Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Tina Certain secured the Democratic Primary for Alachua County Commission District 2, capturing 39% of the vote against three other candidates to replace outgoing Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler. Because no Republican filed to oppose her in November, the universal primary made the result official, with Certain celebrating Tuesday night at Heartwood Soundstage in Gainesville. She spent eight years on the Alachua County School Board before making the switch to county government.
Sources: WCJB TV20 · The Gainesville Sun · Mainstreet Daily News
Nathan Crabbe, a former Gainesville Sun opinions editor, claimed the open District 2 seat on the Gainesville City Commission on Tuesday, defeating Wyatt Zintiz and Nelida Jean-Baptiste Pellot. Crabbe, who said he knocked on 3,000 doors during the campaign, plans to prioritize affordable housing, roads, and infrastructure. He will replace Ed Book, who is now Santa Fe College’s police chief.
Sources: WCJB TV20 · Mainstreet Daily News
Starting October 1, Gainesville property owners will see charges for stormwater management and residential solid waste services listed as non-ad valorem assessments on their annual property tax bills rather than on monthly GRU statements. The change follows a decision by GRU leadership to remove city service charges from utility billing, and affected residents should expect to receive preview notices from the Alachua County Property Appraiser this month. Low-income and senior homeowners who may struggle with the assessments can apply for hardship assistance through August 31.
Sources: City of Gainesville · Mainstreet Daily News
