Metro | City and County Commission

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

The GRU lawsuit goes to court next month. Here’s what you need to know.

By Maria Arruda | 8:00am

The 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.

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville, Alachua County approve plans for two new crosswalks near University Avenue

By Kaitlyn McCormack | Jan. 11

The 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.

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville to hold second GRU referendum Nov. 4

By Grace Larson | Oct. 15

This article has been updated to reflect Chuck Ross is a former member of the Gainesville Residents United board.

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville Commission to dual name street in honor of late LGBTQ+ activist

By Grace Larson | Oct. 17

The 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. 

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville Commission rejects Tom Petty Park parking lot, approves City Hall refresh

By Teia Williams and Grace Larson | Sep. 20

The Gainesville Commission voted Thursday against expanding the parking lot in Tom Petty Park, opting instead to consider partnerships with other organizations and businesses. 

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville City Commission selects interim city manager, plans to replace historic building with trailhead

By Grace Larson | Sep. 5

In a unanimous vote, the Gainesville City Commission named current Chief Operating Officer Andrew Persons as interim city manager. 

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Alachua County continues efforts to become a sports destination

By Megan Howard | Aug. 27

Alachua County approved two plans attempting to make the county a sports destination at a meeting Tuesday. 

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville police report successes in recruitment, gun violence prevention

By Grace Larson | Aug. 22

The 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. 

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville commission votes to remove pride crosswalks

By Logan McBride | Aug. 8

The 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. 

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville City Commission green lights 14-story apartment complex, business tax increase

By Logan McBride | July 18

The 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. 

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville City Commission green lights 14-story apartment complex, business tax increase

By Logan McBride | July 18

The 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. 

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Alachua County Commission responds to Paynes Prairie proposal, sets transition date for Sports Event Center

By Logan McBride | July 8

The Alachua County Commission addressed a proposed development near Paynes Prairie and set a transition date for Celebration Pointe’s Sports and Event Center.

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Alachua County Commission delays East Gainesville housing project, explores new animal shelter location

By Logan McBride | June 25

Alachua County Commissioners voted to delay decisions on an East Gainesville housing project and a new animal resources facility at a meeting Tuesday.

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Alachua County Commission discusses permitting for WildFlowers Music Park

By Anthony Duarte | Sep. 26

WildFlowers Music Park intends to integrate music, art and environmental conservation.

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville and Alachua County Commissions discuss future Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, RTS routes

By Logan McBride | June 18

The Gainesville City Commission and Alachua County Board of County Commissioners discussed the future of the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire and transit options for GRACE Marketplace at a joint meeting Tuesday. 

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville City Commission gets final approval for GRU special election

By Logan McBride | June 13

The Gainesville City Commission got its final approval to hold a special election in November over control of Gainesville Regional Utilities. The meeting provided more clarity on how cuts will impact RTS workers and services.

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville City Commission moves forward with GRU referendum, RTS service adjustments

By Logan McBride | June 6

The Gainesville City Commission unanimously voted in favor of a new GRU referendum and announced RTS service adjustments in its meeting Thursday. 

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

GRU attorney asks Gainesville City Commission to abandon referendum ordinance

By Logan McBride | June 4

Gainesville Regional Utilities Attorney Derek Perry sent a letter to the City of Gainesville Wednesday requesting the city commission abandon an ordinance in favor of a new referendum.

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Proposed GRU special election is another chapter in the fight over utility control

By Logan McBride | May 21

The city commission and local organizations like Gainesville Residents United have pushed to restore city control since the governor-appointed board was formed.

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METRO  |  CITY COUNTY COMMISSION

Gainesville City Commission votes to hold special election for GRU referendum

By Logan McBride | May 16

The Gainesville City Commission will hold a special election on the GRU referendum. New red light cameras will be installed in two new locations, and the commission is interested in a new leasing contract for Citizens Field.