Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton announced that the county’s Equal Opportunity Office, in partnership with the City of Gainesville, is hosting an online employment law seminar on June 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The seminar will feature guest speakers who will cover recent developments in employment law, as well as accommodations for pregnancy and religious practices in the workplace.
Register for the event.
Watch the announcements.
West End Park update
The commission heard an update on the status of West End Park following two highly attended public engagement meetings.
In June 2024, the county purchased the former golf course site for $3.8 million.
Improvements to the 75-acre site will be implemented in a phased approach over the coming years. Staff plans to hire a design team to help develop a plan for the property, which will also include future amenities not yet funded. Preliminary plans include restrooms, playgrounds, pavilions, walking paths, pickleball courts, tables, benches, grills, and additional amenities.
Staff will also explore public-private partnership opportunities for additional features that the community desires.
Watch the discussion.
Alachua County Sports and Events Center
County Manager Michele Lieberman informed the commission that the county sent a default notice to Viking Companies, which operates the Alachua County Sports and Event Center.
Vikings Companies has 30 days to remedy all issues outlined in the letter, including making up any outstanding special assessment payments. County leadership will bring back a plan to move forward at the first commission meeting in July if the issues are not resolved within the designated timeframe.
Watch the discussion.
Read the notice of default.
Living Spaces and Thriving Places
The commission heard a presentation on the county’s proposed Living Spaces and Thriving Places Program, which is funded by the voter-approved Wild Spaces Public Places surtax. A portion of the tax goes toward affordable housing and economic development initiatives.
The commission asked staff to bring back recommendations for the program after conducting public engagement sessions and speaking with the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. Staff was also asked to explore the option of offering residents no- or low-interest loans on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Watch the discussion.
Newberry Rural Collection Center
The commission approved a contract to purchase property in Newberry, which will be used as a rural collection center site. The estimated cost of the acquisition is $183,000.
Watch the discussion.
Recognitions
The commission recognized graduates from the 2025 Alachua County Citizens Academy program. 
See the list of graduates.
Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler proclaimed June 16 through June 22 as Animal Rights Awareness Week in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Ken Cornell proclaimed June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Anna Prizzia proclaimed June 22nd through June 29th as Amateur Radio Week in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Watch the presentations.
See the full June 10 agenda and video.
