Highlights from the Aug. 25, 2026 County Commission Meeting
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026
Last Updated: Monday, Oct. 26, 2026
Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton showed a video highlighting the recent street renaming of Southwest 185th Avenue in Evanston to Lloyd W. Johnson Memorial Avenue, honoring the longtime resident and civil rights advocate.
Sexton also showed a video from the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Black Lake Preserve in Melrose. The 287-acre nature preserve includes 9,500 feet of shared wetland boundaries with Lake Santa Fe and Black Lake. The land was acquired through the Alachua County Forever program in 2020 for just under $2.3 million, using funds from the voter-approved Wild Spaces Public Places surtax.
Also shown was a video highlighting cost increases since 2020 for Alachua County Fire Rescue equipment. The video is the first in an ongoing series that will help the public understand the rising costs of government services residents depend on.
Cross Creek Special Area Study
The commission heard a presentation on the Cross Creek Special Area Study and approved the impacts to the preservation area.
The approval allows a new fence, gate, a paved driveway apron, and landscaping within the 300-foot historic-preservation-area setback for the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings home off County Road 325.
Hernandez Alfonso Farms Subdivision
The commission approved a preliminary development plan for Hernandez Alfonso Farms. The nine-lot, unpaved subdivision is approximately 48 acres and located in the northwestern portion of the county near La Crosse.
Street Outreach Services
The commission approved an agreement for FY27 with the TaskForce For Ending Homelessness, in the amount of $350,000, for street outreach services.
Staff will work with the contractor to ensure that strategies align with the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ housing-first priorities.
Everlee Farmstead Community
The commission approved the transmission of a Comprehensive Plan amendment for the Everlee Farmstead Community to Florida Commerce and other agencies for review.
The project is located off Parker Road, south of Oakmont and west of Haile Plantation. It has three components: 580 acres owned by UF Foundation, Inc., for a proposed golf course; land owned by UF/IFAS; and land owned by the Lee family.
The Everlee Farmstead Community is approximately 996 acres, 820 of which are within the Hickory Sink Special Area Plan, and will have a mix of housing and farmland.
Once the state receives the application, the state will have 30 days to respond. The item will return to the commission for final approval at a later date.
Recognitions
Commissioner Mary Alford proclaimed Aug. 31, 2026, as Overdose Awareness Day and September as Recovery Month in Alachua County.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in a County program, service or public meeting, please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at 352-374-5275 at least 2 business days prior to the event. TTY users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
