What are Other Florida Counties Doing on Masks?

See for yourself in this chart, below, that was sent to all commissioners by staff......

50th Coffee with the Commissioner this Week: 2 Medical Doctors including a Pulmonologist Discussing COVID-19

We will have two (2) medical doctors on our live coffee on Wednesday
discussing the COVID-19 Pandemic

Our 50th Coffee with a Commissioner will be a webinar to watch this Wednesday morning!

I will have two medical doctors on the call, including a local pulmonologist  who has been in practice for 30 years locally and who has worked at all three local Escambia County hospitals.

I had a great conversation this Saturday morning with him, and he has agreed to join us on the call Wednesday morning to give an update on current conditions in our hospitals and the further actions he believes we need to take to reduce transmission levels locally.

We will also have Baptist Hospital in Pensacola CEO Mark Faulkner aboard to discuss the conditions at Baptist Hospital and how his organization is handling the pandemic locally.  County Administrator Janice Gilley will also be on the call, as will be County Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore.

I will ask the questions of the doctors and specialists the folks have been asking me--so it will be a good program to watch this Wednesday:

1. What does recovery look like for our local patients?
2. How long does the virus stay in the systems of recovered patients?
3.  Are our hospitals in danger of being over-run by COVID-19 patients?
4.  What current treatments are working best?  Convalescent plasma?  Remdesivir?  Steroids?
5.  Are masks more important than hygiene, hand washing, and social distancing?
6.  Are mask mandates absolutely necessary in your professional opinion(s)?
7.  Do we have the staff locally to handle the loads of patients?
8.  Is it safe to open schools for in-person instruction in August?
9.  How long is a recovered patient contagious--or are they contagious?
10.  How long will this pandemic last in your opinion--and can we beat it?

I will ask the salient questions that everyone is asking me.

It will take place this Wednesday morning from 6:30-7:30 AM.  The replay will air on Myescambia.com.

Join us live, and ask your questions in real-time on facebook!

To join the event live Wednesday morning, simply go to https://www.facebook.com/CommissionerBergosh/

"See You" online this Wednesday!

Medical Professionals are Begging us to Mandate Masks Part II

From a Local Medical Clinic Employee:

"Mr. Bergosh:   Sadly, I have watched you over the last month on TV rudely speaking to a physician in a meeting regarding support to follow CDC guidelines which support wearing a mask by all people. Last night, you sarcastically said that wearing masks in down town Pensacola was not being enforced or working.   I applaud the majors[SIC] actions to enforce and guide Escambia citizens in the right direction but the city can not do it alone it needs to be countywide and statewide.  When you encourage people "to  shop at Winn Dixie where they don't require masks" because they have a choice you are allowing more asymptomatic people to infect others.  We are very disappointed as health care providers in the leadership that you are providing regarding the support to not wear a mask.  Unfortunately, wearing a mask is not an option or a right when it can bring harm to another individual!  Perhaps you should take a tour at all the area hospitals and see how many patients are currently in the hospital.  I encourage you to  talk and listen to the staff who are very tired, stressed, and becoming ill themselves. As a social worker I can not even find transportation for my dialysis patients because nobody wants to transport a COVID patient to dialysis because of fear of catching the virus and inability to clean their vehicles appropriately.   I'm asking you to be part of the solution not the problem.  It's bad enough that we have a governor who has let Florida's COVID spread like wildfire.  As I watch our numbers in Escambia county climb every day I feel compelled to reach out to you to put politics aside and do the right thing to protect our county.  Postcards are nice but leadership is better."   

Medical Professionals are Begging Us to Mandate Masks, Part I

From a doctor this week:

"Dear Commissioner Bergosh,

   I am a practicing Pulmonologist and Critical Care physician and resident of Escambia County for 27 years. I have never written to the BCC and hope never again to feel compelled to do so. 

My colleagues and I need your help.

   In the last month, I have taken care of hundreds of seriously ill Covid-19 patients in three local hospitals. Bed space is extremely limited and we are stretched to capacity. This situation is not sustainable. These patients are your neighbors, community members, potential relatives and constituents who are depending on you to exercise the power you were elected to deploy, in order to keep them safe.

   Masks and facial coverings work. A recent study, published just 3 days ago, compared the growth rate of Covid-19 before and after mask mandates in 15 states and the District of Columbia. It found that mask wearing led to a slow-down in transmission in the first 5 days of the mandate. After 3 short weeks, the Covid-19 growth rate slowed by 2%. Another study of 198 countries showed significantly lower death rates as a result of masking.

