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Albion: History, Nature, and Hometown Charm.Alachua County, FL Edition

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Robinson Elementary School

Harvey WaldenCommunity Member

4 days ago

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Cellon Oak Park

Know Before You Go Cellon Oak Park is open and operational. Cellon Oak Park Nature/Wildlife Picknic w/o Shelter The Cellon Live Oak is a Florida Co-Champion Live Oak named for its former owner, Ralph W. Cellon. The oak's circumference is 30 feet, it is 85 feet tall and its crown spread is 160 feet. The park offers a picturesque setting for small outdoor weddings and family pictures. Please observe a 20 foot perimeter around the tree to protect its root system. Do not hang or attach anything to the tree. Cellon Oak Park does not have restrooms. Two picnic tables and a grill are available for public use. A walking path and garden are planned for Cellon Oak Park. Contact Cellon Oak Park 4100 NW 169th Place Gainesville, FL 32653 352-264-6847

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HAHarvey Walden

1 hour ago

Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center

Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is located at 210 SE 134 Ave, Micanopy, Florida 32667. History: The major Seminole community in the Gainesville, Florida area in the 18th century was Cuscowilla. While the exact location of Cuscowilla is unknown, it was located near Paynes Prairie and today's town of Micanopy. When Alachua County purchased the 211-acre YMCA Camp McConnell near Micanopy, it honored this history by renaming the property Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center. The property was purchased in 2017 using the Wild Spaces Public Places surtax. The same funding source is being used to improve the property. Renovations: Renovations for the Nature Center area close to completion. Projects completed in 2024 were the large roof over the tennis court and fire pit with seating at the Nature Center. Upcoming projects include a solar parking lot lighting system. Swimming: The Olympic size swimming pool is open to the public on weekends beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (weather permitting). Day passes are available for $5. Alachua County residents can purchase a $25 season pass. Passes can be purchased onsite or online by clicking "Register & Reserve" and then "Pool Pass", under the Memberships tab. For cash payments, please bring exact change. Rentals: Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is available for rentals including overnight cabin stays, primitive camping, archery, pavilion, lodge, grounds, and indoor meeting space. For more information on availability, or for a quote, please email [email protected] or call 352-574-2372. Park Areas: Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center is open for the public to enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, 18 hole disc golf course, sport courts and open space. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday. Summer Camp: Summer Camp 2026 registration is open. Day Camp (offered Monday through Friday) is offered for those going into 2nd grade - going into 6th grade, from June 9 - July 24. From archery to canoeing, interactive education, swimming lessons, team sports, to arts and crafts, campers will develop relationships, experience achievement, and create a sense of belonging. Each week is different than the last. Breakfast/lunch and bus transportation to/from Lincoln Middle School is provided. The Friends of Cuscowilla offer scholarships for eligible campers. Teen Camp: New this summer! Teen Camp is offered for current Middle Schoolers (going into 6th grade - going into 8th grade) for 4 weeks in June and July. Two field trips weekly and high adventure programming will keep teens busy and engaged this summer. Fish Camp: Fish Camp provides 10-14 year olds with hands on and classroom training on Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) curriculum. This weeklong camp teaches fishing basics including rigging a fishing pole, bait, fish ID, fish anatomy, fish handling, ethical angling, knot tying, casting, tackle overview, aquatic habitats, food webs, and basic boating skills. All participants get to keep their tacklebox and fishing rod! Breakfast/lunch and bus transportation to/from Lincoln Middle School is provided. The Friends of Cuscowilla offer scholarships for eligible campers. Friends of Cuscowilla is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Alachua County, Florida, formed in 2020. The organization was formed to assist with improvements, programming, special events, tours, and fundraising for Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center.

