Move That Bus: Pensacola Extreme Home Makeover

December 12, 2010

The Emmy award-winning reality show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition episode in Pensacola aired nationwide Sunday night, as well as locally on WEAR TV 3.

On October 18, Finis Gaston and his family received news from special guest Mariah Carey that they were recipients of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. While the Gaston family vacationed in Disney World, EM: HE design team, local builder Heritage Homes and thousands of community volunteers built their 3,600-square-foot dream home located at 1301 Rainbow Avenue in Pensacola.

The volunteer partners included several from the North Escambia area, and the Tate High School Showband of the South was featured in the “big reveal” parade.

The red dirt used for foundation was donated by Campbell’s Sand & Gravel in Century owned by James Campbell. Four dump trucks and seven 18-wheelers each dumped two loads of dirt at the construction site on Rainbow Avenue.

American Concrete, located in Molino, donated the concrete for the foundation of the home, and lumber for the house was donated by Cantonment Building Materials. Both companies are owned by Billy Campbell.

Rock Solid Surfaces in Cantonment, the exclusive training facility and distributor of Granicrete for south Alabama and Northwest Florida, did the front walkway and courtyard. Granicrete is a decorative concrete designed to adhere to concrete, tile, and even laminate countertops producing the look of natural stone (field stone, slate, marble, etc.) with the consistency and durability of concrete.

“We are excited for the nation to see the story of Finis and this Pensacola community,” said Frank Lott, III, president of Heritage Homes. “Together, we built a great home for Finis and his family, and weʼre ready to gather again with all the volunteers and partners to enjoy the experience together.”

The newly completed home is 3,600 square feet total with 3,100 square feet heated and cooled and a 500 square foot garage. Layout includes four bedrooms and a nursery as well as three bathrooms.

Pictured top inset: The Tate High School Showband of the South marches in the “Big Reveal” parade. Pictured middle inset: Cantonment Building Materials donated lumber for the home. Pictured bottom inset: Tyler Hochstetler (Atmore), Steve Gaier (Orlando), Berry Nall (Atmore), Rocky Williams (Cantonment), Matt Cummings (Cantonment) and Mike Mathews (Pensacola) of Rock Solid Surfaces in Cantonment. Pictured below: Campbell’s Sand & Gravel of Century dumps a load of dirt for the foundation of the ABC Extreme Home Makeover house. Pictured bottom: “Move That Bus!”. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

64 Responses to “Move That Bus: Pensacola Extreme Home Makeover”

  1. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED on December 16th, 2010 1:48 pm

    FOR THE PPL THAT HAVE NEGATIVE THINGS TO SAY READ YOUR BIBLE AND PRAY!!!!!!!

  2. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED on December 16th, 2010 1:47 pm

    I AM GLAD THAT THIS DESERVING FAMILY GOT THE HOUSE OF THEIR DREAMS AND NOW HAVE A COMFORTABLE SAFE PLACE TO LIVE.THEY ARE TRULY BLESSED!!!!!!!ONLY GOD CAN DO WONDERFUL THINGS LIKE THIS

  3. no longer in Bratt... on December 16th, 2010 9:31 am

    The show developer sums it up in their title—EXTREME.
    They are not Habitat for Humanity (don’t get me wrong…they are a very worthy cause)…but Etreme Home Makeover is NOT Habitat for Humanity.
    They built Extreme houses.

    No idea who the receiver is…but even if he has had a few issues in his past…everyone deserves a 2nd chance…and that is exactly what he has been given. If he flubs it up this time around—then maybe you can trash talk him.

    How many of you making mean/jealous comments have done background checks on the other recipients from the show? Shame on you.

    Maybe the naysayers should practice a little Pollyanna style of life…start looking for the good…and not the bad…and it will make your life a little more pleasant.

    Merry Christmas!

  4. downanout on December 15th, 2010 8:12 pm

    Why do something as special as this bring out the uglyness in people. Why can’t
    we enbrace good new.

  5. OMRBKH on December 15th, 2010 6:43 am

    @ Horrific!………..From reading some of your other posts on other topics it seems you are a reasonable person, but by your continued bashing of xpeecee you’ve shown very well that you cannot grasp the idea of ‘earning your own way’.
    Is it time for you to take your own advice and “knock it off”?

