2006-2007 Annual Report - Santa Rosa County

An n u a l Re p o r t t o t h e Citizens o f Sa n t a Ro s a Co u n t yQualityS erviceV alueFi s c a l Ye a r 2006/2007

W elcomeDear Resident of Santa Rosa County,On behalf of the Santa Rosa County Board of CountyCommissioners, it is my pleasure to present to you the2006/2007 Fiscal Year Annual Report. It highlightsour accomplishments and achievements from October1, 2006 to September 31, 2007. The theme of this year’sreport is “Quality - Service - Value,” and reflects thecommitments your county staff and elected officialsstrive for each day.As you read this annual report, I hope you are able tosee the huge scope of services undertaken by SantaRosa County. I want to ensure to you, our citizens,that providing you the most efficient governmentalservices is a major consideration in each action we take.The value we place on fiscal responsibility is reflectedin the numbers found in the county comparison on page nine.Additionally, transportation, sensibly managed growth andprotecting our beautiful environment are major goals for theboard of county commissioners as we work to create viablesolutions for today and for the years to come.Our board welcomes input from you on how we may moreefficiently and effectively provide the services that continue thegreat quality of life our residents desire and deserve. Our opendoor policy reflects and encourages our citizens to contact theirboard and staff with suggestions and solutions to the manychallenges we face together. We welcome your direct input intothe county decision making process. We are here to serve you!Our desire is to be the “voice of the people.”Sincerely,Santa Rosa County’s Board ofCounty CommissionersJohn BroxsonChairman & District 5 Commissioner3

our CommissionersYThe Board is comprisedof five members electedcounty-wide. Eachmember must residewithin the particulardistrict for which seat he/she seeks election. Eachyear the board organizesitself by selecting a chairand vice-chair fromamong its members topreside at commissionmeetings.The Santa Rosa CountyBoard of CountyCommissioners servesas the legislative andpolicy setting body ofSanta Rosa Countyas established underSection 125 of theFlorida Statutes. Assuch, the board enactsall legislation andauthorizes programs andexpenditures within thecounty.How to contact your countycommissioners:850-983-1877 Office850-983-1856 Fax6495 Caroline StreetSuite MMilton, FL 32570District 3Don SalterVice ChairmanCommissionerSalter has beena memberof the SantaRosa CountyCommission sinceNovember 2000.comm-broxson@santarosa.fl.govDistrict 5John BroxsonChairmanCommissionerBroxson hasbeen a memberof the SantaRosa CountyCommission sinceNovember 2004.District 1Tom StewartCommissionerStewart hasbeen a memberof the SantaRosa CountyCommission sinceNovember 2004.Committee meetings areheld on the second andfourth Monday at 9 a.m.,where the commissiondiscusses each agendaitem. The commissionmeets in regular sessionbeginning at 9 a.m.the second and fourthThursday of the month.Both meetings are heldin the commissioner’sboard room in theAdministrative Center,6495 Caroline Street.Called meetings andworkshops are scheduledperiodically and areadvertised and open tothe public.comm-salter@santarosa.fl.govcomm-cole@santarosa.fl.govDistrict 2Bob ColeCommissionerCole has beena memberof the SantaRosa CountyCommission sinceNovember 2002.comm-stewart@santarosa.fl.govcomm-goodin@santarosa.fl.govDistrict 4Gordon GoodinCommissionerGoodin hasbeen a memberof the SantaRosa CountyCommission sinceNovember 2002.4

Commission districtsare redistricted every 10years using new censusinformation, so thateach district containsapproximately the samepopulation at the timeof redistricting.5

Message from the County AdministratorIt is my honor as the County Administrator to present the fiscal 2006/2007 SantaRosa County Annual Report, which is designed to summarize the accomplishmentsand achievements of the offices, functions and departments of the Santa Rosa CountyBoard of County Commissioners.There were a number of significant accomplishments and achievements completedin 2007. Santa Rosa County successfully transitioned the Milton, Gulf Breeze, Jay,and Navarre branch libraries from the West Florida Regional Library System andestablished the Santa Rosa County Library System. A pivotal component of thistransition was the establishment of the central office/technical center servicing thefour branch libraries. Also, the county’s fifth branch library opened in Pace in Aprilwith over 25,000 items available for circulation. Library patronage and usage of allfive branches increased steadily each month after the changeover from the WestFlorida system.Hunter WalkerCounty Administrator6495 Caroline StreetSuite DMilton, FL 32570(850) 983-1855 Office(850) 983-1856 Faxhunterw@santarosa.fl.govThe board established the housing program manager position within the communityplanning, zoning and development division and will centralize administration/management of county housing programs including the State Housing InitiativesProgram and Hurricane Housing Recovery Program effective January 1, 2008.In 2007, both tiers of the county’s emergency medical response system were enhancedand improved. First, at the culmination of a rigorous solicitation process, SantaRosa County entered into a performance-based contract with Lifeguard AmbulanceService of Florida, LLC to provide emergency medical transport services county-widerequiring response times twenty percent lower than the previous contract. Theselower or quicker response times should directly correlate to improved patient careand outcome. Secondly, a number of steps were taken to significantly upgrade thefirst responder component or the first tier of the emergency medical services system.The Municipal Services Benefit Unit funding of the volunteer fire departmentswas overhauled and increased, while at the same time central responsibility andaccountability was transferred to the county via the Emergency ManagementDepartment. Upgrades to equipment and personnel will positively impact both theemergency and fire responsiveness of these volunteer departments, with the majorportion of the improvements impacting medical first response.In 2007 with the change in the public information officer position, the county initiatedan effort to directly and intentionally communicate more effectively with its citizensand employees. This annual report is an example of this effort, as are the districtnewsletters and the departmental fact sheets developed by the PIO for the use of ourcitizens. The employee newsletter and the monthly employee roundtable discussionswith the county administrator are designed to improve communications withemployees.In my view, 2007 was a successful, if challenging year, dominated by state forcedreductions in revenue and accompanying challenge to provide an exceptional level ofservice with fewer resources. I am confident that the County will continue to respondpositively to these challenges, providing the service levels expected by our citizens.6

County AttorneyThe Santa Rosa County Attorney’s Office provides a high volume of legal adviceand representation to the board of county commissioners, county administrator,county departments, appointed county boards, councils, and committees, and isavailable to all county constitutional officers for assistance when requested.Legal services include the drafting and reviewing of ordinances, resolutions, andlegislation; prosecuting and defending civil actions in State and Federal courts;providing legal counsel and advice on a regular basis on all matters concerningthe operation of the county, represents some agencies in the criminal division ofcounty court; and answering and investigating citizen and other outside inquiries.Tom Dannheisser is a 1980 graduate of the University of Florida School of Law.He previously served as an assistant state attorney in the 12th and 15th JudicialCircuits and assistant county attorney in Escambia County.Tom DannheisserCounty Attorney6495 Caroline StreetSuite CMilton, FL 32570(850) 983-1857 Office(850) 983-1856 Faxtomd@santarosa.fl.gov7

OrganizationalChartSanta RosaCounty GovernmentStructureThe citizens of SantaRosa County elect fiveconstitutional officersand the board of countycommissioners, whichconsists of five electedcommissioners.The board appoints aprofessionally trainedcounty administratorwho is responsiblefor policy and budgetdevelopment andimplementation. InSanta Rosa County,there are five directorsthat represent 20individual officesor divisions, whoreport to the countyadministrator.Board of CountyCommissionersStaff Numbers*:Executive Staff- 6Senior Managers/Directors & DepartmentManagers- 23All other staff- 371Equates toapproximately 1employee for every349 citizens.(As of December 2007)8

How do we Compare?Santa Rosa County has one of the lowest per capita costs per citizen, or theaverage amount citizens pay for county services, in the state of Florida. Whenyou compare counties, you have to factor in the amount of people living inunincorporated areas. The more people you have living in unincorporatedareas, the greater number of people you will have utilizing the services providedby a county and not by a town or city. The good work being done by Santa RosaCounty is shown in the numbers- Santa Rosa County provides its services at thelowest costs compared to seven out of eight neighboring counties and countiesof similar size. Okaloossa County does have a lower per capita rate, but it alsohas only 59 percent of its population living in unincorporated areas, whereSanta Rosa has 90 percent. That means the county is responsible for providingservices to a much greater population/area.Comparable Counties Cost per Citizen*FY2006Per Capita% Population inCounty Population * Ad Valorem ** 2008 Budget Unincorporated AreasEscambia 307,045 444.5 726.1 82%Okaloosa 191,128 350.4 504.1 59%Charlotte 159,224 978.2 1,122.8 89%Citrus 136,558 565.6 798.3 92%Hernando 156,494 503.9 879.5 95%Indian River 134,815 709.6 748.4 64%Martin 141,365 849.8 1,089.7 86%St. Johns 164,966 783.3 1,269.4 88%Santa Rosa 139,597 420.1 573.2 90%* 2006 Population & Per Capita Ad Valorem Taxes provided by the State** 2008 Budget for Taxing Funds Expenditure only (General Fund and Road & Bridge only)9

