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Lakes, Culture, and Community in Central FloridaAlachua County, FL Edition
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Understanding Your Assessment

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Harvey WaldenCommunity Member
10 hours ago

Appealing Your Assessment

Appealing Your Assessment Understanding Your Assessment Each August, the Property Appraiser of Miami-Dade County mails a Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM Notice) to property owners. After TRIM Notices are mailed, our office begins what we refer to internally as the "interview period." During this time, property owners are encouraged to contact us to review and discuss their assessment or exemption concerns. This is an opportunity to go over the details of your TRIM Notice with our staff and resolve any discrepancies or questions you may have—often without needing to take further action. You're also welcome to reach out outside of this period, at any time during the year, to speak with us about your property's information. Contact Us for a Preliminary Review Call us at 305-375-4712 Submit an inquiry through our Contact Form Our team aims to respond within 3–5 business days. Submit an Assessment Review Form If further review is needed, complete the form and submit it online via the Contact Form: Download the Assessment Review Form (PDF) Submit through the Contact Form Application Or visit us in person: Stephen P. Clark Center (Main Office) 111 NW 1 Street Suite 710 Miami, FL 33128 South Dade Government Center 10710 SW 211 Street 2nd Floor Cutler Bay, FL 33189 Please include relevant supporting documents: Date-stamped photos of damage Repair estimates, invoices, or receipts Insurance documentation Comparable recent sales Commercial Properties: January 1st rent roll 12-month operating statement Federal tax return (related to the property) Appraisal and related documentation Filing a Formal Appeal If your concerns remain unresolved, you may file an appeal with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). Appeals must be filed within 25 days of the TRIM Notice mailing date. Confidential Records Reminder Confidential records cannot be discussed with third parties without written authorization from the property owner. Download the Confidential Information Authorization Form (PDF) Related Resources Appeal to the Value Adjustment Board Appeal Tangible Personal Property

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HAHarvey Walden
5 minutes ago

Art Grant

Art Grant Resolution for Art Grants Art Grant Application Blog Post from 2024 Art Grant Recipient Melissa DeSa Art Grant Recipients 2025 Recipients Gainesville Community Playhouse - $1,500 Gainesville Big Band - $3,000 Spirit Led Therapy - $3,000 1000 Voices of FL INC - $3,000 Star Center Children's Theatre - $3,000 C Case - $3,000 K Mullins - $3,000 F Walton - $1,000 H Todd - $1,000 Greater Gainesville International Center - $1,000 C Nguyen - $1,000 D Adams - $1,000 Music Arts Program for Youth, Inc - $1,000 M Montano - $1,000 C Williams - $1,000 T Ho - $1,000 L Piekarski - $1,000 M Huff - $1,000 A Lindroth - $1,000 T Bailey - $1,000 J Hill - $1,000 G Clum - $1,000 R Banks - $1,000 E Schaub - $1,000 T Marabou - $1,000 E Newman - $1,000 J Carter - $1,000 P Shortt - $1,000 City of Newberry - $2,000 TOTAL $42,500.00 2024 Recipients S Richardson - $2,500 G Terry - $2,500 J Thomas - $2,500 A Young - $2,500 MusicGNV - $1,500 Sequential Artists Workshop - $1,500 M DeSa - $1,000 TOTAL $14,000.00 2023 Recipients Q Flynt - $1,000 C Williams - $1,000 A Knowles - $1,000 G Gelpi - $1,000 TOTAL $4,000.00 2022 Recipients J Weiss - $1,000 Y-Not Theatre - $1,000 Music GNV - $1,000 High Springs - $1,500 C Cheval - $1,000 Newberry - $1,500 TOTAL $7,000.00 2021 Recipients Star Center - $1,750 D Velez Climent - $1,750 K Robinson - $1,750 City of Alachua - $3,000 T Bailey - $1,750 Actors Warehouse - $500 New Tech Nov - $500 P Valcante - $1,750 C Carnes - $500 W Free - $500 TOTAL $13,750.00 Contact: Arts Council of Alachua County, 12 SE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL 32601-6826 [email protected] Tel: (352) 538-8265 TDD/TTY Users: Please call 711 (Florida Relay Service)

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HAHarvey Walden
5 minutes ago

