Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center

11/08/2024

10/30/2024

Shows and Events for Walk Trot Canter Association

10/09/2024

**Post Update**
Hurricane Milton Update: 10/9/2024, 4:27 p.m. EST

New Shelter Opens and Two Shelters Full

Meadowbrook Elementary School (11525 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville) is now the sole open general population/pet-friendly emergency shelter. Both the MLK Center and the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex shelters are full.

Hurricane Milton Update 9 - Current Situation

IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS IS ALL BASED ON THE CURRENT STORM TRACK. IT CAN STILL CHANGE

Impacts from Milton are expected to start in Alachua County as early as 7 p.m. tonight, but they are more likely to occur very late tonight into early morning Thursday. The most likely departure time is approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday.

The overall forecast for Alachua County has improved. However, we are still expected to see tropical storm-force winds and rainfall rates ranging from 2 to 8 inches. Winds and rain will be more severe the farther south you are.

As we have seen multiple times, these storms are unpredictable, and any shift of the track north will increase the potential impacts on our area. Preparing for the worst-case scenario is always best, so you won't be caught off guard.

Many people in our area have evacuated from central and south Florida. Please be aware of the extra people on the roadways.

🌀 For those that need sheltering, you can view the most up-to-date information on sheltering at https://alachuacountyready.com/incidents/milton/shelters

🌀 Sandbags: There are some self-serve sandbag locations still open; you can find those sites at https://alachuacountyready.com/incidents/milton/distributionsites

🌀 Closures: Government closures can be found at https://alachuacountyready.com/incidents/milton/otherclosures

🌀 Uber Rides: Information about emergency Uber rides to shelters can be found at https://alachuacountyready.com/incidents/milton/latestupdates/7591206439

If you have any other questions or concerns, the 311 Emergency Information Line (or 352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area) is now active for storm-related questions and rumor control. If you have true emergencies, please call 911.

Please keep a close eye on the current forecast and potential impacts by checking the National Weather Service website athttps://www.weather.gov/media/jax/briefings/nws-jax-briefing.pdf

Stay safe, stay informed, and watch out for one another.

10/08/2024

Hurricane Milton Update #6: General Population and Special Needs Shelters Open; Uber Rides Available

Alachua County does not expect storm impacts today. There is no need for local residents to shelter today. The county is opening shelters today to accommodate our neighbors from the south who are evacuating.

Alachua County has opened three emergency shelters in response to Hurricane Milton, including two general population/pet-friendly shelters and one special needs shelter. We encourage residents impacted by the storm to seek alternative housing with friends, family, or short-term rentals. Shelters are intended as a last resort.

General Population/Pet-Friendly Shelters:

Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center
1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville
Easton-Newberry Sports Complex
24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry

Please note that general population shelters do not provide cots or beds. Residents are advised to bring their own bedding and essential supplies, including:

Special dietary foods, baby food, diapers, and other child necessities
Prescription medications (with a small cooler for refrigeration if needed)
Spare clothing, personal hygiene items, and spare eyeglasses or contacts

Residents with pets should bring:

Basic pet supplies (collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, medications, food)
Veterinary records indicating vaccinations (animals without such records will be vaccinated upon intake)

Alachua County Animal Resources will have supplemental supplies on hand. For everyone’s safety, animals must remain properly restrained throughout their stay.

Special Needs Shelter:

Alachua County Senior Recreation Center
5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville

Special needs shelters will provide one cot per patient, though we cannot guarantee cots for caregivers. Residents should bring their own bedding, prescription medications, dietary foods, spare clothing, personal care items, and identification. For transportation assistance to the special needs shelter, please call 352-955-2575. For more: https://www.alachuacountyready.com/incidents/milton/shelters
Free Uber Rides to Shelters:

Alachua County has partnered with Uber to provide free rides to and from shelters, ensuring no resident is left behind due to transportation challenges. To access this service:

Open the Uber app
Go to the account tab and tap "Wallet"
Add promo code: rYb19PkolMp
(Up to $55 each way to/from Alachua County shelters and Grace Marketplace)
Or go to https://tinyurl.com/UberAlachua
Alternatively, visit Uber Ride Promo to redeem your free ride.

311 Emergency Information Line:

The 311 Emergency Information Line (or 352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area) is now active for storm-related questions and rumor control. For true emergencies, please call 911.

