POLK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
December 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
Excitement is in the air as we approach 2007. The Skyview Neighborhood Association has been working on their bylaws and will vote on them January 8th. A date has been set for the 2-weekend clean-up event (Feb 24-25 and March 3-4) white goods one weekend and solid waste the next. This is being targeted to Sector 1 of our community although it will be a city-wide tire recycling event.

The Greater Skyview Initiative technical advisory committee continues to meet and discuss logistics such as the clean up (and partnering with Keep Polk County Beautiful) and preparing goodie bags for all the participants. These goodies include health department info, pens, deputy badges, litter keeper bags, recycling info, coupons to restaurants, etc.

During the Skyview Community Association's (SCA) December meeting, the group formed a nominating committee in the hopes of identifying new leaders for their board of directors. Approximately 45 people were in attendance'this continues to grow each month! In addition to PACE EH, the following organizations were present: Family Restoration Church, Board of County Commissioners' Neighborhood Services and the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

During this reporting period, plans continued for a COPS station to be located at the Family Restoration Church. I have completed photo documenting sector 1. This documentation will help identify areas with code enforcement issues so we can show before and after pictures as well as target street captains to assist with our communication efforts. This will also help target business partners in area.

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. Staff have photo documented the area and identified areas with significant code enforcement concerns.	*Ongoing Completed	Dec. 22, 2006

Outstanding Issues/Concerns
Polk County Environmental Health is focusing on developing a preliminary survey (pre-initiative) as well as contacting a few land owners who are unaware of their property's usage as illegal dumping locations. In addition we continue to explore avenues to involve local businesses wherever possible.

The biggest challenge will be involvement. We are anxious to meet with residents to get their perspective on ways to communicate the clean up dates. Door to door will more than likely be the best way. Volunteers are being recruited from Southeastern University as well as other civic groups. We are preparing packets to give out at the community meeting in January and to be distributed door to door. It is our hope that as many residents as possible will take advantage of the free clean up days and not become subject to the code enforcement fines. The group is working on easy to read flyers. COMMUNICATION is going to be the key to this project.

Miscellaneous

A common theme in this community ' car maintenance and repair ' but not proper disposal

Vacant home in Shady Oak Mobile Home Park probably damaged during triple hurricanes of 2004

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