Become a Volunteer Crisis Line Counselor The Alachua County Crisis Center is accepting applicants for Volunteer Crisis Line Counselors. The training includes 80 hours of in-depth training in active listening, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention. Training is held over Zoom and starts with an initial Saturday followed by Tuesday and Thursday evenings for eight weeks. Spring online training starts Sunday January 31st 2027. For more information contact Gerald P. Macdaid at: 352-264-6700 or [email protected] Crisis Center Contact Information: John Henry Thomas, M.D. Center 218 SE 24th Street Gainesville, FL 32641 24/7 Phone: 352-264-6789 TDD/TTY: 352-955-2449 Crisis Line: 352-264-6789 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454 311 Critical Information: 352-264-6557

general

HAHarvey Walden

18 hours ago

July Commercial Horticulture Program

The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture program for July 2026. This program is being offered by Commercial Horticulture Agent Tatiana Sanchez-Jones. Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Workshop – July 16th, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the UF/IFAS Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry). The Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Workshop trains commercial landscape maintenance personnel to make correct pesticide applications to ornamentals and plant beds only. This class helps you review the study materials for the exam, but it is no longer required. Those wanting to take the exam must create an account and apply online through the Florida Department of Agriculture's licensing portal. Participants can pay online, and then will be given a voucher number. Pesticide exams are no longer offered at extension offices. Exams are now administered primarily by Everblue, either remotely or in person. To find an in-person location near you, visit this map. It is recommended that attendees study before testing, as the workshop is a review. The required books are SM 1, SP 499, and SM 82; they are not provided but can be pre-ordered online at the IFAS Bookstore. License renewal: Up to four Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available in the following categories: General Standard/Core (Chapters 482 and 487), Ornamental & Turf, Limited Lawn & Ornamental, Limited Landscape Maintenance, and Commercial Lawn & Ornamental. The registration fee of $30 (plus a $3.85 Eventbrite fee) includes light refreshments and handouts. Participants must register online by July 13. A late fee of $10 (plus a $4.52 Eventbrite fee) will be applied to registrations after July 13 or to those paying at the door. The class is limited to 30 participants. There will be no refunds for the registration fee. For more information about these programs, contact Tatiana Sanchez-Jones at 352-955-2402. Visit the extension office website for a list of additional programs.

general

HAHarvey Walden

19 hours ago

Victims Services & Rape Crisis Center Services

VICTIMS SERVICES & RAPE CRISIS CENTER About Program services are available to all victims of crime and their families. All services are free, confidential and available to any Alachua County resident. ImmediateOutreach 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. All groups are available to men, women, and non-binary survivors. Groups meet weekly for 8-10 weeks, with each weekly 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 The criminal justice system is dependent upon the cooperation of victims and survivors in order to prosecute a case successfully. Participating in the prosecution of a criminal case can be frustrating, frightening and confusing. 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 from the program 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 domestic violence or sexual assault victim has reason to believe he or she is in imminent danger of being victimized by the batterer or offender. 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 from the program 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, such as locating emergency financial assistance, intervening with employers, creditors and others on behalf of the victim. Information and Referral Advocates will assess and identify 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 have provided training, seminars and workshops locally and statewide. Advocates are available to provide educational presentations, speeches and consultation to community groups, agencies and/or organizations. Services Provided at the Gainesville Police Department The program provides services in the Gainesville Police Department to victims who report the crime to law enforcement. Mission Statement To support survivors on their journey to reclaiming their personal power in the aftermath of a crime.

Community Remembrances

Alachua County Board of County Commissioners - Meetings & Minutes

1 day ago

"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."

Storm Ready Storytime Comes to Local Libraries

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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."

Community Guidelines

Share local celebrations and life transitions.
Maintain a respectful and supportive tone.
Verify event details before posting.
No commercial advertising in announcements.

Upcoming Local Events

Jul16

July Commercial Horticulture Program

Local Venue

Nov14

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

Waldo Community Center

Celebrate Together

Sharing announcements helps build a stronger, more connected community.

Post Yours

Have a milestone to share with your community? Let everyone know.

Create Announcement