Stay Informed:

To receive critical updates, residents can sign up for text alerts by texting ALACHUA to 888-777. For the latest storm track, updates, and real-time weather developments, follow the Alachua County page or visit the Alachua County Ready website.

10/07/2024

10/07/2024

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR ALACHUA COUNTY RESIDENTS AND VISITORS

As Milton continues to move towards Florida, there are some very important information that you can use to help make sure that you and your family are prepared.

Local Impacts from Evacuations in South and Central Florida:

We can expect a significantly larger amount of traffic along I-75 from those that are evacuating Central and South Florida. This will likely impact travel times along the interstate and affect fuel stations that are close to the interstate exits

Current Weather Information:
You can find current weather and forecast information at the following locations:

▪ Local weather-stations: Alachua.WeatherSTEM.com
▪ National Weather Service: weather.gov/jax
▪ National Hurricane Center: hurricanes.gov
▪ National Weather Service Briefing Packet (Updated on a regular basis):https://www.weather.gov/media/jax/briefings/nws-jax-briefing.pdf

Alachua County Updates/Social Media Resources:

▪ Alachua County Info: AlachuaCountyReady.com
▪ Latest Updates: https://alachuacountyready.com/incidents/milton/latestupdates
▪ Sandbag Info: https://alachuacountyready.com/incidents/milton/sandbags

▪ City of Newberry - Government
▪ City of Gainesville, FL - Government
▪ City of High Springs- Government
▪ Alachua County
▪ City of Alachua
▪ Alachua County Public Schools
▪ University of Florida Public Safety
▪ Santa Fe College
▪ Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
▪ Florida Division of Emergency Management
▪ NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center
▪ US National Weather Service Jacksonville Florida

Apologies if I missed anyone, please add in the comments if there is a resource that was missed.

10/06/2024

TARP DISTRIBUTION
Tarps are available for those who have home damage from Hurricane Helene.

Alachua County will have tarps available at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, 23100 West Newberry Road, Newberry, on Monday, October 7th from 8am to 7pm, or until supplies last.

Tarps will also be available at the Archer Rural Collection Center and the Leveda Brown collection center.

Find information on tarp distribution locations at https://alachuacountyready.com/incidents/helene/disasterrecoveryinformation

They are large tarps, and there will be a limit of two tarps per household.

Alachu County Ready Site for latest updates on Emergecny Incidents

09/27/2024

Hurricane Helene Update: The following map issued by Alachua County Emergency Management shows the following information:

- Green is a reported tree down,
- Pink is a reported powerline or tree and line,
- Yellow icons are new reports being assessed.
- Clusters with a number means the map isn’t zoomed in and there’s a bunch of reports in that area.

Please read the post for additional information. This post is written in both English and Spanish.

(Expanda para ver esta información en español.)

To give residents an idea of the conditions outside, these are the reported downed trees and power lines around Alachua County. The icons can represent multiple trees/lines in a general vicinity, not exact locations. As more response crews assess the roads this morning, we will likely identify more downed trees/lines and other hazards.

(Green represents a reported tree down, pink is for reported powerline or tree and line, and yellow icons are new reports being assessed. The blue and yellow radiating circles represent clusters of issues. Click on the map and zoom in to see the numbers in that area.)

As of 6 a.m., Alachua County has more than 82,000 households without power, excluding Newberry numbers. Please stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Thank you for your patience as we work with local utility crews to restore power.

Reminder that shelters are still open for those who need them. Please call or text 911 to report downed powerlines and trees if you see one.

(The below text is a Spanish translation. Facebook may auto-translate to imperfect English.)

Para darles una idea de las condiciones exteriores, estos son los arboles y cables caídos alrededor del Condado de Alachua. Los iconos pueden representar varios árboles/cables eléctricos en una zona general, no hay ubicaciones exactas. A medida que más equipos de alivio accedan a las carreteras, es probable que identifiquemos más árboles/cables caídos y otros peligros.

(Verde es un árbol caído, rosa es cable eléctrico caído, o de un árbol y cable eléctrico, iconos amarillos son reportes nuevos que están siendo asesados. Grupos con números quiere decir que el mapa no está magnificado lo suficiente y hay varios reportes en esa área.)

A partir de las 6 a.m., el Condado de Alachua tiene más de 82,000 hogares sin electricidad, excluyendo los números de Newberry. Por favor, manténgase alejado de las carreteras a menos que sea absolutamente necesario. Gracias por su paciencia mientras trabajamos con equipos de servicios públicos locales para restaurar su electricidad.

