Project Re-Connect is Helping People

People are upset about the "homeless" situation in Pensacola.

Folks are camping in the woods, starting fires, doing drugs, panhandling, and engaging in antisocial activities that most find unsightly.

So folks want action.

The county has enacted an effective ordinance to prevent folks from creating distractions on the roadways and on road medians and islands in the county.  It was a well-written ordinance that allowed for sheriff's deputies to enforce it.  So the city duplicated it and enacted it there, too.  Word for word.

Now the county is giving homeless individuals one-way tickets out of our area.

It is called project reconnect.  

And it is working, and it is cost effective.  

We find folks who are homeless but who have families and/or support systems elsewhere, in their hometowns, or other places.  Once we confirm they have such support--we pay their one-way ticket back.  We have earmarked $30,000.00 for this program and have assisted DOZENS in getting back home.  And we have not even spent one third of the allocation in doing this.

Recently, commissioners were given this update from staff on this important initiative:

"So far, this program has relocated 38 homeless individuals to various location throughout the United States back to Family, Friends, and Supportive Housing.  We have spent $9,470.33 for those individuals out of the original $30,000 that the County allocated. In 2017 a study was completed and the average cost of long-term homelessness in Central Florida was $36,000 per year per person that was spent on inpatient hospitalizations, emergency room fees, incarceration and other systems associated with homelessness.  This means we have saved Escambia County taxpayers $1,368,000.00 a year by locating the 38 individuals back to other communities where they have a support system."

 Attached is the report and the “Real Change Project Reconnect Guidance” with additional information online at https://myescambia.com/american-rescue-plan/real-change.

See more, detailed information in the below graph:

County is Funding and Supports Real Change Project Re-Connect. What is It?

Project reconnect is a funded county program to help people who are here in the county and homeless.  This program will help such individuals reconnect with family and support services in their home town or home of origin, by providing one way tickets back home.  

There are requirments that must be met, but once support services or family at the destination are contacted and such loved-ones confirm they will assist their family member--we furnish one way tickets back!

Between this new program, our enhanced intersections/distractions ordinance, and the state's new tough law on homeless camps on county property---we are tackling the homelessness issue in the county head-on.  And it is past time for us to do it.

Read more about Project Re-Connect below:

Legislature Takes Strong Action on Homeless "Squatters"

By an 82-26 margin in the Florida House and a 27-12 margin in the U.S. Senate---the Florida legislature has officially passed tough, new restrictions on those who "squat" on public property.  The law will now head to Governor DeSantis' office--where it is widely anticipated he will sign it into law---as he has signaled this as a priority.  HB 1365 gives the roadmap, what is allowed, and what is unlawful for us to do.

This law, in some respects, pre-empts local governments in the homeless space by making it unlawful for persons to "camp" on public lands without authorization from a local government.  It also specifies that nearby affected citizens can sue the local governments if such governments fail to act on this law and tacitly allow such camping via inaction.

It really is a "no-brainer"---and it needed to happen.

Citizens are fed up and disgusted with what we see on our streets, and this legislation answers their collective angst over this activity all over the state.

The law requires local municipalites to remove unauthorized squatters, and provides a mechanism for such local governments to set aside public spaces for homeless folks to camp---provided such locations have security, sanitation provisions, provisions for mental health, job training, and other social services---and that such areas are cleared to operate by the state's Department of Children and Families.

The bill, upon being signed, goes into effect on October 1st of this year.

Although I am a local control guy----I do get it that sometimes the legislature will step over our authority and pre-empt us when a situation is not appropriately being handled by locals statewide.

This is an instance of that.

Interestingly---I lobbied my counterparts and staff STRENUOUSLY on this matter two and a half years ago after my office was inundated with citizen complaints on homeless blight, illegal conduct, litter, standing in roadways and causing distractions at intersections and theft.  Isaid to scale up the Satoshi Forest concept would be cost effective, would provide the unhoused with better, more sanitary and safe living spaces and mental health and other services, and improve our communities.

At that time, I suggested we identify a public property WAY OUT IN THE WOODS where we could provide a safe, secure, clean area for campers and where we could bring services to them while simulataneously keeping these homeless activities out of established neighborhoods.

Even the middle school students from CLA thought a homeless camping area----away from established neighborhoods (minute 13 of this video)----was the way to go!

Unfortunately--I did not receive support for the idea then.  It was essentially pooh-poohed.

But now a law has been passed that essentially URGES we do just what I and the students suggested years ago--with the State's blessing!

So maybe it is time to re-visit the concept once more and see where it goes now?

Because between what we have enacted with the roadway ordinance and now this state law--I do believe we can make some significant headway on this issue

Welcome to "CAMP" Beggs Lane

An email along with multiple pictures was sent to me yesterday by an individual who tries to assist with the homelessness issues in the Pensacola.

Apparently, these particular homeless folks are entrenched in their own individual areas of this land off of Beggs lane.  Camp fires, tents, busted-down RV's, Opened fire hydrant for water, and trash cans coming.

