A Rough July in Escambia County....

Escambia County has seen an all-time record number of deaths in the month of July, 2021.  The number of death investigation cases in the D1 Medical Examiner's office is up nearly 70% over July, 2020.

The members of the board of county commissioners recieved an email report of conditions at our District 1 Medical Examiner's Office in Pensacola at Sacred Heart Hospital.  The Medical Examiner's office has seen a dramatic increase in deaths throughout the four county district, with a notable spike in Escambia county in particular.  July has been particularly rough in Escambia County.....From her email:

Gentlemen, 

 July has been quite a month at the District 1 Medical Examiner's Office. We hit an unfortunate record with 130 postmortem examinations, the doctors signed over 160 death certificates, and the office investigated about 300 deaths. It's not even the end of the month yet. We've never, ever had a month like this and the staff are working the equivalent of 2 people. 

 Escambia county is almost entirely responsible for this July crush we are feeling. Compared to July 2020 -- Escambia had 70% more cases in July 2021. (Walton county has also had a substantial increase in percentage but their relative number is still low.) 

 Escambia's increase in non-natural deaths is a substantial outlier. Of the 6 homicides I had this month, 5 were from Escambia county (there is likely a true total of 7 homicides, 2 cases are currently pending more information). In 2020 Escambia had 2 homicides. (of note: I personally had the unlucky week with 6 homicides)

 Most of our July autopsies for Escambia are pending toxicology testing  -- this means that the increase in cases is most likely from drugs (but also homicides, pedestrian fatalities, and child deaths). Which is the same trend of a 60-65% increase in drug deaths that I cited a couple of months ago. I also signed a couple of death certificates this month that were sequelae of long term intravenous drug abuse -- bacterial endocarditis / sepsis. 

 The workload from Escambia county is so rapidly increasing in case load -- that it alone needs 3 doctors and 25 staff to adequately and effectively investigate these deaths. 

 Our current situation with regards to the facilities has significantly degraded since the Chair and Vice Chair last visited. These details are best shared in a conversation rather than in an email. 

 On a positive note -- Sacred did agree to the $1k a month rent adjustment for the remaining space that we need to operate the morgue ($14.55 SF vs. $23 SF). They are also waiving the first 2 months of rent in our new lease. 

 We really need that building. I sincerely hope that the Chair and Vice Chair can help me get the other counties on board. Whatever you need me to do. But at this point, I need your help getting some action and financial commitment from the other counties to go forward. 

 Thank you for passing the budget amendment and the help you all have given us thus far. 

 We are looking forward to working with Mr. Gilmore as our new DOMES board member. 

 As always, I am available any time to discuss. I am the doctor on service again next week, so afternoons are always best. 

 Thank you, 

DAO

 

What is our Local Media Requesting from the County Daily?

A few weeks back I spoke with PIO Laura Coale about some issues that came out in the press of which I wasn't aware.  I felt somewhat blindsided--which is natural given that this is a big county with lots of issues swirling around.  So we discussed how this could be dealt with, so Commissioners would be aware of the stories local journalists are hunting down on a regular basis.  "At my last job I used to send out a recap daily of what was requested of the office--should I start doing something like that here?" she asked.

Of course, I said "Yes."  Apparently, subsequently and after our conversation Laure Coale got the go-ahead from admin to begin providing updates.

So for the last several days the commissioners have been recieving daily updates on what the media is requesting and what they are receiving.  It is interesting.  Here, below, is what the news outlets and others were requesting of our PIO yesterday:

Media Contacts: 

 