Por favor llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al 911 para reportar cables eléctricos y árboles caídos si ve alguno.

09/27/2024

Hurricane Helene Update: Please read for important road closure information if your are traveling today in Alachua County.

Update: This road is no longer blocked.

4:00 AM – Major roadway blockage – Downed tree and live power lines along Newberry Road

⚠️ If traveling eastbound on Newberry Road, defer south to Parker Road then Archer Road, or travel north up Northwest 143rd Street to Northwest 39th Avenue.

⚠️ If traveling westbound, divert north from Newberry Road to Northwest 98th Street then Northwest 39th Avenue, or travel south via Southwest 91st Street to Southwest 8th Avenue.

Crews are working to clear the roadway as quickly as possible but it is expected to take several hours.

09/26/2024

September’s Final HSITP ACEC show photos are available now 🥳

**SUNDAY JUMPER RING: your photos are still loading! They should be available by tomorrow at the latest. Sorry for the delay.

Access your photos here: https://kristenaphotography.pixieset.com/guestlogin/septhsitpacec2024/?return=%2Fsepthsitpacec2024%2F

Please remember that screenshotting or removing my watermark is not tolerated.

See you all at Grand Oaks or next year! 🐴

09/26/2024

In preparation for the impending storm, FDACS has prepared a flyer with the hotline number for Emergency Assistance for Livestock and Animals. The FL SART website is also a good resource for information.

Florida SART - State Agricultural Response Team
https://flsart.org/

09/25/2024

Hurricane Helene Update – Alachua County has opened three emergency shelters.

The pet friendly, general population shelters are:
- The Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center (1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville)
- The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex (24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry)

With a special needs shelter located at the Alachua County Senior Recreation Center (5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville). For information about transportation to the shelter, call 352-955-2575.
Please read the Alachua County post for full details.

-------------------
Stay informed with the most up-to-date storm information with the following resources:

• Alachua County Ready Website:
https://alachuacountyready.com/incidents/helene

• Alachua County Official page. https://www.facebook.com/AlachuaCounty

• Updates via Text:
Text "Alachua" to 888-777 to receive real-time County updates during a large-scale incident or emergency

• 311 Hotline:
Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area). This is for questions and rumor control. If you have a true emergency call 911.

Hurricane Helene Update 10 – General Population Shelters Open

Alachua County has opened three emergency shelters. We encourage residents affected to find alternative housing with friends, family or short-term rentals. Shelters are a last resort.

The pet friendly, general population shelters are:
- The Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center (1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville)
- The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex (24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry)

General population shelters do not provide cots or beds. Bring any needed bedding. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods, baby food, diapers (and other child necessities), prescription medications, and a small cooler of ice if refrigeration is needed, as the shelter cannot be responsible for your medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.

Residents with pets are encouraged to bring basic pet supplies such as collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, pet medications, pet food, etc.

Animal Resources will have supplemental supplies on hand for those in need. We encourage residents to bring veterinary records indicating their pets are properly vaccinated. However, animals without such records will be vaccinated upon intake to minimize the spread of contagious diseases. Please remember that animals must be properly restrained throughout their stay at the emergency shelter for the safety of all involved residents and pets.

We have also opened a special needs shelter at the Alachua County Senior Recreation Center (5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville). For information about transportation to the special needs shelter, call 352-955-2575.

Special needs shelters provide one cot per patient. Caregivers are asked to bring any needed bedding in case cots are unavailable. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods and any prescription medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.

To aid our residents as the storm approaches, Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area). This is for questions and rumor control. If you have a true emergency call 911.

Sign up for text alerts by texting the word ALACHUA to 888-777 to stay fully informed of any disaster related information related specifically to Alachua County.

09/25/2024

Hurricane Helene Update: Alachua County has issued an Evacuation Order for those residing in mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, and homes which may not survive the storm along with those living in areas subject to flooding or those in proximity to bodies of water. Alachua County trusts our residents to understand their individual circumstances and decide if they need to evacuate.
View the order here:
https://www.alachuacounty.us/.../EvacuationOrderHeleneVer...
-------------------
Stay informed with the most up-to-date storm information with the following resources:
• Alachua County Ready Website:
https://alachuacountyready.com/incidents/helene
• Alachua County Official page.
• Updates via Text:
Text "Alachua" to 888-777 to receive real-time County updates during a large-scale incident or emergency
• 311 Hotline:
Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area). This is for questions and rumor control. If you have a true emergency call 911.