   Issuing a mask mandate, either by Commission vote or emergency order by the County Administrator, is a simple, harmless, low-tech and remedial step that is wholly within your power. To save lives. I hear the circular argument that such a mandate would be difficult to enforce. Commissioner, you were hired to make difficult decisions, in the interest of public safety. Just as I was hired to make difficult decisions regarding treatment of non-mask wearing patients who end up in our ICUs needing intubation because their lungs have deteriorated from the inflammatory process of this lethal virus.

   Seat belt laws, bicycle helmet laws, texting while driving laws, smoking bans in public places were all difficult implementations. Yet they have reduced hospitalizations and saved human lives. 

Is difficulty of enforcement a legitimate reason not to try? Your "Mask Up" campaign is a good step in the right direction but does not go far enough. It has not resulted, as we hoped, in the reduction of hospitalizations we desperately need. Our county is currently in the "red zone" classification of disease and our area recently reached a 155% increase in Covid-19 cases. Unfortunately there is no end in sight.

   How did a 6" x 4" piece of fabric that filters bacteria and viral pathogen become a debatable topic? If you have ever been a patient, did the sight of a mask on your physician or nurse elicit any response other than reassurance? We have been wearing earloop masks in health care for half a century. Because they work!

   Promotion of public health is arguably the greatest investment a government official can make. You have an opportunity here to help physicians in your community do their job. In the interest of public health, in the spirit of mutual human respect, please work WITH us, not AGAINST us. Physicians in Escambia County need your help. Now.

Thank you for your service."

Double Standards Part II: Safe Activities for Youth During the Coronavirus Pandemic

How can it be stated that it is "unsafe" for college students to congregate at the beach without wearing masks and not socially distancing--- but that it is "safe" for high school students to be on packed buses with one another unmasked and without social distancing?

There are a whole lot of double standards happening these days.

Depending upon one's political ideologies and/or worldview--some of these double standards are accepted, embraced, and all but condoned.  Even when they do not make sense.

Yes, intelligent people will look you straight in the face and tell you one thing is safe, yet excoriate the same behavior in another context/setting.  Then when you ask for elaboration and point out the obvious double standard--they'll dismiss your query as inane, get mad you had the temerity to ask about it---- or worse yet--not even answer a direct question on the topic.  Direct, on-point questions get sidestepped in favor of canned talking points supportive of a desired outcome or political party position or what a particular politician prognosticated.

Case in point and a major disconnect in the COVID-19 response: The behaviors of our youth and their susceptibility and vulnerability to COVID-19..

On the one hand--18 and 19 year old spring breakers gathered in numbers on the beaches in close proximity to one another--wrestling on the beach, frolicking in the waves, doing what college students do on spring break---well that is DANGEROUS, IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR!  It will lead to the SPREAD of the virus----we have to SHUT THAT DOWN! is what we all were told in March and April.  It was a potential DISASTER!!  They screamed at us.  So we shut that down, after all--these were the experts telling us this, so.....we listened.

Fast forward a few months and now everyone is bound and determined to get "back to normal" in the safest way possible, and as quickly as possible--- and the "experts" now say---School will be safe for students!!  "Children are safe, we can send them back to school, and no--we won't mandate masks and no--we cannot socially distance the students on the buses because nobody has the budgets to afford to do this----But don't worry--16, 17, 18, and 19 year old high school students packed on the buses, not wearing masks and not socially distancing, goofing around, engaging in horseplay, and doing what high schoolers do on the bus---well don't worry about this though.  This is SAFE--NO WORRIES, NOTHING TO SEE HERE, move along!"

Wait.....what?  A rational person would clearly see this disconnect and say "Wait a minute--either both behaviors (spring breakers and bus riders--neither group wearing masks or socially distancing) are dangerous---or NEITHER behavior is.  It is one or the other--but no way it's both.

Yes, yes--these so-called experts (most of whom would never even put their own children in a public school, let alone on a public school bus) will point to a pediatric study that was conducted early-on in the pandemic and say--we don't think it affects children the same way it affects adults.  We think it will be safe.  Look at this study!!  How dare you question us!!(They won't mention the fact that this particular study and its resultant conclusions are based upon certain conditions--- including social distancing happening in schools and the schools re-starting in communities where there is not widespread community transmission of the disease occurring presently. They also won't tell you about the South Korean study that indicates students 10-19 transmit the disease like adults do....)  But wait--can Escambia county really check either of those boxes right now?  Too many questions.....Nevertheless--do not question the experts, do not question them!

