The Alachua County Commission continues its community input sessions for the Forward Focus initiative, designed to enhance quality of life, boost economic opportunities, and address community needs in Eastern Alachua County. Following productive meetings in Hawthorne, Waldo, Micanopy, and Monteocha, the project team will hold an additional session this April in the Island Grove/Cross Creek area. The session is on April 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. at New Cross Creek Baptist Church (18921 S. Co Road 325, Hawthorne). All residents, community leaders, and business owners are encouraged to attend.
At each meeting, attendees will learn more about the Forward Focus project goals and timeline. The community can provide feedback that will help identify the opportunities and needs in each area and network with neighbors and local leaders.
“We have found our community input sessions to be extremely helpful in identifying opportunities across Eastern Alachua County,” said Missy Daniels, the assistant county manager and Forward Focus team lead. “We’re looking forward to hearing from Island Grove/Cross Creek and Melrose next, and we encourage everyone to participate in these important conversations.”
These community input sessions are crucial for developing a comprehensive strategy to address this region's unique needs and aspirations. Following the Island Grove/Cross Creek session, the Forward Focus Team plans to host their next listening session in Melrose on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Melrose United Methodist Church (5807 Hampton St., Melrose).
Learn more about the project and provide comments directly to the County.
For more information, contact Forward Focus: Eastern Alachua County at 352-374-5204 or ForwardFocus@alachuacounty.us.