And this issue is NOT unique to Beggs lane and Jones swamp.  There are homeless camps in wooded lots throughout Pensacola and Escambia County--everyone now knows this.

So, this individual who sent this information is requesting onsite case management and other support services for the women and children and expectant mothers who also reside here along with homeless males.

Looks like a tent city to me.  Interesting that a tent city was my proposal for helping to manage this homelessness issue that is becoming legion in Escambia County--except I favored having this sort of a camp set up under controlled circumstances, with security, drug treatment, medical services, job training, feeding stations, and other wrap around services far away from town, out in the woods.  This way, services could be brought to them and they would not, in the meantime,  be infringing on the peace, quiet, tranquility, and security of existing neighborhoods.  Interesting this sort of a set up was also the solution brought to us by the students at Creative Learning Academy (Minute 13:00 of this video) when they requested to bring solutions to difficult county issues.....

Between this and the Jones Swamp campgrounds--this is starting to look like what I had envisioned albeit way too close in this instance to civilization....

From the email:

"Good afternoon I just want to give an update on the area of Beggs Lane to everyone in the county including John Johnson , the COC. We have successfully moved out permanently 10 people 

 Today we served our normal weekly meal serving more than 75 people During our serving, we noticed many many pregnant women, Families with young children, And many other disabled individuals, all eager to get off the streets. But are keep getting told no room at the shelters or programs. 

 I’m wondering, is there a way like we did underneath the I110 Bridge of getting service providers together and start visiting some of our local camps like the Beggs Lane and others that we are seeing in the news? As you witnessed many of them benefited from having on-site case management. We would be happy to be a part of this or to coordinate anything to get this off the ground so we can get these individuals into something more suitable. We have started much of the casework. 

 Many individuals here at this area are unable to use our public transportation due to their disabilities as well so having on site case, management and medical would be a beneficial for all. 

I was advised that the trash cans will be delivered this week as that is becoming also another health concern. The area has been built by the homeless individuals Into their own community. When coming on the land, you will see how each individual section has been laid out from those suffering addiction to those that are veterans down to women, children, families, and disabled. With the lack of beds in our area, I am asking for anyone’s help to place these individuals into something more suitable. 

I am going to attach some of the photos of the area. In one of the photos, you will also see the fire hydrant busted open where they are using the water. Is there anyway that we can actually get suitable water that does not have to look like it is in the picture?"

 

Business Owners want Action on the Homelessness Dysfunction Spreading in the County

A D1 Constituent sent me this picture, taken at the intersection of Beverly Parkway and W Street....Is this what we want our kids to see when driving around this district?

Folks in District 1 are getting fed up with the aggressive behavior of the homeless population that seems to be growing larger by the day.  The trash they are generating, the destruction of property, theft, the panhandling, the public nudity, drug use, camping on private property, and engaging in dysfunctional behavior.  Folks are fed up---and they want action.  I heard it at Monday's town hall, and I have heard it from constituents all over the district.  Yesterday, I received the below email of frustration from a local taxpaying business owner.  He's fed up--and he is saying what a lot of folks are thinking.

"The purpose of this email is to address a concern that I share with other business owners along Beverly Parkway. My office is located at the corner of Beverly Parkway and W Street. We have a serious problem with indigents and transients: trespassing ,aggressively  panhandling ,doing drugs, and destroying property at our places of business and in the surrounding residential area. We have contacted Sheriff Simmons about the problem and he has advised us the majority of the people causing harm are staying on a wooded property adjacent to us. Surprisingly, this land is county owned and even though these people are clearly trespassing and living on the property, the County Commissioners will not issue a trespassing complaint to remove them. Sheriff Simmons has made it clear his hands are tied and he cannot act until you all file a trespass complaint. Is this an accurate representation of the situation ,and if so why are the County Commissioners allowing this to happen? Secondly, why can we not pass an ordinance against camping  or trespassing on county owned property? They are not public property and we should not have to wait for the County Commissioners to trespass people from the county’s  own property before anything can be done. The homeless population in Escambia County continues to grow every year and it is no surprise why when these people can live for free and have sanctuary from the police on county owned property. Whatever needs to change be it a full-on sheriff’s homeless task force or better written ordinances, we would support the effort. What I and other tax payers would not support is keeping things the way they are and continuing to let county land to be used as a base of operations for the homeless. The bottom line is the tax payers in this area are starting to feel like their safety comes second to the rights of the homeless and that’s just not something we’re going to abide by. Please give this matter your utmost attention and provide a response."

