Alachua County celebrates Climate Action Plan with Community Festival

Press release from Alachua County

NEWBERRY, Fla. – Alachua County invites residents to a climate festival celebrating the completion of the county’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), an important milestone that reflects the community’s commitment to planning, protecting our roots and resources and pollinating solutions to safeguard our wellbeing and prosper in a changing climate.

The CAP was developed in response to the 2024 Climate Vulnerability Assessment.

The free event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the UF/IFAS Extension Office (22712 W Newberry Road, Newberry). It will feature panel discussions, local food systems leaders, exhibitors, food trucks, and a performance by the Star Center Theatre Youth.

Space is limited, and participants are encouraged to register online to secure a seat.

The festival’s keynote speaker will be Michael Grunwald, award-winning journalist and author, whose appearance is sponsored by the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, UF College of Journalism and Communications, WUFT’s Environment & Ag Desk, the Florida Climate Institute, and the Rothman Family Chair in the Humanities.

“This plan represents years of collaboration across our community,” said Alachua County Resiliency Specialist Jennison Kipp. “The climate festival is not only a celebration of that teamwork; it’s an invitation for every resident to be part of a thriving, climate-resilient future.”