- Alachua County successfully negotiated additional easement with GRU to save five live oak trees during Parker Road expansion.
- Alachua County is investigating its Animal Resources department following public concerns about improper euthanasia and plans to hire a veterinarian and build a $30 million shelter.
- The county approved rezoning an 8-acre parcel on Archer Road to allow up to 112 housing units, including affordable units for tenants earning 80% or less of the area median income.
- Alachua County agreed to purchase 55 acres at Newnans Lake for $549,400, with closing expected in August 2026, preserving land within key environmental focus areas.
The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) heard updates on the investigation into its Animal Resources department on Tuesday while also voting to purchase 55 acres at Newnans Lake and rezone a parcel along Archer Road for up to 112 units.
At the end of the meeting, Chair Ken Cornell also asked for an update about the negotiation with Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) to amend the county’s Parker Road (NW 122nd Street) expansion design in order to save five live oak trees.
Missy Daniels, assistant county manager, said the negotiations with GRU were successful and that the utility agreed to give an extra 16 to 17 feet of extra easement. The extra easement only includes the initial part of the road expansion just north of Newberry Road, where the county is trying to save five live oak trees…