County FactsPopulation Estimates as of April 1, 2006Total 139,597Gulf Breeze 5,774Jay 554Milton 7,592Unincorporated 125,677Size1,016.93 square milesRegistered Voters 109,108(1/3/08)AgriculturalTotal planted Crops 76,140 acresCounty gross value $70,090,862Top crops:Cotton 24,250 acresPeanuts 15,7187 acresLivestock gross value $2,617,600Top livestock estimates:Beef4,000 headGoats 4,320 headEquine 14,000 head2006 Average Income $31,812Military Economic Impact$274.4 millionProperty Value (in billions)Value of Real Property $13.93Residential $8.74Vacant Land $1.33Commercial $1.79County-wide Staff Compared with PopulationFiscal Year Funded Positions Population2001/2002 888 119,8902006/2007 1,015 139,597ParcelsTotal Parcel Count 101,202Homesteaded parcels 40,557Senior Exemptions 2,4392007/2008 980* not yet estimated*A hiring freeze is in place and all funded positions maynot be filled if vacated. Number reflects employees forthe board of county commissioners, clerk of the court,supervisor of elections, property appraiser and taxcollector, but not the sheriff’s officeCounty RoadsDirt roadsPaved roadsTotal161.7 miles1,364.3 miles1,526 miles10

Road Impact FeesOver the past fiscal year, 1,229 road impact fees were processed and over $3.8 milliondollars in revenue was collected to help fund road projects within Santa Rosa County.Impact Fee Agreements processed……………………….….………........428Impact Fees paid in full………………………………….…….............……..801Total dollar amount collected (Installments)………….……$136,350.99Total dollar amount collected (Paid in Full)…………...…$3,670,239.21In the Fiscal 2006/2007 year, $1,028,496 was used for design services for the5-Points/Woodbine area and $2,450,000 for right-of-way purchases at 5-points.Santa Rosa County Tax HistoryTax Year Fiscal Year Millage1992 1992/1993 6.97201993 1993/1994 6.97201994 1994/1995 6.97201995 1995/1996 6.97201996 1996/1997 6.97201997 1997/1998 6.97201998 1998/1999 6.97201999 1999/2000 6.97202000 2000/2001 6.97202001 2001/2002 6.61752002 2002/2003 6.61752003 2003/2004 6.61752004 2004/2005 6.61752005 2005/2006 6.61752006 2006/2007 6.61752007 2007/2008 6.617511

Public Services DepartmentThe Santa Rosa County Public Services Department consists of five divisions:inspections and compliance, community planning, zoning, and development;emergency management, animal services, and veteran services. Although our dutiesare very diverse, a central theme for us is customer service. The slogan we adoptedfor the 2007 calendar year was “ Making a Difference … One Customer At a Time.”We believe it is important to show the customer we are serving, that our desireis to assist them to the best of our ability. We believe by teaching and requiringteamwork, our employees develop a vision to assist the customer beyond the wallsof the particular division to which they are assigned. Our hope is to do our part tohelp Santa Rosa County continue to be one of the most desirable communities in thecountry to live, work, and play.Animal ServicesTony GomillionPublic Services Director6051 Old Bagdad Hwy.Suite 202Milton, FL 32583(850) 981-7031 Office(850) 623-1208 Faxtonyg@santarosa.fl.govAnimal services operates the county’s animal shelter and receives animals from variousorigins including owners surrendering their pets, stray animals that are wanderingthe streets, nuisance animals causing destruction of property, aggressive animalsendangering the public, and injured animals that need medical care. Additionally, anadoption center is located at the shelter. The animals found available for adoption arescreened for heartworms, given vaccinations, de-wormed, temperament tested, and arein good health before they are placed in adoption. Over 8,000 animals pass throughthe shelter each year. The office of animal services is open to the public Mondaythru Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Animalservices also has an on-call officer who responds to calls dispatched by emergencycommunications, between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.The staff ofanimal servicesare available24 hours aday, sevendays a week toresidents.Citizen Services at a Glance• Humane traps are available for public use and are distributed on Mondays andTuesdays and can be kept thru Friday at no cost. These traps can capture feral cats,domestic cats, dogs, opossums, raccoons, rabbits and armadillos.• Discount spay and neuter program for income-eligible residents. As part of a onetimegrant of $18,000 from “Florida Animal Friend, Inc.” license plate programgrant, approved applicants who already own their pet pay only $20 for dogs and $15for cats to have their pets spayed or neutered at a participating veterinarian.12

• Bite investigations• Complaints• Cruelty/neglect investigations• Adoptions• Dangerous and vicious classifications of animals who meet criteria.• Night boxes are available to the citizens after business hours from 4:40 p.m.to 8 a.m. This service provides residents a place to leave animals that maybe strays or owned pets.• Requested euthanasia of owned pets for a donation of $15.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Animal Control Officer responses- 8,692• Animals in Shelter- 8,651• Animals adopted- 770, animals transferred to rescues- 163• December 2006 Adopt-a-thon 53 animals adopted• External Adopt-a-thon St. Francis Veterinary Center in Navarre, The ArkAnimal Hospital in Pace, and Whiting Field Commissary, adopting anadditional 40 animals.• Mediacom produced and aired an animal services documentary titled “A LookInside Animal Services” and aired the documentary on channel 27 Gulf CoastNetwork.• Formed a partnership with Mediacom to begin featuring videos of adoptable pets,available as part of their “on demand” service and to produce videos featured onthe animal services web page, and the “Be a Mediacom Pet Champion” program.Dominic PersichiniDirector, Animal Services4451 Pine Forest RoadMilton, FL 32583(850) 983-4680 Office(850) 983-4686 Faxdominicp@santarosa.fl.govAbove left: A new family member is added at the St. Francis VeterinaryClinic Adopt-a-thon.Above: The annual December adopt-a-thon always draws a crowd.Left: Teddy is just one of the successful animal services adoptees.13

Emergency ManagementEmergency management is a full time emergency preparedness program with a staffof eight consisting of a clerk, EM technician, programs specialist, plans chief, logisticschief, emergency services coordinator, administrative assistant and director. The9-1-1 Emergency Communications Division is a twenty-four hour, seven day per weekpublic answering point and dispatch center with a staff of twenty-one. There are fourshifts of three dispatchers and one shift supervisor, one part-time dispatcher for peakload hours, a quality improvement and training specialist, communications centersupervisor, 9-1-1 Coordinator and one data entry clerk. We are very proud of our2007 accomplishments and continually strive to achieve an assortment of goals andobjectives directed at improving preparedness, response and recovery from disastersin our county.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 HighlightsSheryl BracewellDirector, EmergencyManagement4499 Pine Forest RoadMilton, FL 32583(850) 983-5360 Office(850) 983-5352 Faxsherylb@santarosa.fl.gov• Two activations for severe weather with tornado potential.• Conducted hazard analysis of 37 critical facilities.• Distributed 40,000 Disaster Guides (funded by grants)• Conducted or participated in the following exercises:√√ State of Florida hurricane exercise√√ Dirty Bomb exercise in Milton√√ Chemical leak/terrorism exercise in conjunction with Taminco√√ County-wide pandemic exercise• Staff completed training/certifications to be compliant or exceed themandatory state and national requirements for the National IncidentManagement System (NIMS).• Created a business continuity initiative which included the formation of ateam comprised of chamber of commerce volunteers to work a desk duringactivation in the Emergency Operations Center to better respond to theneeds of businesses and toappropriately advise citizens ofthe status of businessesin our county following a majordisaster situation.• Reviewed three facilities for shelterretrofit, one for pet friendly shelterand coordinated shelter activitieswith SRC School District andAmerican Red Cross.• Deployed staff to other counties insupport of other Floridianssuffering from disasters.Right: Drills included a Points ofDistribution Site training and aPandemic Flu Exercise.Public Services Department14

