BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
At the July 1 Bradford County Commission meeting, Meridian Behavioral Health delivered its annual update, highlighting the organization’s impact on the community and formally requesting continued funding support for the coming fiscal year.
Ashley Brooks, chief operating officer of Meridian, presented on behalf of CEO Lauren Cohen. Meridian, a nonprofit behavioral health agency, has served North Central Florida for over 50 years, providing a comprehensive range of services across 14 counties.
“It is our ambition to transform our communities together from the inside out,” Brooks told commissioners.
Meridian’s services in Bradford County include primary care, mental health, crisis intervention, substance use treatment and telehealth. Telehealth has expanded access to care, with 738 Bradford County residents receiving a total of 4,543 telehealth services so far this year.
“This permits individuals faster access to treatment and allows them to be seen in the comfort of their own home,” Brooks explained.
The agency’s data demonstrated its reach:
—66 adults and 36 children received acute care services.
—482 adults and 299 children received outpatient treatment.
—109 adults and 75 children received psychiatric care.
—30 adults and 51 children received mobile response team services.
Brooks also shared a success story of a 38-year-old client who overcame methamphetamine addiction, emphasizing the life-changing impact of Meridian’s programs.
Meridian is required by Florida law to generate local matching funds to secure state and federal support. For the upcoming fiscal year, the agency is requesting $83,018.25 from Bradford County — the same amount as last year — to meet its statutory match for Baker Act services. “The state is responsible for 75%, and we are required to ask the county for 25% of those Baker Act match dollars,” Brooks said.
Commissioners discussed the possibility of receiving quarterly updates from Meridian, rather than annual presentations, to better track the agency’s work and outcomes. They also expressed appreciation for Meridian’s efforts, particularly in connecting with the county jail and supporting individuals transitioning back into the community.
Brooks thanked the commission for its ongoing support, which has enabled Meridian to expand services, including hiring a dedicated clinician for jail-based substance use treatment. “We look forward to continuing to work with you all,” she said.
The commission is expected to consider Meridian’s funding request as part of its upcoming budget deliberations, along with other agencies that have presented.
Requests for county assistance took place over two meetings, June 17, July 1 and July 17.
ACORN Clinic
ACORN Clinic provides essential dental care to underserved populations in 27 communities, including Bradford County. In 2024, the clinic served 311 Bradford County residents with 896 dental procedures. The clinic operates on a sliding fee scale, accepts Medicaid and cash, and does not receive federal funding.
ACORN requested $25,000 in funding from the county for the upcoming year, which is $1,250 less than the previous year’s request. Executive Director Tina Lloyd explained that the clinic loses $83 for every patient seen, but she emphasized her commitment to fundraising, grant writing and cost-saving measures, and highlighted the critical role of dental care in preventing broader health issues such as heart disease and pneumonia.
Her enthusiasm for and success at fundraising, including for school supplies and cancer research, drew commentary from commissioners, who hope to learn and benefit from her example.
Community for Schools
Cindy DeValerio, executive director of Bradford Community for Schools, presented an update, highlighting the organization’s mission to support students by surrounding them with a caring community, aiming to empower them to reach their full potential.
The program is a strong dropout prevention initiative, serving students in grades 6-12. In the past year, all 26 seniors in the program graduated, achieving a 100% graduation rate. Nine scholarships were awarded, including two named for Cheryl G. Canova.
Community for Schools runs several support programs, such as after-school clubs, mentoring, resource referrals, a resource room for clothing and supplies, a weekend backpack food program, and an Angel Tree program.
This summer, they employed 20 high school students in partnership with local businesses, providing work experience and pay at $13 and hour.
The budget request remains unchanged at $3,750.
Economic Development Corporation
Northeast Florida Economic Development Corporation requests $10,000 annually to support its work. The EDC has focused on strategic planning, business recruitment, marketing and building partnerships to drive economic development in the region. Amber Shepherd summarized some of the activities, including:
—completing an economic development strategic plan with a go-to-market strategy, supported by a $75,000 Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant.
—implementing digital marketing outreach, including sending over 9,000 LinkedIn messages to business leaders and following up with more than 15,000 additional messages, to attract businesses considering relocation or expansion.
—investing in a GIS planning tool for their website, which provides detailed demographic and commercial property information to prospective businesses.
—attending and representing Bradford County at various conferences and trade shows, such as CES in Las Vegas and SpaceCom, as well as state and regional economic development meetings.
—supporting and promoting new business developments in the county, such as Wawa, Racetrack and the upcoming Starke Auto Mall.
—targeting hotel chains for potential investment, in response to local needs.
—submitting a large site in Bradford County for the Florida First Sites grant project, which could bring additional marketing support for attracting manufacturers.
Bradford Cowboys
Rodney Mosley, representing the Bradford Cowboys Athletic Association, requested $15,000 in funding to help cover the rising operational costs of the county’s longest-running youth sports program. He highlighted that the program, which has served the community for 50 years, uses funds for essential safety equipment, uniforms and overall operations, but still falls short of its annual budget.
Mosley emphasized the vital role youth sports play in building life skills, leadership and camaraderie, and in keeping kids engaged and out of trouble. He noted the decline of youth sports programs in the area, stressing the long-term positive impact on the community. He expressed gratitude for the county’s past support and encouraged continued investment in youth recreation.
Mosley was supportive of the county starting its own recreation program. He said that youth sports would run better if all programs were unified under one umbrella, as they were in the past, and encouraged the board to keep pushing for recreation funding and not to put the idea “on the back burner.” He emphasized the importance of such a program for the community and the positive impact it would have on local youth.
Soil and Water Conservation District
Amy Morie from the Bradford Soil and Water Conservation District requested $5,000. The board is made up of elected members involved in agriculture who contribute their time bridging service gaps and supporting conservation. Among their activities, they:
—facilitate communication and collaboration between agencies, landowners and the public on conservation issues.
—organize educational events, landowner tours and workshops on best management practices for soil and water conservation.
—provide technical advice and assistance on land management, invasive species control, and water quality concerns.
—conduct water quality sampling and increasing public access to water data.
—support flood protection efforts and planning to expand surface water monitoring through additional gage stations and volunteer programs.
—organize youth development activities, such as soil and water contests, and providing educational outreach to local 4-H and FFA groups.
—host public events with interactive exhibits and educational materials, including tree seedling giveaways.
—assist with local mitigation strategies and supporting agricultural best management practices.
—offer owner/operator education and helping landowners access cost-share and technical assistance programs.
—maintain a public website for information sharing and compliance.
Other presenters included:
—Brittany Spangler from Episcopal Children’s Services requested $3,750 to support its local Head Start program, the same as this year.
—Matt Pearson from the Suwannee River Economic Council requested $6,463 to support health, nutrition, transportation and other services for senior citizens. This is the same amount as this year.
—Glenda Ruise and Kate Ellison requested $15,000 on behalf of Concerned Citizens of Bradford County, which would help cover the cost of insuring the RJE Complex where its many programs for youth, senior citizens and the community take place. The request was double the amount received this year.
— Pam Whittle, president of the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce, requested $9,375 in funding from the county for the upcoming year, the same amount as last year. She emphasized the chamber’s long-standing partnership with the county, its role in supporting local businesses, and its economic impact through events like the Strawberry Festival. The chamber operates with minimal staff and relies on a combination of membership dues, workforce board funds, TDC payments and county support to continue its work in promoting economic development and community engagement in Bradford County.
— John Williams, director of the Arc of Bradford County, requested continued funding support from the county to help meet the required local match for state funding of their day programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc provides a range of services — including residential care, day programs, transportation and mental health support — to Bradford and surrounding counties.
The county’s contribution — $15,000 — has historically accounted for about 40% of the Arc’s required 12.5% local match for state funding. Williams emphasized the Arc’s positive impact, both through direct services and initiatives like food distributions and hosting a Community Health and Wellness Resource Hub.
—UF/IFAS Extension Agent Lizzie Whithead requested $2,500 for the annual 4-H and FFA Beef Bash. The event, which had around 550 attendees last year, brings in visitors from north Florida and Georgia, benefitting local businesses. It also provides an opportunity for youth to showcase their beef projects before the fair, she said. There were more than 100 exhibitors at this year’s event.
—Scott Koons requested membership dues for the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council in the amount of $5,810. He also requested $3,000 on behalf of Visit Natural North Florida, which was $1,000 more than last year due to an increase in tourist development tax revenue.
Vote on funding
Commissioners approved funding requests at the current year’s levels, resulting in no increases. Exceptions were the ACORN Clinic, which voluntarily reduced its request, and the Bradford Cowboys, as that money will go toward the county’s new recreation budget.
