November 2016 Newsletter

MyEscambia.com/District2

A Message of Thanks From Commissioner Underhill 

I am overwhelmed every year at this time of all the things for which I am thankful.  Each year seems to bring blessings beyond the year before, and this year is no different.  When I count my blessings I always begin with Wendy and the kids...family is the core of my happiness and the reason I strive for excellence.  I am humbled and honored to assume the chairmanship of the board of county commissioners, acutely cognizant of the opportunity to make Escambia County a better place for every one of us.  I pray that you enter this season of thanks with a peaceful soul, a healthy body, a clear mind, and a heart of service.

Tiny Houses may Offer one Solution for Homeless

The commission is considering implementing a tiny house pilot program for Escambia County’s homeless. At the Nov. 10 committee of the whole, a motion was passed to draft a request for proposal to find a community partner for the pilot program and to ask the planning board to weigh in on how the implementation of tiny houses would affect the land development code.

As of now, there are to be eight to 14 homes in the pilot program, each 200-300 square feet. Other requirements such as where the homes should be built and the overall look of the homes will be left to the creativity of the potential community partner and the land development code. To watch the Nov. 10 committee of the whole and other meetings, please visit myescambia.com/ectv.

Cherokee Trail Sidewalk Update

Funded by the county’s Neighborhood Enhancement Program – Safe Walk to Schools, the project is currently in the design phase, which is expected to be completed in January 2017. Following design completion, a contractor will be selected, with work beginning in the spring. For more information, please contact Project Manager Leslie Sanchez at leslie_sanchez@myescambia.com or 850-595-1604. 

Take a Bite out of Hunger!  

As the holidays draw near, UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension and the Florida Peanut Producers Association need residents’ help to “Take a Bite out of Hunger” by meeting the challenge of collecting 1,000 pounds of the most requested food pantry item: peanut butter. 

Residents are asked to participate by donating unopened jars of peanut butter to one of five locations through Wednesday, Nov. 23. The peanut butter collected will be donated to local food pantries in December. 

Drop-off locations: 

• Escambia County Administration, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor
• Escambia County Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Road
• Escambia County Farm Bureau, 153 Highway 97, Molino
• Escambia County Public Safety, 6575 N. "W" Street
• Gilmore Services, 31 E. Fairfield Drive

Many families in our community experience food insecurities and rely on food pantries to supplement meals. To help provide healthy options for our residents in need, this is the fourth year UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension has participated in the peanut butter drive. Last year, more than 2,800 jars of peanut butter were donated to local food pantries. Remember, always be thankful for what you have and help those in need when you can. 

 

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