East Gainesville Legacy Community Meetings
o The Alachua County Commission
is considering ideas for using the former Ability Housing Project property
located on the SE 15th Street corridor. To that end, the Commission
is conducting two community workshops to gather ideas and suggestions.
Ultimately, the Commission will decide on the project and the funding. Feedback
from the surrounding community is essential part of this process. Please join
us for these important visioning meetings.
o Thursday, January 18, 2024 at
6:00pm, Thomas Coward Auditorium, 224 SE 24th Street, Gainesville
o Saturday, January 27, 2024 at
10:00am, Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, 120 SE Williston Road,
Gainesville
o Text “Legacy” to 888777 to
receive notifications about the East Gainesville Legacy Project
Copeland Community
o The Copeland Community was
selected by the BoCC as a part of is Aged and Marginalized Communities. The AMC
goal is to revitalize underserved and economically disadvantaged communities.
The community driven focus was Initially driven by specific members in the
committee to address concerns that they had which was not necessarily
reflective of the entire community/community needs and by a public health
concern regarding wells and water quality. Since then, the focus has become
more inclusive and expanded to include more residents in the Copeland area,
those who have interests in the Copeland area, and representation of a newly
formed Community Liaison Group which is community led. Multiple County
department began to meet with the community to address concerns of water
contamination, road repair, and code violations. At the initial community
meeting, the community provided additional concerns regarding safety, road
accessibility, distressed community park and individual housing concerns.
County staff continue to collaborate with the community to address community
priorities to include community clean up day, park upgrades, road repairs, and
to address water quality concerns.
Activities in the Community
Honoring the Departed Memorial Service
o Honoring the Departed is a
ceremony to memorialize indigent individuals that were unclaimed, abandoned, or
unknown. The memorial is a means to honor those who were buried with no
service. The ceremony will consist of inspirational readings and songs to honor
those who passed away. Community Stabilization Program collaborates with faith
based organizations and community leaders to coordinate and plan the annual
service at Evergreen Cemetery. Honoring the Departed is a component of the
Division of Social Services’ Indigent Burial and Cremation Program.
o YouTube:
§ 2023: https://youtu.be/HJ6VKcUKmiI?si=TNdlJcINbZ_P1IRJ
§ 2022: https://youtu.be/KgN9jgyseKQ?si=8iCpWSWlPjQzxdya
Community Education Institution
o Satori Days, Program Manager,
is an Advisory Board Member with the Santa Fe College Davis Center and a member
of the Family Support Scholarship committee