• Randy Wood, WEAR-TV, asked what Eric Gilmore's salary as new public safety director will be and if he will be both Public Safety Director and Public Safety Manager.
• Emma Kennedy, PNJ, asked to speak with Meredith Reeves on how the eviction moratorium being lifted might impact locally.
• John Singley, Studio 850, asked if there was an announcement on Eric Gilmore's promotion.
• Emma Kennedy, PNJ, spoke with Matt Posner on the Hollice T. Williams Skate Park
• Randy Wood, WEAR-TV, asked for fire dispatch information for Montgomery Ave and vehicle vs. Motorcycle accident
• Colin Warren-Hicks, PNJ, asked to get in touch with volunteer Cody Green about a go fund me account that was set up for him
• Annie Blanks, PNJ, asked to confirm that Eric Gilmore has been named permanent public safety director
• Rick Outzen, InWeekly, asked for photos of the Summer Youth Employment celebration.
• Randy Wood/John Rupolo, WEAR-TV, plane crash details
• Colin Warren-Hicks, PNJ, plane crash details
• Cooper Davis/David, NewsRadio1620, plane crash details
• John Singley, Studio850, wanted same access to BC Booth for plane crash interview (he could have if he was on scene)
• Kay Jones, CNN, asked about plane crash
• Alex Mitchell, NBC News National, asked about plane crash
• Lisa Nellessen Savage, PNJ, asked about press releases going to their spam
• Andrew McKay, NewsRadio1620, interviewed Wes this morning

 

Press Releases:

 

• Appointees Sought for Contractor Competency Board
• Appointees Sought for Board of Electrical Examiners
• Single Engine Plane Crash near Blue Angels Elementary on Dog Track Road (updated)
• In the Media: (OPEN LINK) (Wednesday)
• In the Media: (OPEN LINK)

 

Social Media: 

 

• #Covid_19 #vaccines are an effective tool to stop the spread of disease. @HealthyEscambia Retweet (Wednesday)
• Scattered to numerous showers/storms will develop along coastal counties this afternoon @NWSMobile Retweet (Wednesday)
• DANGEROUS heat is expected through late week! @NWSMobile Retweet (Wednesday)
• HEADS UP - DANGEROUS HEAT is in the forecast later this week (starting on Thursday) @NWSMobile (Wednesday)
• Scattered to numerous showers/storms will develop along coastal counties this afternoon & spread inland, decreasing in coverage. @NWSMobile (Wednesday)
• If not treated quickly, #HeatExhaustion can lead to serious injury and even death @HHSGov Retweet (Wednesday)

• The heat is ON today! Remember to drink lots of water @HealthyEscambia Retweet
• Community Health Northwest Florida will resume drive-through community testing operations next week.
• A Heat Advisory is in effect today for all counties with heat indices ~106-113F expected. @NWSMobile Retweet
• An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect tomorrow for RED counties, with a Heat Advisory elsewhere. @NWSMobile Retweet
• Escambia County is seeking volunteers to be considered for an appointment on the Escambia County Contractor Competency Board.
• Escambia County is seeking volunteers to be considered for an appointment on the Escambia County Board of Electrical Examiners.
• ECFR responded to fire in the 300 block of Mississippi Circle
• Multiple updates about plane crash

 

Thank you,

Laura

 

Laura Coale

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer CAPT. Timothy F. "Lucky" Kinsella, Jr., Earns a Tremendous National Honor and Recognition

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer (CO) CAPT Timothy F. "Lucky" Kinsella, Jr., accepts the John Paul Jones Inspirational Leadership award at the Pensacola Country Club on Wednesday, July28th, 2021

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer (CO) CAPT Tim Kinsella has had to navigate a lot of tough issues over the last several years.  And that is putting it lightly.  And that is a massive understatement.

-A terrorist attack leading to the death of sailors, and multiple injuries on the facility, drawing worldwide press scrutiny and attention.

-A worldwide Pandemic that has had a tremendous impact on the training mission at the base.

-And a devastating Hurricane in September of last year, to boot.

And leading the way through all of these obstacles, and many others, with a great attitude and an infectious smile--- was none other than CAPT Tim Kinsella.

So when it came time for submitting a nomination package for the John Paul Jones award for Inspirational Leadership--a prestigious, national award for an area Navy leader who rated such an honor--CAPT. Kinsella's name was top of the list.

Fast forward a couple of months after submission, and the great news came back to our local Navy League Chapter here in Pensacola:  Out of more than 200 submissions worldwide, our NAS Pensacola CO CAPT Timothy F. "Lucky" Kinsella won the award.

