Parent urges local care option for medically complex children; residents offer help for Sanderson Community Center

Two members of the public spoke during the Feb. 18 public-comment period about local needs.

Jessica Manning, who identified herself as the parent of a medically complex 17-year-old, asked the commission for help creating a facility in North Florida where families could place children who are too sick to stay at home but not sick enough for a hospital. Manning said the state had placed her child at a facility hours away and she asked the county to help identify state legislators and other contacts who could assist with creating a closer option. County staff offered to provide contact information for state representatives; Chairman Bennett and other commissioners suggested she also speak to a visiting congresswoman who happened to be in the courthouse that evening.

Doug Moore updated the commission on the Sanderson Community Center, said community interest is strong and described volunteers and a local general contractor willing to perform work. Moore said the building needs new windows and doors and a replacement commercial architect is needed. Commissioners and staff discussed volunteer liability and suggested the county could prepare a liability-release letter the volunteers could sign or have work done through a general contractor to manage insurance and compliance. Moore asked permission to solicit in the community and to donate funds toward the project; commissioners and staff indicated support, subject to standard liability and procurement rules.

Commissioners asked staff to follow up with both speakers on contacts, funding options, and next steps.