Wednesday, October 28, 2026
County commissioners unanimously approved a contract for Meredith McLean, who currently leads Collier County Animal Services, to serve as the permanent director of Alachua County Animal Resources at a salary of $150,000 annually. McLean, who holds a graduate certificate in animal shelter leadership from the University of Florida, is set to begin the role Monday. Her appointment follows the firing of former director Julie Johnson last summer and a subsequent internal investigation that identified operational and leadership problems within the department.
Sources: WCJB TV20
The Alachua County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to amend the county’s master plan, clearing the way for the Everlee Farms residential development near Archer Road and Parker Road. The project could bring up to 2,500 homes to the area along with a 20-acre farm. Before the vote, commissioners discussed whether the county had authority to enforce irrigation requirements tied to the development.
Sources: WCJB TV20
Alachua County commissioners voted Tuesday to ask the sheriff to terminate an agreement with Universal Comprehensive Healthcare Services, which holds a contract to provide HIV and hepatitis testing and treatment at the Alachua County Jail. Doctors from UF Health and leaders from Grace Marketplace and ElderCare of Alachua County alleged the company is signing up homeless and low-income residents for insurance plans that disqualify them from the indigent care and free grant-funded services they were already receiving. Commissioner Anna Prizzia said the company appears to be recruiting people who are already being treated through the Mobile Outreach Clinic.
Read both sides →
Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WCJB TV20