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HAHarvey Walden

1 hour ago

Victims Services & Rape Crisis Center - Services

VICTIMS SERVICES & RAPE CRISIS CENTER Program services are available to all victims of crime and their families. All services are free, confidential and available to any Alachua County resident. 24 HOUR SEXUAL ASSAULT HELPLINE Phone: 352-264-6760 Toll Free: 866-252-5439 SERVICES PROVIDED: Immediate Outreach to Victims of Sexual Assault Advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accompany victims of sexual assault to the hospital during the initial rape examination and evidence collection. Counselors respond to requests from law enforcement for assistance to victims of domestic violence, homicide survivors, robbery and other violent crimes. Counseling Services Free and confidential counseling related to the victimization provided to victims and family members. Counseling sessions are available in person, by phone, or via telehealth and can be scheduled by appointment. All walk-ins are welcome. Support Groups All groups are free and confidential. All groups are offered throughout the year and are available to men, women, and non-binary survivors. Groups meet weekly for 8-10 weeks, with each session approximately 90 minutes. Groups Offered: - Survivors of Sexual Violence - LGBTQ+ Survivors of Sexual Violence - Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Violence - Survivors of Loved Ones Lost to Homicide Group Modalities: - Counseling and Discussion - Equine Assisted Therapy - Yoga/Counseling and Discussion - Art and Mindfulness Accompany and Support Victims Through Criminal Justice Proceedings Advocate counselors are available to support and accompany victims to criminal justice appointments and proceedings related to the victimization. Transportation to Court Appearances and Other Appointments Victims receiving services receive transportation, if needed, to criminal justice proceedings, referral resources and other appointments related to the victimization. Assist with Application Process for Victims Compensation and Relocation An advocate will assist victims and survivors with completing an application to the Bureau of Victim Compensation for assistance with medical bills, lost wages, or funeral expenses incurred because of the death of a loved one by an act of violence. The center provides assistance with the application process for Relocation Funds, available through the Office of the Attorney General. Assistance with Protective Injunctions An injunction for protection against domestic violence and sexual violence is filed when a victim has reason to believe they are in imminent danger. Advocates will accompany the victim to the Clerk of the Court office to assist in obtaining a protective injunction. Emergency Assistance with Urgent Special Needs Victims receiving services will receive assistance with unmet special needs such as replacing broken locks, doors and windows. Personal Advocacy An advocate is available to assist victims in securing rights, remedies and services from other agencies, including locating emergency financial assistance and intervening with employers and creditors on behalf of the victim. Information and Referral Advocates will assess the victim's needs and refer them to appropriate community resources. Community Education, Speeches, and Consultation Program staff consists of skilled trainers and presenters who provide training, seminars and workshops locally and statewide. Advocates are available to provide educational presentations, speeches and consultation to community groups, agencies and organizations. Services Provided at the Gainesville Police Department The program provides services in the Gainesville Police Department to victims who report crimes to law enforcement. MISSION STATEMENT To support survivors on their journey to reclaiming their personal power in the aftermath of a crime. CONTACT INFORMATION Main Office at John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center 218 SE 24th Street Gainesville, FL 32641 Phone: 352-264-6760 Fax: 352-264-6774 TDD/TTY: 352-955-2449 Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-5PM, some services available 24/7 Toll-Free: 1-866-252-5439 Bradford County Outreach Office 925 N. Temple Ave, Ste C Starke, FL 32091 Hours vary, please call 24/7 helpline for more information Union County Outreach Office 410 W Main Street Lake Butler, FL 32054 Hours vary, please call 24/7 helpline for more information Director: Laura Kalt Email: [email protected] Accommodations: If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.

Community Remembrances

Storm Ready Storytime Comes to Local Libraries

2 hours ago

"Alachua County Emergency Management, in partnership with the Alachua County Library District, invites families with young children ages 3 to 8 to attend Storm Ready Storytime. The free educational program is designed to help children learn about storm safety and emergency preparedness as the 2026 hurricane season gets underway. During each Storm Ready Storytime session, Emergency Management staff will read "Henry and the Hurricane" by Brittany Perkins Castillo and engage children in interactive activities that make emergency preparedness fun and accessible. Participants will decorate their own safety kits, learn about severe weather safety, and discover simple ways their families can prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies. "Hurricane preparedness starts with the whole family," said Alachua County Emergency Management Director Jen Grice. "Storm Ready Storytime combines literacy, crafts, and emergency preparedness activities to help children learn important safety lessons while giving parents and caregivers practical information they can use to prepare their households for the season ahead." The program will be offered at all Alachua County library branches during June: Library Partnership Branch – June 9, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. High Springs Branch – June 10, 2026, at 3 p.m. Archer Branch – June 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. Hawthorne Branch – June 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Waldo Branch – June 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. Cone Park Branch – June 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. Tower Road Branch – June 16, 2026, at 3 p.m. Alachua Branch – June 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Millhopper Branch – June 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. Micanopy Branch – June 23, 2026, at 3 p.m. Headquarters Library – June 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. Newberry Branch – June 26, 2026, at 3 p.m. Families are encouraged to attend the session most convenient for them. Residents can also stay informed during hurricane season by signing up for emergency alerts through Alachua County Ready. Text ALACHUA to 888-777 to receive emergency notifications and preparedness information. For more information about Storm Ready Storytime, visit the Alachua County Library District events page or contact Alachua County Emergency Management at 352-264-6500."