• Involvement with faith-based initiatives, bringing like-minded, caringpeople to the attention of those who need help during and after a crisis.• Participated in development of a post disaster temporary housing program.• Participated in development of a pre-disaster debris removal plan.• Coordinated with several volunteer organizations such as Retired Senior VolunteerProgram, Help Thy Neighbor, Christian Contractors, and American Red Cross.• Implemented Citizen Corps Council and Program under Santa Rosa County.• Conducted 3 Community Emergency Response Team courses.• Conducted 87 Community CPR courses.• Conducted 30 emergency preparedness public awareness presentations.• Initiative to offer Teen CERT in all high schools in our county, a first for Florida.• Registered 126 Special Needs Clients for evacuationtransportation and shelter assistance.• Continually reviewed and updated disasterpreparedness and response plans.• Conducted 16 disaster plan reviews for nursing homesand assisted living facilities.• Conducted 32 disaster plan reviews for Santa Rosaschools, with 18 schools adjusting plans based uponemergency management recommendations.• Search and Rescue activated for 13 missions.• Staff served on several committees includingDisaster Managers Group, Long Term Recovery,Food and Shelter Program, Community HealthAgencies, Local Emergency Planning Counciland Regional Domestic Security Task Force.Fire and Emergency Medical ServicesIn an effort to provide efficientand cost-effective fire andrescue service, county officialsconducted a review of theemergency response system.Santa Rosa County residentshave for decades benefitedfrom the efforts and dedicationof volunteer fire departments.These departments are funded bymunicipal service benefit units.MSBU has not always producedsufficient revenue to fundadequate fire protection andrescue response, therefore, after a report from a consulting firm for improvements washeard by the board of county commissioners, the following steps were implemented tobegin improvements to the emergency response system:Above: Preparingand partnering withother governmentagencies and privatebusinesses, likethis chemical leak/terrorism exercisein conjunction withTaminco, is vitalto our mission ofkeeping residentssafe in a time ofcrisis.15

aBreakdownof EmergencyCommunicationsCallsAnswered9-1-1 calls: 56,758Administrative calls:55,806Calls DispatchedFire Departments:10,460Emergency MedicalServices: 13,637Other:Animal Control,EmergencyManagement, andSearch and Rescue:1,162Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Dedicated position for leadership and oversight (Emergency Services Coordinator)• Contract management for new EMS provider.• Monitor daily EMS response times and fire service responses.• Provided input/direction for EMS posts and deployment plan.• Worked directly with new unified medical director to ensure all respondersare providing efficient services by standardizing protocols and conducting qualityimprovement reviews.• Formed Executive Fire Services Group consisting of MSBU Chiefs and two citizenadvisors appointed by the county commission.• Developed five to ten year plan.• Conducted a review of all fire apparatus and equipment.• Provided guidance to and developed standardized plans for MSBU firedepartments in a collaborative effort to optimize tax dollars.• Implemented a bulk purchase plan.• Implemented a quality assurance program.• Developed inventory, budget and expenditure procedures for greater accountabilityof funds, equipment and supplies.• Developed plan to allow for greater citizen input in budget development andexpenditures of MSBU fire departments.9-1-1 and Emergency Communications•P•data base.ublic Services DepartmentThe 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center is responsible forensuring our citizens can access the twenty-four hour dispatch centerby dialing one universal number (9-1-1) and have the appropriateemergency responder dispatched. All 9-1-1 calls are answered in ourcenter with the exception of calls originating from landline telephoneswithin the City of Gulf Breeze. Our center dispatches all emergencyresponders with the exception of law enforcement. Any transferred9-1-1 call occurs using a one button transfer process. The 9-1-1dispatcher stays on the line until voice contact is made between thecaller and the appropriate law enforcement agency.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Upgraded 9-1-1 equipment in the emergency communications center and thesheriff’s office to maintain up-to-date technology.• Completed installation of equipment to provide phase II wireless services to ensurewhen a cell phone caller who dials 9-1-1 , the cell phone will provide a location forthe call to dispatch Note: Make sure your cell phone is phase II compliant with yourcellular service provider.• Conducted phase II testing with cellular service providers.• Oversaw the installation of a 300 foot communications tower in the northern end ofthe county to improve communications for emergency responders (funded by ICP).• Installation of two radio receiver sites to improve portable radio coverage forresponders.Added one additional channel to be used primarily by disaster response team duringemergency situations to improve interoperability issues.Corrected 65 address discrepancies and 182 street name or range errors in the 9-1-116

Inspections & ComplianceCurrently, the Santa Rosa County Inspection & Compliance Department employs51 people performing jobs in the areas of permitting, inspections, administrativeand customer service. This is a 15 percent reduction in staff from the previous year.From the homeowner calling to inquire about a shed to the contractor pulling severalpermits, we are making a difference…one customer at a time!StatisticsPermits Issued…….……………………………......….16,133Total Projects………………………………….….......…5,715Total Inspections……………………………….....….52,701Total Cases by Compliance…….……………...……1,746Life Safety Inspections………………….…….…..…2,247Illegal Signs Removed……………….………...……4,884Plans Scanned in Imaging System………….….….724New Addresses Assigned…………..………………2,506Abatements………………………………………......……183• In fiscal year 2006/2007, the inspections department saw a 31 percent decreasein inspections performed and a 35 percent decrease in permits issued over theprevious year.• Life Safety inspections increased by 22 percent over last year going from 1,745 to2,247.• Commercial permits saw a 16 percent increase, while residential permitsdecreased by 35 percent in fiscal year 2006/2007.Tim TolbertBuilding Official6051 Old Bagdad Hwy.Suite 202Milton, FL 32583(850) 981-7013 Office(850)623-1208 Faxtimt@santarosa.fl.govFiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Lowered Santa Rosa’s community score issued by the Insurance Services Office,from a 7 to a 6, which will provide the citizens ofSanta RosaCounty a 20% discount on flood insurance.• Tested a program that will allow permit holders toreceive real time inspection results via e-mail.• Every effort was made to accomplish codecompliance without necessitating the need to takeviolators to an already overburdened judicialsystem with the introduction of a more publicservice oriented notification procedure. Complianceofficers worked 1,486 cases and issued 212citations. With the new system, we are seeing adecrease in time spent on each case, provingefficiency within the department.• Created a “Contractor Information” center locatedin our permit office. This area provides news that wouldaffect our local and state contractors.17

CustomerServiceCommitmentsWe will provide acustomer servicecoordinator toassist ownerbuilders.We will providenext business dayservice for thefollowing permits:mobile home,residentialswimming pools,and single familyfoundation.We will providesame daynotification toelectrical andgas utilitiesupon successfulinspections.• The addressing department began posting approved plans to the county’s FTPserver, giving local utility companies the opportunity to site plan ahead in order toensure resource availability during the construction phase of a new subdivision.Other programs and requirements implemented:• New wind-borne debris requirements (January 25, 2007)• Re-roof requirements (October 25, 2007)• Santa Rosa County School System Plan review• On premise signs• State Housing Initiative Partnership Program inspections• Inspector on-callGoals for Fiscal Year 2007/2008:• Same day reinspections• New permit program - GoPermits• More in-house training opportunities for our staff• Furnishing field personnel with radios equipped with GPS software andcapabilities that will allow for real-time inspection results for our customersa47% of our employees are on the move, inspectingnew and existing construction, taking care ofcode violations and ensuring citizen safety at localbusinesses.Public Services Department18

Community Planning, Zoning, and DevelopmentThe community planning, zoning and development division is divided intothree program areas: planning, zoning and housing. The planning program isresponsible for special area land use and policy plans, transportation planning,neighborhood traffic management program implementation, land developmentcode amendments, comprehensive plan policy implementation and updates,and zoning and Future Land Use map amendments. The zoning programis responsible for implementation of the land development code includingdevelopment review, customer service, the Zoning Board of Adjustments, theBagdad Architectural Advisory Board and the Navarre Area Architectural AdvisoryBoard. The housing program is responsible for administering state and federalhousing funds with the goal of creating partnerships, maximizing resources andidentifying new strategies to develop and preserve affordable housing.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Provided staff support to the following standing boards that consider issuesrelated to land use, architecture, and housing: Local Planning Board, ZoningBoard of Adjustments, Bagdad Architectural Advisory Board, NavarreArchitectural Advisory Review Board, State Housing Initiative PartnershipCommittee, and Housing Coalition. Together these boards heard more than 300cases.• Conducted more than 20 community meetings, stakeholder meetings andworkgroups.• Served almost 700 walk-in and telephone customers each month, responded toweb-mail requests for information, and processed more than 500 applications forservices.• Implemented key service improvements during 2007 including: streamlinedpermitting process for signs; cross-trained development services staff; and beganin-house administration of housing programs.• The Santa Rosa County Pace Area Plan was approved by the Board of CountyCommissioners on June 28. Initiated by Commissioner Tom Stewart, thePace Area Plan includes a vision for the Pace area that reflects the desiresof current residents, property owners and community stakeholders. The plan wasdeveloped with input from more than 100 Pace area residents. Implementation ofthe Plan is ongoing; a volunteer workgroup has beenmeeting regularly to develop recommendations for FutureLand Use Map changes designed to maintain thesmall town feel identified by residents as being importantto managed growth in the area.• Processed 157 new commercial and multi-family site plans.This represents an increase of nearly 64 percent over2006. In addition, 15 residential subdivisions totaling 1,250lots were approved for final plat. The potentialroad impact fee value for these developments is$6.3 million.• Transportation planners worked with the community andwith other agencies to meet neighborhood, county andregional transportation needs. Key activities during 2007Beckie FaulkenberryDirector, Planning &Zoning6051 Old Bagdad Hwy.Suite 201Milton, FL 32583(850) 981-7075 Office(850) 983-9874 Faxbeckief@santarosa.fl.gov19

