Community Corner

🌱 Why did Alachua’s mayor abruptly shut down the data center pause?

Also check out Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones with Dr Jules'... on the Alachua Patch calendar

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Thursday September 17th Patch AM
Thursday September 17th Patch AM (Deborah J.)

Good day Alachua! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why did Alachua's mayor abruptly shut down the data center pause?
  • What new targets will your child's Alachua County school now have to meet?
  • How fast can you get that annoying pothole fixed now?

Also on today's calendar: Salsa Music by Orchestra Fuego – The Levitt Amp Alachua Concert Series and 5 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Deborah J.!

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 92 and low of 67 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Cloudy with a t-storm or two, temps: high: 90, low: 68.
  • Saturday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 88 and low of 70 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Alachua City Commission unofficially tables data center discussion after mayor abruptly kills motion - The Independent Florida Alligator (alligator.org) — Alachua residents just saw their City Commission's heated debate over a proposed 12‑month pause on data center development end abruptly when the mayor killed a motion to delay the vote. The move sparked walkouts and renewed questions about who controls nearby land eyed for high‑megawatt projects, as county officials and environmental advocates press for clearer local rules on data centers and AI‑driven growth.
   

2. School Board of Alachua County approves goals to raise achievement and narrow gaps (mainstreetdailynews.com) — Alachua County's school board just approved ambitious 2026-27 goals that could affect your child's test scores, graduation prospects, and even their principal's stability. The plan targets higher reading and math proficiency, narrows achievement gaps, boosts kindergarten readiness, and improves teacher and administrator retention while tightening financial oversight across Alachua County Public Schools.
   

3. Alachua County launches Pothole Portal (alachuachronicle.com) — Alachua County has launched a new online Pothole Portal so you can quickly report road problems and track them on an interactive map instead of emailing the county. Reports feed directly into the county's repair system, helping staff prioritize fixes, deploy crews more efficiently, and improve service across local roads that Alachua drivers use every day.
   

4. Supervisor of Elections marks National Voter Registration Day (alachuachronicle.com) — Alachua County's Supervisor of Elections is marking National Voter Registration Day by reminding residents to get registered before the October 5 deadline for the 2026 General Election. You can sign up online, at the elections office on North Main Street, or at local libraries and DMV offices, and current voters are urged to double-check their registration details.
   

📸 Around Alachua

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📸 Yellow flowers from the yard. I think a type of marigolds —Deborah J. Like

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • You don't have to inherit a story you don't believe in.
    No matter how many have stood in line to drink the Kool-Aid. Critical thinking is the key. (Nextdoor Turkey Creek)
  • Subway posted a job opening for Sandwich Artist in Alachua. Apply here.
  • The Buckle, Inc. posted a job opening for Seamstress/Tailor in Gainesville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Alachua here.

Ok Alachua! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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