FDOT's Bridge Project Creates Woes on the Citizens and the Workers.....Who is Ultimately Responsible Though?

 I received this email, below, from a frustrated constituent today...........my response to his email is below..

"Hi my name is XXXXXXXXX. I live in Pensacola and work on Pensacola beach. I am XX years old, and I have managed XXXXXXXXXXXXXX since I was 18. I have a XXXXXX and XXXXXXXXX. I’m a normal young adult with an appropriate amount of debt and my family will not survive this without your help!

 Corona virus has obviously been tough on everyone but especially the tourist destination of which I work. It was tough but we were going to survive. Then hurricane sally came and for some reason XXXXXXXX decided not to move their equipment and destroyed the connection between the city of Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and Pensacola beach. 

I’m fine with driving farther to get to work, I’m fine dealing with the traffic, I’m fine with the challenge they have made for me to spend time with my family as well, since they all live in Gulf Breeze. But the part that realllllly sucks for me is my job will not make it through this and it will be very difficult for me to find a job that can support my family like the one I had before XXXXXXXXX negligence. I have worked very hard my entire life to get where I am now and it seems to have been ripped away from me out of no where. 

 Please hold XXXXXXXXX Liable for their actions, not only for me but also my friends, family, and neighbors. They have destroyed this town and we need your help to get back on our feet! 

 

Thanks for your time. 

XXXXX  XXXXXXX

 

XXXXXXXXXXX"

My Response...

XXXXXXXXX,

Thanks for your email—and I completely sympathize with your situation.  Like you, I am extremely concerned about this FDOT project and their contractor that is conducting the work.

As a county commissioner, I have limited ability to do much to resolve your situation.  We are working with the city of Pensacola and FDOT through our legislative delegation and the TPO to stand up a Ferry Service between Pensacola and Gulf Breeze.  I know this will do little to help—but it may help with your daily commute.  And we are all trying to keep the pressure on FDOT to get this bridge fixed on time!

Because this is an interruption in your income directly related to the barge/bridge issue—I strongly suggest you consider speaking with an attorney about your situation.  There are some great firms in town that may be able to assist.  And believe me:  Every business in both Gulf Breeze proper AND Pensacola Beach (XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) will be seeking claims for business interruption, which they will more than likely be successful at.  But this may not trickle down to the employees like you.  So I’d say look after your interests, and those of your family, by speaking with an attorney.

Additionally—I would strongly suggest that you speak with our elected Florida Legislative delegation—to include Senator Doug Broxson and Representative Alex Andrade—to describe your dissatisfaction with FDOT’s project and their contractor.  They MUST be held accountable (FDOT). 

Thanks for reaching out and I wish you and your family the best in pursuing this issue.  And we will recover from this—but it will take time. 

Sincerely,

 

Jeff Bergosh

Escambia Board of County Commissioners,

District 1

221 Palafox Place Suite 400

Pensacola, FL 32502

850-595-4910 office

850-377-2209 Voicemail

District1@myescambia.com

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