Gainesville Launches Resource Fairs to Connect Contractors and Lenders with Incentive Program
The Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA) is seeking licensed contractors and area lenders to participate in upcoming resource fairs. The events are designed to connect them with property owners who are eligible to apply for funding through the 8th Avenue & Waldo Economic Development Incentive Program. The incentive program provides grants to assist homeowners, business...
Cheddar’s Opening May 11 + A New Boutique Is Coming
New retail and dining options are coming to Butler Shopping Center as Jane + Mercer and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, a concept from Darden Restaurants, prepare to open at their new locations. Jane + Mercer will occupy approximately 2,000 square feet of retail space at 3597 SW 32nd Court, Suite 20, while Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen will...
Michele Lieberman Named National County Administrator of the Year
Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman has received the first David J. Krings County Administrator of the Year Award from the National Association of County Administrators (NACA), recognizing exceptional service, ethical leadership and contributions to county government. Lieberman’s leadership has built a strong organizational culture grounded in accountability, excellence and service. With more than 20 years...
City's FY2026 Budget Earns National Award for Excellence
The City of Gainesville has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its Fiscal Year 2026 adopted budget. The national recognition of excellence affirms the quality of the city’s budget as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communication tool that meets the highest principles of governmental budgeting. Developed...
Beyond the Roof: Gainesville Housing Authority’s ELITE Force Program Emerges as Economic Engine for the Eastside
The Gainesville Housing Authority (GHA) is redefining the role of affordable housing in Alachua County, moving beyond traditional residential management to serve as a primary catalyst for regional economic development. At the heart of this transformation is the ELITE Force Training Center, a high-impact workforce initiative that is actively bridging the gap between subsidized housing...
Infotech Chief Product Officer Shelly Nooner Honored Among “The Top 50 Women Chief Product Officers of 2026”
Infotech, a leader in infrastructure construction software, has announced that Chief Product Officer Shelly Nooner has been named to the prestigious “Top 50 Women Chief Product Officers of 2026” list by Women We Admire. Ranked at No. 18, Nooner is recognized for her transformative leadership in the public sector and her pioneering work in integrating...
Celebrate Earth Day 2026
To celebrate Earth Day 2026, Alachua County, the City of Gainesville, UF, Santa Fe College and other organizations have planned a wide variety of events for our citizens to enjoy. This year’s theme for Earth Day is “Our Power, Our Planet.” Alachua County Events Third Annual Santa Fe Springs Celebration – April 11, from 11...
Building a Career-Ready Ecosystem: How the University of Florida Prepares Students for a Shifting Workforce
While college is often a critical first step in career preparation, the path forward is increasingly non-linear. In addition to selecting a major from a multitude of options, students must balance academic workloads while trying to gain experience through opportunities such as internships or extracurricular activities. At the University of Florida’s Career Connections Center (also...
County Moves Forward on West End Park Transformation
Alachua County has shared the latest progress on the transformation of the 75-acre West End Community Park (12830 W. Newberry Road). The park’s next round of improvements is currently estimated at $6.3 million. To do a deep dive and listen to all the options discussed, watch the County Commission discussion. Staff will return in June...