Escambia Youth Commission Learns About Escambia County's Emergency Management Department

The Members of the 2019-2020 Escambia County Youth Commission tour our county's Public Safety Facility January 21, 2019

The members of the Escambia County Youth Commission toured our county's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) yesterday evening.

Thanks go out to Laura Coale, Debbie Kenney, and newly appointed Emergency Management Director Eric Gilmore for facilitating the visit and giving these local students some valuable insight into the operation of our emergency management department.

Staff gave the tour and explained all the things our EOC coordinates during emergencies such as hurricanes, fires, and other natural and man-made disasters (to include assisting the US Navy during the recent terrorist attack aboard NAS Pensacola).  Staff also showed them around the Public Safety Facility and described the inner-workings of these departments in detail.  The emphasis was to show the effort and work that county staff put in to insure the safety and well-being of citizens.

Thanks to staff and all who assisted with this visit!

----Learn more about the formation of and establishment of the Escambia County Youth Commission here and about this year's members here

----Learn more about Escambia County's Emergency Operations Department here

The Members of the 2019-2020 Escambia County Youth Commission tour our county's Public Safety Facility January 21, 2019

The Members of the 2019-2020 Escambia County Youth Commission tour our county's Public Safety Facility January 21, 2019

The Members of the 2019-2020 Escambia County Youth Commission tour our county's Public Safety Facility January 21, 2019

Escambia Youth Commissioners Have First Meeting

County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh discusses the conduct of meetings and Roberts Rules of Order with the 2019-2020 Escambia Youth Commission Members, 9-17-2019

Tuesday night marked the first meeting of the Escambia County Youth Commission.

County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh discusses
county government operations with the
2019-2020 Escambia Youth Commission
Members, 9-17-2019

The Escambia Youth Commission was established in 2018 via a resolution of the Board of County Commissioners.  The program was created to allow interested and motivated youth in the community a vehicle to learn about local government, gain an understanding of the process of government, and to develop leadership skills that will assist these students in their futures.

During Tuesday evening's inaugural meeting, the students were introduced to the staff that will be working closely with them over the next year and the members were given their shirts and name badges.  Additionally, the group was given a tour of the county's facility including offices and the commission chambers.

After introductions by County Administrator Janice Gilley, County Attorney Alison Rogers, Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, Commissioner's Aide Debbie Kenney, and CMR Supervisor Hana Frenette--the group discussed the overarching goals and objectives of the group.  An ice-breaker session was conducted and each new member was given the opportunity to discuss their personal goals and objectives as a participant.

"I want to become a better public speaker, more comfortable with speaking in front of groups." said one of our new youth commissioners.

Another expressed an interest in local government when she stated "I want to know how the local governments operate--how it all works."

County Administrator Janice Gilley
brings greetings to the 2019-2020 Escambia
Youth Commission Members, 9-17-2019

"My dad works for the county, and he strongly suggested I take a shot at this" said another new member.

We had a very good discussion about what we are going to do over the next year, and I am very happy to have youth interested in the way local government works--after all, these youth are the future leaders of our community!



The members of the 2019-2020  Escambia Youth Commission are:

Mallory Bell, Escambia High School, Sophomore
Amelia Myers, Pensacola HS IB, Sophomore
Trinity Kyles, Pensacola High School, Sophomore
Maggie Brown, Tate High School, Junior
Claire Jimenez, Pensacola Catholic HS, Junior

Hana Frenette and David Heroux from Escambia's Community and Media Relations Department give the Youth Commission Members a tour of the county's video production studios, 9-17-2019

The five new members of the commission will be introduced at the BCC's October 3, 2019 regular meeting.

Read all about the goals and objectives of the Escambia Youth Commission here

First Meeting of the Escambia Youth Commission is Tonight

Escambia County Youth Commission is Launching this Spring!

Learn more about this youth development program in the video below: