ASO designates Special Event Zone for Hawthorne Homecoming Weekend

Release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

HAWTHORNE, Fla. – The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is notifying residents and visitors that a Special Event Zone will be in effect in portions of the Hawthorne area from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, until 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

The designation has been authorized by Sheriff Chad Scott pursuant to Florida Statute 316.1891 in response to historically large, unauthorized gatherings and traffic disruptions that have occurred in conjunction with previous Hawthorne Homecoming celebrations.

While the permitted Hawthorne Homecoming event itself is expected to take place near Shell Elementary School, the Special Event Zone is intended to address traffic-related concerns and unlawful activity that have historically occurred on surrounding roadways, businesses, and properties outside the permitted event footprint. In previous years, thousands of attendees have gathered in the area, resulting in significant traffic congestion, blocked roadways, reckless driving, illegal parking, open alcohol and narcotics violations, noise complaints, and other public safety concerns.

Under Florida law, a Special Event Zone may be designated when an unpermitted event or gathering organized through social media is reasonably anticipated to attract large crowds and substantially disrupt the normal flow of traffic. The law provides enhanced enforcement measures designed to protect public safety and maintain the orderly movement of traffic.

Motorists should be aware that within the designated Special Event Zone:

• All fines for noncriminal traffic infractions are doubled.
• Vehicles involved in noncriminal traffic infractions or criminal traffic violations may be impounded for up to 72 hours.
• Additional traffic enforcement and occupancy enforcement measures may be utilized when necessary to protect public safety.

Clearly marked warning signs will be posted at ingress and egress points in accordance with state law.

The Special Event Zone will encompass the general Hawthorne area bounded by:

• 20000 SE Hawthorne Road
• 20300 SE County Road 2082
• 7800 SE U.S. Highway 301
• 8200 Holden Park Road
• 23900 SE 65th Lane
• 24100 SE Hawthorne Road
• 5200 SE U.S. Highway 301

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents and visitors to plan accordingly, obey all traffic laws, and exercise patience while traveling through the area during the designated time period.

Sheriff Scott has issued the following statement regarding his decision to approve the designation of a Special Event Zone: “Our goal is not to interfere with lawful celebrations of our annual Hawthorne Homecoming, but to ensure the safety of residents, visitors, and motorists traveling through the area. The Special Event Zone provides deputies with additional tools to address dangerous traffic violations, reduce congestion, and maintain public order. We want everyone to enjoy the weekend safely and return home without incident.”

Anyone attending events in the Hawthorne area is encouraged to follow all lawful instructions from law enforcement personnel and remain mindful that enhanced traffic enforcement will be in effect throughout the designated zone.