TO WHICH I RESPONDED:

"Thank you for bringing the situation to my attention. Unfortunately, this situation is occurring on multiple parcels of land throughout the county not simply the ones owned by the county. I have no issue at all trespassing people who are on county property illegally. If you forward me the address of this parcel, I will give it to Code Enforcement immediately. I agree we should have an ordinance prohibiting this activity, I have on multiple occasions brought the solution of moving the homeless out of the area out to the woods in a campsite where services could be brought to them in order to keep them away from businesses and homes. Unfortunately, this initiative has gained no support from my counterparts. I am not giving up though. I want to be compassionate, but my primary compassion is for folks who want to help and will take help. My understanding of the problem is roughly half of those who are Homeless  are engaging in illegal behavior, and are addicted to drugs or alcohol and have no inclination to change this behavior. But I stand up for business owners and residents and I’m a rule follower so I will look at the situation carefully and again I have no problem proposing an ordinance, which would prohibit overnight camping on vacant county property. Thank you,  again, for  Bringing this to my attention. I am copying our county attorney, our county administrator and our Director of Code Enforcement on this email. Please reply all with the subject parcel that you believe is county owned where homeless folks are camping overnight. Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeff Bergosh

Commissioner, District 1"

A D1 Constituent sent me this picture of a homeless encampment and trash pile that 
sprung up recently on Mobile Hwy in District 1

REAP Lodges Closing

We received word today from REAP that the Lodges shelter is closing iminently.  

From REAP's email to Liz Kissell, Connie Bookman, and Allison Patton:

"Ladies: I wanted to make you aware of some imminent changes in the REAP program: we are in the process of closing down the Lodges Emergency Shelter as quickly as possible. We expect to be able to relocate all of the women and children presently residing at The Lodges to other REAP facilities, with the majority moving to the Max-Well Respite Center during the next week. While this is disappointing to the REAP team, we have determined that the continued operation at The Lodges can only be accomplished with additional sources of revenue other than that received over the past 27 months of operation. REAP has been unsuccessful in solidifying this needed funding. REAP team members and its Board of Directors remain committed to our mission of addressing the needs of marginalized, less fortunate individuals and those returning from incarceration, helping them to become self-sufficient and productive citizens and neighbors. We will continue our work in this regard. 

Vinnie Whibbs"  

REAP Lodges Closing Permanently in less than One Month? In Two Weeks???

An email blast was sent out early Monday morning to County Commissioners and a host of others about the REAP Lodges facility's imminent closure due to funding constraints.

This is an unfortunate turn of events if it is, indeed, true.

My understanding was that REAP had secured ample additional funding and also was working toward its own organic fundraising which would propel it toward self-sufficiency.  Apparently, this is not the case.  My email to Mr. Whibbs:  

"Mr. Whibbs- I lament this development, as I know you have tried diligently to assist with our issues of the homeless and associated matters.  I was under the impression you had secured funding for REAP lodges through the city and the COC.  I will ask about this at our upcoming meeting because I know what you do to assist in this space is critical to our overall strategy of homeless reduction."

to which he responded, succinctly, "Thank you for anything you can do. Vinnie"

With respect to the vexing topic of eliminating/reducing homelessness locally--we need more folks on the front lines helping--NOT fewer.  More to come Wednesday at our 9:00 AM meeting ---  as I will be adding this as a topic for discussion on our agenda.  Read the letter Whibbs sent this morning, below.

 

Do We Already Run an Ad-Hoc Tent City for the Homeless on County Property?

I've long advocated that the county locate homeless in secure safe tent city environments away from established neighborhoods.  My idea always meets resistance, unfortunately.  But are we implementing this idea already?

Homelessness is an issue that is pervasive around the country.

Solutions that last and are also effective are elusive.

What is the scope of the issue locally?  Well, your guess is as good as mine.  We have heard numbers from 750 total to up into the thousands.  Truth is--nobody knows for sure how many at any given time we have here.

Folks familiar with the issue tell me that the heuristic they use is "1/3."  1/3 of the homeless are there by choice, 1/3 are afflicted with undiagnosed/untreated mental illness and/or drug addiction and are content where they are, and 1/3 are truly down on their luck, out of work and suffering medical, substance abuse, or other ailements.

We all want to help those that want help.

In Escambia County, we have earmarked $4 Million for a number of initiatives to help assist with the problem, provide resources and assistance for homeless in our community, and to pay for counseling, substance abuse support and housing.

We have a number of citizens who want us to do more.  They come to meetings, they email, and they call.

They don't want to see these folks, they don't want them in their community.  In many respects, I agree with them, and I sympathize with their plight.  I mean, who wants to have their possessions stolen from their front yard/porch?  Who wants to witness grown men urinating publicly in view of children, who wants to find a shopping cart full of bags containing human feces and other disgusting rubbish dumped on their front yard? Who wants to risk having their whole neighborhood/subdivision burn down because of a carless campfire accident by a homeless campsite in the adjacent, wooded lot? And who wants to deal with aggressive panhandlers--many of whom are homeless? (all real, local examples, by the way)

Answer--nobody.

The Atlantic did a piece the other day that illuminated many aspects of this issue.  Interesting read.

Back to Escambia---I always advocated that the county establish a tent city AWAY from citizens out in the rural woods where homeless could camp and receive support (food, water, job training, medical assistance, mental health care, security, etc.) in a controlled, supportive, and safe environment without infringing on the rights of citizens and their neighborhoods in the more densely populated areas of the county.  I also advocated that we run a bus between this campsite and the county's transit hub a couple of times daily and provide the homeless residents a bus pass so they could travel about.  This sort of model is done already--- currently, privately on a small scale with the small homeless camp site called "Satoshi Forest."  And that concept works, so I wanted to scale it up.  Interestingly--we had a group of students also come to the conclusion that a camp site away from the city would work.  (Minute 13:00 of this video)

Unfortunately--this concept got no traction.  So we are spending the money we were awarded via a grant on different approaches.  We will see what happens with that.