Mission StatementThe primary missionof the communityplanning, zoning anddevelopment divisionis to protect andimprove the living andworking environmentfor the people of SantaRosa County throughthe exercise of soundland use planningand by administeringthe comprehensiveplan and the landdevelopment code.included:√√ Traffic calming for 16 neighborhoods√√ Grant applications, resulting in receipt of a $1.27 million state grant fordesign of the Woodbine Road/Five Points improvements and additional fundsfor intersection improvements on Hwy. 90 and Hwy. 98√√ Participation in a Transit Feasibility Study to determine public support andfinancial feasibility of transit service (final report expected in April 2008)√√ Participation in the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization andHighway 98 Corridor Authority planning processes• Housing assistance provided in 2007 included:√√ First time homebuyer/purchase assistance - $1.4 Million funded providingassistance to 102 families√√ Emergency Home Repair - $946,000 spent on repairs to 67 homes for lowincome families√√ Substantial Rehabilitation/Reconstruction - $2.5 Million awarded forimprovements or reconstruction on 32 extremely sub-standard homes√√ Multi-family Rental Development - $2 Million provided essential funding inconnection with the development of 226 low income rental units√√ Habitat Homes New Construction - $855,000 awarded to assist with theconstruction of 28 homes• Utilizing resident input through public meetings and surveys, Santa RosaCounty initialized its first ever recreation master plan. The District 5 RecreationMaster Plan will include the communities of Gulf Breeze, Tiger Point andMidway and will provide a framework for decisions for recreational areas in thefuture.• The Santa Rosa County Rural Development Plan was approved by theBoard of County Commissioners in January 2007. Recommendations includedin the plan will enable development to occur in a manner that will protect therural character and agricultural viability of northern Santa Rosa County.• Continued working with the Bagdad Waterfronts Partnership to implement theBagdad Vision Plan.• The division completed an Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) of thecounty’s comprehensive plan as required by theState every seven years. The 2007 EAR foundthat the county is on-track with regard toaddressing growth management issues andproposed recommendations for ensuringthat the Comprehensive Plan is alignedto meet future growth needs.aCommitmentsUnderstanding and serving thepublic interest.Public Services DepartmentProviding world-class customer service.20

Veterans ServicesSanta Rosa County Veterans Services’ mission is to assist veterans and their familiesobtain all the benefits they are entitled to receive. The staff of this office files claims toVeterans Affairs on behalf of the veteran and eligible family members. These claimscan be for numerous programs including disability compensation, pension, death/burial benefits, education, medical expenses, housing and auto grants, appeals, andguaranteed home loans. Staff continuously assists veterans, surviving spouses andfamilies navigate through VA paperwork, requested forms and other military relatedissues, such as requesting military records, medals, request for debt waivers, andoutreach for homeless veterans. Additionally citizens can contact Veterans Servicesfor assistance with State of Florida Benefits such as Veterans Preference, FloridaVeterans ID Card (100% P&T), and Homestead Tax Exemption letters.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Our office served 6,000 veterans and 2,622 family members, an increase of over1,400 more veterans than last year.• Over $1.4 million was awarded to veterans or family members, additional tax freedollars which are spent in Santa Rosa County; an increase from $1.2 million lastyear.• Personnel conducted 23 house calls and 23 assisted living facility/nursing homevisits to process claims.• Processed 3,908 letters of correspondence.• Provided 56 articles for local newspaper.• Processed over 12,000 copies of newsletters for three veterans serviceorganizations.• Outreach actions increased via presentations throughout community.• Assisted veterans and widows with property tax discount/exemption.• Participated in Veterans Day’s events.Karen HaworthDirector, VeteransServices6491 Caroline StreetSuite 1Milton, FL 32570(850) 626-8724 Office(850) 983-8970 Faxkarenh@santarosa.fl.govaSanta Rosa County ishome to over 22,000veterans, or 15% of thepopulation.21

Public Works DepartmentThe Santa Rosa County Public Works Department serves residents by developingand maintaining quality infrastructure. The department strives to provide timelyservices in the most cost-effective manner to enhance the quality of life of its citizens.Consisting of the roads & bridges, building maintenance and parks departments, it isthe largest department under the board of county commissioners.Roads & BridgesAvis WhitfieldPublic Works Director6075 Old Bagdad Hwy.Milton, FL 32583(850) 626-0191 Office(850) 623-1331 Faxavisw@santarosa.fl.govThe Santa Rosa County Road & BridgeDepartment maintains 1,526 milesof roadways. Roadway maintenanceincludes road paving and resurfacing,dirt road grading, drainage work,road shoulder repair, roadsidemowing, brush removal, retentionpond maintenance, sign installation andrepair, litter removal and numerous otherservices. The road & bridge departmentutilizes four inmate crews to performmanual labor tasks to provide a significantsavings to our taxpayers.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Resurfaced 39.2 miles of roadways.• Paved 13.4 miles of dirt roads.• Widened and resurfaced Willard NorrisRoad (8.57 miles).• Constructed four sets of turn lanes onWillard Norris Road.• Widened and resurfaced Bay Street (1.66miles).• Rebuilt the timber bridge on PineviewChurch Road, re-decked twobridges and repaired several otherbridges.• Completed 5,630 work orders.• Constructed turn lanes andinstalled a traffic signal at WestSpencer Field Road and NorrisRoad to enhance safety of studentsat Pace High School.• Resolved numerous drainageproblems throughout the county.22

Building MaintenanceThe Santa Rosa County Building Maintenance Department maintains 30 countyowned buildings, 13 airport hangars, and 4 rental buildings. Maintained buildingstotal over 478,000 square feet. These buildings include the county courthouse,county administrative offices, libraries, county auditorium, emergency operationscenter, health departments, and numerous office buildings. Additionally, manybuildings are maintained in our county parks including gyms, concession stands,restrooms, meeting rooms and various other buildings.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Replaced condensing unit at the county courthouse which will improve the airconditioning system and reduce energy costs.• Replaced windows at the South Service Center with energy efficient windows.• Began replacing light bulbs and ballasts to reduce energy costs.• Completed over 120 work orders per month.Stephen Furman, PEAssistant Public WorksDirector6075 Old Bagdad Hwy.Milton, FL 32583(850) 626-0191 Office(850) 623-1331 Faxstephenf@santarosa.fl.gov23

Park Operations6495 Caroline StreetSuite LMilton, FL 32570(850) 983-1858 Office(850) 983-1861 Faxparks@santarosa.fl.govParksSanta Rosa County’s many parks offer a varietyof outdoor recreation opportunities for allages including sports programs, camping,picnicking, boating, fishing and wildlifeobservation. Our parks offer year-roundrecreation for the whole family.Our Parks Department maintains 13 parks withathletic fields, 2 horse arenas, 24 parks withboat ramps and 13 other parks. Maintenanceof these facilities includes mowing, fertilization,herbicide applications, trash removal, andrepair of fences, playground equipment, piersand boat ramps.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 HighlightsSwenson ParkaBagdad RecreationCenterThe parks andrecreation departmentwill make reservationsfor ball practice,birthday parties, officemeetings, familyreunions, weddings,and receptions. Tomake reservations orlearn more about SantaRosa County Parks visitwww.santarosa.fl.govPublic Works Department• Expanded Swenson Park which included addition of a gazebo,additional playground equipment, and a senior citizenfitness station.• Resurfaced basketball court at Swenson Park.• Acquired property and constructed additional parking at the OrioleBeach Boat Ramp Park.• Demolition of old PARA Park in Pace to prepare for construction ofnew football facility.• Paved roadway into the Archie Glover Boat Ramp Park andimproved the parking area.• Constructed two pavilions and a scorer’s stand at Tiger Point Park.• Added building for caretaker at Benny Russell Park.• Added playground equipment at Optimist Park.• Constructed a walking trail and 2 pavilions at Fidelis Park.• Renovated and resurfaced basketball court at Munson School.• Paved roadway and parking lot at the Santa Rosa Soccer and Horse Complex.• Constructed primitive campsites and implemented program for primitive camping atseveral parks in northern Santa Rosa County.• Opened Bagdad Community Center.• Completed improvements to Patriot Park including fitness equipment, playgroundequipment and a walking trail.• Completed improvements to McCallister Park including fitness equipment,playground equipment, a walking trail, pavilions, a basketball court, and parking area.Tiger Point Park24