Hurricane Helene Update 11 – Evacuation Order in Effect

Alachua County has issued an Evacuation Order for those residing in mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, and homes which may not survive the storm along with those living in areas subject to flooding or those in proximity to bodies of water. Alachua County trusts our residents to understand their individual circumstances and decide if they need to evacuate.

Learn more about pet-friendly general population and special needs shelters here: https://alachuacounty.us/news/article/pages/Hurricane-Helene-Update-10-–-General-Population-Shelters-Open-.aspx

To aid our residents as the storm approaches, Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area). This is for questions and rumor control. If you have a true emergency call 911.

Sign up for text alerts by texting the word ALACHUA to 888-777 to stay fully informed of any disaster related information related specifically to Alachua County.

View the order here:
https://www.alachuacounty.us/Depts/Communications/Documents/ADACompliant/EvacuationOrderHeleneVer11.pdf

11/06/2023

Alachua County Community Support Services' Veteran Services Division (and other Alachua County departments), the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, and multiple nonprofit and community organizations are hosting the annual Veterans Day Celebration. The event takes place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Veterans Memorial Park (7400 S.W. 41st Place, Gainesville). The theme of this year’s celebration is "Those who served and continue to give, America's veterans."

Veterans displays and presentations will begin at 9:30 a.m. The formal program starts at 11 a.m. This program includes skydivers, veterans, military and organizational tents, live music, helicopter displays, the UF Drill Team demonstration, and multiple patriotic presentations. Food is available for purchase.

"Alachua County Veteran Services is proud to host this Veterans Day celebration honoring our veterans who served to keep us safe and free," said Alachua County Veteran Services Director Kim Davis.

10/26/2023

Fill your Halloween weekend with plenty of treats with What’s Good. Florida’s oldest inland town hosts nearly 200 artists, crafters and food vendors at the 48th Micanopy Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday. Downtown Gainesville transforms with thousands of music fans for FEST 21.

Discover the many uses of “Florida Cranberry” at the Frog Song Organics Roselle Festival. Dance Alive National Ballet presents one of the most famous ballet love stories with Swan Lake. Go trick or treating on Main Street Alachua and scare up a good time at Scarecrow Road in Newberry.

Read on for more of What's Good: https://bit.ly/whatsgood1026

Stay up to date and join our email list: http://bit.ly/WhatsGoodAlachuaCounty

Fill your Halloween weekend with plenty of treats with What’s Good. Florida’s oldest inland town hosts nearly 200 artists, crafters and food vendors at the 48th Micanopy Fall Festival on… Continue Reading What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, October 26 – No...

10/26/2023

🎃 Scare up a good time on Saturday at Newberry Main Street's Scarecrow Road. Bring a decorated pumpkin, enter the costume contest and trick-or-treat with the scarecrows.

Come be a part of our 1st pumpkin decorating contest, trick or treating and costume contest in Newberry's Historic Downtown!

10/20/2023

The weekend is jam-packed with What’s Good. Celebrate the musical legacy of a hometown hero and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tom Petty with a 3-day music and memorabilia festival - Tom Petty Weekend. Strut your PRIDE at the 2023 Gainesville Pride Festival or stroll through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and browse the annual Fall Plant Sale and Orchid Show.

Be awe-struck with the world’s largest bats at Florida Bat Fest or find creative inspiration and one-of-a-kind gifts at the 38th Annual Fall Arts Festival at Thornebrook Village. Enjoy family-friendly fun at the High Springs Fall Festival or brew up Oktoberfest good times on the Sippin’ Seven Ale Trail.

Read on for more of What's Good: https://bit.ly/whatsgood1019
Stay up to date and join our email list: http://bit.ly/WhatsGoodAlachuaCounty

Read on for more of What’s Good.Be safe and be well,Your partners at Visit Gainesville, Alachua County Be Informed: The below information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please contact… Continue Reading What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesville and Alachua County, October 19-2...

10/06/2023

Visit Gainesville, Alachua County welcomes University of Florida alumni and Gator Football fans for an exciting 100 Year Anniversary Homecoming Celebration. Homecoming events include Thursday’s Gator Growl, Friday’s parade and… Continue Reading What’s Good Guide of Weekly Events in Gainesvil...