POLK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
January PACE-EH Update

Date:     December 29, 2006

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

From:     Jill Weinischke
                Community Assistance Specialist

Subject: Skyview, Wahneta, and North Combee PACE-EH Updates

Skyview Project

Project Summary
The attendance at each monthly Skyview Neighborhood Association meeting continues to increase. On January 27th, the group held a clean up in one of the areas with the greatest needs. Approximately 25 volunteers showed up to clean ditches, roadways and front lawns along Goodyear Avenue.

The neighborhood COPS station opened for business during January with an official welcome to come February 5th during the group's next meeting. Sheriff Judd will be present to address the group and introduce them to their assigned deputies.

Work plan and Process Update

PACE-EH Tasks	Action	Outcome	Target Date
Task 1: Determine Community Capacity	Develop partnerships with the various city and county governments as well as supporting non-profit agencies which serve the area	Ongoing
	Potential strengths and weaknesses of community outlined.	Ongoing
	First community meeting conducted.	Completed	Sept. 11, 2006
Task 2: Define and Characterize the Community	The area for this project is known as the Skyview Community. The area is in an unincorporated part of the county directly adjacent to the City of Lakeland. *With an area of approximately five square miles, it has a population of around 5,000. The population is estimated to be 72% white, 8% black, and 20% Hispanic/Mexican. There is a higher than average (for Polk County) population of seniors aged 55 and older.	*Ongoing
Task 2: Define and Characterize the Community	Staff have photo documented the area and identified areas with significant code enforcement concerns.	Completed	Dec. 22, 2006
Task 3: Assemble a Community-based Environmental Health Assessment Team	Our group currently has a technical advisory committee which will serve in this capacity. As partners surface, they will be included in the process.	Ongoing
Task 4: Define the Goals, Objectives, and Scope of the Assessment	The below survey will help us better define the community assessment.		April 1, 2007
Task 5: Generate a list of Environmental Health Issues	On February 1^st, our Environmental Health office is scheduled to mail a survey to 500 randomly selected residents. This survey was used in the past with 2 other communities in our county so it only had to be revised slightly. We will coordinate with local businesses to supply gift certificates and prizes to send to residents who complete the survey.		February 1, 2007

Outstanding Issues/Concerns
We are optimistic that 20% of our 500 randomly selected residents will return the surveys. In an effort to increase responses, we placed a bright sticker on the outside of the envelope with the words, 'FREE GIFT WITH COMPLETED SURVEY'. We are soliciting volunteers from Southeastern University as well as other civic groups to go door to door to collect this information if not returned by March 1. I have recruited a 'sponsorship' chairman who will work on getting gift certificates and other prizes from local businesses which we will draw from the completed surveys.

Miscellaneous

Pictures from the Jan. 27, 2007 Clean up along Goodyear Avenue in the Skyview Community.

Wahneta Project

Project Summary

The Wahneta area of Polk County went through an accelerated PACE EH process in 2004. As part of the evaluation process, I have been attending their monthly meetings. During September and October, I provided technical assistance to the group with their Leisure Services grant application. This community has been overlooked by county Parks and Recreation with respect to ball field improvements for years.

Work plan and Process Update

PACE-EH Tasks	Action	Outcome	Target Date
Task 13: Evaluate Progress and Plan for the Future	' Attended their meeting on September 5th	Ongoing	Ongoing
	' Assisting with research for their Parks and Recreation park improvement grant which is due on Sept. 30	Ongoing	Ongoing
	' Planning to attend future meetings to establish a helpful presence	Ongoing

Outstanding Issues/Concerns

The group was focused on their Leisure Services Grant application this last month. During the next months I will work with the group to attend water system meetings and help identify other outstanding issues in the community.

Miscellaneous

Only public water on premises at Wahneta Park

North Combee Project

Project Summary
The Combee Area Revitalization Effort (C.A.R.E.) of north Combee, Lakeland, was one of the NACCHO demonstration sites. As part of the evaluation process, we attend monthly meetings when available and assist with projects as requested.

Work plan and Process Update

PACE-EH Tasks	Action	Outcome	Target Date
Task 13: Evaluate Progress and Plan for the Future	' Assisted with Adopt A Road Project on Saturday, Sept. 23^rd.	Completed	Completed
Task 13: Evaluate Progress and Plan for the Future	' The group has indicated a desire for DOH assistance with follow-up with regard to their street lighting project along Combee Road. We are waiting for specific instructions.	Ongoing

Outstanding Issues/Concerns
NA ' the group has a solid base of volunteers and is very active in its community. I see our role to be a technical advisor and community liaison when needed.

Miscellaneous