Engineering DepartmentThe County Engineering Department is comprised of three departments:engineering, environmental and Navarre Beach utilities.EngineeringThe engineering department provides technical support to all countyoperations and departments. Services include engineering planning, surveying,environmental and regulatory permitting, design and construction documentpreparation, and inspection for multiple county projects involving stormwatermanagement, traffic management and control systems, roadway improvements,airport infrastructure, hazard mitigation, county owned water & wastewatersystems and industrial park infrastructure improvements. Additionally, allcommercial site plans and subdivision developments are reviewed to determinepotable water, and wastewater concurrency and compliance with the county’sstormwater requirements with the land development code. The departmentreviews four submittal phases -preliminary plat, construction plans, final plat,paved road and drainage maintenance of subdivision developments and makesrecommendations to the board of county commissioners for each phase of development.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Fox Den Drive – Extended the east and west bound left turn lanes.• Panhandle Trail – Extended the west bound left turn lane.• Breezy Wind Drive - Designed a directional median opening, extended the east andwest bound left turn lanes.• Paloma Street – Extended the east and west bound left turn lanes, modified drainage.• Central Parkway - Designed a directional median opening, extended east and westbound left turn lanes.• Bay Shore Road - Realigned the existing roadway and added a right turn lane.• Soundside Drive - Constructed a right turn lane.• Nantahala Beach Road -Constructed a right turn lane.• East Bay Blvd. - Constructed aright turn lane.• Medians 1-5 on the EscambiaFill - median crossover’s 1and 3 were removed due tolack of use with medians 2, 4, and5 reconstructed to becomedirectional with the addition ofturn lanes.• Median improvement design forAnna Simpson Road, Van Horn Road,Red Barn BBQ, Galilee BaptistChurch, Santa Villa DriveParkmore Plaza, Kia dealer,Ford dealer, and Goodyear store.Construction will begin in early 2008.Roger Blaylock, PECounty Engineer6051 Old Bagdad Hwy.Suite 300Milton, FL 32583(850) 981-7100 Office(850) 983-2161 Faxrogerb@santarosa.fl.govOpportunity Drive extension in the Santa Rosa CountyIndustrial Park.25

Michael Schmidt, PEAssistant CountyEngineer6051 Old Bagdad Hwy.Suite 300Milton, FL 32583(850) 981-7100 Office(850) 983-2161 Faxmichaels@santarosa.fl.gov• Intersection improvements at Hwy 90/Keyser Lane - A right turn lane on PaceLane was constructed to improve traffic flow for those motorists heading east fromPace Lane.• Benny Russell Park Expansion - Designed a paved parking lot and bus drop off,realigned and extended North Spencer Field Road to the west of the parkentrance, and elevated the intersection of North and West Spencer Field Roads toprevent flooding.• Dalisa Rd./Central Landfill Forcemain & Lift Station - Constructed aliftstation and force main that will pump the leachate from Central Landfill toSundial Utilities treatment plant. The force main along Dalisa Road will providefuture sewer service to the area .• Pace Patriot Stormwater Lift Station – Constructed a liftstation that will pumpdown the Pace Patriot retention pond to prevent flooding in the area.• 4th Street Extension – A 270-foot roadway extension to the west end of fourthStreet in Navarre was completed to reduce traffic congestion around the HolleyNavarre Intermediate and Middle School.• Navarre Visitors Center Sewage Liftstation - Replacement of the old lift stationthat was damaged during Hurricane Ivan.• Navarre Soccer Complex Sewage Liftstation - Designed to coincide with theconcession stand that is being constructed and to offer restroom facilities for thepublic.• Opportunity Drive Extension – A 0.44 mile, 3 lane wide roadway extension withinthe Santa Rosa County Industrial Park to connect the east end of OpportunityDrive with East Milton Road near the Santa Rosa County Jail. Completeinfrastructure including stormwater drainage, sanitary sewer, and potable waterservice was included. This construction was partially funded by a grant from theU.S. Economic Development Administration.• Completed subdivision and site plan review for 20 subdivisions and 145numbered site plans.• Served as project management for the Navarre dune restoration,Navarre dune walkovers, Navarre Sewer Treatment Plant upgrade, PaceLibrary, modular court house buildings, Navarre Visitors Center,Navarre Soccer Complex concession stand, CSX Railroad spur (Boise Site),Peter Prince Airfield T-Hangers, Peter Prince Airfield T-Hanger aprons, PeterPrince Airfield runway restriping, Peter Prince Airfield runway landing safetyimprovements, and seven hazard mitigation grant projects including Orion Lake,Greenbriar, Villa Venyce, Ramblewood, Harrison Avenue, Sabertooth Circle, andGange Trail and Madura Road.EnvironmentalEngineering DepartmentThere are three departments within the environmental department including solidwaste, recycle, and mosquito control. The solid waste program for Santa RosaCounty consists of Central Landfill, Jay Transfer station and four closed landfills.Central Landfill is a Class I and III facility. Garbage is categorized into either ClassI for household garbage or Class III for non-hazardous, non-food contaminateddebris. Special waste and certain hazardous materials are accepted under specificrequirements. The recycle department utilizes 25 public drop sites scattered aroundthe county, and 3 locations on Whiting Field. At each drop site there are up to seven26

containers for residents to contribute their recyclables. The recycle program continuesto grow in materials received, processed and ultimately sold for reuse.The mosquito control department is responsible for the larvacide and adulticidetreatment of mosquitoes for Santa Rosa County. Larvacide assessments arecompleted throughout the year. Mosquito larva is treated in ditches, abandonedpools, holding ponds, etc. In addition to larviciding, when temperatures are above60 degrees, we utilize up to three fog trucks per weeknight for spraying the adultmosquitoes. Traps are set throughout the county to monitor species of mosquitoes,migration patterns and breeding areas.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• 75,000 tons of Class I materials were received and 70,500 tons of Class IIImaterials were received at the Central Landfill.• Approximately 6,300 tons of material were recycled. Using the EPA model, thecarbon generation offset equates to approximately 380 acres of trees.• A new cell design was completed, advertised and awarded. It is anticipatedconstruction of the new cell will begin during January 2008. Duringthe design phase, landfill staff worked for several months on site construction,resulting in considerable savings over outside bids.• Inspected and reported in full program compliance by the FloridaDepartment of Environmental Protection.• FDEP Tallahassee uses Santa Rosa County’s remediation systems as theirmodel for other groups to follow.• The mosquito control program expanded its trapping and surveillance activities byadding 18 new trapping locations to more effectively evaluate our treatmentmethods.• Approximately 816,000 acres were treated with adulticide and 2,000 acres weretreated for larva.Jerrel Anderson, PEEnvironmental Manager6065 Old Bagdad Hwy.Milton, FL 32583(850) 981-7135 Office(850) 981-7133 Faxjerrela@santarosa.fl.govFacing page: A mosquito trap is used to measure the numberof mosquitoes.Above right: The recycling crew and one of the county’smany recycling containers.Above left: The Central Landfill received over 145,ooo tons of material during the fiscal year.27

Navarre BeachThe Navarre Beach department is responsible for water and wastewater treatment onNavarre Beach; as well as lifeguards, beach cleaning, and administration for NavarreBeach.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 HighlightsTerry WallaceUtilities Supervisor1411 Utility DriveNavarre, FL 32566(850) 936-6110 Office(850) 936-6112 Faxterryw@santarosa.fl.gov• Navarre Beach Water Department pumped 111,850,000 gallons of water in 2007to approximately 5,000 customers on Navarre Beach.• Wastewater Department treated 96,000,000 gallons of wastewater. Continuedto work with Eglin Air Force Base on the rapid infiltration basinsystem site to be located on Eglin Air Force Base property.• Completed a $6.5 million upgrade to the waste water treatment plant.• Lifeguards made 24 rescues with no drowning occurring within the guardedareas.• Protected the lives of over 1,300 people in the guarded area per day during thepeak of the season.• Navarre Beach worked with Coastal Technology Corporation and theDepartment of Environmental Protection to protect turtles, their eggs and thenew hatchlings including a lighting survey during the months of May throughNovember, and issuing written requests for residents to comply with theSanta Rosa County Turtle Ordinance.• Accepted payments for water, sewer, leases and of MSBU’s.• Provide Navarre Beach identification cards for residents of Navarre Beachto ease reentry after evacuating for a hurricane.Above: The sludge dewatering and electricalbuildings at the Navarre Beach Water andWastewater Treatment Facility.Engineering DepartmentLeft: A dune walk over designed to protect thenewly restored dunes and ease access to the beachon Navarre.28

Human Resources DepartmentThe human resources department annually performs classification andcompensation surveys, develops and manages employment recruitment aimed atattracting the most qualified candidates, establishes lists of qualified applicantsto fill vacancies, and provides new employee orientation. Also managed by thehuman resources director are risk management, grants and the library system.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Employment announcements/postings - 91• Received 3,202 employment applications – 3,192 online, 10 paper• Skills test administered (typing test) - 127• Eligible list established – 73• New hires (regular FT & PT appointments) – 111• Promotional selections – 16• Maintains 631 personnel files• Prepared and processed 1,301 Personnel Actions• Provided over 162 records requests and/or reports related to personnel• Participated in the 2007 PJC Multi-cultural Job Fair, sponsored by the PJC BlackHistory Committee and PJC Student Job Services• Enhanced HR Website to provide ease for employees use• Developed and implemented the Family and Medical Leave Training Program• Modified Reduction-In-Force policy to permit reduction decisions based on factors(performance, dependability, productivity) other than longevity exclusively• Prepared and submitted an EEO Seven Step Plan to assist with the process of theJustice Assistance Grant (JAG County-wide) for Santa Rosa County• Increased participation in Community Outreach by serving on the LocklinTechnical Advisory CommitteeDeVann CookHuman ResourcesDirector6495 Caroline StreetSuite IMilton, FL 32570(850)983-1863 Office(850) 983-1868 Faxdevannc@santarosa.fl.govCindy WilliamsHuman ResourcesManager6495 Caroline StreetSuite HMilton, FL 32570(850)983-1948 Office(850) 981-2003 Faxcindyw@santarosa.fl.gov29

