Newsroom

On Saturday, Dec. 7, the City of Gainesville is hosting its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at the Historic Thomas Center (302 NE Sixth Ave.). At 6 p.m., attendees will gather in the Spanish Court to view the giant tree and call for it to be lit. After the tree lighting the free program runs until 8 p.m., and light refreshments will be served.

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, city offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29.

City of Gainesville candidate qualifying for the District 2 Commissioner, District 3 Commissioner and At-Large Commissioner positions is earlier this year so the elections will coincide with the presidential primary. Qualifying dates are Monday, Dec. 9, 2019 at 12 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 at 12 p.m. 

Seats up for Election
 
Gainesville Commission – At-Large
Term of Office – 4.5 Years
Qualifying Fee - $343.24 (undue burden available)
 
The At-Large Commissioner is elected by the electors of the City of Gainesville to serve a 4.5-year term. Each candidate for this seat must be a qualified voter who is a resident of the City for a period of not less than six months prior to the date the person qualifies to run for office. The person elected to this seat shall continuously reside in Gainesville city limits during the term of office. The last dates to have moved into the City of Gainesville to meet the residency requirement for the 2020 election would be between June 3, 2019 and June 7, 2019, depending on which day the candidate qualifies in 2020.
 
Gainesville City Commission – District 2
Term of Office – 2.5 Years
Qualifying Fee - $343.24 (undue burden available)
Gainesville City Commission – District 3
Term of Office – 2.5 Years
Qualifying Fee - $343.24 (undue burden available)

The District 2 and District 3 Commissioners are elected by the electors of the City of Gainesville residing in Districts 2 and 3 respectively. The elected candidates will be elected to serve a 2.5-year term. Each candidate for a district seat must be a qualified voter who is a resident of the district in which they seek to be elected for a period of not less than six months prior to the date they qualify to run for office. The person elected as a district Commissioner shall continuously reside in that same city district during the term of office. The last dates to have moved into the City of Gainesville to meet the residency requirement for the 2020 election would be between June 3, 2019 and June 7, 2019, depending on which day the candidate qualifies in 2020.
 
The current list of candidates seeking election may be found on our City of Gainesville Election Page (on the “what’s on the ballot” link).
 
Anyone interested in qualifying or needing further information, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 352-334-5015.
 
For voter registration related questions, please visit our website at VoteAlachua.com or contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-374-5252.

The City of Gainesville is pleased to announce that amendments to an agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters was ratified earlier this afternoon — extending an existing agreement through the next two fiscal years.

The City of Gainesville and the University of Florida were awarded a joint $2 million grant in April through the National Science Foundation’s Smart and Connected Communities Program. Now, the city and UF researchers have begun their groundbreaking work to improve roadway safety.

Community 12TV will be temporarily off the air for upgrades that will enhance your viewing experience. It will return Wednesday, Nov. 20.

The soulful sound of blues will usher in the Downtown Festival & Art Show weekend Friday, Nov. 15 with a free Downtown Blues Concert on the Bo Diddley Plaza from 7-11 p.m. The North Central Florida Blues Society is pleased to announce an evening under the stars featuring three incredible blues performances. 

• Statement from City Manager Lee Feldman
• Statement from Mayor Lauren Poe

Gainesville will transform into a masterful blend of art, music and entertainment during the 38th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show, one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine arts festivals. Presented by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA), the festival draws a crowd of more than 80,000 visitors each year. On Saturday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., visitors can meet the exhibiting artists, enjoy live music and sample international cuisine.

The Downtown Festival & Art Show, a nationally-recognized event, helps Gainesville get in touch with its creative side. Since 1996, it has ranked among the top festivals in the nation. Visitors embrace the culture of more than 240 of the nation’s most talented artists, who showcase their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and vivid photography. Artisans compete for more than $20,000 in cash prizes.

In observance of the Veterans Day holiday, city offices will be closed Monday, Nov. 11.