Volunteer Information

Victims Services & Rape Crisis Center 24 Hour Sexual Assault Helpline - 352-264-6760 Toll Free 24 Hour Sexual Assault Helpline - 866-252-5439 Get Involved! Volunteer with Our Center Caring and compassionate people looking to make a difference in our community and in the lives of those hurt by sexual violence can volunteer with the Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center. Our program has two volunteer tracks to pursue - serve as a Helpline Counselor, answering our 24/7 rape crisis helpline, or a Community Ambassador, promoting awareness at community events. Helpline Counselor Volunteer Helpline Counselors answer our program's 24/7 helpline, covering evening, weekend, and holiday shifts when our offices are closed. Volunteers carry a County-issued cell phone and respond to victims and citizens in our community seeking crisis counseling and resources. Callers range from victims in crisis to friends and family members seeking information on how to support their loved one. Potential helpline volunteers must successfully complete 40 hours of online and in-person training, comprised of roleplays, readings, and quizzes, under the supervision of program staff. In-person training takes place at the program's offices at 218 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL. Potential volunteers must complete a level 2 background check, which is paid for by the program, before beginning their service. Upon graduating training, volunteers must commit to a minimum of 36 helpline shifts over the course of 9 months. For more information on becoming a Helpline Counselor, contact Amber Peacock at (352) 363-7506, [email protected]. Community Ambassador Volunteer Community Ambassadors assist program outreach staff by representing our agency at local outreach events, explaining program services to community leaders, and generally promoting awareness about sexual violence and local resources. Additionally, volunteers help organize and prepare for events and assist staff with performing general office duties as needed. Ambassadors must complete a short in-house training, which takes place at our program's offices located at 218 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL. Potential volunteers must complete a level 2 background check, which is paid for by the program, before beginning their service. Upon completing their training, Community Ambassadors are expected to participate in 2 hours of outreach work each week. For more information on becoming a Community Ambassador, contact Cassandra Moore at (352) 264-6712, [email protected]. Volunteer Application If you are interested in volunteering as a Helpline Counselor or Community Ambassador, please complete the volunteer application and return by email to Amber Peacock at [email protected], or by hard copy to Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center, 218 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL 32641. Upon reviewing your application, program staff will contact you regarding volunteer training. Typically, a short face to face interview is required. Please note that not all applicants, motivated as they may be, will make effective volunteers for our program. Applicants are carefully screened before and during training. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the application process, or want to know more about our volunteer programs: For Helpline Counselors, contact Amber Peacock at (352) 363-7506, [email protected] For Community Ambassadors, contact Cassandra Moore at (352) 264-6712, [email protected] If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD. Contact Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center Main Office @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. Laura Kalt VSRCC Director 218 SE 24th Street Gainesville, FL 32641 Phone: 352-264-6760 Fax: 352-264-6774 TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service) [email protected] Toll-Free Phone: 1-866-252-5439 24 Hour Sexual Assault Helpline Phone: 352-264-6760 TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service) Toll free 24 Hour Sexual Assault Helpline Phone: 866-252-5439 TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service) Bradford County Outreach Office 925 N. Temple Ave, Ste C Starke, FL 32091 TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service) Hours vary, please call 24/7 helpline for more information. Union County Outreach Office 410 W Main Street Lake Butler, FL 32054 TDD/TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service) Hours vary, please call 24/7 helpline for more information. Mission Statement: To support survivors on their journey to reclaiming their personal power in the aftermath of a crime.

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HAHarvey Walden
5 minutes ago

Arts Council

The Arts Council of Alachua County (ACAC) serves as a resource for local artists and arts agencies, including all municipalities, throughout Alachua County. The Arts Council prepares applications for state and federal grants and re-grants eligible grants to local artists and local arts agencies. It prepares applications for eligible state and federal grants to provide enhanced resources for local artists and local arts agencies, and educates and advocates at the state and federal level on issues affecting the arts. The Council also promotes and facilitates the inclusion of art into an established process that connects artists, partners, and communities for the purpose of enhancing the vitality of the County. The ACAC is responsible for oversight, administration and promotion of Art Tag proceeds and Local Arts Agency dedicated funding. It develops an inclusive strategic plan for County-wide arts and cultural assets that are reviewed and updated annually and reports annually, or as necessary, to the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners on the goals and accomplishments of the ACAC. Public Meeting Schedule: Alachua County Administration Building, 12 SE 1st Street, Second Floor, Grace Knight Conference Room 1st Monday of each Month at 5:30 PM Programs and Services: - Art Loan Program with application and agreement documentation - Art Grant opportunities - Local Resources for Artists - Poet Laureate program - 2026 Artists Conference Schedule - Call to Artists (CTA) solicitations available through procurement website Recent Projects: In June 2022, the Alachua County Commission commissioned Alachua County-based artist Jenn Garrett to create "Bounce," one of three artworks funded through the County's Art in Public Places program for the new Alachua County Sports Event Center. The sculpture was installed on September 28. State of the Arts License Plate: Funds received through the sale of "State of the Arts" license plates support the arts in Alachua County through the Mini and Matching Grant program. License plates are available at the Alachua County Tax Collector's Office. Contact Information: Arts Council of Alachua County 12 SE 1st Street Gainesville, FL 32601-6826 Tami Herchel [email protected] Tel: 352-374-5260 TDD/TTY Users: Please call 711 (Florida Relay Service) Council Members: - David Ruiz (Chair) - Christian Duran (Vice Chair) - Amy Koester - Corey Williams - Jay Rosen - Chyna Vinsant (Alternate) - Alexander Sanchez-Hamilton - Carol Velasques Richardson

