MediaUpdate

​At the entrance of Black Lake Preserve, Alachua County Commission chair Ken Cornell cut a luscious green vine stretched across the trail to signify the park’s opening Friday morning.   

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​The Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center is looking for volunteers to support victims and survivors of crime through the agency’s helpline.

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​With the return of summer rains, Alachua County is reminding residents that the annual landscape fertilizer ban is in effect from July 1 through Feb. 28.

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​The preserve is located just south of Lake Santa Fe. It was acquired by the Alachua County Forever Program in 2020 for a little more than $2 million using the Wild Spaces Public Spaces surtax.

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​Units from Alachua County Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Rescue responded to a reported residential structure fire tonight in the southwest area of Alachua County.

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​Alachua County Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Rescue crews responded to a house fire in the Longleaf Community just after 9:30 p.m. When crews arrived, they found heavy fire and smoke coming from the back of the home and extending into the attic space.

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​While Alachua County voters cast ballots in several primary and local races, tens of thousands headed to the polls to choose their next county commissioner for District 2.

With Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler not seeking re-election, Alachua County School Board Member Tina Certain will succeed her on the commission.

According to unofficial results, Certain won the race with 15,592 votes out of 40,217 cast. Donna Bradbrook finished second with 12,470 votes, followed by Charlie Ray Jackson with 7,215 and Bryan Williams with 4,940.

The race for the Alachua County Commission District 4 seat will be decided in the Nov. 3 General Election, when incumbent Democrat Ken Cornell faces no-party-affiliation candidate Dewayne Baines.

Rain at the outdoor election watch party at Heartwood Soundstage sent voters, elected officials and candidates inside for much of the evening.​

​Although news of Certain's victory came late and many attendees had already left, the remaining crowd of about 50 to 60 people erupted in cheers when her win was announced.

Certain thanked her family, fellow School Board members and supporters who backed her campaign.

​Calling it a tough race, Certain said the victory belonged to the community and that she ran because she believes in Alachua County.

"I ran this campaign because I believe in the future of Alachua County, I believe we can grow responsibly, I believe we can protect our environment, expand our economic opportunity for the future......," Certain said. "After I'm sworn in, I'll get right to work. I'll work with everyone and not just for those who voted for me."

Reflecting on her eight years on the School Board, Certain said the campaign reinforced that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about listening, doing the research and asking difficult questions.

​"To everyone who signed the petition to get me on the ballot without me paying the fee, the 300 people who donated and those who knocked on doors," Certain said. "I don't take this trust for granted. I'm eternally grateful."

Celebrating her 75th birthday at the watch party, Wheeler said the race featured a number of strong candidates, both well-known and newcomers. Wheeler had publicly endorsed Bradbrook in the race.

​Wheeler also reflected on the unsuccessful campaigns she ran before being elected commissioner, encouraging those who fell short this year to remain involved.

​"Those of you who weren't successful this time, if you believe in what you do and it kind of gets in your blood, keep going, we'll find a place for you," Wheeler said. "If you did win, God bless you. We need to circle up and hold hands and still be a thorn in those sides in Tallahassee."

​The Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center is seeking caring and compassionate individuals interested in becoming volunteer helpline counselors. The center’s fall volunteer training program begins Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, and runs for seven weeks, with training sessions held every Tuesday and Thursday through Oct. 15.

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​The race to replace departing Alachua County Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler was wide open among Democrats, with Tina Certain facing three other candidates. There is no Republican opponent in November.

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​In a universal primary, Tina Certain won the Alachua County Commission Seat 2 race with just under 39% of the vote, securing a spot on the Board of County Commissioners this fall.

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​The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is highlighting its 4-H Youth Development programs for August and preparing for enrollment for the 2026-27 4-H year.

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