Highlights from the Feb. 24, 2026 County Commission Meeting

Announcements

Communications Director Mark Sexton announced that the annual Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show will be held March 5-10 at the county’s Agriculture and Equestrian Center in Newberry.

The free event is an educational platform for local youth interested in agriculture and their livestock and non-livestock 4-H & FFA projects. For the schedule and more information, visit www.acyfls.com.

Watch the announcements.

Gun Violence Prevention Alliance

The County Commission heard a presentation from the Community Gun Violence Prevention Alliance about its five-year strategic plan. The alliance is a partnership between the county, City of Gainesville, Santa Fe College and Children’s Trust.

The alliance has multiple goals, including reducing firearm-related injuries and juvenile gun-related arrests; reducing recidivism; educating people on proper gun storage; strengthening family stability; and working with the School Board of Alachua County on prevention efforts by creating a coordinated “system of care” to provide programs and resources for area youth.

County staff will continue planning and collaborating as an alliance member to help prioritize the plan's strategies.

Watch the discussion.

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The commission heard a presentation about the Economic Development Advisory Committee’s accomplishments from 2025 and its work plan for this year.

Watch the discussion.

Residential development

The commission approved a rezoning in the western portion of the county, off Southwest 143rd Street in Jonesville, just south of Tara Estates. The site, by right, allowed for 10 residential units, but will now allow up to 20.

Watch the discussion.

Climate Advisory Committee

The commission heard an annual update from the Citizen Climate Advisory Committee, which includes implementing the county’s Climate Action Plan.

Watch the discussion.

Recognitions

Commissioner Anna Prizzia proclaimed April 25, 2026, as The Great American Cleanup Day in Alachua County.Great American Cleanup Day proclamation
Read the proclamation.

Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler proclaimed Feb 23-March 1 as Hazardous Materials Awareness Week.Hazardous Materials Awareness Week proclamation
Read the proclamation.

Commissioner Charles “Chuck” Chestnut IV proclaimed March 2-6 as Newspaper in Education Week.Newspaper in Education Week proclamation
Read the proclamation.

Graduates of the 2025 Leadership Academy were recognized.Leadership Academy graduates photo|
Watch the presentations.

See the full Feb. 24 agenda and video.

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