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Transforming Myrtle Grove: A 30-year Vision

Rick Outzen

Tomorrow morning, Escambia County’s Planning Board will consider the redevelopment for the county’s newest Community Redevelopment District, Myrtle Grove. The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 W. Park Place. Read Myrtle Grove Redevelopment Plan

Why Myrtle Grove

Nearly one in five homes in Myrtle Grove are in poor or dilapidated condition, with only 12.4% rated as good or excellent. The community’s 29 platted neighborhoods—with names like Elysian Fields, Royal Pines, and Weatherwood—face significant economic challenges, with median household income 26% below the county average at just $45,517.

Current Conditions


Current Land Use

Land Use and Housing: Myrtle Grove is overwhelmingly residential, with 82.3% of its 1,743 acres dedicated to housing. Single-family homes dominate at 63.4% of total land use, while 8.2% sits vacant and available for redevelopment. The area also contains significant institutional uses (7.7%), including Escambia High School, Myrtle Grove Elementary, and numerous churches.

Demographics and Economic Reality: With per capita income 28.6% lower than the county average, many residents fall into the “ALICE” category—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—meaning they work but struggle to afford basic necessities. Nearly half of households (45.6%) have only one vehicle, and 8.6% have none at all, limiting access to jobs and services.

Infrastructure Gaps: Critical infrastructure deficits plague the area. Only about half of Myrtle Grove has access to public sewer, forcing many residents to rely on aging septic systems. The sidewalk network is incomplete, particularly south of West Jackson Street, making walking dangerous or impossible in many areas. Stormwater management problems cause regular flooding in several neighborhoods.

A Vision for Transformation

The Myrtle Grove Redevelopment Plan establishes ten core objectives to guide the community’s evolution:

Physical Improvements

Community Building

Economic Development

Strategic Implementation Approach

The plan takes a comprehensive approach to improvement, focusing on major corridors like West Fairfield Drive, Lillian Highway, and West Jackson Street. It taps into the “Reimagine Jackson Street” vision—a complete transformation of this vital east-west corridor featuring reduced speeds, mini-roundabouts, protected bike lanes, and underground utilities.

Neighborhood-Level Interventions: Recognizing that each of Myrtle Grove’s 29 neighborhoods has unique needs, the plan includes targeted strategies:

Commercial Revitalization: The plan identifies key commercial nodes for focused investment, particularly the blighted block bounded by New Warrington Spur, Lillian Highway, and New Warrington Road. Sewer extensions to commercial properties along major corridors will enable higher-quality development and attract new businesses.

The 30-Year Investment Plan

The redevelopment program envisions over $70 million in capital improvements funded through multiple sources:

Sidewalk Network ($4.8+ million) Priority projects include completing connections along North 57th Avenue, West Jackson Street, and major north-south corridors. These improvements will provide safe pedestrian access to schools, parks, and commercial areas while supporting the community’s “complete streets” vision.

Stormwater Management ($33+ million) Drawing from the county’s comprehensive Stormwater Advisory Team (SWAT) study, the plan prioritizes eight major drainage projects. Highlights include:

Community Assets

Making It Happen: Implementation Framework

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will spearhead implementation, working closely with:

The plan leverages multiple funding streams:

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