Highlights from the May 13, 2025 County Commission Meeting
Tuesday, May. 13, 2025
Last Updated: Wednesday, Aug. 05, 2026
Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton highlighted Alachua County’s new road projects website.
The digital resource shines a light on the county's ambitious Transportation Capital Improvement Program (TCIP), a 10-year initiative backed by over a quarter of a billion dollars in funding. It shares comprehensive information about each project's journey through infographics, videos, news stories, a map and major milestones.
Residents can sign up for road project updates on the page by entering their email addresses.
See the news release and website.
Court complex sculpture
The commission selected an artist, David Allan Clark, out of three finalists to build a sculpture in front of the planned court complex. The statue, titled “Justice for All,” will be 15 feet tall and feature Lady Justice holding a book and scales of justice.
The statue is being commissioned for $100,000.
See the finalists’ submissions and the winner.
Regional Transit Service
The commission directed staff to draft a contract with the City of Gainesville for its Regional Transit Service (RTS).
The proposal includes funding seven county routes, increasing service outside the urbanized area, and increasing contributions to the fare fee program. The city’s proposal decreases the level of service for county routes. The county will also ask the city to fund weekend routes at Grace Marketplace and the airport.
The county’s contribution to RTS services during fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 will be $1.9 million, the same as the current fiscal year.
Fire Rescue Master Plan
The commission heard and accepted a presentation on the Fire Rescue Master Plan. The 290-page report will serve as a guiding document for the continued development and enhancement of fire services in Alachua County.
The commission authorized staff to implement the strategies and programs identified in the plan as necessary, subject to budgetary appropriations.
Facilities Management Master Plan quarterly update
The commission heard a quarterly update on the Facilities Management Master Plan, which includes construction timelines and updates.
The master plan includes the relocation of the Fire Rescue and headquarters, a new Emergency Operations Center, construction of the Animal Resources shelter, a new fire station in Tech City, and a civil court complex, which consists of a central energy plant, a new parking garage, and a courthouse. The master plan also includes the renovations of the Sunrise Residence Inn, Budget Inn, and Scottish Inns to convert the structures into housing for some of the county’s most vulnerable population.
Recognitions
Commissioner Charles Chestnut IV proclaimed the week of May 18-24 as National Public Works Week in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler proclaimed April as Landscape and Architecture Month in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Ken Cornell proclaimed May 15, 2025 as Police Officers Memorial Day, and May 12-18 as National Police Week in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
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).