  6. xpeecee on December 14th, 2010 2:02 pm

    To Horrific!
    What is wrong with me? Well, I guess I just can’t easily give up the moral values this country was founded on. It has long been a tradition for us to help those who help themselves. That does not mean those who help themselves to things that belong to other people. Knock it off? No, I will stand by those old forgotten ideals, like honesty and doing the right thing, and teaching our kids that honesty pays – not dishonesty. Jealous? No jealousy, here. I am extremely happy and would not want a new house. I worked hard to get what I have. I earned it without stealing what other people had worked for. Ugly? I am not the best looking guy in the world – - – but thieving and constantly breaking the law is ugly, to me. Children? I have children. And I raised them to know right from wrong. I raised them to believe that honesty and integrity is important and not to expect to be rewarded from doing wrong. Merry Christmas to you, sir/maam and to your family…

  7. Tea on December 14th, 2010 10:31 am

    I totally agree with S.Lawson….they could of used that money to help out others….who really needs a 3600 sq.ft home…..by the way if it was a white family that got this & a black person was saying things about it , nobody would be screaming RACISM…..and no I’m not jealous or have hatred for anyone…just saying the money could of been put to better use

  8. OMRBKH on December 14th, 2010 3:38 am

    @ enough, just because we live in a free country and have the right to persue happiness doesn’t give us the right to break the laws that “we the people” over a period of time have established as necessary for the common good if our idea of happiness is to live outside those laws.
    When one does continually break our laws, I can think of no good reason to reward them with a new house in a county they don’t live in, give them a job when others could have been more qualified, give them a free vacation when many hard working honest people cannot do the same for their family, give them 50 thousand dollars in a banking account when many honest hard working families live from payday to payday. Maybe the education thing is kinda iffy. There are many scolarships available to those who are in need and are capable of learning.
    Merry Christmas!

  9. S. Lawson on December 13th, 2010 11:16 pm

    Stuart: I am a huge advocate for Habitat for Humanity and worked with the program briefly when I lived in Florida. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the volunteers and for the families it serves.

    Horrific: You totally missed the point of my comment. I could have been referring to Haiti, Mexico or any other third world country and to further educate you, poverty in Afghanistan is a direct result of the gross corruption in their country not the fighting. The country is actually very rich in natural resources and would provide jobs for most of its citizens if the warlords and greedy government officials would enable this progression and stop pocketing humanitarian and foreign aid funds.

    Getting back to your incorrect interpretation of my post…I was simply stating that I truly understand what human needs are firsthand and witnessing the presentation of a 3,600 square foot home to one family is quite simply a waste of resources when most would agree that they would much rather have seen multiple families receive keys to sustainable homes.

    By the way, according to a 2009 report posted on the U.S. Census Web site more than 42.9 million Americans (14.3%) are living below the poverty line, and many are homeless.

    Since you decided to make this post personal, I would like to sincerely thank you for reminding us all of the uneducated fellow countrymen who make classless statements such as “get over it” to combat veterans returning home from a 12-month tour in Afghanistan (right before Christmas). Your transparent comment of “thank you for your service” was nothing short of insulting which leads me to ask….who is the “horrific” and ugly one here?

  10. fl resident on December 13th, 2010 11:02 pm

    LETs SUM THIS UP:

    People googled the mans name and looked at his records because they are NOSEY.
    2. For those who are yelling racist, YOU KNOW THERE ARE OTHER STATES YOU HAVE 49 OTHERS TO CHOOSFROM. Its people like you throwing the race card who continue causing problemsl
    3. Jealousy JEALOUSY ENOUGH SAID
    4. other countries====Other countries is y our country broke and our friends and family members are dying..they need to learnto take care of themslves.
    5. summary: mind your own families business and stay out of others.. no one wants your negative attitude nor comments…IF YOU DONT HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY DONT SAY IT AT ALL

  11. enough on December 13th, 2010 10:45 pm

    Just because we live in a free country and have the right to free speech, does not mean we should say (and post) everything that comes to our minds. Please be discreet in your comments! Not just on this bit of news either. This website and all of the comments on every story need a good dose of kindness.