Meanwhile---now comes word from a source that has intimate, firsthand knowledge about county property off of Beggs Lane and the number of campsites there currently.  When I spoke to this individual yesterday--I was floored by what he said.  "Jeff, there are currently between 100 and 200 campsites on that property already."

That is a massive number.  So that begs the question--are we already, tacitly yet deliberately, operating a tent city for the homeless on County Property?

If we are, and if we are going to perpetuate this location and model--then lets by all means add in the wrap around services that are also needed at a site with this many humans living within it:

Security, dumpsters, portable toilets, washing stations, and portable showers.  Let's also do some outreach, job training, food distribution, counseling, and health care assessments.

If we are going to do it, let's do it right and not apply half-measures and "hope" for the best.

Where We Left the Issue of Homelessness and the BCC's $4.1 Million Funding to Address this Issue

 

There is an issue in our county that continues to create problems for citizens.  

 Many view it as a crisis.

Homelessness creates many problematic spin offs in our community and many residents are concerned about the problem for various reasons.  Some for compassionate reasons (i.e. they want more social assistance, support and wrap-around services provided for our homeless community--as some in this camp refer to as the "un-housed")  Others are concerned about an erosion in the quality of life for citizens that live in our community and pay taxes (e.g.--these folks are concerned about the campgrounds in the woods, fires, illegal behavior, public urination/defecation, crime, panhandling, drug use/needles, etc.)

Meanwhile, the county has a little over $4 Million from the American Rescue Plan specifically set aside for uses to assist the homeless.

Last week, we learned of very large ($3Billion) additional Federal monetary resources (grants) which may be available to us for this problem as well.

So now the question is, what do we as a county want to do with the money we have and any money we may get?

I attempted in vain to get a meeting scheduled with the city --a joint BCC/City Council workshop meeting to brainstorm ideas on this topic specifically.  That effort ran into resistance from the city and members of the BCC so I agendaed the conversation to two BCC meetings to find the pinch point--which I did find.

(Meanwhile, many with whom I have spoken do not agree with the approaches the city has taken with its $3 Million dollars for addressing homelessness.)

So, at the second meeting on the Homelessness topic last Thursday the BCC discussed what we wanted to do with the money--and the opinions were varied.

We settled on the approach of having staff create an application protocol for 501(c)3 organizations that are working in this space to seek board funding for assistance with this issue of homelessness in our county.  The good thing about spending the money this way is that it will 1.) Allow each commissioner to pursue initiatives/models to assist with this problem based upon our individual preferences and ideas.  2.) will require a full board vote for any successful applicant to receive funding.

I believe this approach will produce results and will enable initiatives to help homelessness in ways that are approved by the full board, measurable, sustainable and not "one big idea" or the "all the eggs in one basket approach."  

With this system, we can double down on programs that achieve objectives and solve problems while eliminating funding for programs that do not work or show little benefit.

And now, with this model as the way forward and based upon input I heard at Thursday's workshop---a joing BCC/City meeting will not be necessary--which in and of itself is a positive development in the eyes of many as it eliminates the need for yet another government meeting to "discuss" problems.

On 1370 WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen" Later this Morning

I've been invited to appear at 7:10 this morning on the area's best, most informative, highest rated and entertaining morning drive news radio program "Real News with Rick Outzen" on 1370 WCOA.

After an action-packed Committee of the Whole yesterday, I am sure we will be discussing the hiring of Wes Moreno as our administrator next week.  We will more than likely also discuss the Board's direction on issues of homelessness and the Contractor Competency Board--if time permits.

It should be a good discussion.  When the podcast is published, I will link it here.

What to do about Panhandlers? Homeless?

 

I've been contacted by a number of citizens that want the county to draft an ordinance "prohibiting" panhandling.

Our board has discussed it, this issue comes up frequently.  The problem is panhandling is allowable free speech according to the lawyers.  Where counties can step in is when there is behavior is unsafe (e.g. if panhandlers are in the road).  But even this behavior is tough to tackle--as by the time a complaint is made and a police officer is dispatched, such a violator more than likely will have retreated to the right of way or sidewalk.  Thus, even that unsafe (and already illegal) behavior is next to impossible to curtail.  And an additional ordinance enacted would do little to nothing to curb the behavior.  It's like the genius state law passed last session about "noise from vehicles" that is so subjective, so opaque, that not ONE law enforcement agency in the state of Florida will be able (or willing) to enforce it.

But they passed a law, though!  Problem solved!  Drinks all around!!  (Yet the noise from car problem persists.....)

You cannot legislate your way out of every problem.

Despite this being an axiom of truth most of us understand with crystal clarity--some folks with whom I have recently spoken "Want us to do something, pass an ordinance, or something, anything, to make this go away!"

