Bratt Elementary K-2 Award Winners Announced

May 31, 2016

The following students in grades K-2 were presented year-end awards at Bratt Elementary School:

KINDERGARTEN AWARDS

Progress Award

  • Anthony, Eli
  • Anthony, Eric
  • Burt, Tycoren
  • DuBose, O’Neshia
  • Gibson, Presley
  • Hubbard, Graysen
  • Southard, Adalynn

Outstanding Attendance

  • Dinc, Braxton
  • Durant, Jamaris
  • Lee, Peyton
  • Mooney, Wyatt
  • Parker, Hunter
  • Spence, Noah
  • Spence, Wyatt
  • Ward, Kennedy

Perfect Attendance

  • Gilmore, Sawyer
  • Satterwhite, Chloe

Outstanding Citizenship Award

  • Allcock, Landon
  • Boatwright, Gabrielle
  • Diller, Logan
  • Roley, Makinzi

AR Award

  • Amerson, Tyler
  • Anthony, Eli
  • Diller, Logan
  • Ganey, Parker
  • Gilmore, Sawyer
  • Jacobson, Camden
  • Roley, Makinzi

Art

  • Allcock, Landon
  • Hall, Brody
  • Holliman, Hunter
  • Peters, Jordan

Music

  • Gilmore, Sawyer
  • Hadley, Aubrey
  • McAnally, Tyler
  • Pittman, Madalynn

PE

  • Alexander, Govan
  • Bolyard, Helen Grace
  • Peters, Jordan
  • Stilwell, Cassandra

BRATT ELEMENTARY 1ST AND 2ND GRADE AWARDS

Honor Roll

  • Abbott, Lauren
  • Allen, Austin
  • Amerson, Claire
  • Bailey, Wade
  • Blackwell, Bailey
  • Bush, Nevaeh
  • Campbell, Amara
  • Chavers, Luke
  • Davis, Crimson
  • Dean, Trevor
  • Eady, Nolan
  • Eicher, Addison
  • Flowers, Allison
  • Gipson, Hayden
  • Greenwell, Shelby
  • Gregson, Talise
  • Hadley, Laila
  • Heard, Will
  • Jarvis, Emily
  • Jowers, Jessica
  • Lowry, Savannah
  • Nicholson, Kayleb
  • Plato, Makayla
  • Smith, Brayden
  • Smith, Miles
  • Stewart, Maggie
  • Taylor, Jake
  • Thames, Zy’nia
  • Warr, Raleigh
  • Watson, Landon
  • Zisa, Jasmine

Academic Achievement Award

  • Bagwell, Desiray
  • Bingham, Lexi
  • Bridges, Jackson
  • Bryan, Luke
  • Caraway, Christian
  • Classen, Addison
  • Classen, Will
  • Crumm, Tristan
  • Davis, Carlie
  • Dougall, Jacobi
  • Greenwood, Cate
  • Hall, Lori
  • Johnson, Presley
  • Long, Kaylee
  • McAnally, Mikayla
  • Richardson, Dakota
  • Simmons, Jackson
  • Stuckey, Avery

Progress Award

  • Amos, Presley
  • Bryan, Trinity
  • Helton, Jackson
  • Howell, Jasmine
  • Long, Emily
  • Nettles, Monqarious
  • Odom, Aydin
  • Peebles, Reagan
  • Reid, Samuel
  • Warta, Thomas III
  • Yalch, Garrett

Outstanding Attendance

  • Amerson, Claire
  • Bagwell, Desiray
  • Caraway, Christian
  • Crumm, Tristan
  • Curry, Talaysha
  • Davis, Crimson
  • Greenwell, Shelby
  • Hall, Lori
  • Jarvis, Emily
  • Johnson, Presley
  • Kelson, Dallas
  • Mason, Max
  • Taylor, Jake
  • Thomas, Jeremy
  • Warr, Raleigh
  • Warta, Thomas III
  • Watson, Landon
  • Watson, Ollie
  • Wiggins, Jason

