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Manager's annual report highlights parks, fire-rescue, housing conversions and major capital projects
Summary
County Manager Michelle Lieberman presented her eighth annual report June 24, reviewing 2024 accomplishments across departments: parks and events, fire rescue milestones, land conservation, public works road projects, housing initiatives and major facility designs scheduled for construction.
At the June 24 meeting Michelle Lieberman, Alachua County manager, delivered the county's annual report summarizing 2024 accomplishments and near-term capital priorities.
What the report covered: Lieberman and department leaders described milestones including: hosting the World Masters Indoor Championship at the county sports center and West End Park; celebrating the 50th anniversary of Alachua County Fire Rescue and initiating construction of a new headquarters and emergency operations center; the 25th anniversary of the Alachua County Forever land-conservation program and the county's hundredth property acquisition; work on a new judicial complex (including an ice-storage central energy plant) and completed architectural and engineering contracts for the armory renovation and motel renovations into permanent supportive housing.
Parks and events: The Parks Department completed upgrades at Veterans Park (playground and parking), added restrooms at Lake Santa Fe and made central upgrades at West End Park ahead of the World Masters event; Cuscoilla summer camp earned accreditation and served 550 campers.
Public works and roads: Public Works completed 15 roadway rehabilitation projects at a reported cost of about $5.7 million in 2024 and planned or began construction on a further 36 projects totaling roughly $55.7 million, including several named corridor rehabs and stormwater resilience projects.
Housing and community services: The community support services (CSS) housing team launched pilot programs to expand workforce housing opportunities, including proposals to use Wild Spaces and Public Places surtax funding; contracts were awarded to renovate two motels into permanent supportive housing with completion expected in 2025.
Solid waste and environmental work: The county reported 204,000 tons of solid waste managed in 2024, continued hazardous waste collection and pilots of recycling programs; the UF/IFAS extension reported educational programs and volunteer contributions that support county outreach.
Why it matters: Lieberman described the year as one of planning and progress with multiple projects moving from design to early construction or community engagement. Commissioners praised staff work, noting the county's ability to advance major infrastructure, parks, housing and conservation programs.
Next steps: Significant construction and capital work is scheduled for 2025, including judicial-complex construction, continued motel renovations, completion of park projects and ongoing road rehabilitation using surtax funds.