Of course that's a fool's errand for multiple rational reasons.

And meanwhile----panhandling persists.  Homelessness is a growing problem.  And yes, the two are intimately intertwined.  Along with untreated mental illness, poverty, social dysfunction, and addiction.

Yesterday evening we received word that Pensacola is opening a homeless facility.  Good, good for them and I wish them all the best.  Meanwhile, the county has $4 Million to help with the problem and I can't get the city to even respond to a request for a joint meeting.  We have sent no fewer than 4 requests.  I've spoken personally to the mayor.  I've spoken to Connie Bookman.  They obviously don't want a meeting with the county. 

So I'm adding this topic to our next meeting on August 4th.  Maybe the city will do their thing, and the county will do our own?  Maybe that is what the city wants, due to their lack of interest in a joint meeting?  Who knows?

Nevertheless---I still think scaling up the Satoshi Forest model, deep in the woods, away from subdivisions and residences is the way to go. Something that is secure, with wrap-around services brought out to the camp, and where no drugs are tolerated and where security and CC cameras are present to maitain safety and order. 

Interestingly---The students from CLA independently brought the same general, basic concept. (Minute 13:00 of this video)

So the county will discuss this on the 4th and figure out the answer to an important question:  How do we best spend the $4 million earmarked to assist this problem?  

I have my thoughts, now hopefully we will get the conversation started on the dais so I can hear what my counterparts want to do about it.

And I guess we will be doing it separately from what the city is doing....

Complex issue, lots of moving parts, no easy solutions.

On 1370 WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen" Later this Morning at 7:10

I've once again been invited to appear later this morning on the area's best, most influential and highest-rated morning drive news talk program--"Real News with Rick Outzen" on 1370 WCOA.  Today's topic--how the silent overdose epidemic is quietly destroying our community.....

 

I've been invited to appear later this morning on the area's #1 rated and most influential morning drive radio program, "Real News with Rick Outzen" on 1370 WCOA (the area's best, most informative local and dependable news/talk station with the best lineup of hosts).  

The topic of conversation will, according to host Rick Outzen who invited me on, be my Saturday afternoon Blog Post describing last Thursday's Mental Health Task Force meeting -- an event that received virtually no press coverage despite the fact that some alarming information was disseminated during that meeting.  Some alarming, disturbing data as well as some positive progress on some fronts was announced at the Thursday task force meeting. (One article did eventually publish 3-days later, on Sunday, in the PNJ---- after my Saturday blog post--- and only on one relatively small aspect of the discussion when the totality of the meeting's content is/was considered.

The fact of the matter is the situation with respect to overdoses is so dire in Escambia County right now--that meeting should have been live-streamed on WEAR AND PNJ's facebook page(s) --that's how important this information is to the community.

But, sadly, that meeting came and went like a redwood falling in the forest that nobody heard.  Kudos to Rick for seeing the blog post and spotlighting this issue on his popular show later this morning.  I can't wait to discuss these problems.

When the podcast is sent to me, I will link it here.

7:10AM on 1370.

D2 Park Problems Persist: Lawnmower Man, Machete Man, and "Poop-Pyramids" on the Beach Path?

Campers who are apparently homeless are creating a nuissance to nearby residents according to a citizen email received by all commissioners yesterday.

UPDATE --5:30 PM Thursday June 23rd--ECSO have sent their neighborhood services team out to this park today and have worked to help find temporary housing for the mother and her children that had been camping in this park.  Staff from parks report the area was cleaned up and cleared out today--the grass and overgrowth was cut back and appropriate additional signage was placed at this park this morning.  Kudos to ECSO and the parks and recreation department for the quick action.

ORIGINAL POST, below.....

Board members received an alarming email yesterday alleging some pretty serious issues at a county-owned property at the end of Fairfield Drive where that road dead ends into Bayou Grande in District 2.

Addressed to the D2 commissioner, the rest of the board was copied on this complaint.

The email listed some pretty significant issues--to include an allegation that folks are camped out on the water and defecating in the sand and then covering up the excrement with dirt, making "poop-pyramids."  There is also mention of a "Lawnmower Man" (not Jeff Fahey)who roams this area cutting down shoreline growth so he can camp on the shoreline.  Apparently there used to be an individual nicknamed "machete-man" who has been spotted down in this area brandishing a machete.  I think machete man moved along. (And no, thankfully it was not Danny Trejo)

It appears as if the issue has risen to the level of the Sheriff's Office and now multiple county officials are aware of it.  I will speak with staff on the matter, as I now been told one group that is "camping" at this park are actually a mom and her two teen children who are homeless.  Apparently they are desperately seeking assistance--but there are no resources available for these folks even though there's supposed to be a well-funded task force addressing this chronic issue.  The email asserts that this family does not want help?  Anyway-- I'll be looking into that and asking questions when we have our upcoming joint city/county meeting on the homelessness issue.

This picture of a purported homeless encampment in D2's South Fairfield park was sent to all commissioners and staff yesterday.

From the email:

"I sent the email below last week and have not heard back. Many residents in the Beach Haven Subdivision are waiting to hear back from me as to your response to this growing problem.

