District 3 resident urges Escambia County to address concentrated poverty, gentrification and housing instability

Sylvia, founder of the nonprofit Empower Black Families and a resident of District 3, told the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners that long-standing problems in her district—concentrated poverty, absentee landlords, reduced supportive programs and limited food access—remain unaddressed.

“District 3 is dealing with concentrated poverty, slum lords, and it’s a food desert,” Sylvia said, adding that she had requested a meeting with Commissioner May and received no follow-up. She criticized reductions in programs that directly support families and noted outside investors were purchasing properties, demolishing older homes and constructing higher-priced units that risk displacement.

Sylvia cited community development tools and asked what measurable plans the county has to improve conditions, referencing redevelopment projects such as Imagine Jackson Street as context for community concerns. She said she was seeking concrete plans for homeowner repair programs, anti-displacement protections, and better access to services.

A commissioner offered to follow up by phone to schedule a meeting to discuss the concerns in detail. The forum record does not show any board action or allocation of new funds; Sylvia said she would pursue a separate meeting with staff to press for measurable steps.