I am questioning you.  I don't believe you.  And I'm not subscribing to any of your political posturing, party agendas, or deadlines.  I listen to teachers who are concerned.  I have heard from administrators

Double Standards Part I: Historic Properties

Should the application and enforcement of state and federal historic preservation laws be equal across the board--or should a different standard be applied to historic properties that are "controversial?"

There are a lot of double-standards happening today--and folks seem perfectly fine accepting these.

At least situationally--if it fits within a certain ideology or goal.

Here is one example that is particularly stark:  Disparate treatment of Historic Properties under the Law

When Hurricane Ivan blew through the Pensacola area in 2004--tremendous damage was done to NAS Pensacola.  It was devastating!

I began work there in early 2005 as the recovery from the storm was well underway.  I worked as the interim cultural resources manager and dealt with a lot of the issues surrounding the recovery.  Specifically, the federal government has to follow federal law with respect to historic properties subject to the National Historic Preservation Act.  Although congress appropriated hundreds of millions of dollars for demolition and rebuilding structures on the base that were heavily damaged---the DoD and the Navy had to meticulously follow the Section 106 process that stipulates the way historic properties must be considered before demolition.  It is not a short undertaking either.  It is time-consuming, requiring case reports, public hearings, and consideration by the federal entity (in this case the DoD and the Navy).  But the relevant State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) has a big part to play, as does the National Trust for Historic Preservation--a board charged with the authority to consider demolition/destruction of historic properties.  A plan for the removal is mandatory, and the goal is always to minimize the loss of historic properties.  Importantly--at the end of the process--the relevant government entity always has the final say.  In the case of Ivan at NAS Pensacola--it was the Navy.  In the end in 2004-2006----lots of damaged buildings were demolished, some were saved, and a memorial trail with historic markings was constructed to help preserve and document what was there before the Hurricane.  I remember one structure was badly damaged and there was great consternation among some Ivy-League type historians that flew in to Pensacola from all around the country to consult with the Navy.  I remember one historian angrily confronting high-ranking Navy Personnel (Including the base CO at the time CAPT John Pruitt) saying [paraphrasing] "These are NOT your buildings--they belong to the people--all the people!)  It really was quite surreal--as the "historic property" at issue in that case was an old-dilapidated structure that was in poor condition prior to the storm, and all but destroyed after the storm.

Eventually--the demolition program at NAS ended with the largest number of historic structures razed anywhere in the country in the history of the NHPA.  The Navy followed the process to the letter, and in the end was able to make the decision (s) that were in the best interest of the mission in Pensacola--with respect to which historic buildings would be renovated and which would be razed.

Now--contrast that thoughtful, deliberate effort at compliance with Historic Preservation law by the US Navy Leadership in 2004-2006, complete with participation by out of town academics, consultations, public hearings and meetings, and complete transparency------------ with the light-speed, knee-jerk effort to remove a historic property in the City of Pensacola to appease a loud vocal group that want a historic property removed IMMEDIATELY.

Sure, the times have changed and there are passionate voices on both sides of the issue.

Some DEMAND that the statue be removed.  Others want it to remain--as a reminder of the history of our area.

Meanwhile, however, it appears that nobody was taking into account the historic property laws that may be applicable here.  Particularly applicable if a historic property is to be removed.  Acutely applicable if the object to be removed is a contributing structure in a district that is recognized as a National Register of Historic Places District--as the North Hill District is.

Read the legal complaint requesting the monument NOT be removed for yourself-- and pay particular attention to #12 and #18-#20.

But Judge Gary Bergosh--my brother-- issued an emergency temporary restraining order prohibiting the removal of the monument until such time as a hearing could be scheduled.

All of this will now have to be settled in court.  And the argument could be made that the Federal NHPA act is inapplicable as the property at issue is not federal property.  However, there are Florida Historic Preservation Laws that are very similar to the Federal NHPA--contained in Chapter 267 Florida Statutes.  And because the city receives some federal funds--the applicability of the NHPA could come into play.  Again--lawyers and judges will decide these complex questions.

