Task Force Tours Potential 4-H Locations, Set To Issue Report Soon

April 29, 2013

A task force on a fact-finding mission about potential future land for Escambia County 4-H is just a few weeks away from issuing a preliminary report to a University of Florida dean.

After reviewing the report, UF/IFAS Extension Dean Nick Place could choose to act on the task force’s findings or ask the group to continue its fact-finding research. The task force was created following the sale of the 240-acre Langley Bell 4-H Center to Navy Federal Credit Union for $3.6 million. From the sale proceeds, $2 million was placed in an endowment fund with interest used to support Escambia County 4-H, and $1.6 million was reserved for 4-H use under the guidance of UF/IFAS.

“I look forward to studying the task force report and reviewing some well researched options that will serve 4-H needs,” Place said.

Saturday, task force members and other interested parties toured  potential properties which might be used or purchased by Escambia County 4-H for animal science, outdoor and environmental educational activities:

  • Escambia County Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola
  • Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds ,6655 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
  • Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, 1300 Tobias Road, Cantonment
  • Beck’s Lake Road Property, Cantonment
  • Cottage Hill State Forest, McKenzie Rd, Cantonment
  • Bayer Crop Science Facility, 2996 Crabtree Church Road, Molino
  • Proposed 4H Site, 5000 block of N Hwy. 29,Molino
  • Proposed 4H Site, 4000 block of Barrineau Park Road, Molino
  • Proposed 4H Site,1700 block of Jacks Branch Road, Cantonment

Escambia County commissioners have also agreed to spend $1.5 million in local option sales tax money to build a new 4-H center on Stefani Road, next to the current Escambia County Extension Service.

Pictured: Two of the buildings located on the Bayer Crop Science Facility in Molino, one of the properties being considered by a task force for Escambia County 4-H. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

11 Responses to “Task Force Tours Potential 4-H Locations, Set To Issue Report Soon”

  1. david Lamb on April 30th, 2013 8:45 pm

    I have a vision too. Somewhat like my sisters with Live Oak and Jay. My vision for Bayer is @ Eastern Nebraska 4H center in Sarpy County Ne. It is 50 acres,BUT is attached to Schramm State Park an aquarium and other nearby attractions. So in size is larger than Bayer. The 4H center has full access to all ammenties.
    It also has revenue from rental of cabins by church or family groups. Weddings are forbidden because of the alcohol issue. It has the 4H agents in a common building with kitchen/dining/meeting rooms. Food is GOOD!
    Add their things plus all other things that could be done at BAyer and you have 6the best program in the USA!
    One major problem>>> VISION! Leadership! the desire to work ! All things lacking at the current Extension Office. Obama was for change.I dont like his chasnge. For es cambia 4H to make a come back to its previous excellence Chajnge in Leadership Will HAVE TO BE MADE! IF not more hohum!
    My sister is diplomatic, I am not!

  2. 4-H'er on April 30th, 2013 3:57 pm

    to volunteer: Thanks…I did choose my words carefully.
    The potential for an excellent program is there, again, with the right leadership.
    Leadership, vision, hard work, planning…all work together for a great program initiative, to invision what we could have…….expecting a miracle!!

  3. volunteer on April 30th, 2013 2:39 pm

    To: Taxpayer
    (Now the kids have to wait while the “task force” makes a decision.)
    Response – the “task force” will not be the ones making the decision – it will be the IFAS Dean at the University of Florida – Dr. Place.
    To: 4-H’er
    (Escambia County 4-H ~with the right leadership~ COULD become a shining example of all apects of 4-H….)
    Response: the key word in your comment is “with the right leadership”……that wil only happen if the current leadership is replaced as the current leadership is not in favor of the Bayer Property being selected.

  4. 4-H'er on April 30th, 2013 6:40 am

    In further consideration, the Bayer property would be an excellent choice. Not only for current use, but to expand the center for a premier well-known research center similar to the one in Jay…and Live Oak…Escambia County 4-H ~with the right leadership~ COULD become a shining example of all apects of 4-H….
    When one considers the current movement “back to agricultural roots…local and fresh grown”….the ag component of the EsCo Ex Office will grow and become a wonderful assest to our county!
    Vision people, Vision! Think Forward!

  5. Taxpayer on April 29th, 2013 11:13 pm

    The site selection should have happened BEFORE the sale. Now the kids have to wait while the “task force” makes a decision.

  6. Pat Kennedy on April 29th, 2013 8:09 pm

    I hope that they get the Bayer Crop Science Facility. It has every thing that they need and they can have more than onething going on at the same time. there Is so much that they can do out there.

  7. judy on April 29th, 2013 4:20 pm

    Why is the fair grounds and the equastrian even being considered. A property for 4-H students does not need to be on property that they will outgrow…chosing the Molino property makes the most sense. I sure hope wisdom is being used in considering properties

  8. Pat Kennedy on April 29th, 2013 1:07 pm

    I hope that they get the Bayer Crop Science Facility Becouse it has every thing on it and you would not have to build anything on it . and they can do so much out there on it and show thier Animals you can do so much the list is long and a lot of room that you can have more than one thing goingon at the same time.

  9. 4-H'er on April 29th, 2013 12:05 pm

    Is it possibe to list the participants of this tour?

  10. William on April 29th, 2013 10:22 am

    >>William, do you have a list of the task force member names?

    These were the original members; I am unaware of any substitutions.

    http://www.northescambia.com/2012/11/4-h-task-force-members-named-will-discuss-new-4-h-facility

  11. tlad on April 29th, 2013 10:15 am

    William, do you have a list of the task force member names?

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News