Typically, this award is given in a nationally attended ceremony in Washington DC-but because of the pandemic this year-the award was given locally.  And that ceremony occurred yesterday at a lucheon held in honor of CAPT Kinsella at the Pensacola Country Club.

I was honored to be asked to attend, along with several hundred military and civilian dignitaries and family members.  At the table where I was seated--there were 3 retired Navy Admirals and a retired Army General.  Members of the Pensacola City Council, the Pensacola Mayor, County Commissioners,  State Representatives, and representatives from the offices of Senators Marco Rubio, Rick Scott were also on hand.  In addition to this, there were more military O-6's (active duty and retired) than you could count.  It was a powerful room.  To my right at the table, I had the honor of sitting next to a retired Navy man who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.  This gentleman and I had a great conversation and I felt like I was talking to a living vestige of history.  He told me a bit about himself and his life, and I was blown away by his lucidity, sense of humor, and the fact that he was/is still living independently and driving himself around.  I quipped to him "I want to be like you when I grow up!"

When it was time for the program to start, the room quickly quieted down after presentation of the colors by an honor guard from NAS Pensacola.

CAPT Kinsella was given a rousing introduction by retired Admiral Kyle Kozad, and he was also presneted a proclamation by Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson.  When it was time for him to speak, CAPT. Kinsella was humble and gracious upon receipt of the honor.  He quipped "I feel like I don't belong here, like I walked in a room where someone else was getting an award." 

He thanked the military men and women of the base, the civilian staff, his fellow commanding officers of other tenant commands, and the Pensacola community.  He saved his most heartfelt thanks for his family--a large contingent of whom were present.  His mother and father, wife and three children, and a host of other extended family members were praised by the CAPT.  Before he gave emotional thanks-he set a lighthearted mood when he jokingly described the difficulty he had getting his family out the door and to the event on time.  "I've deplayed on combat missions, got aircraft carriers underway like clockwork--and that is easier than getting my family out of the house on time for something, really it is." He smiled and chuckled as he spoke.   He then recalled advice his father, a retired pub owner from Ireland,  gave him when he was on his way to boot camp.  "Stay away from the complainers--they'll only bring you down!"  He became emotional when thanking his wife for all of her support throughout his military career.   "I got to go to sea, I got to fly helicopters, and go to events like this one today--but my wife was the one at home, holding my family together."  He then gave some profound advice on achieving success from his mother that really resonated with him.  "There are three things you must  always try to do, and doing these three things will serve you well.  Number one, show up.  Number two -give it all you have do the best job you can.  Number three treat others with dignity."  He ended his remarks, drawing a standing ovation, thanking all those who had helped him during his time at NAS--both civilian and military.

Upon hearing this, I thought to myself wow-if everyone had that work ethic/outlook--the world would be so much better!

Several speakers and the CAPT himself alluded to the fact that upon his retirment wich is forthcoming, Kinsella and his family will be staying here in the Pensacola area.  

People of this caliber, choosing to stay here when they could live anywhere in the world they want, really give affirmation to the fact many of us already know:  This is a great place.  Pensacola, Escambia County--really a great community.

And having the Kinsella family retire here will only make this community better and stronger.

Congratulations to CAPT. Kinsella and his family!

Who are the Flood Defenders?

I had the opportunity to meet with Flood Defenders founder and
CEO Jay Faison yesterday afternoon at a Dunkin Donuts shop
off of Davis Hwy in Pensacola.  The conversation was interestng...

I've seen their signs around town in a few locations.

I've seen some posts on local social media.

Former Escambia County employee Chris Curb has come to a few meetings representing this group..

So who are the Flood Defenders?

I hadn't spent much time thinking about it  until last week when I was "introduced" to founder and CEO Jay Failson via a state representative's group text message-- encouraging me to sit down with him to talk about the issue of flooding.

So I scheduled a meeting with Mr. Faison, and had to pivot, at the last minute, from meeting yesterday afternoon in my office to meeting him instead at the Dunkin Donuts Shop location on Davis Hwy.