But meanwhile--no out of state academics appeared to defend the historic preservation law as it pertains to the Lee Square monument.  Nope.  While they passionately, stridently defended every

Judge Bergosh Issues an Emergency Temporary Restraining Order Preventing the Removal of the Pensacola Confederate Statue

The Statue in the former Lee Square, recently renamed Florida Square, is now officially protected from removal by an Emergency Temporary Restraining Order signed by Circuit Court Judge Gary Bergosh this afternoon.

The judge granted the plaintiff's motion for this temporary restraining order and a request for a preliminary injunctive hearing.  From the order:

"Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED, until further Order by the Court, Defendants and all their respective officers, agents, servants, employees, attorneys, and persons acting in concert of participation representatives, vendors, and contractors are hereby ENJOINED and RESTRAINED from:

1.  Taking down the Lee Park Cenotaph in the City of Pensacola, Florida;
2. Infringing on the Public's view of the Lee Park Cenotaph in any way, except to protect it from vandalism or unauthorized destruction by a mob."

Judge Bergosh, my brother, worked out at NAS Pensacola as a senior DoD Attorney during the aftermath of the devastating destruction of Hurricane Ivan in 2004-2006.  As I understand it, this was the largest demolition of historic buildings in the history of the National Historic Preservation Act. One of the things he became very familiar with in his work during that time, was the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966--and the Section 106 process as it pertains to the treatment of historic buildings, structures, or objects.  He is probably the Judge in this circuit who is most familiar with the protections, both state and federal, afforded historic properties--so he will be the ideal Judge to handle this matter.

This "monument" is actually a cenotaph.  One of the reconciliations necessary for the reformation of the union after the Civil War was the acknowledgment of the sacrosanct nature of graves.

One local attorney I spoke with late today who had already heard of this TRO stated flatly:  "They did not follow any of the laws designed for the protection of historic objects and properties--and this TRO will potentially give time for a thorough accounting of this."

From the order:

"A preliminary Injunction Hearing will be scheduled in coordination with the Court as soon as is practicable"

49th Coffee with the Commissioner This Wednesday Morning

We will have our 49th Coffee with the Commissioner event this Wednesday Morning from 6:30-7:30 online.

We will have County Administrator Janice Gilley, Escambia County Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore, and special guest Dr. Martha D. Saunders, President of the University of West Florida, on the live stream.  The topics will include the latest on the COVID-19 Pandemic here in Escambia County.  Also, I will ask about how the University plans to mitigate the risks for students and faculty when the fall semester begins, and what steps are being taken to operate even as we all deal with the pandemic.  Should be a very interesting discussion.

To join the event live Wednesday morning, simply go to https://www.facebook.com/CommissionerBergosh/

"See You" online this Wednesday!

Escambia County's New Jail

I was recently given the opportunity to tour our new jail--currently under construction but behind schedule due to a number of factors.

According to the foreman who escorted me on the tour--factors leading to the delays include a shortage of workers due to COVID-19, a lack of specific materials needed that are not being delivered due to supply chain issues for these specialty projects, and the actual work itself is now exceedingly difficult as workers inside the jail must be masked-up at all times while working.

"The masking has slowed the productivity of the workers" said the foreman.

Once the jail is completed, however, it will be impressive.  It is massive, four floors, and lots of high-tech features that will keep the facility secure and the guards safe. Originally slated for a summer, 2020, completion--the current estimate is that completion will be December 2020 or January 2021. Below are some pictures I took during the tour.

WOW! Take a Look at The Video "Flythrough" Rendering of the Soon to Be Constructed D1 Bellview Library!

This video, above, walks the viewer through a rendering of what we believe the Bellview Library will look like once completed.  This project is moving forward, stay tuned for the groundbreaking in late summer.

Wow--it is going to be something else!  I can't wait for this to open!!

Thanks to Director Todd Humble and his staff for forwarding this to me and for all the hard work going into getting this project moving.

Expected completion, 2021.








****(NOTE: the video has no music---- so just imagine a favorite, catchy tune playing while you watch.  for me-
I think "My Own Worst Enemy" by the band LIT would sound very cool played behind this video 😀

Businesses Already Have the Ability to Mandate Mask Wearing on their Premises--Under Federal Law

Most citizens, myself included, support the CDC guidelines on mask wearing.  But most of the citizens that have contacted our office have voiced opposition to making "mandatory mask-wearing" ordinances that could lead to fines and citizen arrests.....

Many current and former business owners know they can refuse service to the public for a variety of reasons.

