Melrose Forever

08/21/2026

Black Lake Preserve, Melrose

Alachua County officials held a ribbon-cutting Friday morning for Black Lake Preserve, a new 287-acre nature preserve.

08/04/2026

We extend our thanks to Tom Germano, 2026 candidate for Bradford County Board of County Commissioners District 4, for sharing his insight as our campaign to stop the WildFlowers development progresses. Tom is one of our resources for advice about county government. We’re confident his experience would add great value to the Bradford County Commission.

07/23/2026

November 2026 County Commissioners Election

Alachua County Commission District 4 primarily covers portions of central Alachua County and parts of Gainesville.The seat is currently represented by incumbent Democrat Ken Cornell, who serves as the Board of County Commissioners Chair.

Challenger Republican Van Elmore withdrew his candidacy on June 10 after failing to raise sufficient funds to pay the candidate qualifying fee.

Melrose Forever has not endorsed a candidate at this time. We take this opportunity to remind you County Commission Chairman Ken Cornell (D), a Melrose resident, voted to approve the WildFlowers Temporary Use Permit for the March 13-15, 2026 festival.

07/16/2026

CHECK THIS OUT!

Thank you Independent Florida Gator for covering this story on the letter sent from Sabatini Law to the Alachua County Commissioners on behalf of many of us Melrose residents.

Neither Mr. Hutchinson nor WildFlowers Music Park are part of any legal action we may choose to take.

Yet Mr. Hutchinson says that those who oppose WildFlowers Music Festival:
threatened violence
were not residents of Melrose
are participating in a culture war

and that the lack of agricultural nexus on land zoned for agriculture is unfounded.

What do you think?

https://www.alligator.org/article/2026/07/lawsuit-wildflowers-music-park?fbclid=IwY2xjawTF_WRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeE0XLi4uVhokA9OCoRP90XurpKd6vXCn5QocN59bhNT666EUMZUg6eRE9EAg_aem_S9qaJQGyK0dhVYid3OvHqA

In a five-page letter to the Alachua County Commission, a lawyer questioned on behalf of Melrose residents whether the new WildFlowers Music Park violated its temporary use permit.

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July to all our followers, especially those who are exercising the right to hold our local government accountable! Stay safe and have fun!

07/03/2026

July 3, 2026 Main Street News Gainesville

Festival happened in March after debated permit.

07/03/2026

We are trying to contact June Mitchell and Nicole Sitren, supporters of Melrose Forever. We’ve been unable to find them using the usual utilities. Can anyone point us in the right direction? Please DM!

06/30/2026

6.30.26 WCBJ report on 6.25.26 Sabatini letter to Alachua County

Letter to Alachua County commissioners demands investigation, threatens lawsuit

06/29/2026

🌿 Explore Alachua County's Conservation Lands Page on the Community Hub!

Did you know Alachua County has protected more than 36,000 acres of conservation land? Whether you're looking for hiking trails, wildlife, restoration projects, or simply want to learn how these natural spaces are preserved for future generations, our new Conservation Lands microsite has it all.

View the site: tinyurl.com/bddtv6rz

🗺️ Review our conservation lands map
🥾 Learn about parks, preserves, and management areas
🌎 Explore projects and stewardship efforts
📸 View photos, resources, and more

The Conservation Lands microsite is just one page in our recently launched Community Hub, a one-stop destination designed to keep residents informed and connected to county projects, programs, and services.

From transportation and public safety to environmental protection, the budget, career opportunities, and more, the Hub makes it easy to find the information you're looking for.

🌐 Explore the Community Hub today: tinyurl.com/CommunityHubAC