Trail Camp Community to Receive Upgrades

By Chris Jenkins

OCHOPEE, FL — It was a meeting of the minds on Aug. 1. Trail Liaison William Osceola, along with employees of the Seminole Tribe’s Housing and Emergency Services departments met to discuss fire safety, evacuation procedures and improvements to housing within the camp community.

Administrative Assistant for the Trail Seminole office Shanna DeBolt said one of the main reasons for the gathering and walk through was to offer an up close and personal view.

“William [Osceola] wanted them to come out and visually see what things looked like at these camps and how they operate,” DeBolt said.

Six camps will receive renovations and upgrades under the current plan and six more are pending. The new Trial office will be the main location for citizen and Tribal Council meetings, deliveries and other business.

Amy Howard is the planner for Emergency Services and Management. She says her job is coming up with a plan for hurricane evacuations.

“The biggest challenge is going to be getting people to evacuate in the wake of a hurricane,” Howard said. “They have their culture and they do not want to leave, so it’s just a matter of education.”

Captain Michael Mirabile deals with structural operations and maintenance in case of a fire.

“We’re here basically to educate the people on fire prevention, what to do in case of a fire,” Mirabile said. “We’re going to get [community citizens] some extinguishers and smoke detectors and try to help give them some warning and a way out of any kind of dangerous situation. They have a definite issue of concern with the way they’re currently set up.”

“Hopefully as a department we can get everyone together and educate them on how to handle themselves in case of an emergency,” he continued.

According to Housing Director Troy Clay, an in-depth plan is needed and currently being developed to improve and upgrade many of the homes.

“Our plan is to come back in after we get this plan together tying in all the safety, home, and community upgrades and then implement that plan,” Clay said.