Alachua County Emergency Management

05/30/2026

Emergency Support Function (ESF) 19: Information Technology

We're wrapping up our countdown with our final ESF feature to introduce the 19 Emergency Support Function (ESF) positions that serve as the foundation of our coordination within the Emergency Operations Center during large-scale incidents. We are focusing on ESF 19, which manages Information Technology. This position operates within our EOC Support Section, coordinating the essential data systems, software platforms, and technical infrastructure needed to support our community during critical times.

The Alachua County Information & Telecommunication Services Department (ITS) serves as the lead agency for ESF 19. Working closely with county departments and external communication vendors, this team ensures that our networks remain secure, resilient, and fully operational throughout any emergency event.

A key priority for ESF 19 is establishing and protecting the digital landscape that allows our emergency operations to function. The team manages everything from deploying critical hardware and maintaining network connectivity to overseeing specialized incident software support. They ensure all agencies within the Emergency Operations Center have uninterrupted communication access to seamlessly share real-time updates and coordinate critical resource missions.

Other vital roles of ESF 19 include:

-Implementing advanced cybersecurity threat detection and monitoring measures to safeguard critical infrastructure data from exploitation.

-Providing dedicated IT application and website support to ensure public-facing platforms stay updated with reliable community information.

-Sourcing and configuring auxiliary technology hardware and network gear for newly activated field sites or staging centers.

-Promoting proper digital hygiene protocols to minimize security vulnerabilities across county networks during high-stakes operations.

Watch this final video in our series below for a look at these operations from ITS Director Gee Chow and follow our page daily as we count down to the start of the season.

Stay Informed: Text ALACHUA to 888-777 to receive real-time updates during large-scale incidents.

05/29/2026

Emergency Support Function (ESF) 18: Business, Industry, and Economic Stabilization

We're continuing our daily countdown to introduce the 19 Emergency Support Function (ESF) positions that serve as the foundation of our coordination within the Emergency Operations Center during large-scale incidents. We are focusing on ESF 18, which manages Business, Industry, and Economic Stabilization. This position operates within our Situational Awareness Section, coordinating the essential resources and communications needed to support local commercial operations during critical times.

The Alachua County Tourism and Economic Development Department serves as the lead agency for ESF 18. Working alongside local municipal economic development offices, chambers of commerce, business associations, and regional recovery partners, this team focuses on the continuity and stabilization of our local commerce before, during, and after an incident.

A key priority for ESF 18 is maintaining a vital connection with the local tourism, hospitality, and business sectors during an emergency. Because Alachua County is centrally located within the state of Florida, it frequently serves as a haven for residents evacuating from coastal regions. ESF 18 continuously monitors and tracks local hotel room availability to gauge community sheltering capacity, and provides critical logistical coordination to house incoming state and federal emergency crews, including utility line workers from across the Southeast.

Other vital roles of ESF 18 include:

-Liaising directly with local commerce entities, industrial facilities, and the Gainesville Regional Airport to maintain real-time situational awareness.

-Coordinating post-disaster business impact assessments to compile accurate data regarding property damage, facility closures, and revenue losses.

-Connecting impacted local business owners and residents with state or federal disaster relief funding programs and Small Business Administration (SBA) emergency loans.

-Partnering with Volunteers and Donations (ESF 15) to channel private-sector resource contributions directly into community recovery initiatives.

Watch the video below for a look at these operations from Tourism and Economic Development Director Jessica Hurov, and follow our page daily as we count down to the start of the season.

Stay Informed: Text ALACHUA to 888-777 to receive real-time updates during large-scale incidents.

05/28/2026

Emergency Support Function (ESF) 17: Animal Protection and Agriculture

We're continuing our daily countdown to introduce the 19 Emergency Support Function (ESF) positions that serve as the foundation of our coordination within the Emergency Operations Center during large-scale incidents. We are focusing on ESF 17, which manages Animal Protection and Agriculture. This position operates within our Planning Support Section, coordinating the essential labor, temporary shelters, and community resources needed to protect animals and agricultural assets during critical times.

Because ESF 17 manages a dual mission, the responsibilities are shared between two dedicated lead agencies. Alachua County Animal Resources and Care handles all operations involving small companion animals, while the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Alachua County Extension manages large animal and agricultural needs. Together with support partners like the UF College of Veterinary Medicine and local agricultural groups, they work to ensure our local ecosystem is protected.

A key priority for ESF 17 is the establishment and management of pet-friendly emergency shelters so that families do not have to leave their pets behind. This team coordinates the provision of animal food, water, and immediate medical care at designated shelter sites. While these emergency locations are equipped to house common companion animals like dogs and cats, residents with exotic pets should plan alternative arrangements ahead of time to keep their animals safe during a storm.

