Announcements
Residents were reminded about the My Alachua County mobile app. Available in the Apple store and Google Play store, users can create a profile to receive important notifications and updates. When visiting the app, there are links to county news, meetings, events, road projects, job opportunities, adoptable animals and much more.
A feature video was shown for the Jimmy Carnes Invitational indoor track meet held at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center to kick off the track season. From now through March, events will be held at the sports and event center almost every weekend, attracting thousands of visitors.
Watch the announcements.
Animal enforcement update
The Alachua County Commission approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office to take over criminal animal enforcement responsibilities, which includes serving as the initial point of contact for animal bites and dog-fighting cases. Alachua County’s Animal Resources department will remain responsible for civil enforcement matters, including sick wildlife and abuse/neglect matters.
Staff will provide quarterly updates to the commission on enforcement matters.
Watch the discussion.
Animal shelter location
The commission selected a location for a new animal shelter, choosing a 12-acre site on University of Florida property along Archer Road. It will be in close proximity to the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, which includes the Small Animal Hospital and other emergency vet services. The county will lease the property from UF for 30 years at a cost of $1 million.
Proposed ancillary services include an animal café, a pet pantry and low-cost spay/neuter services. Existing bus routes will make it easier for our residents, students and faculty to access the site and increase volunteer, foster and adoption opportunities.
Watch the discussion.
Animal Resources update
The commission heard a comprehensive update regarding Animal Resources operations.
Last year, Animal Resources officers responded to more than 5,000 calls, maintained a 90% live release rate and had over 1,700 adoptions. Animal Resources had the highest number of adoptions of any agency in the county for a second year in a row.
The shelter also conducted almost 1,700 spay/neuter surgeries and 60 more specialty surgeries. It saw 1,047 new volunteers contribute 3,039 hours collectively. Additionally, there were almost 1,400 fosters last year, an increase of more than 260 from the year prior.
Commissioners voted to have an animal behaviorist, outreach supervisor, or veterinarian present when euthanasia decisions are made and asked staff to return in 90 days with information about renovation opportunities at the existing shelter.
Watch the discussion.
Facilities Master Plan
The commission heard a quarterly update regarding its Facilities Master Plan, which included updates on the new civil courthouse, Fire Rescue headquarters and Emergency Operations Center.
Watch the discussion.
Forward Focus
The commission heard an update for its three-year Forward Focus: Eastern Alachua County initiative. Key takeaways from public engagement meetings held last year include needs for childcare accessibility, workforce opportunities, infrastructure improvements, housing support and youth development.
Watch the discussion.
Lochloosa Connector
The commission authorized the purchase of a 521-acre site (Les-Que Two) that will serve as the Lochloosa Forest Connector. The site is located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and has basin marsh, upland mixed forest, mesic flatwoods, depression marsh, improved pasture and xeric hammock. The property is large enough to offer a wide range of recreational opportunities.
The purchase price is $5.4 million and is funded by the voter-approved Wild Spaces Public Places surtax.
Watch the discussion.
See the full Jan. 27 agenda and video.
