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For more information on this project, contact Cheryl Dunn, Environmental Health Director, or Julianne Renk, PACE-EH Coordinator, at the Indian River County Health Department.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
January/February, 2006 PACE EH Report

To:              Daniel Parker, MSP, GAL
                    Assistant Division Director, Division of Environmental Health

From:          Julianne Price, Environmental Specialist

Through:     Cheryl L. Dunn, RS, Environmental Manager

Subject:      January/February 2006 Wabasso PACE EH Grant Update

PACE Progress Report for the Wabasso Environmental Assessment

Three noteworthy projects jolted into motion during January and February 2006 in the community of West Wabasso. Steady progress has been accomplished with the septic project which was conceptualized last year. The bid to install ten septic systems and abandon the old systems was awarded in January and five systems were installed by the end of February. I watched in amazement as the old systems were excavated- they were all homemade with concrete block and over fifty years old. Residents who were recipients of the new systems were very happy that they would finally have an operable septic system and the septic contractor truly went over and above the bid specifications by tying all the plumbing together and sleeving water lines, etc. This project was a “win-win” for all parties involved. On my part, it was a success to see the final issue identified by the community remedied by a solution. It was also a great relief not to have to take corrective action in the form of a notice to correct for the failing systems. The residents helped by this grant make less money in an entire year that a new system would cost to be installed.

On January 9th, a community meeting was held at which updates where given on existing projects such as the sidewalks, septic grant, water project, and Project Hope (affordable housing). An announcement was made regarding the Gospel Fest which was held on January 28th, 2006. The event was to raise money to repair and rehabilitate houses in the community and consisted of numerous Gospel singers taking the stage for the cause. At this event, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony at which Commissioner Neuberger dedicated new playground equipment that was given to the Wabasso Park by the Heart-to-Heart Program. I practiced with the “One Voice Choir” and sung with them at the event to show my support for the community and event. There was a large turnout and it was nice to see the Wabasso Park full of people who where there for the cause of improving their own community!

Project Hope, which originated from a group of kids in Brevard County who are interested in improving life for people in Wabasso, is almost ready to begin new construction on two homes. The project has been on hold for quite some time due to the fact that they needed building plans. In January, I was able to get Mercedes Homes interested in the community and they donated the detailed plans necessary. Now, we are waiting for the houses to be placed on the surveys which were also donated; however, we anticipate approaching the building department next week to pull permits and make officials aware of this group’s intent and purpose to create affordable housing for the residents of Wabasso.

The water project is moving along slowly and I have attended a few meetings with the hired consultant for the project to address emerging concerns such as vacant houses benefiting from the project, locating individuals, and collecting paperwork from wary owners. In conclusion, progress on current projects is occurring; however, it has required diligent follow-up on my part. We are still as active as we have been with communicating and being involved in this community and are certainly dedicated to successfully seeing through action plans and projects developed early in the PACE process through to fruition.

“We shall not be diverted from our course. To those waiting with baited breath for that favourite media catch-phrase, the U-turn, I have only this to say. ‘You turn if you want; the lady’s not for turning’”- Margaret Thatcher

December, 2005

October, 2005

September, 2005

August, 2005

July, 2005

May, 2005

April, 2005

March, 2005

February, 2005

January, 2005

December, 2004

November, 2004

October, 2004

September, 2004

July and August, 2004

June, 2004

May, 2004

The following files are provided in the Adobe Acrobat pdf format. Files over 100 kb in size that may take longer to download and view, have their file size listed.

February 18, 2006 - West Wabasso finds success in long quest for county water

January 23, 2006 - Gospel Fest to raise money for hurricane repairs in Wabasso

December, 2005 - In My Opinion: West Wabasso Assessment Project Update (From the Florida Journal of Environmental Health)

October 10, 2005 - West Wabasso residents rejoice over water project

October 7, 2005 - West Wabasso to get county water

September 20, 2005 - Indian River County replaces septic tanks for 10 families in west Wabasso

July 8, 2005 - Indian River health officials receive national award

June, 2005 - Spring 2005 PACE Progress Report for the Wabasso Environmental Assessment (380 kb) (From the Florida Journal of Environmental Health)

June 17, 2005 - World Changers group fixes homes in West Wabasso

June 15, 2005 - Impoverished area to get waterlines

June 12, 2005 - World Changers redo Wabasso

May 1, 2005 - Water System on its way to Wabasso

December 25, 2004 - Woman's work aids west Wabasso residents

October 18, 2004 - Storms stall Wabasso help

September, 2004 - PACE Progress Report for the Wabasso Environmental Assessment (620 kb) (From the Florida Journal of Environmental Health)

September 28, 2004 - Storms run Wabasso family out of own, borrowed homes

August 28, 2004 - Families get new homes

August 11, 2004 - Draft Brochure, Bringing Basic Needs to a Forgotten Community (1.4 meg file)

July 30, 2004 - Kindness rules in Wabasso (109 kb)

July 28, 2004 - Teens team up to build man's house

June 2, 2004 - Indian River seeks aid for water

May 26, 2004 - Groups enlist residents to help revive Wabasso

May 11, 2004 - Wabasso may have to wait a year for street lights to come on

May 9, 2004 - Town hall meeting to address Wabasso's needs