City of Gainesville, FL - Government

08/28/2026

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is proposing several changes to University Avenue, a state roadway, between Gale Lemerand Drive and Northeast Waldo Road. The state project includes resurfacing approximately 2.3 miles of University Avenue, extending the median at Fletcher Drive/Northwest 18th Street and creating a new pedestrian crossing near the Matheson History Museum.

The proposed crossing would include a pedestrian hybrid beacon to connect the Sweetwater Greenway across University Avenue. The city supports improvements that advance Gainesville’s Vision Zero goal of making travel safer for people walking, biking, driving and using transit. The Sweetwater Greenway itself is part of the city’s Downtown Strategic Plan and has been identified as a transportation priority.

Because University Avenue is a state road, FDOT is responsible for the proposed roadway improvements and is leading the project and public engagement process. FDOT is accepting public comments on the proposal through Sept. 14.

For more info, visit FDOT's project webpage at https://nflroads.com/ProjectDetails?p=6119&f=1

08/27/2026

City leaders unveiled the new Engine 4 at Gainesville Fire Rescue Station 4. It replaced a fire truck which had averaged more than 2,300 response calls annually over five years. The new engine is capable of carrying 750 gallons of water and is equipped with specialized tools and equipment to support rapid intervention during emergency incidents. As an Advanced Life Support vehicle, Engine 4 is deployed with state-certified emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

08/26/2026

Planning an event for later this fall? Our Community Partnership Grant is accepting applications for events planned between Nov. 1, 2006 and Jan. 31, 2027. This matched grant awards up to $5,000 for a single event. To be eligible, events must be within the GCRA district and free and open to the public. Read more about the application requirements and timelines below, and be sure to submit your application by Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026.

https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Government-Pages/Government/Departments/Gainesville-Community-Reinvestment-Area/GCRA-Community-Partnership-Grant-Program

08/20/2026

We're excited to invite you to attend There's No Place Like Home: Youth Arts & Well-being for Safer Communities, ONOP GNV Final Symposium on Monday, Oct. 5.

Hosted by the City of Gainesville, this symposium celebrates Gainesville's participation in the national One Nation One Project initiative. Together, we will reflect on the journey, share lessons learned, highlight innovative partnerships, and explore how arts, culture, and community collaboration can continue to foster healthier, safer, and more connected communities.

Please note, this event is free and open to the public; however, seats are limited and pre-registration online is required. Register at: https://events.humanitix.com/onop-gnv-final-symposium

More info: https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/ONOP-GNV-Final-Symposium

08/19/2026

Artists are invited to register for plein air painting at Evergreen Cemetery! Open and free of charge to all adult artists, professional and amateur. To register, scan the QR code or visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-death-plein-air-art-event-tickets-1993870237554

📆Painting Saturday, Oct. 18 through Sunday Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Frame and submit artwork for judging by noon on Monday, Oct. 26.
Art reception from 5-8 p.m. on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31. Original works of art will be available for purchase.

🎨Mediums include: oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastels and drawing. Artists should bring their own easel, seat and art supplies.

Registration will be capped at 50 participants. Visitors will be invited to Evergreen Cemetery to witness firsthand as the artists transform a blank canvas into magnificent works of art capturing the beauty of Evergreen Cemetery. Artwork will be judged. Ribbons and certificates will be awarded to winners of each medium category.

08/18/2026

Property owners within Gainesville city limits will notice an important change when Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices arrive in mailboxes this month. Beginning Oct. 1, charges for city stormwater and residential solid waste services will appear as non-ad valorem assessments on annual property tax bills. This means they will no longer be included on customer billing statements from Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) after a decision by GRU leadership to remove charges for city services from monthly billing statements.

Property owners within Gainesville city limits will notice an important change when Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices arrive in mailboxes this month. Beginning Oct. 1, charges for city stormwater and residential solid waste services will appear as non-ad valorem assessments on...

08/17/2026

The Maintenance Team at the City of Gainesville’s Regional Transit System (RTS) just received the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence! This honor from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence recognizes the quality, efficiency and high skill level of the staff who keep our RTS buses running safely and reliably. Their achievement follows the city’s recognition earlier this year as one of NAFA’s 2026 “100 Best Fleets in the Americas.” Gainesville is proud to have such dedicated professionals serving our community.

08/15/2026

Last week, Gainesville neighbors, city leaders and members of the McKnight family gathered to celebrate the honorary dual naming of a portion of Southeast Eighth Avenue as Bishop James E. McKnight Sr. Street. Mayor Harvey Ward and Commissioners Cynthia Moore Chestnut and Ed Book joined the ceremony honoring the lifelong Gainesville resident, longtime pastor and community leader. The honorary designation extends along Southeast Eighth Avenue, from Southeast 15th Street to Southeast 23rd Street.

Bishop McKnight served as senior pastor of his congregation for more than 54 years and as Presiding Bishop of the Church of God by Faith, leading more than 180 churches nationwide and affiliated ministries abroad. His service in Gainesville included helping provide shelter for residents displaced by the 2003 Kennedy Homes fire and supporting organizations, including the Eastside Clinic and Black-on-Black Crime Task Force. Bishop McKnight passed away in 2021, leaving a legacy of faith, leadership and service that continues throughout the community.

08/13/2026

Last week, your City Commission recognized some longtime employees for their service to the City of Gainesville and our residents. Please join us in thanking them and congratulating them for their dedication!

15 years of service:
• Sean Canady, Fire Lieutenant
• Harold Clary, Fire Driver and Operator
• Vian Cockerham Guinyard, Housing and Community Development Supervisor
• Mitchell Dodd, Motor Equipment Operator I
• William Gough, Police Corporal
• Joel Graves, Fire Lieutenant
• Tristan Grunder, Police Sergeant
• Derek Joseph, Firefighter, Certified
• Kristopher Keen, Fire Lieutenant
• Phimetto D. Lewis, Housing and Community Development Manager
• Warren Meek, Police Corporal
• Sims Rogers Jr., Fire Lieutenant
• Christopher Silcox, Fire Lieutenant
• Alix Thony, Fire Lieutenant

20 years of service:
• Jason Hendricks, Fire Lieutenant
• Steven Hudson, Fleet Maintenance Manager
• Charles Luna, Transit Operator
• Lee McMullen, Fleet Mechanic II for RTS
• Jacob Sowards, Police Corporal
• Roberto Sutton, Fire Chief Deputy
• Joseph Walker, Fire Lieutenant
• Rebecca White, Police Officer, Certified
• Eliza Williams, Transit Operator

25 years of service:
• Ernie Benjamin, Fire Investigative Services Officer
• Don Campbell Jr., Fire District Chief
• Terry Stroud, Maintenance Mechanic II

08/12/2026

Public schools started this week, so we’re highlighting back-to-school safety tips this week. Today, we are focusing on bicycle safety.

Bicycle safety tips include:
• Use your head; wear a helmet!
• Share the road with bicyclists.
• Stop before turning right on red.
• Tell children to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it, staying as far to the right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and obey traffic control devices, stopping at all stop signs and stoplights.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers. Bicyclists should make sure drivers are paying attention and are going to stop before they cross the street.
• When riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening, be bright and use lights and make sure your bike has reflectors. It's also smart to improve visibility by wearing clothes and accessories that incorporate retro-reflective materials.
• Focus on the road. A void aggressive driving.
• Obey the traffic laws, signals, and speed limit