Alachua residents pack city meeting to oppose rumored data center on U.S. 441

Dozens of Alachua residents spent hours speaking out at a city meeting against a potential large-scale data center along U.S. 441, even though the proposal was not on the official agenda. The controversy was sparked by an online real estate listing for a 104-acre former Energizer battery plant near San Felasco Tech City, whose web address referenced a high-megawatt data center development though the listing’s title appears to have since changed. Residents raised concerns about environmental risks and the effect such a facility could have on nearby property values.

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Sources: WCJB TV20

Gainesville commissioners to weigh roam towing ban or nighttime-only restriction

Gainesville city commissioners are scheduled Thursday to choose between two approaches to roam towing: restricting the practice to nighttime hours at large residential complexes or banning it outright. Also this week, the city will kick off the 2026 Journey to Juneteenth with a flag raising at City Hall on Wednesday, marking Florida Emancipation Day.

Sources: WCJB TV20

GRU awarded $43 million federal grant to strengthen electric grid

Gainesville Regional Utilities has been awarded a $43 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy aimed at improving the reliability and resilience of the local electric grid. The funding represents a significant investment in Gainesville’s public utility infrastructure.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun