Comments on: State Lands, Including Cottage Hill Forest, Future 4-H Location, For Sale?

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 13:14:20 +0000

The Extension is not looking to hold the Livestock show on the Cottage Hill property. They will use this location for other 4-H environmental activities.
They are looking to hold the Livestock show at the Equestrian Center.

By: sue

sue — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 17:59:44 +0000

Tori, the Tarklin Bayou property is not associated with the 4-H land deal. It is only one of several properties the state is considering selling here in Escambia County.
The property known as Cottage Hill State Forest (located in COTTAGE HILL, FLORIDA, not Gonzalez…) is the one Nick Place recommended for the 4-H kids. It is really NOT a good location for their use. It is, in my opinion, a token wink of ground, crumbs, if you will…thrown to the kids. It does not have good accessibility, it is not developed, is currently growing pine, underbrush, etc) there is absolutely NO infrastructure, and would be years before it could be cleaned, cleared, construction of needed facilities, etc.
What in the world is IFAS thinking/doing????

By: Tori

Tori — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 14:24:00 +0000

So with all of those endangered and rare plants will the 4-H be able to develop the land for show arenas and holding pens? Or be able to put adequate parking for shows?
The Escambia County Extension office really is failing this program and the youth of the community with all of their road blocks and greed.

By: david lamb

david lamb — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 17:33:57 +0000

Columbo says: One more thing!
It bothers me that at sometime in the past someone gave the state the land called Cottage Hill State Park, to be used in a specific manner, Now years later the State wants to sell it. Be ware of who and what you donate and make sure you enter legal clauses to prevent your wishes from being ignored!

By: david lamb

david lamb — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 17:29:48 +0000

As one who has been around AG and farming all my life, even in the Air Force, I have found that one or two people in a community, AG oriented or not, will use zoning or other local laws to stop their neighbor from using THEIR land for THEIR benefit. ALways someone calling zoning, city, county or police to cause a problem. I have seen it everywhere I have lived and have even been a victim myself. Same will happen in Cottage Hill! That reason and all the reasons my sister Teresa listed, makes the Cottage Hill piece and any other piece near a residential area unsuitable. These areas will only grow in homes and more sooner than later will be an issue.
In Dayton Ohio, it was growing corn in a residential area. Corn too tall, kids get lost in corn fields. Maybe kids shouldnt trespass on farm ground.
In Nebraska it is farmers working late, spreading manure or free human waste, noise, raising livestock, and other issues. Recently read of neighborhood busy bodies bothering people in Cottage Hill with a church involved clean up walk!
Not a way to influence locals for Christ or gain new members!

By: Teresa Tipton

Teresa Tipton — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 15:27:41 +0000

I believe what David was talking about not that livestock would be on the property but the noise inandout of the traffic from all the trucks and trailers also the intercom and the loud clapping and the clashing of the gates can become a noise issue some of these events can last up to 830 9 o’clock at night.It would be a concern for the area. We all were 4Hers growing up in Cottage Hill. there were seven of us on a 150 acre farm .Our mom and dad were 4H leaders and we showed animals at the Langley Bell CenterTallahassee Tampa and St Pete.W!e all enjoyed showing our animals and had a good time doing itsometimes you long for the old days but this land was still not large enough for what needs to be taking place nor will it be ready in a sufficient amount of time

By: Teresa Tipton

Teresa Tipton — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 02:16:17 +0000

The map is wrong. Ezell Lane is across from the property according to maps app. The land sits to the east of my property. The access from Wilms Ditch road is private(Glenna Rd) . The problem with the property for the 4H ERS is not enough land and years in the feasibility studies ,
engineers and developers plus cost overruns.The Bayer property is still the best for the future of the kids and the Extent ion Agency and it is turn key. Who ever buys this land will always have to deal with the wetlands. Leave it to the wildlife they know how to enjoy it best.My grandkids and I enjoy walking through the wood and listening to the sound of the whispering pines and all the animals that call this home

By: William

William — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 00:41:18 +0000

>>I’m still trying to figure out where EASTON Lane is. I know where EASTMAN is over there, but I have never seen Easton.

(Easton is listed on the map for those that are missing it, not in the story.)

That’s the state’s map at the top. Eastman Lane is actually over parallel to the railroad tracks. It’s on the map but not labeled.

What they have labeled as “Eastmon” above is more where Ezell Lane is located.

I wonder if the state’s map is wrong, or perhaps old enough names have changed over the years?

By: Just sayin'

Just sayin' — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 23:32:24 +0000

I’m still trying to figure out where EASTON Lane is. I know where EASTMAN is over there, but I have never seen Easton.

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 23:18:41 +0000

Actually, David, according to the maps at the state forestry division, there is only an access road off of McKenzie Rd. and maybe an access road off of Glenna Lane…..which makes this property isolated and really inappropriate for the 4-H kids replacement property.

After offering this property to the kids, it is now being considered by the state for possible sale……now what happens with the kids/land???