  12. ANGRY on December 13th, 2010 5:53 pm

    PEOPLE AMAZE ME

  13. CONCERNED on December 13th, 2010 5:49 pm

    Real happy for the family. I believe though instead of building such a huge extravagant home for one family, why not build a few smaller homes for a few families. I believe though that this family was deserving. This young man gave up so much for those young kids. I am truly happy for them though. God Bless them. There shouldnt be so many negative remarks about this young man unless you know him. You don’t know for sure if this is even the young man that has the record. People should know what that are talking about before writing. Those kids could be reading this. Think about the family.

  14. kim on December 13th, 2010 3:46 pm

    to the haters..

    dont yall think that the producers dove evry well into making thier final decision on who would get the house in this county?!?!?!…if you are unhappy with their decision write/call them…..leave these ppl alone and let them have a nice christmas.

  15. Horrific! on December 13th, 2010 2:57 pm

    Atmore mom,

    Sometimes when your broke you rent from ppl who will rent to you cheap
    is you don’t say anything about the problems.

    I know because I did it after my divorce from my girls father. It was
    the only way I could work, go to school, pay a babysitter and raise two
    girls alone.

    Is it disreputable by the land lords…heck yes….but sometimes it’s the
    only way for ppl who need something cheap, and when your young
    sometimes you just don’t think about the fact it could burn or something
    horrible could happen…..you know you just need safe harbor (or a roof
    and food).

  16. TS on December 13th, 2010 2:55 pm

    Not sure why so many people are so negative, you could tell from the people that know this family and Finis how happy they were for him and how they cared about him. Yes they do go a little extreme sometimes and you wonder if the family can afford to maintain a home that large, but thats why its called Extreme makeover. I have seen some shows where I felt the family really wasn’t deserving but this wasn’t one of them. Wish them well.

  17. Horrific! on December 13th, 2010 2:48 pm

    Xpeecee
    What is wrong with you…..knock it off…..re-read your posts.
    Do you know how jealous and ugly you sound?
    There are children in this home, lots of them. They don’t have a mother
    or a father.

    NOW THEY HAVE A CHRISTMAS….

  18. Bama on December 13th, 2010 2:47 pm

    atmore – the house was built months ago…no cold weather at all during the building of the house…

  19. xpeecee on December 13th, 2010 2:20 pm

    Did the county donate the land for this house? If so, who gave the okay???

  20. Atmore mom on December 13th, 2010 2:08 pm

    How come I haven’t heard one single person say anything about the rented house they were living in? If this was in fact a rented house, the landlord is responsible for the things that were wrong w/ that house. The “half the house w/ no electricity” thing, that is uncalled for! A landlord would have had the book thrown at him for that! You can’t rent out what looks like condemned housing, there are laws! And for these people to live like that, they allowed it to happen. You can still be poor and take pride in what you do have. I am by no means wealthy, but my home is clean and well taken care of. Why did their house look filthy? It doesn’t take much to clean up after yourself!
    If this family was indeed “worthy” of such a great gift, I pray they really realize it and don’t squabble it all away.
    I completely believe in second chances, and forgiveness, and I pray these people see what they have.

  21. atmore on December 13th, 2010 1:28 pm

    O yeah one more thing. Thank you to everyone who helps make things like this happen, We have had some VERY cold days but I bet they were still out there working! Merry Christmas!

  22. atmore on December 13th, 2010 1:27 pm

    I don’t know these people personally, but I’m very happy they got their beautiful new home, and just in time for Christmas! All of you judging and bringing up things from the past….Let’s just hope that you are never faced with the problems he was having trying to house all of those people that he wanted to take care of instead of putting them in a place they didnt want to be. Let’s all remember there are children involved and remember the REAL Christmas meaning. It’s a sin to judge and If you were in that situation you wouldn’t want people judging you! Again I’m very happy for this family and may everyone have a Safe and Merry Christmas!!!

  23. xpeecee on December 13th, 2010 1:03 pm

    Imagine:
    Thomas Jefferson rounded up the community and organized a “barn raising” to help someone less fortunate in the community. The chosen family would receive free land donated by the community, a new home, lots of money, and an education for the whole family.There were two prospective recipients.
    One family consisted of a man and wife with three children. He had been wounded in battle and could not support his family. His home was in great need of repair. He was an honest man and needed help.
    The other family consisted of a man with several children. He was a thief and was continuously in trouble with the law.
    Which family do you think would have received the help? This is an indication of how far this country has fallen from the standards of our founding fathers. Sad…

  24. sofie on December 13th, 2010 12:51 pm

    STOP the HATE! Is this what this country is built on???? HATRED? Please stop this nonsense and appreciate the gift of giving.