Other vital roles of ESF 17 include:

-Directing and integrating countywide livestock protection, capture, and emergency evacuation efforts.

-Sourcing and distributing emergency food and water supplies to local agricultural communities experiencing crop or property disruptions.

-Conducting comprehensive damage assessments for local crops, livestock facilities, and other critical agricultural assets.

-Coordinating with public health partners to monitor, identify, and control animal-borne diseases that could impact the community.

Watch the video below for a look at these operations from Mae Maurer with Alachua County Animal Resources and her assistant Pepperoni, and follow our page daily as we count down to the start of the season.

Stay Informed: Text ALACHUA to 888-777 to receive real-time updates during large-scale incidents.

05/27/2026

Emergency Support Function (ESF) 16: Law Enforcement

We're continuing our daily countdown to introduce the 19 Emergency Support Function (ESF) positions that serve as the foundation of our coordination within the Emergency Operations Center during large-scale incidents. Today, we are focusing on ESF 16, which manages Law Enforcement. This position operates within our Resource Support Section, coordinating the essential personnel and equipment needed to protect our community during critical times.

The Alachua County Sheriff's Office serves as the lead agency for ESF 16. Working with support partners including municipal police departments, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, and university law enforcement agencies, this team ensures that public safety and security missions are managed effectively throughout an incident.

A key priority for ESF 16 is balancing local law enforcement services with the intense demands of an emergency response. This includes maintaining security at the Emergency Operations Center and public shelter sites while coordinating patrol personnel to respond to critical calls for service, manage areas with widespread damage, and monitor safety challenges like high water levels. Additionally, ESF 16 stays in close contact with state public safety networks and neighboring jurisdictions to streamline mutual aid assistance for regional response efforts.

Other vital roles of ESF 16 include:

-Directing and integrating countywide efforts to secure emergency facilities and critical community infrastructure.

-Utilizing the Florida Sheriff's Association task force networks to rapidly pull in mutual aid resources from surrounding areas.

-Conducting continuous field assessments of public safety needs to adjust patrol distribution and resource staging.

-Coordinating with public works and utility teams to maintain clear routes for secondary responders and emergency access to area hospitals.

Watch the video below for a look at these operations from Sheriff's Office Captain Joe VanGorder and follow our page daily as we count down to the start of the season.

Stay Informed: Text ALACHUA to 888-777 to receive real-time updates during large-scale incidents.

05/27/2026

The Burn Ban for Alachua County has been lifted. It is important to remember that although we have received a good amount of beneficial rain, dry conditions could return quickly without sustained rains, so residents should continue to use extra caution and follow all State and Local laws in regards to burning. For information on yard burning rules and safety, go to https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Fire-Prevention/Be-Wildfire-Ready/Burn-Yard-Waste-Safely

𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧

Effective today, May 27, 2026, Alachua County has lifted the countywide burn ban following substantial rainfall across the region over the past several days and additional rain forecasted throughout the week.

County officials, in coordination with the Florida Forest Service (FFS), determined that improving environmental conditions have significantly reduced the immediate threat of wildfires.

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which measures soil and vegetation dryness, has dropped to 415 from 618 last week and is expected to continue declining as rainfall persists.

“Recent rainfall has significantly improved conditions across Alachua County and reduced the wildfire risk that led to the burn ban,” said Fire Chief Harold Theus. “While the ban is being lifted, we encourage residents to continue practicing safe and responsible outdoor burning to help prevent accidental fires.”

Residents are reminded to follow all local and state regulations regarding outdoor burning. Officials caution that dry conditions can return quickly, especially during warm, windy periods.

Alachua County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service will continue monitoring drought conditions, weather patterns, and wildfire activity. If conditions worsen, the county may reinstate the burn ban to protect public safety and property.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official Alachua County communication channels for updates regarding burn conditions and potential restrictions.

05/26/2026

Emergency Support Function (ESF) 15: Volunteers and Donations

We're continuing our daily countdown to introduce the 19 Emergency Support Function (ESF) positions that serve as the foundation of our coordination within the Emergency Operations Center during large-scale incidents. Today, we are focusing on ESF 15, which manages Volunteers and Donations. This position operates within our Planning Support Section, coordinating the essential voluntary resources and humanitarian aid needed to support our community during critical times.

The Alachua County Human Resources Department serves as the lead agency for ESF 15. Working with support partners including the Alachua County Community Organizations Active in Disaster and Long-Term Recovery Group (COAD/LTRG), this team ensures that spontaneous volunteers and community contributions are channeled safely and responsibly where they are needed most.