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Community Remembrances

Poet Laureate

5 minutes 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

6 minutes 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

6 minutes 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)."

6-9-26 County Commission Regular Meeting

2 hours ago

"The Alachua County Commission will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The daytime portion of the meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. The evening portion begins at 5 p.m. Both are in the Jack Durrance Auditorium on the second floor of the Alachua County Administration Building (12 SE 1st St., Gainesville). The daytime meeting agenda items include: Rural Concerns Advisory Committee Update – Annual Workplan and Accomplishments Report; Extension of Sewer Lines Outside the Urban Cluster for the City of Archer and City of Newberry Wastewater System Interconnection Project; Property Tax Reform Impact Presentation. The evening meeting agenda items include: Adoption of a Large-Scale Land Use Amendment from Rural/Agriculture to UF Golf Institutional; A Request to Rezone from Agriculture (A) district to non-residential Planned Development (PD) district. During the regular meeting, the public can make comments at the meeting in person or call in during the 12 p.m. (noon) comment period. Callers will have three minutes to comment on anything not on the agenda and three minutes to discuss anything on the agenda. Callers can choose either or both. Those commenting on items on the agenda will not be allowed to comment again on agenda items if attending the meeting in person later in the day. The call-in number is 1-929-205-6099. When prompted, enter meeting ID 873 5974 1977. Callers can hear the meeting while on hold and can use the system to listen. If you wish to comment, raise your hand by dialing *9 (star nine). Once you are called on by the last four digits of your phone number, unmute your phone by dialing *6 (star six). The meetings can be viewed on Cox Channel 12, the AC TV app (Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku), the county's Facebook and YouTube sites, and the county's Video on Demand website. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following the county on Facebook, X (Twitter), Nextdoor, Instagram and subscribing to the county's newsletter/press release group. For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or [email protected]."

Highlights from the June 9, 2026 County Commission Meeting

2 hours ago

"Highlights from the June 9, 2026 County Commission Meeting Announcements Communications Director Mark Sexton announced that Emergency Management and the Alachua County Library District are partnering together for "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. The program will be offered at all Alachua County library branches during June. Sexton also informed residents that the county released an update about large-scale data centers. In Alachua County, large-scale data centers are not allowed under the current Comprehensive Plan or land development code. The update shares details of a bill passed by the Legislature, how the public process works if an application is received and a list of ways residents can stay informed about the subject. Property Tax Reform Impact The commission heard a presentation on the impacts of the Florida Legislature's property tax reform ballot measure, which will go before voters in November. UF Golf Course The commission approved the first of two readings for an ordinance that allows a 580-acre property off Parker Road to be developed as a golf course and other amenities. The property, part of the Hickory Sink Special Area Study, is owned by the UF Foundation. The site has environmentally sensitive zones that will be classified as conservation management areas. Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers Strategy The commission adopted a resolution outlining options to reduce groundwater pumping to meet the minimum flows and levels of the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers, as an alternative to the Water First North Florida Project. Sewer Lines for Newberry and Archer The commission approved a resolution to extend sanitary sewer lines outside the county's urban cluster for the Archer-Newberry Wastewater System interconnection project. Newberry is constructing a $75-million regional wastewater treatment facility, which is scheduled for completion in December 2029. Archer will construct a wastewater collection system, a master pumping station, and a force main to connect its wastewater system to Newberry's. The project will allow the City of Archer to transition from septic systems to centralized sanitary sewer services. Recognitions Commissioner Charles "Chuck" Chestnut IV proclaimed June 15-21 as Men's Health Week in Alachua County. Commissioner Anna Prizzia proclaimed June 21-28 as Amateur Radio Week. Alachua County recognized Community Support Services' rehabilitation programs, OPUS and Metamorphosis, for receiving its reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)."

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