Risk ManagementMelissa LloydRisk Manager6495 Caroline StreetSuite IMilton, FL 32570(850) 983-1863 Office(850) 983-1868 Faxmelissal@santarosa.fl.govSince 1985, Santa Rosa County has administered the self-insurance fund which requiresthe processing and adjusting of all insurance claims resulting from auto liability,property, inland marine and workers’ compensation claims. Loss analysis reportsreflecting all claims against Santa Rosa County are generated by the risk managementdepartment as well. Safety programs and committees, as well as safety training andinspections are handled through risk management.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Received 63 new workers’ compensation claims, significantly lower than theprevious year’s 100 claims.• Administered approximately 80 ongoing workers’ compensation open claims.• Generated loss analysis reports reflecting all claims against Santa Rosa County.• Processed approximately 2,400 workers’ compensation bills.GrantsSharon MarshGrants Coordinator6495 Caroline StreetSuite HMilton, FL 32570(850) 983-1827 Office(850) 983-1944 Faxsharonm@santarosa.fl.govThe grants department provides grant writing and grant management assistance to theother departments within the county. This year the grants department assisted otherdepartments with the management of over 50 grants totaling more than $32 millionin State and Federal funding. These grants are for a variety of projects includingdrainage improvement projects, county building hardening projects, residential shutterprojects, housing repair and new home purchase assistance programs, sewer extensionprograms, emergency management preparedness programs, and transportationimprovement projects.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding to design drainageimprovements for 7 neighborhoods throughout the county. The drainageimprovement projects will be designed to reduce street and yard flooding occurringafter rain events.• FEMA HMGP funds were also received to harden the Navarre Beach lift stations toreduce damage to the stations after hurricanes.• FEMA HMGP funds were also received to install hurricane shutters on seven countybuildings and 21 private residences. Shutters installed on county buildings willhelp reduce hurricane damages and allow the county offices to more efficientlyassist residents after the storm has passed. The residential shutter projects willallow homeowners to secure their homes before evacuating for a hurricane andreduce the amount of damage the home sustains while they are gone.• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds were received to furtherextend sewer in the unincorporated parts of the county. Two additional CDBGgrants were received in 2006 to extend sewer in 5 other areas in the county.30

Library SystemOn October 1, 2006, the Santa Rosa County Library System launched operations as anindependent library system for the first time in county history, ending participationin the West Florida Regional Library and becoming a county department whollyoperated by the Board of County Commissioners. To provide greater focus onlibrary needs for Santa Rosa County citizens, the Santa Rosa County Board of CountyCommissioners made the decision to separate the county libraries from the WFRL inAugust 2005. Independence was launched with four libraries located in Gulf Breeze,Jay, Milton, and Navarre, and the fifth library in Pace opened in 2007.The Santa Rosa County Library System offers a circulating collection of materials inprint, audio, and video to a diverse county population of all ages. With five locations,the county library system has over 131,000 items that are distributed throughoutthe system to all library borrowers. A total of 48,864 new items were added to thecollection in the first year; 11,380 of those items appeared on popular and best sellerlists. With 22,197 new borrowers registered, the number of library cardholdersincreased to 29,582. Approximately 455,550 visits were made to county librariesduring the year.Linda HendrixLibrary Director6568 Caroline StreetSuite 101Milton, FL 32570(850) 623-2043Office(850) 623-2138 Faxlindah@santarosa.fl.govThe library web site is the portal to library services where one can search the librarycatalog, place requests, review their library account, apply for a library card, and linkto program schedules and information about all library services. Through dozens ofvalid and authenticated library electronic sources, one can find magazine articles, autorepair manuals, Genealogy sources, business directories, information about health,history, science, social issues, biographies, homework help using live homeworktutors, reader’s advisory services, online book clubs, and fill many other consumer,homework, and research needs at www.santarosa.fl.gov/libraries.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• In April 2007, the new Pace Library was opened – a significant accomplishmentfor the library system’s first operating year. The materials collection in Pace of25,800 is available to all county library borrowers and 3,700 library cards wereissued to Pace residents during the first few months of operations. The number ofmaterials circulated monthly from the Pace libraryis among the highest in the library system.• The library system experienced significant growth incirculation of materials with a record breaking 495,325items checked out – a56 percent increase over theprevious year.• Issued 22,197 new librarycards contributing to thetotal of 29,582 borrowers, arecord breaking number.• Collaborated with SantaRosa County school officialsand teachers and registeredover 10,000 students fornew library cards, resultingThe new Pace Library located on Patriot Boulevard.31

The mission of theSanta Rosa CountyLibrary System is tobe a gateway to theheritage of the pastand to the promise ofthe future, offeringopportunities forenrichment anddiscovery throughbroad resources,knowledgeable staff,courteous service, andcomfortable, friendly,and safe libraryenvironments.in about 50 percent of students registered with a library card.• Scheduled 87,690 time slots for public computer use - record breaking use, andprovided over 14,000 individual instructions to computer users.• Received a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant of $18,000 to replacecomputers that were part of the initial public computer grants in the 1990’s.• Increased customer service focus from library employees resulting in 23,886customer questions being answered.• Initiated Tween/Teen youth programs for the first time for middle and high schoolstudents with 296 attending 38 programs.• Provided 226 Children’s programs to 4,022 children with focus on story time forages 3-5 and after school programs for grades K-5.• Offered Summer Reading programs for teens and families for the first time,including book discussions at all libraries.• Conducted 18 outreach efforts for youth programs and library registration programswith child care centers and schools.• Implemented reading advisory services including online book clubs, newslettersand tools to locate lists of works based on favorite authors, subjects, types, series,and other preferences that were used by over 4,000 readers.• Linked over 264,000 uses from the library web site to a myriad of library sourcesincluding the library catalog and dozens of valid and authentic sites for consumersand researchers.• Inaugurated self service for checkouts, computer reservations, and various print,copy, and fax services enjoyed by many library users.• Completed library strategic plan for 2006-2011, which was approved by the countycommission, and the annual plan of service was sent to the State Library ofFlorida.Visit your library on the web at www.santarosa.fl.govChildren and parents search for justthe right book to take home afterstory time.Human Resources Department32

Officeof Management & BudgetThe office of management and budget consists of the budget office, computer/GISdepartment, administrative services, and procurement.The budget office ensures that program managers, based on the availability ofrevenues, receive the resources needed to operate effectively and efficiently.The budget office is responsible for the development and monitoring of theannual operating and capital improvements budgets, fiscal policy analysisand special project research. They also coordinate program evaluations andprovide management consulting services as requested by the board, the countyadministrator and directors. Staff continuously reviews and streamlines thebudget process.The procurement department is responsible for all aspects of the county bidprocess: the review of bid specifications, development and submittal of theadvertisement of each bid request, notification of that request to registeredvendors, receipt and review of bid submittals, maintenance of the files on all bidsubmittals, and maintenance of the registered vendor list.Additionally, the procurement department is tasked with the responsibility ofmaintenance of the county communication systems. This includes the telephonesystems located at the county courthouse, the administrative center, public works,the south Santa Rosa County service center, and all county libraries. Included inthis task is the review and maintenance of all county cell phones.The administrative services department handles the administration of county parks,Peter Prince Airport, records and road vacations. Parks Department activitiesinclude work orders, processing bills, working with sports associations, facilitatingthe Santa Rosa Parks and Recreation Committee, and reservations of countyfacilities.Joel HanifordOMB Director6495 Caroline StreetSuite LMilton, FL 32570(850) 983-1843 Office(850) 983-1861 Faxjoelh@santarosa.fl.govAt Peter Prince Field, administrative services is responsible for the tenant lease forcounty owned hangars, the biannual inspections, work orders, and providing a staffmember to serve on the County Aviation Advisory Board.Road vacations responsibilities include advertising, public notice, and recordingof documents. The administrative services manager also serves as the Santa RosaCounty Board of County Commissioners Records Management Liaison Officer.This department is also responsible for the recording of all county meetings anddistribution of the media to the public.33