  25. Stuart on December 13th, 2010 11:07 am

    S. Lawson, Get involved with our Local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. If you live in NE, please look for publicity of the Escambia County HFH in the future.

    We would love to have your help!

  26. Lady C on December 13th, 2010 10:07 am

    I watched the extreme makover on this family. It never ceases to amaze me the generosity of strangers. Instead of harping on what the family got how about a hats off to the hundreds of people who gave their time and efforts to make this happen. Those of you who are so concerned about it being undeserving to that family — simple solution — write the people at Extreme Home Makeover and asked them to look into it. A company with that much limelight is not going to spend that much manpower along with a well known singer and not have done the “homework” on that family. In the end perhaps they did know his history if in fact it is him and decided what they lost outweighed what they and the communitee ended up giving them. Count your blessings — what would you rather have, your family or the material things you reap as a result of losing those family members.

  27. Jeaning on December 13th, 2010 9:50 am

    I know Finis, and it makes me beyond sad that people have such horrible things to say about him. At the time that he had to leave school and move back to Florida to raise his nephews and niece, he was a tumbling coach in Alabama. He coached my daughter for years. She loved and respected and looked up to him, as did all the other young people. I remember the day she came home and said he had told them he had to leave. There was a lot of sadness. But I am happy for him that he is getting a fresh start. And Yes, he does deserve it. God Bless You Finis and your family as well!

  28. Just ME on December 13th, 2010 9:30 am

    @ Horrific, yes he got off! Check this link.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Polanski_sexual_abuse_case

    This is completely unfair but these people on here are going off on this local man who was given this blessing, but this Polanski can drug young girls and rape them but because he flees the country and stays un-caught for many years he gets a pass! This is most unfair! He planned and plotted and RAPED! This deserves to be punished but it isn’t!

  29. Just ME on December 13th, 2010 9:21 am

    Xpeecee, how is it making a hero out of a criminal? So what I am hearing is that because he has a past he should not be entitled to any good things happening for him. That is nto right. If this man was caucasian this would not even be an issue. If it were your parents, siblings or even your children it would not be an issue. My goodness what kind of mindset do you have to say because he has a past that he does not derserve this? How is this a scam? I am most certain EHM did their homework and knows about this since it is a public record. The thing I am thinking they are thinking is that they did not care. He is not a pedifile and he is doing right by keeping his family out of the system and in adoption and I would think EHM seen the need and not his past! We have all done stuff so how do you think you would feel of everytime you got something good, yours was thrown in your face? So you did not go to jail, you just did not get caught!

  30. Jennifer on December 13th, 2010 9:07 am

    To those who are concerned with this man’s court record, How many of the other Home Makeover Recipients have you did a court records search on? What prompted you to even do a court search on this man? I call it like I see it, was it because this man was African American?Just being real, we are in the Racist south and none of this surprises me. I have a court record as well, yet I am a proud Graduate of the University of Florida and I have a great job and I did not dwell on or let my past stop me from pursueing my dreams and if I needed to, I would let them build me a house as well. The Bible states that you have not because you ask not.

    This man deserved everything that he received from the show/ABC! If you are so concerned about it, you go yourself and apply for them to build you a house!

  31. Horrific! on December 13th, 2010 8:59 am

    Just ME…. again well said….

    I presume you are talking about Polanski who got a 13 year old girl drunk and
    drugged in Jack Nickholsons house. WOW I didn’t know he is now off the
    hook some how. What is this world comming to.

  32. xpeecee on December 13th, 2010 8:56 am

    This is not about racism. It is about making a hero out of a criminal. The truth is the truth, no matter how you spin it. A scam is a scam. I am all about giving – - – to honest, deserving people. I don’t hate him; I just know a scammer when I see one.

  33. Are u Kidding on December 13th, 2010 8:39 am

    Wow what a bunch of jealous freaks you are on here. I bet all of you people on here with negative comments are just jealous and probably have a record to go with it. Get over it this man deserved it, and not you. That’s your problems. Where is all the love at??? This is what’s wrong with this world today. People like ya’ll that can’t stand to see someone’s dreams come true or for someone to be happy.

