Commission proclaims May 12 as Latoya Gainey Day, holds memorial

The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners on May 12 proclaimed the day as Latoya Gainey Day in recognition of the county employee who died April 9, 2026.

The commission opened the meeting with a poem read by the county’s poet laureate and invited relatives to the podium as the chair read the proclamation recounting LaToya Gainey’s more than 21 years of county service and her promotion to executive manager in February 2021. The proclamation, read aloud by the chair, praised Gainey’s “professionalism, integrity, compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment to excellence” and described her work across communications and the commission office.

A family member thanked the commissioners and the community for the surprise recognition and for prayers and support. “She was a gentle soul, and she was my rock,” the family speaker said, asking the audience to remember the family in their prayers. The board recessed until 12:00 p.m. to continue the public‑comment portion of the agenda.

The proclamation was attested by the clerk and presented to family members during a brief photo opportunity; commissioners and staff noted the event provided an important moment of closure for colleagues and community members.

The commission returned at noon for public comment as scheduled and proceeded with the remainder of the agenda.