 The email sent June 17, 2022 :

 Doug Underhill,

 I haven't spoken to you in a few years, but found you very helpful when I needed help in my neighborhood some time ago.

 Our neighborhood needs help. We have a park at the end of South Fairfield Dr. in Beach Haven, which is on the water at Bayou Grande.

 Here are just a snippet of the things we neighbors have dealt with from people at the park. Mind you, I feel if this happened in your neighborhood or Chief Simmons' neighborhood, it would be taken care of by now. And this all happens after the park closes. Fights, drug deals, prostitution (my husband had to get people off the beach having oral sex out in the open in front of our grandkids), meth induced women passed out on my lawn, drunk men passed out on my dock, loud music after 10:00 pm, small things like extension cords and crab traps stolen, witnessing THIS WEEK, a woman living in a tent with kids defecating along the pathways. By the way, this woman thinks it is okay because "I cover them with sand." Take a walk through there and you'll see piles of her poop pyramids. 

 I have called the Sheriff several times this week. Every officer gives me a different answer. I have had the Sheriff at my door step to talk about the issue. Last night I called because the park closed after dusk and the woman camping (as she calls it) was still there day after day. She has left her kids there while she is gone and I told her it is not safe there. "Well why don't you call the Sheriff on the guy with the machete?" Oh my gosh, this is what I'm talking about. It is not safe for her kids. Her response, "I have protection in my tent." Also, her response to me was, "Your Sheriff can't do anything to me and the County can't do anything to me. I don't care if I break the rules, lots of people break the rules." I offered to help her and she told me it was none of my business. I told her there are safe places for her that the County provides where her kids will have access to a toilet. I believe she is from Alabama because of her license plate. Listen, she is not some cracked out mom from what I can tell. But she is refusing help, using the park as her toilet and doesn't care about the laws or the respect of the County property. 

 So this woman is correct, "Your Sheriff can't do anything to me." When I called last night, dispatch had a deputy call me. His response when I asked him to have someone go down and get her out of the park, "We'll try, there are only so many of us." And this morning she is still there. It is so disappointing. So I feel like the Sheriffs just give me BS to get me off the phone and never show up at the park to engage with her. I've called several times this week.

 Go to the end of Rentz Street and you'll see several people living there. At night the "F" word echoes through the air. The park was good for a while, but now it is escalating.

 This is exhausting. Several of us work to keep the park clean. I know you can't police the park 24/7. I know your resources are limited, but you told me when I talked to you about the park a few years ago, that I have the right to call every time. It worked for a while. Now, there are zero results. And you'll love this. I Sheriff came to my house and she said, "The County Commissioner has told us we cannot tell homeless people to move off County property if they have no where to go." What?! But she did get the guy with the lawn mower to leave. Then last

"There is Hope" Endorsed by State Representative Michelle Salzman to Assist Escambia's Homeless

The letter above was sent out last week and forwarded to me by Mr. Caleb Houston.  Mr. Houston's organization, "There is Hope" is working to help the community tackle the various challenges associated with the homelessness issue we're all seeing throughout the area.  I have not found a webpage for this group, but this appears to be the group's facebook page.

What Can 7th Grade Students' Creativity and Problem Solving Skills Do to Help Local Government?

A local teacher has offered an interesting idea:  Let her 7th Grade Class tackle a tough county issue or two.....

This month is County Government Month.  I'm a bit ashamed to say it, but I did not know this until I was contacted by a teacher late yesterday afternoon who informed me of this.  In her email,  Ms. Amy Parker,  a 7th Grade History teacher at Pensacola's Creative Learning Academy, put forward an interesting idea:

"Dear County Commissioners,

As you know, we are in the midst of County Government Month. Do you happen to have a county problem that my students could research and help problem-solve? I know broadband access has been in the news recently. I am open to just about any subject - jail, public transportation, fire service, etc... I would love for them to research the problem, propose a solution that is within your budgetary parameters, and present their ideas to you. My students are extremely bright 7th graders. 

I recognize this is a big ask, but I want them locally engaged in government in a meaningful way. 

Sincerely,

Amy"

To which I responded:

"Hi Amy-

 Thanks for reaching out and I think this is a great idea!   I’ll work with my aide, Debbie Kenney, to come up with several challenging, real-life scenarios with which we are dealing currently that your students might want to tackle.  As a former school board member who has seen what these young students are capable of—I would not put it outside of the realm of reality that they might have some really creative, out of the box ideas that could help.

 And, they will learn from this exercise as well—which is probably the biggest plus.

 We will send some ideas over by the end of the week for your consideration.

 

Sincerely,

 Jeff Bergosh"

Why not give the students a crack at some tough issues?  Everyone knows the trope about parents going to their 13 year olds to make their technology work.  Many have heard about the CIA and NSA student summer camp where brilliant students crack codes.  Young students today--particularly the exceptional ones--look at things differently than the rest of us that are over 50.  They are creative, they are smart, they work together well, and they think differently about solving problems.  So I will take up Ms. Parker on her idea.

