A review of the PNJ newspaper archives reveals that Pensacola Front Porch had a rocky start. Manley became community liason after director Johnny Crawford was ousted for excluding community input. State leaders had to intervene and get the program back on track. Crawford had helped the chamber get the program started in October, 1999.
According to a April 13, 2000 article:
“Under the leadership of Johnny Crawford, the group had been asking local governments for start-up funds without direction from the governor’s office. After several visits in February and March, Tallahassee officials reorganized the local group, ousting Crawford, expanding the board to include more members of the community and renaming the board a “revitalization council.”
Ferrell said the local group is looking for a fiscal agent to handle the group’s money and a lender for the $100,000 microloan program. When a fiscal agent is selected, the group will get $50,000 in start-up funds from Tallahassee. He added that $200,000 from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is expected in Pensacola by the end of June.
The PNJ archives list 34 articles on Manley since this April 2000 story.
2000: Manley performed a wedding ceremony; Lease of office space for PFP
2001: 6 articles, all on PFP
Comments on Pres. Bush Faith-based program, Grant monies being received, Foot patrols funded in area, Holly Benson’s Plug In Pensacola program to put computers in homes, parenting seminars.
2002: 9 articles
5 mention her as possible appointee to county commission (Marie Young was appointed instead)
Benson donates 94 computers, Lt. Gov Brogan visits, thanking City for funding, appointment to Esc. Co. Health Task Force.
2003: Offering GED and FCAT tutoring, Working on Jobs of ex-offenders
2004: Mentoring Moms program, License for her shoe shop
2005: 5 articles on Rebuild and her role on needs assessment committee
3 articles on her shoe shop
appointment to Gov. Faith-Based and Community Advisory Board, building of butterfly gardens.
2006: Article on Black Legislators – Listening Tour on Poverty; Escambia Collaborative meetings
2007: Sunday article on problems with Front Porch.