Advisory board conditionally approves nonprofit allocations; REAP asked to clarify housing language

The Escambia County Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board on Nov. 4 voted to approve the committee'recommended allocations for the current notice of funding availability, subject to a condition that Reentry Alliance Pensacola (REAP) return with specified contract language and job descriptions before any contract is executed or funds are spent.

Staff told the board the committee reviewed 10 nonprofit applications (one for-profit was excluded) and recommended just over $1.7 million in awards against $1,851,096.15 remaining in the funding pool. "We really tried to be as fair and consistent as we could," staff said, describing a two‑hour committee review and a shared spreadsheet showing ask vs. recommendation.

Applicants gave brief presentations. Key points included:

- Waterfront Rescue Mission: Lexi Osborne said Waterfront submitted a first reimbursement request for about $301,000 covering two purchased houses and closing costs, with roughly $38,000 left to request for repairs, security and furnishings; a ribbon cutting was scheduled and the properties will…