Mayor Harvey Ward reflected on accomplishments in 2022 related to housing programs, the local economy, sustainability efforts, neighborhood services, and inclusivity at the 2023 State of the City Address, which was held at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention Tuesday.
Read More »The Point, Dec. 13, 2022: Rebekah Jones signs plea deal in DOH hacking case
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WCJB: Alachua Co. School District gets rid of “LGBTQ Support Guide” after pushback from FLDOE. “The ‘LGBTQ Critical Support Guide’ was a 25 page guide that covered topics ranging from how staff …
Read More »An inside look at GRACE Marketplace’s animal welfare services
GRACE Marketplace’s animal welfare program extends GRACE’s services to homeless individuals with pets. GRACE partners with St. Francis Pet Care to provide residents with vaccines and any treatment or operation the pet may need. GRACE also uses grants and donations to provide them with pet food.
Read More »Gainesville homeless campers fear arrest, lack legal alternative
It was impossible to feel settled with the threat of arrest and deadly force hanging over them. But where else could they go?
Read More »Data do not account for families experiencing homelessness in Alachua and surrounding counties
An accurate record of the number of families experiencing homelessness in Alachua County and surrounding areas is nonexistent. According to Patrick Dodds, the director of Continuum of Care in Gainesville, there are currently about 10 homeless families in the coordinated entry system in need of housing assistance. “I think the number’s probably 10 times that,” Dodds said. “Families are often kind of the invisible homeless.”
Read More »Gainesville homeless campers told to move by Dec. 1
The camp is a microcosm of both this year’s housing crisis and the cracks in the local shelter system. Its uncertain future hints at what may be ahead for many more.
Read More »Food banks in Alachua County facing new barriers this season
Food banks and pantries in Alachua County are facing more challenges than usual this season thanks to a rise in the price of groceries, the aftermath of Hurricane Ian and an increase in demand.
Read More »Alachua County health authorities see rise in opioid emergencies despite Naloxone program
Alachua County has seen an overall increase in opioid-related 911 calls over the past six years — more than twice as many calls from 2021 compared to 2015. Numbers from 2022 are still rising. As a state, Florida saw nearly five times as many opioid-related emergencies from 2021 compared to …
Read More »Battle of the bands raises over $25,000 to help end homelessness in Gainesville
An exhilarating atmosphere filled The Wooly on Friday night as about 200 attendees sang and danced while local bands rocked out under the dim red glow of stage lights.
Read More »Florida is planning to make naloxone kits available through county health departments
To address the ongoing opioid crisis, the Florida Department of Health on Wednesday announced a plan to increase access to naloxone throughout the state. The plan is for health departments in all 67 counties to have naloxone kits with two nasal sprays that can be administered without the help of …
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