Outstanding Citizenship Award

  • Chavers, Luke
  • Classen, Addison
  • Garrett, Chase
  • Jowers, Jessica
  • McAnally, Mikayla
  • Stuckey, Avery
  • Thomas, Jeremy

AR

  • Abbott, Lauren
  • Bagwell, Desiray
  • Bailey, Kylie
  • Bailey, Wade
  • Bingham, Lexi
  • Blackwell, Bailey
  • Bryan, Luke
  • Bush, Nevaeh
  • Caraway, Christian
  • Chavers, Luke
  • Classen, Addison
  • Classen, Will
  • Curry, Talaysha
  • Davis, Carlie
  • Dougall, Jacobi
  • Gipson, Hayden
  • Gregson, Talise
  • Hall, Lori
  • Johnson, Presley
  • Long, Kaylee
  • McAnally, Mikayla
  • Nicholson, Kayleb
  • Plato, Makayla
  • Richardson, Dakota
  • Simmons, Jackson
  • Smith, Miles
  • Stuckey, Avery
  • Taylor, Jake
  • Thomas, Jeremy
  • Watson, Landon

Art

  • Clemmons, Zakhel
  • Garrett, Chase
  • Harvey, Keon
  • Helton, Jackson
  • Smith, Brayden
  • Zisa, Jasmine

Music

  • Curry, Talaysha
  • Davis, Carlie
  • Dougall, Jacobi
  • Eicher, Addison
  • Greenwood, Cate
  • Thomas, Jeremy

P.E.

  • Bryan, Ora
  • Caraway, Christian
  • Chavers, Luke
  • McAnally, Mikayla
  • Plato, Makayla
  • Stewart, Maggie

FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts

May 31, 2016

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities..

Escambia County:

  • U.S. 29 – Intermittent and alternating lane closures within the town of Century and from Champion Drive north continue.
  • Interstate 10 (I-10)/U.S. 29 Interchange Improvements – The U.S. 29 south to I-10 eastbound ramp will be closed Tuesday, May 31 through Thursday, June 2 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews place barrier wall. Traffic will be detoured south to make a U-turn at Diamond Dairy Road. In addition, the U.S. 29 north to I-10 westbound ramp will be closed during this time. Traffic will be detoured north to make a U-turn at Broad Street.
  • I-10 Widening – Intermittent and alternating lane closures on I-10, near U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway/Exit 17), from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. the week of Tuesday, May 31 as crews perform bridge work.
  • Dupont Road- DuPont Road between Bayou Boulevard and Gonnell Drive will be closed to traffic Wednesday, May 25 through Wednesday, June 1.  The temporary road closures will allow crews to make drainage improvements.  Detour signs and variable message boards are in place to direct traffic.  The drainage work is part of the Bayou Boulevard resurfacing project from Baisden Road to U.S. 90.

Santa Rosa County:

  • I-10 WideningAlternating lane closures on I-10, between the Escambia Bay Bridge and S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard/Exit 22), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 31 through Thursday, June 2 as crews continue widening work. In addition, alternating lane closures on Avalon Boulevard near the I-10 interchange for bridge work.
  • State Road (S.R.) 87 Widening – The speed limit will be reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph between the Eglin Air Base boundary and the south end of the Yellow River Bridge beginning Tuesday, May 31.
  • I-10 Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Rest Area – Crews will continue resurfacing entry/exit ramps of rest areas on Interstate 10 in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties Tuesday, May 31 through Friday, June 10.   Lane closures will be in effect 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  Only one rest area in each county will be closed during paving operations. Variable message boards and the I-10 Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) will be used to alert drivers of the temporary closure.  No work will take place during the Memorial Day holiday period.
  • S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard)- Intermittent lane closures and mobile operations from U.S. 98 to the toll bridge from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Tuesday, May 31 and continuing for approximately one month as crews perform striping operations. There will be no work performed Friday through Sunday.
  • S.R. 87 and S.R. 89 from S.R. 4 to the Alabama line – Intermittent and alternating lane closures and mobile operations from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Tuesday, May 31 and continuing for approximately one month Monday through Saturday as crews perform striping operations.
  • U.S. 98 – Crews will perform striping operations and install raised pavement markers (RPMs) from the Pensacola Bay Bridge to Central Parkway (approximately nine miles) Sunday through Thursday nights through Thursday, June 30. Motorists may encounter minor traffic delays from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.  No work will take place during the Memorial Day holiday period.
  • S.R. 399 over U.S. 98 – Overnight repairs to the S.R. 399 southbound overpass over U.S. 98 will be in place from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. throughout the project. U.S. 98 will be reduced to one lane in each direction from Shoreline Drive to just east of S.R. 399 to allow westbound U.S. 98 traffic to be diverted to eastbound U.S. 98. Westbound U.S. 98 access to S.R. 399 will be closed. An on-site detour will direct traffic to turn left on Daniel Street, left on Shoreline Drive and then right on eastbound U.S. 98 to access S.R. 399 via the at grade on ramp.

