Alachua County voters Tuesday passed an extended version of the Wild Spaces Public Places sales tax.
This means that over the next eight years, the tax could raise $130 million to improve city parks or conserve land in the county. A cut will go to each city in Alachua County.
Critics of the tax argued that school repairs and construction should be a higher priority, while proponents say that the tax makes for more livable communities with protected wildlife habitats and natural areas suitable for recreation.
According to the land conservation board, the county program has been able to acquire about two thousand acres. Residents will be able to nominate lands to be considered for conservation.
In addition, a long list of park improvements already prioritized for funding when it becomes available.