Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton invited residents to the county’s upcoming Climate Festival to celebrate the completion of the Climate Action Plan. The event will take place on Nov. 15 at the UF/IFAS Extension Office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents are encouraged to register online, as space is limited.
He also reminded residents about the ongoing Cents and Sensibility series available on the county’s website. The latest chapter, “Unfunded Mandates,” explores how counties cover the costs of initiatives handed down by the state without the additional funding to carry them out.
Watch the announcements.
Emergency Management Plan
The County Commission heard a presentation and adopted a resolution for the 2205 Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). The plan establishes a framework for coordinating during large-scale disasters and hazards, assigns responsibilities to local agencies and organizations during activations, details coordination in the event of an evacuation or government closures and more.
The county’s CEMP is updated and adopted every five years before being sent to the Florida Department of Emergency Management.
Watch the discussion.
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)
The commission heard an update on the county’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan.
Next steps for the initiative include refining a draft action plan, developing a project dashboard and adopting the SS4A Action Plan in December/January.
Watch the discussion.
Barr Hammock land purchase
The commission approved an option contract to buy 28.6 acres in the Town of Micanopy, near the corner of Interstate 75 and County Road 234. The acquisition cost is estimated at $329,710. The closing is anticipated in March 2026 or sooner.
Watch the discussion.
Building permit fees
The commission approved a 25% increase in Building Division fees following a consultant's analysis. The county has raised its rates only once over the past 15 years, despite inflation increasing by 48% during that time. The county’s rates remain competitive with other surrounding areas.
Watch the discussion.
Inclusionary housing
The commission heard a presentation and approved staff to advertise an amendment for its Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) for inclusionary housing. A public hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
Watch the discussion.
Recognitions
Alachua County and its Citizens Disability Advisory Committee awarded GROW HUB the inaugural Disability-Friendly Employer Award.
Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Ken Cornell proclaimed November as Youth Homelessness Outreach, Prevention and Education (HOPE) Month.
Read the proclamation.
Watch the presentations.
See the full Oct. 28 agenda and video.