Some Potential Issues for their Consideration?

1.  Homelessness Issue in our community--and the Best way to spend $4 Million to effectively address this chronic problem in a way that is both sustainable and measurable?

2.   Societal/Social Issues in our community and country that lead to a county like Escambia spending more than 90% of its Ad Valorem tax revenues on Law Enforcement and Incarceration/Corrections--what solutions to lower this cost given the current conditions?

3.   Public Transportation:  Necessary according to most but too costly considering the revenue generated and the low number of persons served according to some.  Are there different ways we can serve the transportation-challenged while becoming more efficient and eliminating the reliance on Federal Grants and potentially eliminating or drastically reducing our 4 cent per gallon gas taxation on the citizens?

On Area's Best, Top-Rated Morning Drive Radio Show-- Real News with Rick Outzen on AM1370 WCOA-- this Morning at 7:10

I've once again been invited to appear on the area's #1 rated, most entertaining, enlightening, and informative morning news program, 1370 WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen", later this morning at 7:10 AM.

I've once again been invited to appear on the area's most informative, influential, and most highly rated morning drive news radio station 1370 WCOA and the morning drives best, most informative and highly rated program "Real News with Rick Outzen" later this morning, at 7:10.

I've been asked to appear on the show as the lead- off guest, discussing last week's committee of the whole where the BCC discussed the following:

1.  Rural Broadband

2.  Jail Medical Malpractice Insurance (costs are going up on everything concerned with jail medical)

3.  Homelessness in the area and the best ways for Escambia County to spend our $4 Million allocation earmarked for homelessness solutions.

4.  "American Magic"--the Nation's leading contender to re-win the "America's Cup" sailing competition and their intention of making our community and bay their training headquarters.

It should be a great conversation--lots of issues within these four topics to discuss.

Once the podcast is created--I will link it here

Big Decisions on Homeless Locally this Week?

The city council will be meeting this week to discuss the homeless situation in the city--particularly the homeless campsite under the I-110 bridge that the city is desperately seeking to clear.

Three options have been put out, and several entities have expressed "interest" in helping.

And there is over $3Million in federal funding in play to apply toward a long range solution and/or strategy to address the issue.

I've spoken to a city council representative, and I have spoken with several experts in this space.

I believe the city should take a step back and re-evaluate their next move(s) carefully.  I believe they should work together with the county on a solution.  Thus far--there has been no coordination.

So hopefully on Wednesday, the Pensacola City Council will press the pause button and bring in County staff to the discussion.  I would not be opposed to a joint meeting on this topic specifically.

But the idea of dumping the campsite in the county with no coordination, no permits, no notice-----yeah, that's not going to happen.  It only would have happened if folks just did it commando style--unlawfully without site approvals, permits, or required permissions.

I'm told that Pensacola/Escambia should consider doing what Okaloosa County is doing on this issue--I'm told their model is "working."

I'd like to know more about it--but I'm not opposed to looking at someone else's best practices that are successful.

But for my part, in my opinion, and for my vote----I think any such facility should be far away from suburbs and existing neighborhoods.  Build a facility out in the woods, far away from any residence, business, or suburban community. 

I also think we need to define what success looks like so that outcomes can be measured.  Touchy-feely feel good platitudes don't cut it.  I want to see numbers.  I want to see outcomes.  I want to know how folks measure success.

We also need to look at how such a facility for the homeless will be funded going forward so that any such concept can stand on it's own two feet and be viable with private support--not necessarily relying on the public sector for funding.

So there is much to be discussed, much to be worked out.  And there is no reason to rush.  Anyone can circle a date on a calendar and say "This will be gone by THIS date."

But as we have seen with respect to the I-110 campground, for example, often times these dates will slide to the right.  Significantly.  Particularly if they are poorly planned and hastily organized.

Neighbors Are Frustrated, Concerned, and Angry

 

Neighbors are concerned that more homeless allowed to camp near existing neighborhoods will create more blight, lowered property values, more crime, and more trash including shopping carts full of feces and trash dumped in yards...How does such a plan make neighborhoods and communities better?

My phone has been blowing up about the city's proposed homeless campsite in the County, in District 1 on Houston Avenue.

Anger, frustration, concern.  Those are the adjectives I'd use to describe what I am hearing.  I'd also add hopeless and dejected to those three words.

They don't want the camp 15 feet from their homes.

In short, they feel that if this happens, they are being used to shoulder a problem the city has right now under the  I-110 bridge.  

Thankfully--the city council put this plan on the back burner by a 5-2 vote last night.  That was a smart vote.  And they all know I am vocally and actively opposing any such plan.

Some individuals who are familiar with the issues of the existing camp in the city say a lot of the problems of the existing camp are not being shared with the public.  According to one source who is intimately familiar:  "The PPD have been called out to the camp dozens and dozens of times.  There are drug users, there have been sexual assaults, and all kind of other criminal activities in this camp.  If they get put in the county--all those calls for service will now fall on the Escambia County Sheriff's Office to handle.  Do we really need to do this?  was the rhetorical question this individual asked.