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or re-scheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling in a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.

Camp Fire Century Holds Graduation; Registration Underway For Summer Camp (With Gallery)

May 31, 2016

The Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center held a graduation program recently.

For more photos, click here.

Registration is underway for Camp Fire’s WILD and WISE Nature Day Camp. Parents can register this children today for a nature adventure offered offered at Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center beginning June 1. Each week campers will explore the outdoors and different environmental themes like WILD Adventure, Gulf Coast Safari and WISE Journey.

The camper’s goal is to complete the Camp Fire Trail to Environment program and earn the emblem during the summer, which includes the Wise Old Willie program; children discover outdoor basics and learn about ecology and the 3 R’s: reduces, reuse and recycle. Campers explore Florida flora and fauna though Project WILD hands-on activities from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  Additionally, campers complete a community service project to keep the earth healthy and give service to  others. Weekly camps are for ages 5-12 years old and runs through August 5.

“Camp Fire is the first camp both of my kids have enjoyed. They both ask to return year after year. The program has truly mentored my children and helped them grow into  mature, responsible young adults. The staff genuinely care about my children and their  wellbeing. I cannot thank each of them enough for all of their help, kindness, and flexibility throughout the years,” said parent Sunni Solveson.

Campers may register for one or more weeks of summer program. In Century, weekly rates start at $85 per camper with discounts for a second and third child. A registration fee of $20 is due upon registration of a child. Camp hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center.
For more info, contact Pam Townson, director of the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center at (850) 256-0953 or email ptownson@cfgulfwind.org. For more details and registration forms, visit http://www.campfirekidsfl.com/camps_1.

ECAT Holding Workshops On Future Transit Needs

May 31, 2016

Escambia County, in coordination with Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT), has launched a major update to the County’s 10-year Transit Development Plan (TDP), which is named the Connections 2026: Moving Escambia Forward. The TDP update will serve as a guide for the future of public transportation in Escambia County from 2017–2026, representing Escambia County’s vision to promote transit growth and improvement over the next decade.

Public participation is an important part of the ECAT TDP planning process. The public is encouraged to attend one of two public workshops to discuss the findings from the previous Connections 2026 TDP workshops and online surveys, and to provide input on the draft 10-year TDP transit needs plan. Staff and consultants will be available at these workshops to provide information, answer questions, and take comments.

Public Workshop #1  Tuesday, May 31 (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)

West Florida Genealogy Library
5740 N. 9th Ave.
Pensacola, FL 32504
ECAT Bus Routes 31, 43, 52, 63*

Public Workshop #2  Wednesday, June 1 (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)

West Florida Public Library
239 North Spring Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
ECAT Bus Routes 2, 31, 41, 44, 58*

Meeting Tonight: How To Purchase AED At Escambia County’s Cost

May 31, 2016

Escambia County will hold a meeting tonight to provide more information on how to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the county’s cost.

District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry and Escambia County Public Safety will host a meeting Tuesday, May 31 at 6 p.m. for groups or individuals interested in purchasing an AED for their church or business at the county’s cost.

The meeting will take place at the Walnut Hill Fire Station at 7760 Highway 97. Escambia County Public Safety Director Mike Weaver will be available to answer questions about purchasing an AED at the same cost the county received during its last bid solicitation and provide information about AED kit options and available warranty programs.

