MediaUpdate

​Alachua County is providing its weekly update on pothole repairs and roadway resurfacing throughout the county. Public Works crews continue to use reports submitted through the online Pothole Portal to identify areas needing repairs and prioritize work.

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​Each year, the Alachua County Commission allocates a portion of tourist development tax revenue to support the Nature & Culture Destination Enhancement Grant. The grant intends to support and enhance the county as a culturally vibrant destination by promoting artistic and cultural events to attract tourists.

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​At about 9:52 a.m. on October 16, crews from Alachua County Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Rescue responded to a residential structure fire near the 8500 block of SW 1st Place. Upon arrival, crews found smoke coming from the home and one injured person outside who was immediately transported to the hospital.

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​A proposed constitutional amendment on Florida's November ballot could change how much homeowners pay in property taxes and how local governments pay for public services.

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​Columbia County commissioners set to discuss and possibly vote on a contract that would send their employees to Alachua County on Saturdays to help patch potholes.

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​At the October 13 Alachua County Commission meeting, Commissioners discussed how DEI statutes apply to County grants and whether they want to require Level 2 background screenings in certain County contracts; they also added $144 million to the FY2027 budget for road repair and authorized staff to borrow funds as needed, and they repealed firearm ordinances for the second time.

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​Alachua County Veteran Services, in partnership with the Alachua County Veterans Memorial Committee, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, and local veteran nonprofit organizations, will host the County’s annual Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.

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​Florida’s springs are known for their naturally clear water, but during this year’s summer season, many have become murky.

Gregory Owen, senior planner with the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, said summer algal blooms are the main cause of the change in appearance.

While rain typically washes algae from the surface of springs, Alachua County has been experiencing drought conditions. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, this year has been the ninth driest on record in Alachua County to date, with rainfall running 11.13 inches below normal.

Local springs affected by the murky conditions include Poe Springs, Royal Springs, Little Fanning Springs and Peacock Springs.

Poe Springs has been closed to swimming since July 16, according to Alachua County officials. Other park amenities remain open.

​The springs all draw water from the Floridan aquifer, which stores water underground and also supplies drinking water and irrigation water for Alachua County residents.

“Half the population is not aware that the water that they’re using at home is the same water source to the springs,” Owen said.

​Michael Garvey, program coordinator at the Florida Springs Institute, said another cause of discoloration is what is known as a “brownout,” which occurs when runoff from rivers and surface waters settles on top of spring water.

The water, mud and sediment come from heavy rainfall events that occur over short periods when there is not enough groundwater flow from the aquifer to flush them away.

​Owen said brownouts increase oxygen demand in springs.

Dissolved oxygen, or the amount of oxygen in the water, plays a major role in algal growth. Higher dissolved oxygen levels generally result in less algae, but drought conditions can reduce those oxygen levels because the water emerging from the ground is older.

A lack of dissolved oxygen can make water “almost toxic for fish,” Garvey said, though there have been no documented mass fish kills in the county.

​Cloudy water also makes it more difficult for aquatic plants to survive, affecting the entire food chain within spring ecosystems.

Both Owen and Garvey said reducing water consumption can lessen long-term demand on the aquifer, though they noted it is not a short-term solution.

“Every drop counts,” Owen said.

​The Florida Springs Institute offers a volunteer program called Springs Watch, which allows residents to observe the effects of drought and water consumption firsthand.

​“We are running out of water. This is a finite resource, not something that we’re going to have forever,” Garvey said.

​The parking garage will attach to the civil and criminal courthouses being built at the new South Main Street court complex. Besides judges, clerks and jurors, the garage will also be used to transfer inmates from the jail to first appearances, hearings and trials.  

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​Alachua County leaders are expanding how residents can report road problems.

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​Firefighters took one person to the burn center after a house fire Tuesday evening in Southwest Alachua County.

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​The Alachua County Commission approved additional funding for road repairs and repealed regulations for firearms in a meeting Tuesday. 

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​Alachua County Public Works is pleased to announce the expansion of the Pothole Portal, which will now allow residents to report additional roadway issues.

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​An Alachua County investigation found that the former Shelter Supervisor and Outreach Program Supervisor at Alachua County Animal Resources (ACAR) held a vaccine clinic on August 22 without veterinary supervision, while knowing that Florida statutes require a veterinarian to supervise the administration of rabies vaccines to privately owned animals.

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Alachua county commissioners are considering making some changes to county rules regarding firearms.

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​Alachua County commissioners are moving forward with a transportation plan totaling $144 million over the next six years, following complaints from residents about potholes and road conditions throughout the county.

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​Alachua County is providing its weekly update on pothole repairs and roadway resurfacing throughout the county. Public Works crews continue to use reports submitted through the online Pothole Portal to identify areas needing repairs and prioritize work.

Read more​.