David Everritt: Living YSTRONG since 2004                

      It was during a run with a new roommate in the late ‘90s that David Everritt got a street level view of his new neighborhood and decided that he’d have to “quit complaining about Devilliers Street and fix it myself.” Now, more than a decade later, he has single-handedly changed this pocket of the community through the 35+ houses he has built, renovated and now rents out in an area he fondly calls “Everrittville.”

      David didn’t start out as a Ty Pennington wanna be. Without a college education and always self-employed, his first business was an owner of an aerobics studio called Unique Physique in Panama City in his early 20s. After two years, he sold that club and bought Royal Health Spa in Pensacola, which he built into a successful business over eight years. He had owner financed the business, however, so when the double whammy of Hurricanes Erin and Opal hit in 1995, he lost everything.

      He explains that he was always remodeling the health club, and he realized that he enjoyed that work more than running the operation itself. So when he purchased his 5/5 1896 home on Alabama Square in North Hill, he knew he’d have to perform serious rescue efforts to save the house that he describes as “about to fall down when I bought it.”

      During this time, he was buying and flipping houses, but was also lamenting the condition of so many homes on the Devilliers corridor, which were now in his backyard. The way of life in the area had been one of crime, drugs, shootings and basic neglect, which made for a scary street. But during that pivotal run, he realized that the “bones of the houses were good,” so he embarked on a new path of not just flipping houses, but restoring them.

      His initial purchase of four small houses was a success, and he had a tenant for the first home even before it was completed. Today, David owns 35 houses that collectively contain more than 50 rentable units in the area of Devilliers north of Cervantes Street, as far north as Hernandez and out to A and B Streets. And even in today’s market, every one is occupied.

      David jokes about how little he knew about home renovation when he began his journey. “I bought Plumbing for Dummies, Electrical Repair for Dummies, you name it,” he says. “I cut my teeth on the work I did on my own house and asked a million questions.” He did about 90% of the renovation on his own home – electrical, plumbing, carpentry, insulation, the works – but today is able to focus on his real love of design to create homes that are “art you can live in.” With a full staff now on board to handle sales, field operations, groundskeeping and office management, he says he is on the brink of “owning a business instead of owning a job.”

      He’s been recognized for his efforts through magazine, TV and radio interviews. The North Hill Preservation District has awarded his efforts. And people have taken notice, as “Everrittville” has lost much of its previous fear factor for residents.

      Through all of his buying and renovating adventures, David has held on to his firm belief in the power of taking care of himself. “When you’re eating right and exercising regularly, your self-esteem is there and who you are comes out,” he explains. “That’s what gives me the physical energy and mental energy to be creative.”

      He remembers how post-Hurricane Ivan days nearly “did me in.” For seven months, he worked without a day off to restore his properties, rarely exercised and subsisted on a steady diet of McDonald’s. “I was physically and emotionally and financially wrecked,” he says. But after recovering from Ivan and weathering the subsequent market crash, however, he “feels 10 feet tall and bulletproof!”

      As he approaches his 50^th birthday, he says he’s in better shape than he was when he graduated from high school. His fitness regime includes yoga, Spinning, cardio, and most recently, a greater focus on strength training, plus a strict eating plan. He avoids alcohol and tobacco, espousing a strong belief in “preventive maintenance.”

      And he chooses the Downtown Y as a focal point for his healthy living. The convenient location plays a big part in that choice, but he also loves the staff and members. “This place is comfortable. You become friends with people, and it becomes an extension of your home. Besides, I love antiques, and this is an antique gym! It’s part of our history.”

      He’s lived in the Panhandle all of his life and has family locally and in Panama City and Orlando. Decidedly single, he does find time in his incredibly busy schedule for theater, a passion that began with a performance as Abe Lincoln in the third grade. His latest role – as Gaston in a local production of “Beauty and the Beast” – earned him musical theater accolades.

      He says he’d also like to travel more some day, but for now, he has unfinished business. “My goal is to finish the neighborhood. There’s about 10 pieces of property I have left, so I don’t see myself having any rest soon.”

      And as for the approaching half-century mark? No sweat. “I’m gonna rock 50!” David grins.

      To see some of David’s “art you can live in,” visit him at www.pensacoladreamcottages.com.