Annexation is the process of expanding the City limits to include previously unincorporated areas into the City's municipal boundaries. Annexation ensures that urban services are provided in the most efficient manner. Once developed areas of Alachua County reach certain densities or level of service expectations, it is reasonable to assume that urban services should be provided by a municipality.  Following are some of the testimonials provided by the residents of recently annexed areas:

• “I'm writing this letter to you to express my opinion on our annexation experience.  I can honestly say that it's been a positive experience.  The Gainesville Police Department has been wonderful to work with. GPD is great about keeping me informed through their Community Outreach team.” - Traci Holmes (1/19/2006)
  
  
• “Throughout the last three years Lexington Crossing Apartments has had its fair share of incidents on or around the property that have not only needed the response service of law enforcement, but have required a fast, extensive, hands-on, and more attentive higher level of service. Due to our annexation, GPD has not only been able to provide Lexington Crossing Apartments with this level of service, but the entire southwest area of Gainesville as well.
  
  Through great communication, GPD has made it much easier for us to update our residents on any added precautions they may need to take. When necessary we receive daily correspondence via person-to-person phone calls, e-mail, and/or personal visits. And on two occasions within the previous three years, associates with GPD arranged for us to have an informative community meeting, in which certain detectives, uniformed officers, and the zone Sergeant were present to provide feedback to our residents.” - Lexington Crossing Apartments Management Team (1/20/2006)
  
  
• “Nothing but positive experiences including increased patrol, quick response times, effective communication on a regular basis, and a proactive approach to problem solving.  We genuinely appreciate those who continue to work hard to keep our areas safe.” - Tamara Lee (1/24/06)
  
  
• “Since the annexation, we have seen a positive relationship develop between our community and law enforcement. Through this partnership we have been able to develop a much more proactive approach and implement a successful community policing program.
  
  Gainesville Police Department has also implemented an effective communication network. They immediately notify apartment complexes in the area of any issues that may be occurring in the area. They provide our residents with important safety information and tips on a regular basis. Since the annexation, we have seen a dramatic improvement in the quality of law enforcement provided. Through the diligence of the Gainesville Police Department we have been able to develop a community police program that is proactive and improves the quality of life of our residents.” - Tracey L. Parker, Campus Club Apartments (2/5/06)
  
  
• "The Gainesville Police Department stepped in and made a large contribution of time and resources. That has made a tremendous difference. We want to give a big thank you to Paul Alcantar for his unbelievable help in cleaning up Phoenix from normal trash to large and numerous special pick ups, it has made a huge difference in the looks and feel of Phoenix.We would like to thank the City Commissioners for their interest and help in focusing on problems that the city inherited from the county. We believe that your interested in this neighborhood has made it a better place to live for the residents and the entire area, and we thank you." - Phoenix Board of Directors I & II (5/5/06)