The Lee property development effort has now entered what will likely be a protracted and unpredictable final stage. As many of you know, Special Area Planning, required since 2,279 acres of the 3,006 acres of the Hickory Sink Strategic Ecosystem are within the Lee Property, is in three steps as outlined in the article. The League of Women Voters of Alachua County’s Natural Resources Committee will be advocating for a golf course and supporting infrastructure that sets the standard for environmentally conscious courses nationwide. Simultaneously, we will support the search for conservation easement funding.

LWVAC's very own VP Gwendolyn Saffo was recognized by the Alachua County NAACP at their 2023 Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet. Gwendolyn received the Community Service Award for her contributions to Gainesville organizations. We are grateful for her service and appreciate that she shares her time and talents with LWVAC.

Dear Members,
It was with gladness that I stepped out the door in my jacket this chilly morning. Cycles are the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Even in Florida, flora and fauna are slowing their pace to rest for the winter. Animals are scavenging to store away food for winter. Staying in tune with nature’s cycles as we continue our League work can lend a sense of rhythm and equanimity.

On October 26th our Alachua County League resumed its traditional fall luncheon after three years of suspension due to the pandemic. Members were excited to see each other again. President Janice Garry provided updates on LWVAC activities and LWV of Florida Secretary and Voter Services Chair, Dr. Monica Elliot, reviewed Florida's history of one-party control and now history is repeating itself with a different party in control. She also discussed bills that have already been filed for the upcoming 2024 Florida legislative session which would impact League priority issues (Voting Rights & Election Reform, Reproductive Health & Justice, Education, and Gun Violence Prevention).

On October 25, 2023, the Alachua County Legislative Delegation Hearing was held on the campus of Santa Fe State College. LWVAC was granted time to speak for three minutes. LWVAC President Janice Garry, represented LWVAC to express our wishes for the coming 2024 Legislative Session. Here you will find what she said and can watch her address.

Gainesville Residents United, Inc. provides updates on the litigation related to Gainesville Regional Utilities.

The Alachua County Library District offers an Issues & Controversies Database which aims to provide the most accurate, accessible, and authoritative content about politics, government, business, education, and popular culture. The database presents arguments on both sides of every issue in a clear, balanced, and unbiased manner.

The Florida Sun Sentinel recently published this article written by the co-presidents and Education Chair of the Florida League of Women Voters. When the Board speaks, you know there is reason for everyone to be concerned. There is a “Deliberate assault on public education and minorities” by our legislature.

Gun safety and gun violence prevention is one of the legislative priorities of the League of Women Voters of Florida, and the League of Women Voters of Alachua County supports the City of Gainesville and Alachua County in their efforts to reduce gun violence in our community. As such, we support regulations concerning handgun purchase, ownership, and use. We promote social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans by supporting regulations concerning the purchase, ownership, and use of handguns that consider the balance of individual constitutional rights with the general interest and welfare of the community.

The League of Women Voters of Alachua County appreciates that the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee has rightfully expressed concerns about the debt of the Gainesville Regional Utility. Our concern is that a suggested solution is to take management of GRU away from the city. Recently there have been credible reports that Representative Chuck Clemons intends to file a bill that would transmit GRU management to the state. As an organization that supports home rule and democracy with government serving those who are governed, the LWV of Alachua County firmly opposes any such move, as is detailed in the attached letter. 09/20/23 UPDATE: Gaineville Residents United, Inc. provides an update and timeline for the city lawsuit regarding the takeover of Gainesville Regional Utilities.

A recording of the October 10th Oak Hammock Meeting is now available.

The U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) goes to shape a better future for all and to ensure equality for women. It will shape their future and our future, a better world for all. Justice for women is justice for all, our future, theirs and our children's future. This treaty also speaks to protection for victims of trafficking and other crimes. Your action on it will be very helpful in applying some grease to the stuck wheels of a very important humanitarian issue.