  34. Just ME on December 13th, 2010 8:34 am

    I do not understand why some people are so hell bent on not allowing someone’s past to be their past. This man has done wrong just as we all have but the last time I checked, no one on earth has a Heaven or hell to put anyone so it is saddening that the negative judgement about this has come about. Just because someone has committed some crimes, it doesn’t mean they shoule be banned from any good thing happening to them. Then who are we to say how much of a gift he should receive? Seriously, the hatred we as human beings have is beyond ridiculous! We will never move forward as a people as long as we are sitting around being jealous over others because they have some issues in their past. We can forgive the film maker who committed rape in the 70’s and fled the country and was caught recently! Oh he has led an upstanding life so let’s not hold him accountable, but this guy who has paid his debt to society and it is never enough! Racism is still alive and well! I bet had he been caucasian this would have not even been a discussion!

  35. Carolyn Thomley on December 13th, 2010 8:11 am

    Everyone deserves a second chance. A new start. Get over the hatered in your hearts. Pray for these people. Has your life been perfect? Finis needs all the prayers and help he got and more .Not many men would give up what he did to take care of his family like he did .He didn’t have to do it . What was done in the past is the past . We have all done things in our past that we regret but you have to do better and move on.
    GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY.
    Carolyn

  36. xpeecee on December 13th, 2010 7:52 am

    Has this country’s morals fallen so low that we reward (in a big way) someone who has continuously broken the laws of the people? There are many HONEST people who have given up their dreams to keep a family together. There are also many who have paid the ultimate price for protecting this country. It is sad that we reward dishonest people and forget those honest people who deserve more. What an example we are setting for our young people…

  37. James Taylor on December 13th, 2010 7:37 am

    You know I grew up in pensacola went to brownsville middle where I was one of only a few white folks got my butt kicked for being white and still able to say this
    May god continue to bless this man and his family forever and for those who love to hate hell is hot man/women you shall reap what ye sow.

  38. Horrific! on December 13th, 2010 6:40 am

    Wendy…..well said hon.
    It’s really sad to say that there are so many ugly ppl on here.

    S. Lawson,
    Get over it….america is not Afghanistan….those ppl have fought each other
    for years and years and tore up their own country.
    Now if this country doesn’t stop fighting each other we will soon look like them.
    Between gang wars, drug wars, meth labs, murders, rapists, we have so much
    now in common with third world countries….how sad.
    Afghanistan has nothing because the men fight…..they didn’t
    dream big….
    We dream big in America, thats what made this country great.

    By the same turn we GIVE BIG!
    Thanks for what you did in Afghanistan, but try to remember…this is AMERICA!

    YOUR HOME OUR HERO…..BE HAPPY…. AND BE HAPPY FOR THIS FAMILY!

    WE LOVE BIG…..WE GIVE BIG ….WE DREAM BIG…….

  39. Concerned parent on December 13th, 2010 6:28 am

    Quit bashing, folks. Jealousy is an ugly thing.

  40. Dee on December 13th, 2010 12:24 am

    I know Mr. Gatson personally and he deserves this more then anyone. He stopped his dreams to help his family and that is very courageous. He is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I went to the school he worked at and there wasn’t one person he didn’t smile to. I’m sure all of yall saying that he doesn’t deserve this don’t know him. You should be a lot more respectful and let him enjoy what he has now and he is finally doing what he loves to do and that is teach tumbling.

  41. jksz on December 12th, 2010 10:45 pm

    when the show started they said he was renting and did not own the property. can someone tell me how he gets the house and the land

  42. My wife is from around here... on December 12th, 2010 9:52 pm

    S. Lawson, seeing what “poor” really is really opens one’s eyes, doesn’t it?

  43. Caring on December 12th, 2010 8:57 pm

    Bigger homes in Pace and Pensacola yes bet those people work and pay their bills. Why should those children be any different than most normal children and share a room. Most working middle class families do not own homes this large. Keep an eye on this and see how long it is before it is mortgaged to the hilt and on the foreclosure list. How about average an average size home that they can afford to keep up. What is it’s worth though really in a deteriorating neighborhood? How do the neighbors really feel about this was anything done to revitalize the neighborhood?