So I walked in, purchased a beverage,  and introduced myself  to Faison and his product manager Jonah Driggers--and we had an exteremely honest, frank discussion on a variety of topics (local politics, local budgets, and local flooding, mainly).

"Sorry for the switch at the last minute" I told them both.."This isn't exactly where I normally have county meetings.." I chuckled.

"No--this is fine.  It's actually a lot quieter than Starbucks would have been!" Faison quipped.

"So tell me what you guys are all about?"  I asked to kick off the discussion.  

"I was fortunate to sell a company for more than it was worth, and I founded Flood Defenders--this is what I am doing now." said Faison.

"Why did you decide on this as a cause?"  to which he replied "Someone close to me lost everything in a flood--so I decided I would do something about that."  He replied, succinctly.

"What does winning look like to you and Flood Defenders?"  I asked.

He leaned back in his chair, clapped his hands together, and then leaned forward over the table and said-"That's a great question, thanks for asking"..at which point he dug into this topic that he is certainly passionate about.   "Winning is getting local, state, and Federal governments to take this problem seriously, and to spend more on addressing flooding.  In the last session here in Florida, we worked very closely with [speaker] Chris Sprowls to pass historic legislation that will provide hundreds of millions of dollars in grant funding for the state and for counties like Escambia--these are some wins."

He and Mr. Driggers went on to describe how Escambia county was one of the most flood-affected counties in the state--to which I described some of the reasons why this might be..."We were the only county out of 67 that were allowing builders to build storm ponds and developments to a 25 year standard--while everyone else in the state was already at the 100 year standard."  He already knew that, but he pointed to some different, more profound and troubling issues in Escambia County.  "Escambia County's approach to the flooding problem is all over the map..I'm just trying to wrap my arms around it and it is a basin study

Why the Hatred and Contempt for Folks?

Friday evening I was interviewed by Channel 3 about a situation along Brent Lane where there is a tremendous amount of homeless activity and resultant trash under the overpass at that particular location.

The question asked of me by the reporter (among many) was something like "As a commissioner, what do you think about all this homelessness?"  And my answer didn't make the edit for the 3 second soundbite they eventually used.  My answer was  "I want to help them, that's what I think!"

Sure, nobody likes the litter, it is unsightly.  But these are human beings we are talking about--the response should be let's find a way to help the ones that want to be helped and need a hand up.  I've informed staff about that location, and the state's contractor will be dispatched to clean it up--which will happen.

But that action is only treating a symptom of a larger problem.  

These folks, many of whom are military veterans, are down on their luck.  Many suffer from addiction issues.  Mental health issues untreated. Many have burned every bridge with every person who ever cared about them in their lives.

So where is the compassion?  Why the hatred, disdain, and scornful contempt for these folks that are down on their luck?

I was texted pictures by one constituent--asking what I was going to do about it.  I was emailed pictures and a request from another constituent that proclaimed   

"This is a disgrace to our community. The litter is out of control all over the city and county, thanks to the ever growing homeless population.  What an impression to leave on visitors to our beautiful area!"

So where is the compassion?  

I am thankful to folks like the Alfred Washburn center, The Waterfront Rescue Mission, and all of the other (primarily) Christian faith-based organizations who step up and try to help every day with no fanfare, self-adulation, or glory-seeking horn trumpeting about their work.  

It will always be a part of the human condition, poverty and homelessness--- it will never simply "go away."  

It's biblical.  Jesus said it himself in the book of Matthew "The poor you will always have with you..."

So where is the compassion?

County Medical Director--County Going in a New Direction Part II

Thumbs up for some huge moves in the right direction in our EMS department.  Where is the press coverage of the positive developments, though?

When I wrote part I on June 29th--a lot of us were assuming we would be asked to vote on making the changes effective at our next meeting which then would have been on July 8.

That didn't happen.  

The board instead was told we had to meet in executive session before we could make improvments and move in the new direction.  

So the board met, and as of last Thursday, we took action to go in a new direction with respect to our County Medical Director slot.