"No shirt, no shoes, no service!"  We have all seen these signs.

If a business chooses to make mask wearing on premises mandatory--they can do this and refuse service to those patrons who do not follow the rules.

So why the push to make the county "mandate" mask wearing via an ordinance like the city of Pensacola's very flawed rule?

I've had people email me saying the business community wants this ordinance--for their protection.

But wait--these same businesses, any time they want to, already have the power to limit access to their premises to only folks who are wearing face coverings or masks--as long as they are not doing this to purposely target a segment of the population in a way that is discriminatory.  I asked our attorney for the relevant statues, and she provided me the following yesterday:

This article relates to the ADA and refusing service:              https://www.natlawreview.com/article/no-mask-no-service-ada-considerations-business-owners-requiring-face-masks-retail

Relevant quote:  “The ADA permits a retailer to deny goods or services to an individual with a disability if their presence would result in a “direct threat” to the health and safety of others, but only when this threat cannot be eliminated by modifying existing policies, practices or procedures or permitting another type of accommodation.”

28 CFR § 36.208 --- “This part does not require a public accommodation to permit an individual to participate in or benefit from the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages and accommodations of that public accommodation when that individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.”

They don't need us to do it for them, and the vast majority of counties in America ARE NOT making ordinances mandating citizens wear masks in public.

More than likely this is due to the fact that such ordinances must have so many exceptions, exemptions, and carve-outs that the exemptions swallow the rules.

Not to mention the questions of efficacy as it relates to wearing scarves and/or bandanas loosely around the face for protection from airborne virus particles that are .1 Micron in diameter..

Not to mention the challenges of enforcing such mandates (e.g. some citizens cannot wear masks due to health conditions--so will these folks be shamed.  And who will decide the veracity of claims by such citizens of medical problems prohibiting mask wear?)

Mandatory Masking Policies Draw Lawsuits Statewide

The County Attorney's Office compiled the chart, above, based upon some current litigation swirling around the state regarding governmental "mandatory masking" blanket policies.

Currently, the circuit courts and at least one federal court have sided with the governmental entities.  The thought is that during the pandemic the courts are balancing the states of emergency and protection of health and outweighing the freedom of choice arguments from those opposed to mandatory mask ordinances.

But most of these are at the very early stages and all appeals are not concluded----so who knows where all of this will land at the conclusion of all appeals?

Meanwhile, in Escambia County we have not issued a mandatory mask wearing ordinance and therefore we will not be incurring costs as these other jurisdictions are currently.

No Coffee With the Commissioner This Week due to Budget Workshops

We will not be having our weekly "Coffee with the Commissioner event this week due to our yearly budget workshops this week taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

We will resume our online coffee events next Wednesday, July 22nd.

I look forward to seeing you all online next week!

When Exceptions Swallow Rules.........

Which is worse--mandating the wearing of a disposable mask over and over and over, day after day, and improperly to boot-----or allowing this improper wear to "meet" the standard of an ill-conceived, non-enforceable ordinance?  (or both?) 

We find ourselves in the midst of a battle of wills over the wearing of masks here locally.

The city went headlong into this issue by "mandating" all citizens wear masks indoors. So did the city of Milton----and then Milton's City Council promptly and resoundingly walked their mandate back.  Actually it got yanked back and thrown in the garbage can.

Santa Rosa County has no mandate for mask wearing either.

But Pensacola has a mandate, brought forward by the mayor initially.  Then the city council doubled down and made it an ordinance with teeth with financial penalties for citizens that don't wear masks--because the city's ordinance requires citizens to wear masks!

Well, wait a minute.  Just most citizens in most places.  With some exceptions. 

Well, realistically--with a lot of exceptions.  For instance, now we are told that students who come back to classes in buildings and schools within the city limits will not be wearing masks.  At least they won't be mandated to do it.  Apparently, the city's got an exception for that.

And those who attend churches in the city limits don't have to wear masks.  There's an exception for that, too.

And outdoors--well, outdoors in socially distanced settings masks are not required.  There's an exception for that.

Demonstrators that gather in numbers, not wearing masks and not socially distancing--is there an exception for this?  Not sure--but regardless--it's happening, people are congregating and exercising their freedom of assembly and not wearing masks while not socially distancing-- and it is not being enforced.  Perhaps there is a tacit "exception" for that, too?

And surely the virus knows these exceptions and will ensure transmission is ceased during periods of time and under these circumstances when the city's ordinance provides exceptions, right?