Fiscal Year 2006/2007County-wide Budget SummaryThere are sixgeneral sources ofrevenue for a localgovernment inFlorida:√√Taxes√√Licenses & Permits√√Intergovernmental-Includes all moniesreceived fromfederal, state andother sources in theform of grants andshared revenues.√√Charges for Services√√Fines & Forfeits√√Miscellaneous33.8% Sheriff$30,948,2203.4% PropertyAppraiser$3,147,370Breakdown of Funding ofConstitutional Offices2.7% TaxCollector$2,446,28457.7% Board of CountyCommissioners$52,915,966.9% Supervisor ofElections$846,2191.5% Clerk ofthe Court$1,364,860Fiscal Year Expenditures for Constitutional Offices2003-2007Office 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007Clerk of the Court $ 1,314.7 $ 1,098.6 $ 1,105.3 $ 1,203.1 $ 1,364.9Property Appraiser $ 2,766.9 $ 2,554.8 $ 2,668.9 $ 2,915.4 $ 3,147.4Tax Collector $ 1,485.3 $ 1,551.4 $ 1,712.6 $ 1,986.3 $ 2,446.3Supervisor of Elections $ 546.3 $ 686.9 $ 1,109.7 $ 783.5 $ 846.2Sheriff $ 20,695.3 $ 22,798.1 $ 23,775.1 $ 27,772.4 $ 30,948.2BOCC $ 40,651.0 $ 39,602.4 $ 37,193.8 $ 48,921.6 $ 52,916.0Total All $ 67,459.5 $ 68,292.2 $ 67,565.4 $ 83,582.3 $ 91,668.9O fficeof Management & Budget34

25% Intergovernmental$37,085,96415% Miscellaneous$21,209,21512% Charges for Services$17,325,61416% Transportation$23,537,12411% EconomicEnvironment$16,450,562Where the Money Comes FromOperating Revenues9% PhysicalEnvironment$13,310,05346% Taxes$67,611,61733% Public Safety$48,551,9923% Human Services$4,406,4152% Licenses & Permits$2,403,9980% Fines & Forfeits$359,750Where the Money was SpentOperating Expenses25% GeneralGovernment$36,405,7043% Culture &Recreation$3,965,309What was themoney spent on?Here are a fewexamples of what theexpenditure categoriesrepresent:Public SafetyLaw enforcement,fire control, detentionand/or corrections,protective inspections,emergency anddisaster relief services,ambulance and rescueservices, and medicalexaminers.PhysicalEnvironmentElectric, gas, water,garbage, sewer, wastewater, and waterservices; flood controland stormwatermanagement.TransportationRoads, streets,airports, and parkingfacilities.EconomicEnvironmentEmploymentopportunity anddevelopment,industry development,veteran’s services, andhousing and urbandevelopment.35

OfficeAleta FloydIS/GIS Director6495 Caroline StreetSuite LMilton, FL 32570(850) 983-1840 Office(850) 983-1861 Faxaletaf@santarosa.fl.govof Management & BudgetComputer/GISThe Santa Rosa County Computer/Geographic Information System Departmentis tasked with ensuring that the most up-to-date information is available to thepublic and county employees. The department provides daily support to all otherdepartments including Web Page support and updates for both the county web site andthe employee’s Intranet, programing and database development, GIS Mapping Systemservices, hardware and software support, software training, paging, blackberry, e-mail,remote e-mail, Internet, Anti-virus/spam/spyware protection, daily data backups;in addition to maintaining the county’s network and servers, SANS data storagesystem, LAN, WLAN, and fiber infrastructure. Information is one of the most valuableresources of government. County managers and leaders need information to plan andmake informed decisions that affect the community, neighborhoods, and you, as acitizen. All county departments must have access to vital county information and datain order to conduct daily business and provide the necessary services to the citizens andbusinesses of Santa Rosa County. Quality customer service depends on it.The County continues to make outstanding strives with increasing employee productivityand efficiencies by using the power of computer automation, which in turn providesbetter customer service. The county’s web site, www.santarosa.fl.gov, serves citizens andbusinesses around the clock. County data is also being tied to the County’s GIS MappingSystem. A new interactive web mapping system – GoMaps is available on the county’swebsite. Go to www.santarosa.fl.gov –select the GIS Mapping System Button. Enter youraddress in the upper right hand corner of the map screen and then select the report featureto find out informationMuch Data/Information Available on the County’s WebsiteBesides meeting citizens mapping needs on-line, did you know that many of thecounty’s databases are available for searching on-line?* New building permits and daily inspection results are posted each day atwww.santarosa.fl .gov/permits.* You can now search the county’s subdivision database live at:www.santarosa.fl .gov/engineering . You can track the filing of new or existingsubdivisions from preliminary to the final plat stage.* Road Impact Fees are now collected on new construction. You can view the roadimpact fee database at www.santarosa.fl.gov/permits/impactfees.html to searchwho has paid impact fees and the amount. Grand total amounts collected byareas are also available. Title companies and lawyer offices involved withproperty closings find this online data convenient and vital during their titleresearches.* Want to know the current surf conditions at the beach?Go to www.santarosa.fl.gov/navarre for Today’s Surf Condition Report.* Emergency Management has partnered with faith-based organizations, includinglocal ministerial associations and church congregations, in an effort to betterassist residents during and after disasters. From this web pagewww.santarosa.fl.gov/fbp, you can search the database of faith-based partnersfor information on services they provide the public such as transportation,volunteer housing, counseling support or other services.associated with yourhome or business.Many more options areavailable under the MayLayer selection, whichis augmented with amapping toolset underthe tools link.The county data isstored on a SANS(storage area network)that allows data to bereplicated continuouslyin separate locations,which puts an activedisaster recovery plan inplace. This plan enablescounty operations tobe back in businessin a short window oftime whether a minornetwork problem occursor if a catastrophic eventoccurs.36

Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Computer/GIS department staff conducted annual training classes to ensure allEmergency Operations Center (EOC) staff and personnel are properly trained onthe use of the EOC computers and software, dubbed “Grand Central Station”.• A new database to collect and track available disaster related resources wasadded this year, along with a new faith based partner database to match freeservices to those in need after a disaster.• A new special needs database was created to help emergency managementpersonnel to be proactive and efficient with the transport and sheltering of ourspecial needs citizens as a hurricane approaches.• Working partnerships have been established with all the water utilities franchisesin order to solidify a flow of detailed hydrant information. Over 5,000 hydrantshave been identified and GPS points collected.• Created 2007/2008 County Map Books for use by all governmental agenciesand departments. Contains the most current street and subdivision informationavailable.• Wrote new Community Development Affordable Housing Program to•••••track client and lending information from the available programs andstrategies, such as the SHIP housing program.A new traffic concurrency statistical system was created tocalculate occupied and vacant lots per subdivision in order toassist with traffic trip counts.New subdivision database was activated with direct links to platdocument images and to the GIS Mapping System. Reverse linksfrom mapping back to subdivisions implemented.County-wide signage project implemented to assist with signageinventory and maintenance plans and with neighborhood trafficcalming projects. Over 7000 signs have been located andidentified thus far.GIS inventory completed of all county maintained streets alongwith pertinent statistics of feet/miles of streets by surface type(paved, dirt), and by commission working district. Over 3200miles of street centerlines have been added to the county’s GISstreet layer.New GoPermitting software -1st phase rolled out which linksbuilding permitting data directly to the county’s base structure/address GIS layer.New inspection results system beta version rolled out which allows•contractors to receive instant inspection results via e-mail.• Implemented and maintain wireless access for patrons and staff atall libraries, EOC, BOCC Meeting Room and Elections OfficeCorridor.• Completed GPS Point Collection and Inventory of all key countyinfrastructure on Navarre Beach used to expedite post hurricanedisaster clean up/ recovery projects.Archival of BOCC Minutes from 1963 to current are available for•searching by the public and staff on the county web site.• Joint project completed between addressing, E911, public works,engineering, and GIS requiring that all new street signs includestreet ranges to assist emergency vehicles dispatched on calls,plus provides valuable customer/citizen/visitor services.Network staff testing county’sSANS storage system.Computer programming staff reviewingprogram logic flowchart.GIS mapping team verifying GPS pointsagainst county street & structure map.37

aThe county website receivesbetween 1.7 to over 2million hits a month.Public• Received $30,000 Grant from the US Census Bureau and the Florida LUCA (LocalUpdate of Census Addresses) Program for preparatory work for the 2010 Census. Ourgoal is to ensure accurate and complete address information is reported the USCensus Bureau for all addresses in Santa Rosa County, including the cities of GulfBreeze, Milton and the Town of Jay.• Over 500,000 document pages, plats, and building plans have been scanned into thecounty’s document imaging system. The computer/GIS department is tying countydata to the county document imaging system and to the county’s GIS mappingsystem which provides a powerful trio of information to county management andemployees.• Over 100,000 structure points have been added to the county’s GIS base structurelayer which also augments 9-1-1 dispatchers ability to assist emergency vehicledispatch routing.InformationThe Public Information Officer is responsible for promoting awareness of thecounty’s mission, programs, policies and initiatives to Santa Rosa County residentsand the media. Our goal is to use a comprehensive approach to inform andempower citizens and enhance community awareness by means of media relations,public education tools and timely crisis communication.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 HighlightsJoy TsubookaPublic InformationOfficer4499 Pine Forest RoadMilton, FL 32583(850) 983-5254 Office(850)983-5248 Faxjoyt@santarosa.fl.gov• Responded to over 300 media requests.• Answered more than 150 citizen questions.• Issued over 150 press releases to local media regarding public safety and topromote awareness of county meetings, services and programs.• Provided support to all county departments, fire departments, and otherconstitutional offices and public organizations on a limited basis.• Responded on scene to wild and structure fires, accidents and weather events.• Created crisis communication handbook and trained staff from otherdepartments to assist in times of disasters.• Met with community organization representatives to coordinate communicationduring times of disaster and created a handbook for their use during EOCactivation.• Worked with emergency management to create a dedicated media room to helpfacilitate communication during disasters.• Organized and/or assisted county and state organizations with special events.• Initiated monthly meetings with county staff and the county administrator todiscuss county issues and solicit ideas on how to work more efficiently andeffectively.• Developed employee newsletter to help keep staff informed of county programsand services so they can, in turn, offer better customer service to citizens.• Reduced operating budget by 39 percent over the previous fiscal year byexamining program needs and better use of current technology.38

