MediaUpdate

​As families and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day, Alachua County Fire Rescue encourages everyone to make safety a priority when enjoying fireworks.

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​Volunteers with the Alachua County Amateur Radio Emergency Service are taking part in Field Day, a 24-hour exercise that simulates disaster response.

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​The Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office is accepting vendor applications for the annual Disability Awareness Expo scheduled for July 29 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center.

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​The Levy Loop Trail and associated parking lot at Barr Hammock Preserve will temporarily close beginning Sunday, June 28, to allow for maintenance and safety improvements.

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​The closure is expected to last a week and was identified as the best way to keep the public safe during maintenance work, which includes removing vegetation and hazardous trees.

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​The exercise will cap Amateur Radio Week in Alachua County and is expected to draw participation from an estimated 30,000 amateur radio operators from across the country.

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​The Florida Department of Health confirmed on Monday Alachua County’s first case of the West Nile virus this year. There were no reported cases of the virus in the county last year. 

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​The Alachua County Department of Health confirmed a case of West Nile virus, the agency announced June 23. It is the first case of the virus reported in the state this year.

The virus primarily spreads through mosquito bites during mosquito season, which reaches its peak in Florida from July through September, according to the Florida Department of Health.

West Nile virus is one of several mosquito-borne illnesses commonly found in Florida, among them Eastern equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis.​

​People contract the virus when mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then bite humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the virus is rarely spread person-to-person through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.

​The Alachua County DOH said it is working with county and city officials to contain the spread through treatments at county-maintained retention basins and targeted spraying, and is encouraging residents to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which uses the reports to aid early detection efforts.

Health officials advise residents to drain standing water, cover skin, use insect repellent, and ensure doors and windows have screens to avoid contracting the virus.

​The CDC estimates about 2,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with West Nile virus each year, though officials warn the figure is likely an undercount since most people don’t develop symptoms or mistake mild symptoms for other illnesses.

Those who do develop symptoms usually notice them two to six days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, though it may take longer for symptoms to start, especially for people with weakened immune systems.

​Symptoms of West Nile virus

• Mild
• ​Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Joint pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash

Severe

• High fever
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Stupor
  
• Disorientation
• Muscle weakness
• Coma
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Vision loss
• Numbness
• Paralysis

​There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. Mild cases typically resolve on their own, though it may take weeks to recover.

Severe cases usually require hospitalization, where patients can receive supportive care such as intravenous fluids and breathing assistance. Recovery from severe cases can take several weeks to months.

In rare cases, the virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis, leading to permanent neurological damage, paralysis, coma or death. Age, certain chronic medical conditions and a weakened immune system all increase the risk of developing more serious illness.

Alachua County reported no cases of West Nile virus last year. Florida recorded 13 cases statewide in the same period.

​The Alachua County DOH recommends anyone who suspects they or a family member may have West Nile virus contact a health care provider.

​At the June 23 meeting, the Alachua County Commission agreed to consider an anti-ICE resolution in August and discussed the future of the northwest Boys and Girls Club property.

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​lachua County Parks & Open Space has completed a solar site lighting project at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center (210 SE 134th Ave., Micanopy).

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​The Florida Department of Health warned residents that a confirmed case of West Nile Virus has been detected in Alachua County, the first case reported this year.

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​The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) is informing residents of a confirmed human case of locally acquired West Nile virus.

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​Alachua County Animal Resources has temporarily suspended cat and kitten adoptions through June 30 after an increase in upper respiratory infections among cats entering the shelter.

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​Alachua County Animal Resources has suspended cat and kitten adoptions for one week, starting Tuesday, June 23, 2026, through June 30, due to an increase in upper respiratory infections among cats entering the shelter.

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​​​The Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office is seeking vendors for the annual Disability Awareness Expo, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center (1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville).

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​The issue was discussed at an April commission meeting and later deferred to the fall at a special meeting held in early May.

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​The CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida announced the organization is selling its 51st Street property in Gainesville, prompting residents to speak at an Alachua County Commission meeting on Tuesday.

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​F​or one week, the Alachua County Animal Resources will suspend adoptions for cats and kittens beginning Tuesday due to more cases of cats with respiratory infections entering the shelter.

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