Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton introduced the new director of Animal Services, Merideth McLean, whose hire was approved by the County Commission earlier at the meeting.
Sexton reminded the public that Alachua County will participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans from Nov. 4-11. The nationwide initiative involves illuminating county buildings and landmarks in green to honor veterans and raise awareness of available resources for veterans and their families.
Sexton also provided the commission with a comprehensive update on the county’s pothole repair efforts. Over the past week, Alachua County Public Works has repaired 1,207 potholes using 42.69 tons of material. They strip-milled and resurfaced 6,000 linear feet of roadway, using 243.14 tons of materials. Additionally, the county began partnering with Columbia County to repair another 283 potholes, using 4.03 tons of materials.
Since launching the Porthole Portal, the county has collectively repaired 7,348 potholes, using 328 tons of material. They have strip-milled and resurfaced 15,585 linear feet of roadway, using 617.77 tons of material. Outside contractors have strip-milled and resurfaced another 13,064.88 linear feet of roadway, using 1,163.67 tons of materials.
Watch the announcements.
Everlee Farmstead Community
The commission approved a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment and planned development rezoning request for the 2,750-unit Everlee Farmstead Community, a 996-acre mixed-use development located south of Oakmont and west of Haile Plantation.
The project is an outgrowth of the Hickory Sink Special Area Plan and includes a working farm, 200,000 square feet of non-residential development, 2,750 residential housing units, 250 of which must be affordable (at 80% of the area's median income). Additionally, the project will offset the increased units through participation in a transfer of development rights program.
The next step will be an agreement with the developer that will detail specifics on the affordable housing units, the transfer of development rights program and specific enforcement standards for the proposed irrigation utility. That will be followed by a Preliminary Development Plan later in 2027.
Watch the discussion.
County jail update
The commission heard a quarterly report about the jail from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Watch the discussion.
Performance evaluations
The commission approved the FY 2026 performance evaluations for the county manager and county attorney.
County Manager Michele Lieberman received an average score of 4.7 (out of 5), and County Attorney Sylvia Torres received an average rating of 4.9 (out of 5).
Watch the discussion.
Nature Culture Designation Enhancement Funding
The commission approved the FY27 Nature and Culture Designation Enhancement Grant awards, totaling $1.5 million. The grants are funded through the county’s bed tax.
The events, venues and activities being funded have the main purpose of attracting and promoting tourism to Alachua County.
Watch the discussion.
Westside Christian School
The commission approved a preliminary development plan for the Westside Christian School, located at 3200 SW 122nd St. (Parker Road), across the street from the Oakmont community.
Watch the discussion.
Recognitions
Commissioner Anna Prizzia proclaimed Nov. 11, 2026, as Veterans Day.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Mary Alford proclaimed November as Homeless Awareness Month
Read the proclamation.
Alachua County’s Citizens Disability Advisory Committee awarded UF Health with the 2026 Disability-Friendly Employer Award.
Watch the recognitions.
See the full Oct. 27 agenda and video.
