Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton announced that Alachua County Animal Resources’ Michael Lauterer was recently named Employee of the Year by the Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association.
Serving as ACAR’s lead veterinarian technician, Lauterer’s dedication and leadership have helped keep services at the shelter running smoothly during a critical staffing transition. In addition to administrative and operational responsibilities, Lauterer provides hands-on medical care, responds to emergency cases and is a trusted leader within the department.
Alachua County is proud of Lauterer’s well-deserved recognition and the work he does on behalf of animals every day.
Watch the announcements.
Animal Resources update
During the public comment portion of the meeting, the County Commission heard from citizens about concerns regarding our Animal Resources operations. Following the comment period, County Manager Michele Lieberman and County Attorney Sylvia Torres provided the commission with an update on Animal Resources.
The update included:
- On March 2, the county received a whistleblower complaint. The matter is currently being investigated by an independent third party, and the investigation is expected to be completed within 90 days.
- The county is in the final stages of hiring a new veterinarian and is conducting finalist interviews for a new director of Alachua County Animal Resources (ACAR).
- The county has entered into an agreement with the University of Florida to build a new $29 million state-of-the-art shelter located near the Veterinary School.
After much discussion, the commission voted unanimously on the following:
- An Animal Welfare Advisory Committee meeting should be held as soon as possible to provide input on operational SOPs that could be revised and/or responses to some of the challenges that the shelter is facing and recommendations based on current operational challenges. This way, the committee will know the scope of the investigation.
- Explore the Whistle Blower Ordinance policy applying to volunteers to file a formal complaint.
- The county provides any resources or temporary help necessary to support our Animal Resources staff in the interim while awaiting on the director and other hires to be made permanently.
- The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee be allowed to weigh in on the design of the new facility once the county has architecture and engineering.
- Refer to the county manager to consider alternative management of the shelter during the investigation.
Watch the discussion.
Safe Streets and Roads for All
The commission adopted the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan.
Over the past two years, the county has conducted extensive community outreach -- including public meetings, workshops, and online surveys -- identifying desires to reduce vehicle speeds, enhance safety improvements at intersections, increase safe street crossings near schools, and improve bicyclist safety.
The plan is largely funded through federal and state grants, as well the county’s Transportation Capital Improvement Program (TCIP).
Watch the discussion.
Central Receiving Facility
The commission heard an update from Meridian Healthcare regarding the Central Receiving Facility, which is a 24/7, regional access point for law enforcement, voluntary referrals and individuals referred through Baker Acts.
The facility provides assessments and connects individuals to the appropriate level of care and services based on their needs. Under its first year of operation in 2025, the facility saw over 2,500 visits, 60% of which were residents of Alachua County.
Watch the discussion.
Southeast 243rd Street
The commission voted to vacate a portion of Southeast 243rd Street in the southeastern portion of the county. The move will allow agriculture zoning to remain in place and prevent future development of the parcels.
Watch the discussion.
Recognitions
Commissioner Mary Alford proclaimed March 15-21 as National Safe Place Week in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler proclaimed March 23 as World Periodic Paralysis Day in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Anna Prizzia proclaimed March 24 as National Agriculture Day in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Watch the presentations.
See the full March 10 agenda and video.
