Rick Outzen May 12, 2025 1 Comment
As Escambia County Commissioners prepare for their May 15 meeting, three major issues await resolution, with one notable absence from the agenda. Like the historic Roman date that marked a turning point, this session could reshape county priorities and services for years to come.
Youth vs. Infrastructure: The ECT-CRA Compromise
The Escambia Children’s Trust has proposed an interlocal agreement to resolve the debate over tax increment dollars from Community Redevelopment Agency districts. Executive Director Lindsey Cannon has chosen collaboration over court battles.
The proposal would redirect nearly $500,000 to the Summer Youth Employment Program, which currently turns away over 1,100 motivated youth. Commissioner Lumon May has strongly advocated for this expansion, noting that 1,300 young people applied for jobs, but funding only existed for 175 positions.
“When they still don’t have money to buy their school clothes, when they still don’t have money to eat… and the poor children go back home hungry and can’t buy underwear, then it doesn’t help,” May emphasized…