Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton reminded residents of the extraordinary activities taking place at the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships, which are being held in Alachua County all week at the county’s Sports and Events Center and former West End golf course site.
It is the first time the event has ever been held in the United States. Spectators can attend any of the events for free.
Updates are being posted daily to the county’s website and social media channels. The full schedule of competitions, vendors, participants and more can be found at www.wmaci2025.com.
Watch the announcements.
Budget Inn and Scottish Inns
The County Commission is considering the naming of a pair of new housing complexes off Southwest 13th Street in Gainesville that will serve the homeless population.
For the former site of the Budget Inn motel, the commission preferred the name “Tumblin Creekside.” It will have 36 one-bedroom apartments. For the former Scottish Inns site, the name being considered is “Forest View.” It will have 31 efficiency units.
Staff will bring back a final recommendation at a future meeting for the commission to consider.
In 2021 and 2023, the county purchased the motels to renovate the properties into housing units. The sites will also include nearby shipping container homes. Renovations for the former motels are anticipated to be completed in September.
Learn more about the county’s housing initiatives.
Watch the discussion.
Public safety radio enhancements
The commission heard a presentation on needed equipment and software for the Public Safety Radio System from Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus.
In 2024, Alachua County took over ownership of the trunk radio system, which local law enforcement and emergency agencies use. The county is looking to maximize efficiency and increase the reliability of the system to ensure there is adequate backup systems in place in the event of a communication failure or outage.
The commission discussed funding sources and upgrade packages ranging from $2.1 to $3.1 million. The upgrades will come back to the commission for approval later before moving forward.
Watch the discussion.
Fire Rescue community health plan
The commission heard another presentation from Chief Theus on ACFR’s community health plan.
In November 2024, the county launched its Mobile Integrated Health Team, consisting of seven staff members. The group provides holistic, person-centered health services for residents, including post-emergency intervention, substance abuse management, emotional support and more.
In October of 2025, the Community Health Worker Program will be moved under Fire Rescue. Chief Theus was seeking feedback on engaging a consultant to build an effective Community Health Team.
Future costs of the program and possible expansion will be brought back to the commission for fiscal year 2026.
Watch the discussion.
Proclamations
Commissioner Anna Prizzia proclaimed April as Water Conservation Month in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Chuck Chestnut IV proclaimed the week of March 16 as National Safe Place Week in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Mary Alford declared March as National Athletic Training Month in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Watch the presentations.
See the full March 25 agenda and video.
