Design Finalized for New Community Center — Budget Vote Ahead

Alachua, FL · August 13, 2026

The gym floors at Legacy Park are prepped for tonight's preseason volleyball showdown. Plenty happening across our corner of the county as summer turns the corner.

The Lead

The city finalized design plans by Barnett Chenault of Monarch Design Group for a new Cleather H. Hathcock Sr. Community Center to replace the demolished original building, featuring double the community space and a signature wraparound porch. However, after state grant funding fell through, the project's timeline now hinges on whether the City Commission can carve out construction funds in the upcoming municipal budget. A recent community survey revealed strong public backing, with 63 percent of responding residents favoring allocation from the existing budget to get shovels in the ground. Commission members are set to weigh funding options during upcoming budget workshops.

Local Pulse

Commission Increases Municipal Utility Service Rates City officials approved a modest utility rate adjustment, marking the first local increase since 2010 to offset rising operating expenses.
Planning Board Terms Aligned to Spring Commissioners voted to standardize Planning and Zoning Board term expirations to April 30, closing multi-year administrative gaps across appointed seats.
County Budget Review Session Scheduled County commissioners convene in Gainesville this afternoon to review proposed department expenditures and millage rates for the upcoming fiscal year.

Today's Outlook

High 92°F · Low 72°F — Overcast (24% chance of precipitation)
- Heavy cloud cover and warm humidity make brief early-morning outdoor breaks ideal today.

What's On Around Town

Acrylic Paint Pouring for Beginners Alachua Branch Library (14913 NW 140th St), 2:00–3:00 PM Hands-on session exploring color mixing and fluid acrylic pouring techniques.
Crafty Gemini Preseason Volleyball Showdown Legacy Park Multipurpose Center (15400 Peggy Rd), 5:30 PM Eight local high school teams compete in a preseason showcase.
Gainesville: Museum Nights: Summer Road Trip Harn Museum of Art (3259 Hull Rd), 6:00–9:00 PM After-hours gallery admission featuring road-trip themed art activities and music.
High Springs: Clay Brooker Live High Springs Brewing Company (18562 NW 237th St), 7:00–10:00 PM Acoustic performance, local craft brews, and outdoor seating a short drive away.
Gainesville: Thursday Night Swing Dancing Rosa B. Williams Center (524 NW 1st St), 7:30–10:30 PM Beginner lesson followed by open social dancing on the wood floor.

Spotlight & Story

Williams-LeRoy House
- Built starting in 1898 and completed in 1902 by Furman Williams and Henry LeRoy, this 7,000-square-foot Queen Anne manor anchored the town's early commercial growth. Its intricate three-story woodwork and iconic wraparound porch reflect classic late-Victorian Southern architecture.

Alachua Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

Sent with care by MailerDot — your city, every morning.