Escambia County’s annual report for fiscal year 2024-2025 showcases a wide-ranging effort to improve infrastructure, respond to emergencies, and address homelessness across the region’s 320,000-plus residents. Read annual report.
Emergency Response Through Historic Winter Weather
During January 2025’s unprecedented winter storm, Escambia County first responders handled nearly 960 emergency calls, including 568 Emergency Medical Services calls and 392 Fire Rescue calls, over just three days. The response demonstrated the county’s emergency preparedness plans, with increased staffing ensuring continuous service even during the storm’s peak.
Addressing Homelessness With Project Reconnect
Escambia County’s Real Change Project Reconnect program helped more than 300 individuals—including 13 children—reunite with family or support networks through free transportation assistance. Launched in February 2024, the program offers a cost-effective alternative to prolonged supportive services. County Administrator Wesley Moreno noted that supporting an unhoused individual typically costs taxpayers $35,000, meaning Project Reconnect has saved an estimated $10 million while providing pathways out of homelessness.
Major Infrastructure Investments
The Engineering Department completed an ambitious slate of projects, awarding more than $42 million in contracts—25 for design and 52 for construction. The Construction Management Division resurfaced 17.64 miles of roadway between October 2024 and September 2025.
- Notable completed projects include the Bauer Road paved shoulders safety upgrade, County Road 164 widening improvements, the Perdido Bay Boat Ramp, and the Woodrun Bridge replacement.
Youth Development
More than 400 local youth participated in the seven-week Play, Learn & Grow Summer Camp hosted at four community centers, featuring recreational activities, educational instruction, and meals provided through partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast.
- Separately, over 200 youth gained work experience through the Summer Youth Employment Program, working up to 30 hours weekly in various county departments while learning practical job skills and workplace etiquette.
Environmental Restoration and Recreation Expansion
The county completed the Jones Swamp Floodplain Restoration Project in December 2024, restoring 10-plus acres of historic wetlands and planting over 16,000 trees and plants. The project excavated approximately 50,000 cubic yards of material to return the area to its natural wetland state.
- Parks and Recreation added five new playgrounds and parks, including facilities at Ferry Pass Community Center, the new Paper Park in Cantonment, and Raymond Riddles Athletic Park.
Veterans Services Delivers
The Office of Veterans Services made a significant impact through community outreach, establishing approximately $20,896.61 in new recurring monthly income and $142,441.22 in retroactive payments during just three outreach events. The office also processed six indigent/unclaimed veteran burials, recouping $5,358 from the Veterans Administration.
Major Grant Funding
The county secured approximately $82.99 million in Rebuild Florida Hurricane Sally Grants, including $9 million for housing repair and replacement, $26.55 million for a new ECAT Transit Center, and various infrastructure improvements. The American Rescue Plan provided $61.8 million in direct recovery assistance, while Florida Opioid Abatement funding totaling $5.5 million supports treatment and prevention programs through partnerships with organizations like Lakeview Center and Community Health Northwest Florida.
Read annual report.