An AED will be available to view at the meeting.

The cost will be $1,317.31 for the AED and associated equipment, according to Mike Weaver. Escambia County Public Safety Director . The vendor is also offering a wall mount cabinet for an additional $99..

“By no means are we trying to ’sell’ this particular AED. It is the same AED that we have chosen for our responders, County Buildings and parks. There are other devices and distributors that may be able to offer a lower price that will be shared,” Weaver said.

An automated external defibrillator is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can stop an irregular heart rhythm and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function. If it’s not treated within minutes, it quickly leads to death.

According to Escambia County, AEDs are important because they make it possible for more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. Because AEDs are portable, they can be used by anyone who has been trained how to use them – not only by medical professionals. They can be made part of emergency response programs that also include rapid use of 9-1-1 and prompt delivery of CPR. All three of these activities are vital to improving survival from cardiac arrest.

For more information, contact Escambia County Public Safety at (850) 471-6400.

North Escambia Memorials Honor Those That Served

May 30, 2016

People across North Escambia and the country will pause today to remember the brave men and women that have served our country as we celebrate Memorial Day.

In North Escambia, there are several memorials that honor those that have served in the military:

Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor

The largest such memorial in the North Escambia area, the Veteran’s Honor Wall has stood in front of the Walnut Hill Community Center since its dedication in 2003. There are nearly 300 names on the wall, including  names of just over a dozen soldiers killed in action. The wall honors those from the Walnut Hill area that have served in the nation’s military.

The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club began planning the wall in late 2001, and they decided that it would be a community project at no cost to the veterans listed.

Billy R. Ward began to engrave the names with an antique machine the club purchased off the internet, and there were 220 names on the wall when it was dedicated in 2003. He spent a lot of time on the project, even visiting the Wall South Memorial in Pensacola to get an idea what size the letters on the plaques should be.

On the Walnut Hill Veteran’s Honor Wall, everyone is equal. It was decided that no service rank would be include on the name plaques, just the branch and years of service.

It is estimated that about one-fourth of the veterans listed on the wall are now deceased.

The Walnut Hill Veteran’s Wall is located in front of the community center at 7850 Highway 97.

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LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park


The LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park was dedicated in Bratt on November 8, 2011, in honor of the local Marine killed in action in August 2011 in  Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was just two weeks after his 19th birthday and only about a month after he arrived in Afghanistan.

The park features a memorial in Nelson’s honor. It is located on West Highway 4, just west of Northview High School.

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Atmore Veterans Memorial

The Veterans Memorial in Atmore stands proudly on the lawn of the Atmore City Hall to pay tribute to those have served from around Atmore and North Escambia. Names of the fallen are on the spire, while commemorative bricks around the base of the spire name those that have served in the military past and present.

Those honored on the bricks date back to the Revolutionary War with a brick with the name of Benjamin Sasser, 1755-1840. His relative, Federick Sasser, 1794-1846, is also honored for his service in the War of 1812.

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Barrineau Park Wall of Honor

The Wall of Honor inside the Barrineau Park Community Center  honors scores of area residents  that have served in the military. The wall was a project of the Barrineau Park Historical Society. (Pictured above.)

Century Veterans Wall of Honor

About four dozen of those that served from the Century area are honored on the Century Veterans Wall of Honor at Century’s Roadside Park on Highway 29. The memorial was dedicated on July 4, 2008. (Pictured below.)

The Century Veterans Wall of Honor is located in the Nadine McCaw Park at the corner of North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) and Hecker Road.

centurywallofhonor10.jpg

NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Escambia Native Serving Aboard Nuclear Powered Submarine

May 30, 2016

A 2008 West Florida High School graduate and Escambia County Florida native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a crew working aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS City of Corpus Christi.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Leeroy Ybarra is a machinist’s mate (auxiliary) serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines making it the backbone of the submarine force.

A Navy machinist’s mate is responsible for maintaining pnuematic systems, atmospheric purification, diesel engine maintenance, hydraulics and oxygen generation aboard a submarine.