Sure.

What about at a restaurant in the city?  Indoors, the ordinance says wear a mask.  But when the food comes--or when the drinks come--everyone at the table can "unmask" to eat and drink--there is an exception for that.  So half the people--eating and drinking together in small groups and large groups will be masked, and the other half will be unmasked.  Or, should diners and drinkers keep their masks on, and cut holes in their disposable surgical masks that they wear over and over--and put a straw through the hole and drink their beverages, wines, and bottled beverages through the straws whilst keeping the masks in place?  That'd be a weird look, like a scene out of the original 1977 Star Wars Cantina Band scene....  Same thing for food.  Keep the masks on and pull them to the side, quickly, and spoon feed without spilling it all over the inside of the mask.  That could get messy.....And if you cant do this--then take the masks off between bites and gulps.   I'm sure the airborne viruses and germs know the difference and politely and obediently do not disburse while citizens in the city limits eat and drink, right?  The microbes wait till the masks go back on.  Sure thing.  You bet.

So yes, technically, there is an ordinance in the city mandating that citizens wear masks.  Most of the time.  With some exceptions--I mean, LOTS of exceptions.  And with little enforcement.  And with no standards.   Right.  Check.

Well what about the masks and how they are worn?  Surely there must be standards in the ordinance the city wants us to adopt, right?

Answer:  Nah, just have a "face-covering" of any variety.  Yeah--just something, anything, just a

48th Coffee with the Commissioner Event Tomorrow Morning!

Tomorrow morning we will have our 48th Coffee with the Commissioner event live on Facebook.

We will be having County Administrator Janice Gilley, Escambia Emergency Manager Eric Gilmore, and Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford on the live-stream.

We will get an update on the Coronavirus from both Janice Gilley and Eric Gilmore--and then we will discuss the upcoming primary and general elections slated for August 18th and November 3rd respectively.  Specifically, I'll be asking Mr. Stafford how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the elections this year and what is being done to ensure safe and accessible elections this year.

Should be a very interesting conversation.

To join the event live Wednesday morning, simply go to https://www.facebook.com/CommissionerBergosh/

"See You" online this Wednesday!

Escambia Employee Salary Database Goes Live

As of today--the total wages paid yearly  to every employee of Escambia County (already an often requested public record) is available for citizens to search in a newly established database that went live today.   

The state of Florida has a website where citizens can search for the total compensation for any state employee---because this data is a public record and citizens have the right to know.

The salaries of the public employees of local governments are also a public record.

We often receive public records requests for this information on specific employees.

But if the state can publish a searchable database--why can't the county?

Answer: we can.  And now we are.

As a part of my NEXT4Escambia plan--a strategy position paper I have developed for addressing specific issues over the next four years that I have written based upon public input---this very sort of an open, searchable salary database initiative was a major component!

I brought it forward to the administrator, the idea was socialized with my counterparts, and ----voila---here it is.  Glad we got it done.

Now, citizens do not have to ask permission to see the total wages paid to any Escambia County Employee--they just need to go here--and look it up for themselves.  They can peruse all of the salaries or just look for specific individuals.

It is important that citizens know what we pay our employees, because we treat our employees well and they are well compensated with good pay and generous benefits.  Often times an employee's total wages paid will greatly exceed what an "hourly rate" might otherwise indicate.  So folks need to look at this. 

Surprisingly--we have dozens of job openings in multiple departments that we have had a tough time filling.  I tell folks that working for the county, you'll never get rich--but if start out and stick with it and make it a career--you will have excellent benefits and a pension and if you stick it out you can have a great retirement!

NOTE:--this database indicates total wages paid per the FISCAL year, not calendar year.

I am going to request that the IT folks also add a "date of hire" column to the database, as I feel this will be a good addition to add some context to the salary information (e.g. is the employee "new" or a "journeyman")

Commissioner May asked if we could add a column for employee race and sex, and I believe that is in the works as well.

On WCOA Morning Show: Masks, COVID-19, Pensacola Beach, Air Show--lots of Topics Covered....

I was interviewed yesterday on WCOA's Good Morning Pensacola on the topic of COVID-19, The July 4th Weekend and rumors of Beach Closings, and the hot button topic of the push by some to make mask wearing mandatory in Escambia County.

We had a good discussion on these and other timely, relevant topics of current interest.

You can hear the recording of this interview here