A key priority for ESF 15 is managing the huge influx of community goodwill following an emergency. The team works to organize the logistical collection and distribution of vital donated goods like food and clothing, while strongly encouraging the public to direct financial support toward established organizations to maximize local recovery impact. Additionally, ESF 15 coordinates closely with our response partners to assess specific labor needs and systematically deploy volunteer networks to assist with community response efforts.

Other vital roles of ESF 15 include:

-Coordinating with the Information and Planning team (ESF 5) to establish and operate a dedicated local volunteer reception center.

-Collaborating with Business, Industry, and Economic Stabilization (ESF 18) to coordinate private-sector donations and resources.

-Working alongside the EOC Safety Officer to deliver critical safety briefings and health messaging for all active field volunteers.

-Partnering with Public Information (ESF 14) to issue unified messaging regarding the specific types of goods and support the community needs.

From now until the start of Hurricane Season, we will continue to feature the lead agencies and the vital roles each position fulfills before, during, and after an incident.

Watch the video below for a look at these operations from Assistant County Manager Heather Akpan and follow our page daily as we count down to the start of the season.

Stay Informed: Text ALACHUA to 888-777 to receive real-time updates during large-scale incidents.

05/25/2026

Emergency Support Function (ESF) 14: Public Information

We're continuing our daily countdown to introduce the 19 Emergency Support Function (ESF) positions that serve as the foundation of our coordination within the Emergency Operations Center during large-scale incidents. We are focusing on ESF 14, which manages Public Information. This position operates within our Situational Awareness Section, coordinating the essential resources to collect, prepare, and disseminate disaster information to the public.

The Alachua County Communications Department serves as the lead agency for ESF 14. Working alongside support partners including the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Alachua County Crisis Center, and our municipal public safety teams, this group is dedicated to ensuring that accurate and timely critical alerts reach our residents when it matters most.

A key priority for ESF 14 is the creation and dissemination of verified disaster messages to keep the community informed during a crisis. This includes distributing vital updates to our 311 Critical Information Line operators, managing local media relations, and providing safety information detailing required protective actions. Additionally, ESF 14 establishes a Joint Information Center (JIC) to unite public information officers from cities, hospitals, and educational institutions, ensuring a consistent and coordinated message across the entire county.

Other vital roles of ESF 14 include:

-Sending emergency notifications through the county's public emergency mass notification platform.

-Utilizing all digital mediums to publish incident-specific public information throughout the duration of an event.

-Coordinating with the IT Support Specialist to activate emergency website banners and dedicated homepages.

-Overseeing the accurate translation of all public-facing emergency information to support all members of our community.

From now until the start of Hurricane Season, we will continue to feature the lead agencies and the vital roles each position fulfills before, during, and after an incident.

Watch the video below for a look at these operations from Communications Director Mark Sexton and follow our page daily as we count down to the start of the season.

Stay Informed: Text ALACHUA to 888-777 to receive real-time updates during large-scale incidents.

05/25/2026

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for parts of Alachua County. Go to weather.gov/jax for full info

05/24/2026

Emergency Support Function (ESF) 13: Military Affairs

We're continuing our daily countdown to introduce the 19 Emergency Support Function (ESF) positions that serve as the foundation of our coordination within the Emergency Operations Center during large-scale incidents. We are focusing on ESF 13, which manages Military Affairs. This position operates within our Planning Support Section, coordinating activated military resources to support our community during critical times.

Alachua County Emergency Management serves as the lead agency for ESF 13. Working alongside our support partner, the Florida National Guard, this team coordinates Defense Support to Civil Authorities by integrating specialized military personnel, equipment, and training into local response and recovery efforts.

A key priority for ESF 13 is establishing a direct coordination link between local emergency leadership and state military assets. The Florida National Guard staffs the EOC Military Affairs desk with a liaison officer to maintain constant communication with any units deployed within Alachua County. This collaborative framework ensures that when local capabilities are extended, state military support can be integrated quickly and efficiently to protect our community.

Other vital roles of ESF 13 include:

-Directing and integrating countywide logistical missions that utilize activated military personnel and heavy hardware.

-Sourcing specialized military vehicles and high-water assets to assist with community response challenges as needed.

-Coordinating with the Planning Support Section to align state military capabilities with local incident objectives and operational rhythms.

-Providing real-time updates on military deployment statuses and asset readiness to the EOC leadership to maximize situational awareness.

From now until the start of Hurricane Season, we will continue to feature the lead agencies and the vital roles each position fulfills before, during, and after an incident.

Watch the video below for a look at these operations from Emergency Management Assistant Director David Peaton and follow our page daily as we count down to the start of the season.

Stay Informed: Text ALACHUA to 888-777 to receive real-time updates during large-scale incidents.

05/24/2026

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for parts of Alachua County until at least 8;45pm. Go to weather.gov/jax for full info