eterans Memorial PlazaVThe Santa Rosa County Veterans Memorial Plaza isdedicated to the veterans of the United States of America- America’s heroes of centuries past and freedom’sdefenders of days to come. History will long rememberthe sacrifices of America’s heroic veterans, and thismemorial is dedicated to the honor, memory andrespect of those brothers and sisters who have proudlyand faithfully served this great nation. This memorialalso stands as a chronicle of America’s history and theimportance of never forgetting. May all who visit thismemorial recognize and appreciate the sacrifices andcontributions America’s veterans have made for allmankind.Veterans MemorialPlaza5131 C Willing StreetMilton, FL 32570(850)626-7292 Office(850)983-1856 Faxvetplaza@santarosa.fl.govFiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Published “Freedom” and held a book dedication and signing ceremony.• Presented the Santa Rosa School System with 900 copies of ”Freedom.” It will beused as part of the eighth grade curriculum.• Received national honors from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge in PublicCommunications for the book “Freedom.”• Approximately 650 donor purchased bricks were placed in the memorial.39

CTheMike DonahoeCounty ExtensionDirectorUF/IFAS Santa RosaCounty Extension6263 Dogwood Dr.Milton, FL 32570ounty Extension(850) 623-3868 Office(850) 623-6151 Faxmiked@santarosa.fl.govSanta Rosa County Extension mission is “to develop knowledge in agriculture, humanand natural resources, and the life sciences and to make that knowledge accessible tosustain and enhance the quality of human life.” In Santa Rosa County we do this byconducting research-based educational programs in agriculture, horticulture, family andconsumer sciences, marine interest, and 4-H youth development. Locally based advisorycommittees assure that programs are designed to meet community needs. Volunteertraining is strongly emphasized in our programs to enable us to reach more of the county’spopulation.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Assisted farmers in adopting conservation tillage on 75 percent of the peanut and 90percent of the cotton acreage, saving over 160,000 tons of topsoil from wind and rainerosion.• As a result of peanut fungicide and variety demonstrations, producers saved aminimum of one fungicide application saving over $303,000 in production costs.• As a result of cotton variety demonstrations, growers were able to plant over 95percent of acreage to proven varieties for optimum yield and fiber quality.• The Gulf Coast Beef Education Alliance: Beef Cattle Nutrition Short Course allowedlocal producers the opportunity to learn beef cattle nutrition via interactive videotechnology with producers at 68 sites in the Southeast U.S.• Two hundred seventy six local citizens and government officials participated in the41st Annual Santa Rosa County Farm Tour. Ninety-eight percent of participantsincreased knowledge of the scope and impact of agriculture and forestry in the county• Seventy-seven formal and informal educators attended various environmentaleducation workshops provided by the marine science agent. Pre-and post testsshowed that participants increased their knowledge and skills an average of30 percent or more.• The Florida Master Naturalist program provided participants with the opportunity tolearn about natural resources through 3, 40 hour modules. Participants increased theirknowledge and skills about Florida’s environment by 18 percent.• More than 1,000 local residents were providedopportunities to learn about naturalresources by attending the Seagrass AwarenessCelebration and Coastal EncountersFestival.• 135 agent days were spent helping growers ofalternative agricultural crops by solvingplant problems, making recommendations,and establishing trials and demonstrations.• Two hundred thirty four farm and nursery visitswere made to support the estimated annual$20 million horticulture industry in the county.• The Santa Rosa County 4-H Program reached over126 youth through 4-H Clubs and more than3,000 through school enrichment and specialprojects. 4-H members and adult volunteerscontributed 10,006 community service hoursat a value of $187,813. Thirty three youth and40

10 adults received the President’s Service Award.• Traditional 4-H Clubs provide opportunities for Life SkillsDevelopment. A 2007 year-end study shows that 4-Hmembers and adult volunteers reported positive youthdevelopment in the following areas:• 94 percent youth / 100 percent Adult indicated youth(develop effective goal setting skills.)• 96 percent youth/ 100 percent Adult indicated youth(show responsibility for actions.)• 93 percent youth / 97 percent Adult (4-H helps youthcontribute hours of volunteer service to ourcommunity.)• 93 percent youth / 97 percent Adult indicated thatyouth (learned work-related skills.)• 96 percent youth / 100 percent Adult indicate thatyouth (feel more successful.)• Seven hundred sixty clients utilized the weekly South AnnexPlant Clinic to assist them in identifying and resolving theirlandscape issues. 466 pH, EC and sap lab testswere performed for clients.• Weekly gardening articles highlighting Florida-friendlylandscaping practices were published in 14 local andregional newspapers and 3 websites. The circulationreached approximately 384,170 households each week.• Santa Rosa County Master Gardeners volunteered a totalof 8,243 hours in 2007, representing an increaseof approximately 4 percent. This represents a $154,721contribution to the county and the University of Florida. Inaddition, they reported 4,414 clientele contacts.• Approximately 10,000 individuals from 13 foreign countriesand 47 states visited the Panhandle Butterfly House in 2007. Special educationaltours were conducted for 184 adults and 240 youth. Ninety-four volunteerscontributed 1,935 hours of service valued at $36,319.• Two hundred seven people attended a tree planting/care class held during our2007 Fall Field Day. One hundred ninety-three pre and post tests were completedand evaluated. The pre-test score average was 62 percent and the post-testscore average was 92 percent. Ninety eight percent of the participants improvedtheir score on the post test.• One hundred eighty four people attended a series of Florida Yards &Neighborhoods workshops. The average pre-test score averaged 84 percent andthe post-test score averaged 95 percent.Left: Hayingdemonstration at the2007 Farm Tour.Above: 4-H membersstudying entomology.Above: Students ofthe EnvironmentalEducation Institute.Ag e n t s Co n t a c t In f o r m a t i o nNUMBER OF TELEPHONE CALLS 8,523NUMBER OF OFFICE VISITS 3,070NUMBER OF VISITS TO CLIENTS 1,281NUMBER OF LETTERS/E-MAILS 13,173NUMBER OF GROUP LEARNING EVENTS 385NUMBER OF GROUP LEARNING EVENT PARTICIPANTS 31,285NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS PREPARED 21041

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Important Phone NumbersOffices and Departments Under the Board of County CommissionersAnimal Services- (850) 983-4680Building Inspections and Compliance: Main Number- (850) 981-7000Compliance - for investigation of land development code violations- (850) 981-7090Compliance - contractor complaints and abatements- (850) 981-7034Commercial Plan Review- (850) 981-7030Residential Plan Review- (850) 981-7033Flood Zone Determinations- (850)981-7029Life Safety and Fire Prevention- (850) 981-7038Central Landfill- (850)623-9393Computer Department/GIS- (850) 983-1840Cooperative Extension Service- (850) 623-3868County Administrator- (850) 983-1855County Attorney- (850) 983-1857County Commissioners- (850) 983-1877Engineering- (850) 981-7100Emergency Communications- (850) 983-5372Emergency Management- (850) 983-5360Grants- (850) 983-1827Housing- (850) 981-7075Libraries- (850) 623-2043 AdministrationGulf Breeze Library - (850) 932-5166Jay Library - (850) 675-6293Milton Library - (850) 623-5565Navarre Library- (850) 936-6120Pace Library- (850)-994-9542Mosquito Control- (850) 981-7135Navarre Beach Utilities- (850) 936-6110Parks Operations- (850) 981-1858Personnel- (850) 983-1948Planning & Zoning- (850) 981-7075Procurement- (850) 983-1833Public Information- (850) 983-5254Public Works- (850) 626-0191Recycling- (850) 623-9843Risk Management- (850) 983-1863Veterans Memorial Plaza- (850)626-7292Veteran Services- Main Office (850) 626-8724, South Annex (850) 932-9508Main Phone Numbers for Other Elected OfficialsClerk of the Court- (850) 983-1987Property Appraiser- (850) 983-1880Sheriff’s Office- (850) 983-1100Supervisor of Elections- (850) 983-1900Tax Collector- (850) 983-180046