Escambia County Charts New Course on 100-Plus-Acre Superfund Site

Mixed-use development plan targets jobs, housing, and community investment

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Escambia County commissioners are moving forward with a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the hundred-plus-acre superfund site on North Palafox that could bring manufacturing jobs, affordable housing, and long-delayed investment to a historically marginalized neighborhood.

The site, contaminated by the Escambia Wood Treating Company from 1942 to 1982, has remained largely undeveloped since the EPA transferred it to the county in 2018. Thursday's Escambia County Commitee of the Whole meeting outlined three primary uses: precision manufacturing and warehousing (northern parcels), affordable housing (southern parcels), and a three-acre community center for Englewood Community Church.

Lifting Restrictions Through Testing

A key breakthrough is a new path to removing EPA residential-use restrictions. The county will conduct soil testing on southern parcels to determine if uncontaminated areas can be opened for affordable housing development. This addresses a decades-long promise to the Palafox community, which saw nearly 400 families displaced during the original environmental cleanup—the third-largest forced relocation in U.S. history.

"The majority of this land was not contaminated," District 3 Commissioner Lumon May told the board. "There's a lot of safe land where children were eating."

Economic Development with Community Benefit

For the northern parcels, economic development officials are targeting precision manufacturing and warehouse operations that would create jobs. However, commissioners rejected the idea of full tax exemptions, insisting that businesses contribute to neighborhood improvements.

"The county should be receiving funds," Commissioner May said. "We need to figure out how lease fees stay within that geographical area."

Next Steps

County staff will present soil-testing cost estimates at a meeting later this month. Appraisals and a master plan are expected by late January. Commissioner May is also planning a trip to EPA headquarters in Washington to explore federal support for the project. The redevelopment comes as the county seeks to revitalize a neighborhood that has struggled for decades with infrastructure gaps, flooding, and limited economic opportunity.

Ashley Moody Pushes ‘Halo Act’ to Protect Law Enforcement

Washington, DC -- Florida Senator Ashley Moody is urging Congress to pass the Halo Act, legislation she says is needed to protect law enforcement officers from a growing wave of harassment, threats, and violence while they’re on duty.

Moody took to the Senate floor this week, citing what she called “staggering” increases in assaults and threats against officers — particularly federal agents. According to Moody, assaults on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have risen dramatically in recent years, along with a sharp spike in death threats directed at law enforcement personnel.

The Halo Act is modeled after Florida’s existing Halo Law, which creates a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. The goal is to prevent individuals from obstructing, intimidating, or interfering with officers while they are performing official duties.

Supporters of the bill argue that officers are increasingly being targeted during routine calls, protests, and arrests — sometimes surrounded, shouted down, or recorded at close range in ways they say compromise safety. Moody says the legislation is not meant to restrict free speech, but rather to ensure officers can do their jobs without physical interference or threats.

Moody has placed blame on political rhetoric, arguing that some elected officials have contributed to an environment that emboldens hostility toward police. She says the Halo Act would send a clear message that harassment and obstruction of law enforcement will not be tolerated.

The bill faces debate in Congress, where critics have raised concerns about potential impacts on First Amendment rights. Moody, however, insists the legislation strikes the right balance between public expression and officer safety.

The Halo Act remains under consideration as lawmakers continue discussions on law enforcement protections nationwide.

Santa Rosa County Tire Anmesty Day on Saturday

Santa Rosa County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Santa Rosa County Environmental Department is hosting a free Tire Amnesty Day this Saturday, January 10th, giving residents an opportunity to properly dispose of old tires at no cost.

The event runs at two locations: the Central Landfill at 6337 Da Lisa Road in Milton (open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and the Jay Transfer Station on Transfer Station Road in Jay (open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Santa Rosa County residents can drop off up to 10 tires per person with a valid ID. Tires can be on the rim or off, but commercial businesses and large tires like tractor or bus tires are not accepted.

"We do take tires every day at the landfill," said Kelly Hopps, Environmental Superintendent. "It's normally $5 per tire for a regular car tire, $15 per tire for a larger car or truck." The amnesty day eliminates those fees entirely.

The program aims to reduce illegal tire dumping on county roads and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Officials say improperly stored tires can collect rainwater, which creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes.

Staff will assist with unloading tires. For questions, contact Santa Rosa County Environmental Department at 850-981-7135 or visit SantaRosa.FL.gov.