On Thursday, the board approved a sweeping overhaul of how we will operate going forward--moving toward a University hospital-based form of medical director staff position--with a primary and a co-medical director at our disposal 24-7, 365 days yearly.  As a part of the contract we will also get updated protocols (within the first 4 months after contract execution).  

Our current protocols are more than a decade old, were written by a medical director who was with us like 20 years ago.  The existing EMS medical director never brought forward new ones.  Also, no additional training that was spotlighted publicly as a "got to have" ever happened so far as I have been told over the last several years.  So, not sure why these things didn't happen--- but it appears to be a moot point going forward. With this new contract--and this new direction---we will also receive additional professional development and training opportunities for our Paramedics and EMT's---at no additional cost.

So this vote and this move was kind of a huge deal, and I was glad to see it move forward via a predictable 4-1 vote in favor (D2 voted against).  Kudos to our new Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore who is doing a TREMENDOUS job and also big props to new EMS Chief David Torsell--who is also doing some fantastic work in very short order.   

In summary--there are some GREAT things happening in EMS.  Big raises, big changes in Medical Director Role--and yet, it's like a redwood fell in a forest and nobody heard it.  Why?

I would have thought with all the drama in the press over percieved issues in EMS, recordkeeping, and prosecutions--not to mention the huge payout the board had to make due to the ball being dropped on the way a paramedic was not given due process--- along with all the alleged wrongdoing, nefarious

"Diversity" at the PNJ?

This email (above)  was sent, unsolicited, to members of the BOCC Friday evening.  It mirrors the sentiment(s) I have heard from many area constituents.  I wonder if Gannett and Gate House Media realize that this is how their local affiliate, the Pensacola News Journal, is percieved by the community they serve?  Or the larger more ominous question is obvious:  If it is profitable---do they even care?

 

Late Friday evening, the members of the Escambia Board of County Commissioners received the email above.  It was ironic as I read it the following afternoon as I had heard earlier from another dissatisfied PNJ reader while I was playing tennis in Milton Saturday morning.  The individual on the court expressed a lot of the same frustrations that the email above describes.  I can't help but wonder if the PNJ (and more importantly their corporate handlers at Gannett and Gatehouse, realize this is how they are percevied by many in this conservative community?)

My conversation with this area resident, a retired military veteran, started on an unrelated topic.

"Hey Jeff, how are you doing?"  to which I replied "I'm doing great, we are getting a lot done and making a lot of progress on a number of projects for citizens--although you'd never know that looking at the PNJ and their coverage of us."  At this, he walked over toward my court and said, dryly, "We all know, a lot of us stopped taking that paper because of that---they just don't tell the truth and they don't represent this community!"  I thought that was interesting to hear----especially  given Friday's unsolicited email from someone else which essentially echoed this sentiment.

I've actually heard that from a lot of citizens and constituents that pay attention to things locally.

And so I also see in this email from Friday evening (above) that this person actually sent it to the PNJ--as well as to the members of the BOCC.  It will probably NOT be printed, though.  Like several of my submissions that PNJ wouldn't print.  Or like Judge Tom Dannheisser's very timely article on Fatherless Families leading to more incarcerations locally.  That truthful op-ed by a local Circuit Court Judge last May was printed by Rick Outzen on his blog, but it was never printed in the PNJ--even though it was sent to them.  The message didn't apparently suit their narrative, I suppose.

At one point, the viewpoints and LTE's were handled at the PNJ by a gentleman named Carl Wernicke.  Now, he and I did not agree on a whole lot, but he always printed my submissions.  In fact, he once told me "Our unspoken rule on the editorial board is that we print all LTE submissions that do not violate our guidelines."

Looks like PNJ has definitely moved away from that policy.  

The shift seems like the pivot a lot of the mainstream media has made over the last decade and a half;  facts are unimportant, slanted coverage and political agenda's are the order of the day--particularly secular progressive pieces grounded in preposterous, outlandish, and destructive social justice constructs that actually "promote" racism toward asians and caucasians.  Sickening.