Meetings & Minutes

3 hours ago

"Meetings & Minutes Regular BoCC meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The County Commission BOCC Agenda is available on the Internet by Friday before the scheduled meeting. Back-up documents are also available at this time. If an amended agenda is published, it will be posted (along with any back-up documents) on the Monday before the Tuesday meeting. No new information will be posted after this time. You are encouraged to check this website before each meeting for any changes which may have occurred. Upcoming and Past Meetings Note: The page encountered errors displaying the list of upcoming and past meetings."

Poet Laureate

7 hours ago

"E. Stanley Richardson is an American Poet, Actor, Playwright and Producer. He is the Founder and Director of ARTSPEAKSgnv Inc., the North Central Florida Youth Poet Laureate Program, and the Bard & Broadside North Central Florida Poetry Festival. He is the author of the 2017 award-winning book of poetry, "Hip Hop is Dead - Long Live Hip Hop. The Birth, Death and Resurrection of Hip Hop Activism". Mr. Richardson is the Inaugural Poet Laureate of Alachua County, Florida (2020 - present). Poetry Readings include performances at Lake Forest Elementary School Playground Dedication, and readings of poems including "EDEN," "Century Oak," "An Elegy for Black Bodies," and "Make Me Wanna Holla." Published poems include: - "An Elegy for Black Bodies" (1867-1924) addressing truth and reconciliation in Alachua County, Florida - "Century Oak - A Conversation With A Tree" exploring historical trauma and environmental witness - "Make Me Wanna Holler" addressing healthcare access, systemic inequality, and social justice - "The Big Picture" reflecting on nature, community, and environmental concerns - "Fare Thee Well Commissioners" as a farewell to departing commissioners - "Bread And A Song" exploring themes of survival and spiritual resilience - "Sankofa Sister" celebrating ancestral connection and truth reconciliation - "The Perkins' House" addressing truth and reconciliation at Dudley Farm in Alachua County - "Shield of Valor" honoring fallen military service members, presented at Memorial Day Ceremony 2024"

Community Update Newsletters - Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

7 hours ago

"The page displays a comprehensive listing of Community Update Newsletters from Alachua County. Newsletters are organized chronologically by year, with the most recent being from 2026 and archived newsletters dating back to 2020. Each newsletter entry includes a publication date and a link to the full newsletter content. The 2026 newsletters include editions from June 10, May 27, May 13, April 29, April 15, March 26, March 11, February 25, January 29, and January 14. The 2025 archive contains 16 newsletter entries spanning from January 16 through December 11. The 2024 archive includes 12 newsletters from January 10 through December 11. Earlier years (2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020) contain additional archived newsletters. The page also provides links to related content including County News, County Videos, County Commission Meetings, and Advisory Board Meetings. A subscription option is available at the bottom of the page with the text 'Alachua County Headlines and Newsletter - Keep up-to-date with all news and developments in your community delivered to your inbox.' The page notes that media releases prior to 2017 are available through a separate link."

What's Good Alachua County

7 hours ago

"Welcome to Alachua County, a dynamic destination in the heart of Florida. Here, you can explore fascinating museums, enjoy live music, and experience the arts in a way that's both exciting and accessible. Savor fresh, local cuisine, visit award-winning craft breweries, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area through hiking, biking, birdwatching, or swimming in crystal-clear freshwater springs. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or looking to dive into the local culture, Alachua County offers something for everyone. Stay a while and discover all the unique experiences that make this place special. Adventure's in Season! Here, nature isn't a faraway escape. Explore everything from forests and springs to prairies and rivers. The page highlights nine communities: High Springs (arts, antiquing, outdoor recreation, craft breweries), Newberry (agriculture, Watermelon Festival, Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center), Alachua (Downtown Historic District on National Register), Archer (Archer Braid Trail, Digital Black Heritage Trail), Gainesville (University of Florida hub for arts, culture, innovation, sports, healthcare), La Crosse (largest Live Oak tree in Florida, Cellon Oak Park, Woodpecker Trail), Waldo (antique shopping, railroad history), Hawthorne (Hawthorne Historical Museum and Cultural Center, woodlands and prairie vistas), and Micanopy (historic 200-year-old town, filming site of Cross Creek and Doc Hollywood, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park)."

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Nov14

'Heroes 4 Hunger' Holiday Meal Drive at Waldo Community Center

Waldo Community Center

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