  44. M vonCannon on December 12th, 2010 8:39 pm

    To “Irritated by Stupid Comments” – check out this website -

    http://www.floridamugshots.us/Arrests/Finis_Gaston_4424782/

    Yes, it’s a mug shot of Finis Gaston – no doubt about it, pictures don’t lie.

  45. Michele G on December 12th, 2010 8:33 pm

    in response to “Just Google “Finis Gaston criminal record” and you can read for yourself all the upstanding, wonderful things this man has on his record: driving under suspended license, speeding (multiple counts), shoplifiting, paternity suit with following charges for child support in arrears over $4000″

    If you would look the paternity suit he was the Plantiff, which means he sued for paternity. Probably on his sister’s kids. He said he had to go to court over that.

  46. MANNERS BLISS on December 12th, 2010 8:31 pm

    THIS IS TRULY A BLESSING FOR THIS FAMILY OR ANY OTHER FAMILY MERRY CHRISTMAS IN ADVANCE AND THANKS TO THEIR UNCLE THEY ARE STILL A FAMILY TOGETHER AND NOT SCATTERED ABROAD THERE WAS NO RELEVANCE IN CERTAIN COMMENTS JUST GOES TO SHOW IGNORANCE DOES LIVE ON GUESS IGNORANCE NEEDED SHELTER AND CHOSE A RANDOM INDIVIDUAL AS A HOST GOOD LUCK HAVING IT AS A TENANT BECAUSE IT DOESN’T PAY BILLS BUT IT DOES CAUSE MISERY WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT THEY HAVE SHELTER AND APPEAR TO HAVE EVERY INTENTION ON FILLING IT WITH LOVE WHICH IS WHAT HIS MOTHER HAD DONE AS FAR AS SUBLETTING WHY NOT POST YOUR ADDRESS AS WELL AND OPEN YOUR DOORS TO THOSE IN NEED SINCE YOURE VOLUNTEERING SERVICES YOU APPEAR TO HAVE NEEDED A HELPING HAND IN YOUR LIFE SOME TIME AGO I’M QUITE SURE THIS FAMILY WILL BLESS OTHERS AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS AND ALWAYS PAY IT FORWARD BLESS OTHERS AS YOU TOO HAVE BEEN BLESSED MUCH LOVE…GIVING THANKS TO ALL THOSE INVOLVED MAY GOD FOREVER BESTOW MANY MORE BLESSINGS UPON YOU ALL IN ABUNDANCE CONTINUE DOING GREAT THINGS…

  47. ann onymous on December 12th, 2010 8:24 pm

    wow, i searched okaloosa county clerk of court records of mr finis gaston, middle initial A,,,,,,seems he was on probation at the time he got his house built, but clearly has arrest records for violation of probation, driving while license suspended, kinda makes ya wonder just how far back they check on these people,, im VERY sure he is a deserving guy,,,but did the other families who were inthe running live right and do what they were suppose to? hmmm im not jealous by no means, but 3600 foot home, college for all the family member paid, 50,000 dollars in a bank account and a freaking JOB?????????????? merry christmas to them,, ho,ho,,,,,horse hockey….guess when ya dont follw the rules in life, it pays off after all

  48. Pena-Emilia on December 12th, 2010 8:16 pm

    Awesome….congrats to you and your family and may God continue to bless you and yours.

  49. Kay Harris on December 12th, 2010 8:11 pm

    This was a wonderful wonderful thing done for this family and Im sure they are more than appreciative for it. I pray things will continue to look up for the family and am so happy for them. May God continue to pour out His blessings upon them. It was so cool to see Mariah here in my hometown and it is always great to see a community come together to help other’s in need. This got better than hitting the lottery in my opinion because they still have to work and pursue education but have been given all the necessary tools to do this. So I am definitely excited for this family. What a beautiful Home and all the things that came with it especially all the personal things meant for each person to personalize their space …that was truly special. So what can I say but WOW when I saw the show. The beautiful 3600 SQ FT Home, A Vacation, Christmas Gifts, Furniture, Extra Money for Upkeep, Gift Cards, Free Education for the entire family. They had to be so overwhelmed to even take it all in. I know I would be. Good luck to this family they seem like an awesome crew.
    Kay