And meanwhile, outlier small local publications like the PNJ continue to make money and survive.  With white, privileged liberal cartoonist Andy Marlette  using the "N-word" with no remorse(he

Baptist Hospital Issues a Press Release Regarding the Recent Increase in New Coronavirus Hospitalizations Locally

 The below news release was sent out by the County's CMR office on behalf of Baptist Hospital this aafternoon--the Pensacola area is seeing a sharp increase in the number of Coronavirus Hospitalizations:

Amber McClure has Put in a Notice of Resignation

I was notified, late yesterday afternoon, that our Chief Budget Officer Amber McClure has tendered her resignation effective August 20th.

See her email resignation, below.

Pimp & Twits Part I: Croc Goes Ballistic! (a *Parody)

The Setup:

A long time ago, in the sleepy, swampy southern Florida town of Patronville, our protagonist, Croc (also frequently and affectionately known as "Pimp" for the special way he treats his acquaintences, business partners and friends) sits alone in his darkened office overlooking the bay.  He recently returned from a disastrous trip to Belize where an experimental anti-aging and cosmetic procedure that was supposed to cut 30 years off of his appearance and add 50 years of longevity to his lifespan went horribly, badly wrong.  Instead of the machine utilizing the DNA of the crocodile to accomplish this miracle feat--the scientist at the controls made an error which left our character disfigured;  he came out of the chamber a crocadile/human hybrid (not unlike Jeff Goldblum in "The Fly"--except worse... ) Upon returning to Patronville--he was assured by his loyal, obsequious assistants Maya and Phaedra, that he didn't "look that bad....."  So being in a sullen, saddend state due to his reptillian appearance, his anger suddenly intensifies......As he reads an article on an unrelated topic in the Patronville Observer Sentinal ("POS", for short) , he realizes that yes-- to his utter anger and dismay--- that he, himself, personally, has been mentioned in an unflattering light in an unrelated article written by Andy, a dimwitted, untalented writer on the "POS" staff.

PIMP: (Yelling)   Phaedra!!! Maya!!!

PHAEDRA AND MAYA IN UNISON:  "Yes sir, how can we serve you, how can we make your day outstanding, meaningful, and fantastic sir!"

PIMP: "Get me the POS's  Lisa on the @#$$%%& phone right now!!!"

PHAEDRA AND MAYA IN UNISON:  "Yes sir!!"

PIMP: "Do it now @##$$%%%  why are you standing there looking dumb!!!"

(---speakerphone on the desk rings......ring,   ring,  ring,)    

LISA--(through the speakerphone:)  "It's a great day at the P-O-S--how can I help......"

PIMP: --cutting her off  "It's me, Croc--cut the #$%&.  Why the #$%&*  F*&% is my name in your POS paper today?!?!?  What is that #$%%&* Andy thinking?? We know he's a dimwitted idot--but what is this??  And why the #$%& would you allow that??!!

LISA:  "Sorry sir, we're just trying to..."

PIMP: --cutting her off  "I don't give a #$%& what your're trying to do, I don't care what you think, and I don't want to EVER see my name in any unflattering negative light ever--in your POS paper.  Do you understand me?  NEVER!!  You know that, we have discussed this many times.  Never me, never negative, only positive!!  What the #$%& Lisa??

LISA:  "Sorry sir, but..."

PIMP: --cutting her off  "Just shut up.  Nothing you say means anything, I've told you that.  Don't you #$$%&* make me come down there, don't make me do it!!  It is almost 3:00--you know what happens at 3:00--- and I will be down there and you don't want that, understand me??"  

LISA:  "Sorry sir, terribly sorry....no, don't come down, please, let me manage this sir.  I am a POSemployee, and Andy is a POS employee, so technically...."

PIMP: --cutting her off  " You are both POS employeess, but don't forget the money I spend with your

Proposed Schedule for Redistricting Will Be Discussed Tomorrow Morning by the BOCC

 As requested by a majority of the board members at our recent committee of the whole, our attorney Alison Rogers has emailed board members a tentative timeline for completing our redistricting in a compressed fashion---- due to the expected late arrival of our census data from the Census Bureau.

