Metro
East Gainesville residents gather for community event
By Olivia Lofaso | July 23More than 50 Gainesville residents and local leaders gathered Wednesday to discuss the future of East Gainesville.
Metro: City and County Commission
Metro
Local leaders reflect on their political journeys amid America’s 250th anniversary
By Olivia Lofaso | July 4As the nation celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, local leaders and community advocates reflect not only on the nation’s past, but also on the future of policymaking and advocacy in their communities.
Metro
‘Unprecedented’: Florida Senate passes bill giving GRU control to the state
By Maria Arruda | Mar. 11The Florida Senate voted to approve a bill on Wednesday giving the state control over any utility authority created by the legislature after Jan. 1, 2023.
Metro
Animal Resources investigation sparks debate at county commission meeting
By Kaitlyn McCormack | Mar. 10The whistleblower email came from the former outreach coordinator of Alachua County Animal Resources. He introduced himself as “Anthony” but did not provide a last name.
Metro
Alachua County officials worry property tax bill will affect public services
By Kaitlyn McCormack | Mar. 7Funding for cities and counties across the state may be impacted by a bill that would provide property tax relief to Florida homeowners.
Metro
Bill that would give GRU control to the state passes Florida House
By Maria Arruda | Mar. 4The Florida House approved a bill that would give the state control over any utility authority created by the legislature after Jan. 1, 2023 — a move that would nullify the Gainesville vote asking for power over utilities to return to the city’s commissioners.
Metro
Gainesville mayor calls for more respectful interactions between city, GRU Authority
By Maria Arruda | Feb. 19The Gainesville City Commission unanimously approved a Gainesville Regional Utilities authority board resolution granting its CEO and Chief Financial Officer the power to carry out financial negotiations at a Thursday meeting.
Metro
Despite community outcry, Alachua County chooses UF land for new animal shelter
By Kaitlyn McCormack | Jan. 29Despite wavering community opinions, the Alachua County Commission voted Tuesday to partner with UF on the location for a new animal shelter in Gainesville.
Metro
Alachua County Commission partners with UF on new animal shelter
By Kaitlyn McCormack | Jan. 27Alachua County has been in negotiations with UF since 2024 over a UF-owned swath of land near Archer Road that currently houses the IFAS Swine Unit.
Metro
The GRU lawsuit goes to court next month. Here’s what you need to know.
By Maria Arruda | Jan. 15The authority board filed complaints against the city for both the 2024 and 2025 Local Public Utilities referendums, and the 2024 case is still pending an appellate court decision. Oral arguments for the appeal in the 2024 case will be heard on Feb. 10 at the First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee.
Metro
Gainesville, Alachua County approve plans for two new crosswalks near University Avenue
By Kaitlyn McCormack | Jan. 11The Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization approved plans for two new crosswalks: a raised crosswalk in front of the Publix at University Village Market on Northwest Third Avenue and a regular crosswalk farther down the street by Northwest Fourth Place.
Metro
Gainesville Commission to dual name street in honor of late LGBTQ+ activist
By Grace Larson | Oct. 17The Gainesville City Commission voted unanimously to dual name Northeast/Southeast First Street after Terry Fleming, a local LGBTQ+ activist who died in 2020 at the age of 58.
Metro
Gainesville to hold second GRU referendum Nov. 4
By Grace Larson | Oct. 15This article has been updated to reflect Chuck Ross is a former member of the Gainesville Residents United board.
Metro
Alachua County Commission discusses permitting for WildFlowers Music Park
By Anthony Duarte | Sep. 26WildFlowers Music Park intends to integrate music, art and environmental conservation.
Metro
Gainesville Commission rejects Tom Petty Park parking lot, approves City Hall refresh
By Teia Williams and Grace Larson | Sep. 20The Gainesville Commission voted Thursday against expanding the parking lot in Tom Petty Park, opting instead to consider partnerships with other organizations and businesses.
Metro
Gainesville City Commission selects interim city manager, plans to replace historic building with trailhead
By Grace Larson | Sep. 5In a unanimous vote, the Gainesville City Commission named current Chief Operating Officer Andrew Persons as interim city manager.
Sports
Alachua County continues efforts to become a sports destination
By Megan Howard | Aug. 27Alachua County approved two plans attempting to make the county a sports destination at a meeting Tuesday.
Metro
Gainesville police report successes in recruitment, gun violence prevention
By Grace Larson | Aug. 22The Gainesville Police Department’s crackdown on firearm violence and increased recruitment efforts have both so far been successful, a new report on the department shows.
Metro
Gainesville commission votes to remove pride crosswalks
By Logan McBride | Aug. 8The Gainesville City Commission voted to remove three rainbow crosswalks at an Aug. 7 meeting. The commission’s unanimous decision comes after an order from the Florida Department of Transportation to remove the art.
Metro
Gainesville City Commission green lights 14-story apartment complex, business tax increase
By Logan McBride | July 18, 2025The Gainesville City Commission approved construction of a 14-story apartment complex on West University Avenue, increased business taxes and purchased smart trash cans at a meeting Thursday.
