Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton announced the release of the 2026 “Saving My Alachua” calendar, featuring artwork from students throughout the county.
Each year, the county’s Environmental Protection Department hosts the art contest. This year saw the highest number of submissions ever, with 639 artworks from 29 different schools. Winners were recognized at the April 22 County Commission meeting earlier this year. Calendars will be available for free throughout the county and various government buildings.
A feature video was shown highlighting the county’s recent Climate Festival. The event was held on Nov. 15 at the UF/IFAS Extension Office, where the county’s Climate Action Plan was presented. The plan was the product of years of collaboration across the community and represents an important milestone reflecting the community’s commitment to safeguarding the environment. The festival celebrated that teamwork, and included panel discussions, local food systems leaders, exhibitors, food trucks, a performance by the Star Center Theater Youth, and a keynote address from award-winning journalist and author Michael Grunwald.
Watch the announcements.
Eastwood Preserve
The County Commission approved a preliminary development plan for Eastwood Preserve, an 81-acre site located along the intersection of Southeast Hawthorne Road and Lakeshore Drive. The historic move will be the county’s first approved development in the eastern unincorporated area in decades.
Project developers worked with area neighbors on the design of the site, which will feature a mix of conservation and a low-density residential development. The development will allow one to four units per acre, with a total of 149 detached units. About 39% of the site will be a conservation management area, with 100% of wetlands preserved and 47% of the existing tree canopy remaining.
See the full release.
Watch the discussion.
Water Flows and Levels
The commission heard an update on the lower minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and associated springs. The MFLs were developed by water management districts and adopted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
They are set to prevent harm to water resources or ecology from water withdrawals and to protect wetlands, fish and wildlife habitats.
Watch the discussion.
Alachua County Forever – Land Protection Strategy
The commission heard an update on the agricultural land protection strategy for the Alachua County Forever program.
They also adopted a resolution that modified the process for selecting and acquiring agriculturally significant lands for the Alachua County Forever program. Six new properties were added to the acquisition list, which include three properties around Lochloosa and one each around the Santa Fe River, Watermelon Pond and Hasan Flatwoods.
Watch the discussion.
Livestock and Poultry Ordinance
The commission adopted an ordinance for livestock and poultry rules for the county’s urban cluster. Individual municipalities adopt its own livestock and poultry regulations.
Watch the discussion.
Recognitions
Commissioner Charles “Chuck” Chestnut IV proclaimed Dec. 18, 2025 as Matthew Lewey Day in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Watch the presentation.
See the Dec. 9 afternoon agenda and video.
See the evening agenda and video.