  50. M vonCannon on December 12th, 2010 8:10 pm

    Not only did this “fine” young man scam the producers of “Extreme Home Makeovers” – he’s apparently pulled the wool over the eyes of an entire community. Just Google “Finis Gaston criminal record” and you can read for yourself all the upstanding, wonderful things this man has on his record: driving under suspended license, speeding (multiple counts), shoplifiting, paternity suit with following charges for child support in arrears over $4000, several violations of probation, driving a car on with someone else license plate, no car insurance, no registration and it goes on all the way back to juvenile charges in 1999. Oh yes, I forgot he was also charged with bad checks so I wonder how he’ll pay the Florida property taxes on a 3600 sq. ft. house. He was given $50,000 to pay upkeep and maintenance on his new free house. Maybe he could use some of that to pay his back child support. Doesn’t anyone at Ext. Homes have the ability to GOOGLE their applicants? There are thousands of deserving people and families in this country – and they find and reward THIS criminal. Disgusting just doesn’t get it.

  51. Rose on December 12th, 2010 8:06 pm

    OMG people please stop the hatred so what? let the past be the past, this man took care of his nephews and put his life on hold for them, he loves them and that’s all that matters, enjoy the house kids…this will change their future…so happy for them…Congratulations the house is beautiful…..

  52. IM2B2B09 on December 12th, 2010 8:02 pm

    Congratulations Gaston Family, I pray that God continues to bless you. Finis you are truly an inspiration – I wish you all the best.

  53. S. Lawson on December 12th, 2010 8:02 pm

    Let me preface what I am about to say with acknowledging that I used to be a huge fan of this show and still truly believe all of the recipients that have been featured are deserving of winning a free home. They are oftentimes selfless and caring individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective communities.

    With that being said, after serving a year in Afghanistan and fully understanding what “needs” really are, I find it quite wasteful for anyone to receive a free 3,600 square foot home and would rejoice in seeing several families become recipients of modest sustainable homes, rather than one family becoming the owner of a home that well exceeds any families needs and is essentially a mansion.

  54. Wendy on December 12th, 2010 8:02 pm

    EM actually does a back ground check on all the families they make over houses for so either a) it is a common name and this is NOT the person who is familiar with the court there or he would NOT have been choosen for this or b) whatever the reason for him to be “known” by the court system wasn’t for the wrong/bad reasons you are suggesting.. perhaps it had to do with fighting for guardianship or other things ..

    How often do we hear of a young man giving up everything and helping out his extended family. He lost an older sister and his mother in a short time – he gave up so much. He does deserve to be happy and comfortable – he appears to be well loved by his family, friends, and community. We need more young people like him out there.

    Merry Christmas Gaston family ! enjoy your new home .. new life! :)

  55. Irritated by Stupid Comments on December 12th, 2010 7:55 pm

    Someone with that same name is well acquainted with the court system in Okaloosa County. Interesting…

    Soo exactly what does this statement mean?? My maiden name is Capone!! Doesnt mean i’m related!!! Ignorance is not funny!!!!

  56. Cyndi on December 12th, 2010 7:52 pm

    how wonderful. i love this show. it makes me cry every sunday:-)

  57. EMD on December 12th, 2010 7:01 pm

    Jealousy is so very ugly. Really!!!

  58. xpeecee on December 12th, 2010 2:57 pm

    Someone with that same name is well acquainted with the court system in Okaloosa County. Interesting…

  59. chuck on December 12th, 2010 12:42 pm

    thanks also to kents special events for the donations of the tents,tables,chairs,and much more to help with the over all task thanks again to everyone

  60. Bamcubz on December 12th, 2010 12:26 pm

    First of all its Christmas time and people should be happy for this family which has several children and it will be nice for them to each have a bedroom. I’ve seen bigger homes in both Pcola and Pace, so this home by no means EXTREME. Show some manners, so those with their petty comments – you know what KEEP THEM TO YOURSELF.

  61. Cynical on December 12th, 2010 12:21 pm

    “3600 sqft?”

    Room to grow :)

  62. person on December 12th, 2010 11:34 am

    MOVE THAT BUS! MOVE THAT BUS! MOVE THAT BUS!!!!!

  63. John doe on December 12th, 2010 10:14 am

    To all of the needed people in pensacola go stay at this house there is plenty of room

  64. C W on December 12th, 2010 9:48 am

    3600 sqft? I guess “extreme” is the right word for that.

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