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County communications unveils 2026 Alachua calendar; Climate Fest celebrated adoption of county Climate Action Plan
Summary
Mark Sexton announced the county's 2026 Alachua calendar and reviewed the Climate Fest that marked adoption of Alachua County's Climate Action Plan, which includes 184 action items across water, energy, agriculture and infrastructure that the county and advisory committees are preparing to turn into funded projects.
Mark Sexton, the county’s communications director, on Dec. 1 unveiled the 2026 Alachua calendar and summarized the recent Climate Fest that celebrated adoption of the county’s Climate Action Plan. The calendar contest drew 639 entries from 29 county schools; physical copies are available at libraries and county offices.
Sexton told commissioners the Climate Fest, held Nov. 15 at the UF/IFAS extension office in Newberry, included panel discussions, exhibitors, a youth performance and a ceremonial tree planting to mark the plan’s adoption. He said the event highlighted both community participation and outreach carried out while the plan was developed.
County and advisory‑committee speakers said the Climate Action Plan is intended as a “living” document. The plan lists 184 action items across topic areas that include agriculture and food systems, energy efficiency, heat and health, water resources, flooding and infrastructure. Presenters said the next phase is to translate written strategies into funded projects and programs that county departments and community partners can implement.
Jay Rosenbeck, chair of the Environmental Protection Advisory Committee, and other committee members said EPAC will prioritize water quality and land conservation, broaden outreach through listening sessions and support policies to manage waste and particulate pollution. Commissioners asked staff to keep the board informed as state and federal funding opportunities develop, and to invite water‑management district staff to present on major projects tied to the plan.
The county manager and commissioners praised community participation in the Climate Fest and the number of calendar submissions, and directed staff to continue outreach as implementation priorities are refined.