“I enjoy working with the wide variety of people you meet in the Navy, and I like the different ports that we pull into,” said Ybarra. “Singapore is very nice, Guam is always a great time, and Yokosuka [Japan] is also great!”

With a crew of 130, this submarine is 360 feet long and weighs approximately 6,900 tons. A nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at more than 25 mph.

Attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.

“Submarine sailors never cease to amaze me with their ability to complete complex missions in the world’s most challenging environments,” said Rear Adm. Fritz Roegge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Continued U.S. undersea superiority is not possible without their dedication, expertise and professionalism.”

According to Navy officials, because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly technical and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.

“The Corpus Christi is a 33-year old boat, and keeping her out to sea and operational is a challenge. I like that aspect,” said Ybarra.

Challenging submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the elite crew, Navy officials explained. The crews are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.

“I have a great sense of pride knowing that I’m protecting our country, and knowing that makes me feel that I have earned the right to all the great benefits the military provides,” Ybarra added.

by U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

DCF Offers Tips For Parents Selecting A Summer Camp

May 30, 2016

With school out for the summer, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) reminds parents and caregivers about precautions they can take to ensure their child has fun in a safe summer camp program.

“It’s important for children to stay active and social over summer break, and it’s equally important for parents to ensure their child’s wellbeing by checking the safety standards of all summer camp choices,” said Secretary Mike Carroll. “We encourage caregivers to look into their summer camp selections and to ask important questions before enrolling their child in a program.”

Florida law requires all camp owners, operators, employees and volunteers to submit to background screenings for state and federal criminal histories. DCF publishes a self-reported list of summer camps that have acknowledged state screening requirements on the department’s website. Though the department is not authorized to license or inspect camps, DCF investigates complaints and concerns related to background screenings.

Parents and caregivers are advised to take time to research and learn about any summer camp programs they are considering for their children. In addition to the summer camp listing, DCF has a recommended checklist of questions to ask when selecting a program. Tips include checking:

  • The program’s health and safety policies and procedures
  • Staff to child ratios and adequate facility settings
  • Staff qualifications, training, experience and education
  • The program’s license or accreditation

A list of screened camps and the complete summer camp checklist are available at www.myflfamilies.com/summercamps.

Slight Chance Of Isolated Showers

May 30, 2016

Here is your official North Escambia area forecast on this Memorial Day:

Tonight: Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. West wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southwest in the evening.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. West wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86

Escambia County Seeks Appointees For Housing Finance Authority

May 30, 2016

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority. Appointees serve without compensation. Escambia residents interested in serving on the Escambia County Housing Finance Authority are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by 5 p.m. Friday, June 2. Resumes should be submitted to Judy Witterstaeter, Program Coordinator, Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 1591, Pensacola, Florida 32502.

The Escambia County Housing Finance Authority was established in accordance with Florida law. The authority’s duties are to assist in eliminating shortages of adequate housing, stop re-occurrence of slum conditions and stimulate employment and commerce. Knowledge in the area of labor, finance or commerce required. Authority members serve a four-year term of office. Financial disclosure is required.

Requirements:

  • The authority’s regular meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month and typically last between one to two hours (i.e. 24 hours annually). Board members are also required to attend special meetings that are occasionally called on an “as needed” basis in connection with proposed multi- and single-family financings.
  • Board members must review various documents (official statements, trust statements, loan agreements, etc.) prior to each monthly meeting. Preparation time generally ranges from one hour for a normal meeting, to four to six hours if there is a substantial item on the agenda.
  • Board members are also required to be available for any bond issue closings that occur during the year and to also make time during the month to consult with the Executive Director (and/or be available to sign documents, checks, etc.) as needed in connection with routine authority business.
  • Board members are also strongly encouraged to participate in various educational workshops and conferences sponsored by the National and Florida Associations of Local Housing Finance Authorities (approximately two a year) in an effort to stay abreast of emerging trends and changes to all the various laws and regulations in the housing finance and municipal finance industries (i.e. such as their due diligence responsibilities before approving a bond issue, SEC/MSRB regulations, disclosure responsibilities, etc.) that impact the authority’s mission of providing safe, decent and affordable housing.

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