The answer is NO we don't have to.  Take them to the woods--not to suburbia.

Meanwhile--the residents in the general area of the proposed county site, with whom I have communicated, express real concern for the homeless who are down on their luck.  I've not heard one of them say anything disparaging about these folks.  They simply don't believe putting this camp right next to their neighborhood is prudent.  The below email sums up the feelings of these neighbors, perfectly.

"Commissioner Bergosh,

 My name is XXXXXXXX  XXXXXXXX and my family and I live at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, Pensacola, FL 32526 on the corner of XXXXXXXX  and  XXXXXXXXXX Avenues.

 Our property is across Houston Avenue and a few dozen feet from the proposed location to set up a homeless camp. We have serious concerns with this proposal.

 In the four years we have lived here, we have seen several unnerving activities on Houston Ave., including an abandoned car set on fire, a motorist driving on the grass attempting to run over her significant other, homeless individuals smoking what appeared to be illegal narcotics, intoxicated individuals screaming obscenities at the top of their lungs while dancing down the middle of Houston Ave., and countless tons of littering. All of these instances occured with 15 feet of our property.

 Since several homeless individuals already live at times in the proposed camp location off Houston, we have found needles and drug baggies in our lawn and have had a shopping cart full of human feces, rotten food, clothes, and trash dumped in our yard. This has occurred with only a few people living there, let alone hundreds of individuals.

 Since purchasing the house, we have worked hard to improve the neighborhood and build strong

Where Should the Homeless Base Camp Go? Part I-- Binary Choice

 

You cannot say you will achieve an unrealistic and un achievable deadline to do something by the book while simultaneously declaring  a deadline for such action that is not doable if it is indeed to be done by the book.  This is a binary choice.  You'll either do it NOT by the book, or you will do it after your stated deadline by the book or NOT by the book.  One way or the other--cannot be both.....and cannot be done in 20 days

So the city has proclaimed that by November 24th, 20 days from now, they will clear the area under I-110 of about 100 homeless men and women encamped there.  

Someone leaked to the press the locations where this group of homeless will be "relocated."

One of those locations was/is outside of the city limits--in the County.  In District 1.

Of course--I was not notified of this before it was leaked to the press and I began getting angry phone calls and emails from nearby residents who are justifiably concerned and understandably opposed to this camp site coming within a stone's throw of where they live and have purchased homes.

And I agree with these residents, and I stand with these residents in opposition.

Everyone at county planning and zoning has told me they have not received an application for the permitting of this site for such use.  Depending upon what is planned to be constructed/erected there--significant coordination and planning would be necessary to obtain the necessary permits, plans, and authorizations---not to mention the construction of the roads necessary for the trucks to service the porta potties that would necessarily be required.

All of which creates the apprehension that this deadline cannot be met utilizing the county's Houston Avenue site---unless somebody facilitates the mass migration (bus caravans, trucks, etc.) from I-110 site to Houston site----without getting the permits first.  This is what has me and my constituents concerned.

You're either: 

---being fallaciously unrealistic by publicly proclaiming you'll have the "area in the city under I-110 cleared out before Thanksgiving"

OR

--you fully intend to make the unachievable deadline and simply take the NIKE approach and (Just DO IT) ----regardless of the status of permits, licensess and authorization.

It's one or the other---can't be both.  Binary choice.

So, task force and city of Pensacola---which is it?

Why the Hatred and Contempt for Folks?

Friday evening I was interviewed by Channel 3 about a situation along Brent Lane where there is a tremendous amount of homeless activity and resultant trash under the overpass at that particular location.

The question asked of me by the reporter (among many) was something like "As a commissioner, what do you think about all this homelessness?"  And my answer didn't make the edit for the 3 second soundbite they eventually used.  My answer was  "I want to help them, that's what I think!"

Sure, nobody likes the litter, it is unsightly.  But these are human beings we are talking about--the response should be let's find a way to help the ones that want to be helped and need a hand up.  I've informed staff about that location, and the state's contractor will be dispatched to clean it up--which will happen.

But that action is only treating a symptom of a larger problem.  

These folks, many of whom are military veterans, are down on their luck.  Many suffer from addiction issues.  Mental health issues untreated. Many have burned every bridge with every person who ever cared about them in their lives.

So where is the compassion?  Why the hatred, disdain, and scornful contempt for these folks that are down on their luck?

I was texted pictures by one constituent--asking what I was going to do about it.  I was emailed pictures and a request from another constituent that proclaimed   

"This is a disgrace to our community. The litter is out of control all over the city and county, thanks to the ever growing homeless population.  What an impression to leave on visitors to our beautiful area!"

So where is the compassion?  

I am thankful to folks like the Alfred Washburn center, The Waterfront Rescue Mission, and all of the other (primarily) Christian faith-based organizations who step up and try to help every day with no fanfare, self-adulation, or glory-seeking horn trumpeting about their work.  

It will always be a part of the human condition, poverty and homelessness--- it will never simply "go away."  

It's biblical.  Jesus said it himself in the book of Matthew "The poor you will always have with you..."

So where is the compassion?