Escambia County has begun the communication and planning process for individuals to vacate the homeless encampment located on county property near Beggs Lane and North Palafox Street, working closely with community partners and service providers to make the transition as smooth as possible for those living in the encampment.
This decision is in response to House Bill 1365, which prohibits camping or sleeping on public property. Additionally, county-owned properties near Beggs Lane have existing deed restrictions from the Environmental Protection Agency that prohibit residential use, including camping.
Escambia County has hosted several meetings with county staff and local organizations that provide a variety of services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Additional meetings will be held as this process moves forward, along with outreach events to connect individuals in the encampment with available resources including shelters and transitional housing, IDs, healthcare and mental health services, substance abuse programs, and more.
Outreach groups have already started communicating directly with campers about the upcoming deadline to vacate the area on or before Dec. 2, 2024. In the coming weeks, Escambia County staff, community partners, and representatives will be walking the encampment and distributing information about available resources to assist campers with the transition. Notices will also be posted throughout the impacted areas with the deadline that anyone living there must collect their belongings and vacate the property.
Escambia County will continue to work collaboratively with community partners and provide updates as this process moves forward.
For information about available resources for individuals experiencing homelessness, visit MyEscambia.com/realchange.
Opening Doors - Beggs Lane Donation List
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