
Watch the announcements.
Raises for law enforcement, detention officers
The commission agreed to have staff work with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office on a five-year plan for salary increases to make the agency more competitive and to deal with compression concerns. The commission also approved an immediate 3.8% pay increase from the current law enforcement budget, with the understanding that this increase will be subtracted from next fiscal year’s salary increase.
Watch the discussion.
Alcoholic beverage production facilities
The commission passed the first of two readings regarding small-scale alcoholic beverage production facilities. The change updates the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) by allowing restaurants and bars within specific zoning districts to produce beverages for on-site production. Tasting or tap rooms and retail sales related to alcoholic beverages will also be allowed.
The second reading is scheduled for March 11.
Watch the discussion.
Comprehensive Plan
The commission heard an update from Growth Management on the Comprehensive Plan evaluation and update process.
The Comprehensive Plan is the guiding vision for Alachua County. Its elements include transportation, conservation, housing, recreation, property rights and much more. Concerning future updates, commissioners asked staff to focus on community engagement/workshops, health, economic development, stormwater, trees and open space and weatherization of homes.
Watch the discussion.
South Point
The commission approved a preliminary development plan for a 32-acre, 105 single-family housing units at the 1700 block of Northwest 118th Drive (along Northwest 17th Avenue). The commission also directed staff to work with the Florida Department of Transportation and bring back safety recommendations for traffic concerns raised.
Watch the discussion.
Proclamations
Commissioner Mary Alford proclaimed Feb. 24 through March 2, 2025 as Hazardous Materials Awareness Week in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Anna Prizzia proclaimed March 9-15, 2025 as AmeriCorps Week in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Ken Cornell proclaimed March 1, 2025 as Library Support Day in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Watch the presentations.
See the full Feb. 25 agenda and video.
