MediaUpdate

​Alachua County’s post about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed property tax cuts got hundreds of comments, many of them negative.

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​This month, Alachua County and city leaders are highlighting those in public works and solid waste.

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​Alachua County’s Emergency Management Director Jen Grice said signing up for your local special needs registry is how you can get help with things like finding a power source for medical equipment, shelters and more.

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​Alachua County Fire Rescue crews extricated one person from an overturned vehicle this evening on I-75.

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​Gun violence survivors, advocates and local officials gathered Saturday to honor victims and begin a month of awareness events aimed at addressing the ongoing impact of shootings in Alachua County.

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​Increased rainfall in May has put an end to a six-month burn ban in Alachua County following historic drought conditions throughout the region.

Outgoing Alachua County Fire Chief Harold Theus, who is retiring June 12, and Interim Fire Chief Jeff Taylor, in coordination with the Florida Forest Service, made the call to end the countywide burn ban that had been in effect since Nov. 18, 2025.

According to a May 27 press release, improved environmental conditions have significantly reduced the immediate threat of wildfires.​

​Additionally, the press release stated that the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), a measuring tool that seeks soil and vegetation dryness, dropped to 415 from 618 last week, and is expected to decline further as rainfall persists.

The National Weather Service Jacksonville office reported that the rain gauge at Gainesville Regional Airport recorded 4.96 inches of rainfall since the beginning of May, including nearly 3 inches over the past six days.
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“Recent rainfall has significantly improved conditions across Alachua County and reduced the wildfire risk that led to the burn ban,” Theus said in a press release. “While the ban is being lifted, we encourage residents to continue practicing safe and responsible outdoor burning to help prevent accidental fires.”

​ACFR and the Forest Service will still continue monitoring drought conditions, weather patterns and wildfire activity.

"If conditions worsen, the county may reinstate the burn ban to protect public safety and property," the press release said.

​Officials have battled multiple wildfires in Alachua County over the past six weeks, including a 400-acre blaze along State Road 26 east of Gainesville Regional Airport, and a nearly 1,000-acre fire south of Hawthorne.

Alachua County reminds residents to follow all local and state regulations regarding outdoor burning and cautions that dry conditions can return quickly, especially during warm and windy periods.

​​Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official Alachua County communication channels for updates regarding burn conditions and potential restrictions.

For more information, contact ACFR at 352-384-3101.

​Communities across the country are marking Gun Violence Awareness Month, and people in Gainesville gathered Saturday with a shared message: enough is enough.

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​County leaders across North Central Florida are reviewing their budgets in case property taxes are cut in response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal.

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​A UF’s researcher's “zero-day” projections estimate when Alachua County’s oak forests outside conservation areas could disappear as development spreads into remaining woodlands.​​

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​The city's events start this weekend with a memorial held in partnership with Alachua County Community Support Services, the Alachua County Crisis Center, the Community Gun Violence Prevention Alliance, according to the City of Gainesville website. Through the memorial event, the city hopes to offer opportunities for people to remember their loved ones.

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​In partnership with Alachua County Victim Services and fellow community partners, the memorial event will offer opportunities for reflection, remembrance, and healing.

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​At the May 26 meeting, Alachua County Commissioners selected artwork for the County’s Fire Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center, heard an update on regulations for data centers, and deferred a decision on Westside Christian School’s request for water and sewer services.

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​Effective today, May 27, 2026, Alachua County has lifted the countywide burn ban following substantial rainfall across the region over the past several days and additional rain forecasted throughout the week.

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​Recent rainfall has prompted leaders in multiple North Central Florida counties to lift their burn bans as drought conditions improve.

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​After 117 days, Alachua County ended its burn ban on Wednesday as recent rains give reprieve from Florida’s dry conditions.

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​Alachua County is seeking volunteers for its final tree-planting event of the season on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

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​The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) tackled a variety of issues during its meeting Tuesday, from a scenic road designation to extending water and sewer service to a private school and a rezoning of the former Wahoo Seafood Grill.

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