This is putting us in a position where we must complete 6-8 months worth of work in essentially less than four months.

For my part, I don't believe we should rush it.  

The statute plainly states that for counties the redistricting shall be completed "from time to time" but it does not state that it must be done in the first year following the census data being released.  The caveat that we as commissioners around the state face is that we can only, statutorily, complete our redistricting in odd numbered years.  That is codified in statute.  So, if we can't complete it this year, it has to carry over to 2023.  Conversely---the state representatives and senators do not have this same odd-year only redistricting restriction.  In fact, they will do their January through March early session next year, and then work the rest of the year to carefully finish their new boundaries in the fall of 2022----AFTER their elections--giving them a full nearly two year cushion until their next election in their "new districts."  They ARE allowed to do their redistricting in even years.  So it will be very, very comfortable, workable, and convenient for them.

Not so for us.

Given the historical civil rights era rulings that dictate that we in Escambia County must have at least one minority-majority district--our redistricting must take into consideration the "before and after" demographics of any switching of precincts and districts; it's not simply a mathematical, formulaic calculation as it is in other places.  If we rush it and get it wrong, we can be challenged in court and that's a can of worms we don't need... 

I know this, because I'm the only one on the dais that was an elected official in 2011 the last time the BCC and school district did this, redistricting, after the 2010 census.  And we did it right and took the time necessary and importantly--we got our data on time, in February.   Yet it still it took us a solid 7 months to do it right, ultimately completing it in September of 2011.

So no, I'm not going to accede to a self-imposed, self-generated timeline when there is no statutory requirment nor a reason to do this.  Especially this year with COVID-19 throwing everything off.   If we can get it done efficiently this year, I'm willing to try.  But I won't rush it for my vote,  not for anyone,  because doing it right is much more important than acquiesing to someone's artificial deadlines which are surely driven by political agendas.

So we will see how it goes, and if we actually get our data in August from the Census Bureau.

Meanwhile--see the attorney's proposed, draft timeline below:

The PNJ New Reporter Orientation Session Part I: "The Chain of Command" (a Parody)

Andy Marlette, his Patron, Lisa Nellessen Savage, and the PNJ put out ANOTHER non-realistic, untrue, and non-factual attack cartoon on members of the BCC  in today's paper; what's presented above, however, is far more apropos.......😏

 ANDY:  "Welcome aboard, CUB, and congratulations on being selected by GateHouse Media, Gannett, and the PNJ to be our next County government beat reporter!"  I know $22K, social security retirment program, our discounted pharmacy plan plus government subsidized health insurance is not glamourous--but hey, we all had to start somewhere"

CUB:  "Thank you, I'm like, really, really excited!!"

ANDY:  "Alright--do you have any questions for me, I mean, uh, US, before I have Lisa show you to your cubicle?"

CUB:  "Well, yes I do.  How come Lisa the editor isn't conducting this orientation--I mean---isn't she the boss, the editor?"

ANDY:  "I'll take this Lisa...Listen CUB, that's none of your business, but suffice it to say that I run the show here, not her.  I'm a big-shot cartoonist, and I bring a lot of revenue in for the company here, so although my title is "cartoonist"--I actually run this show and call the shots.  I'm a big deal!!  Although I am white and privileged like you are--unlike you I can even use the "N-Word" in my cartoons and not get cancelled!  I'm the man, so don't you forget that.   I've worked here a long time and I've had four or five editors like Lisa come and go during my time here..They're disposable but I remain.  It's because I'm talented, that's why they keep me here in this small market.  I bring revenue, I follow the chain of command, and I run this b*&%h!  You got any other smart alec questions CUB?"

LISA: "Actually, my role here is.......

ANDY:  "Shut up Lisa!  I've got this!  Don't speak until I tell you too, you got that?  I'm doing this orientation, and I run this show.  If I want your opinion, I"LL GIVE IT TO YOU!  Remember who brings home the bacon here, B*&%h!  If I leave, the Patron pulls his money,  and if "Rooms to Go" cancels their weekly full color ad--you know what happens---so don't push it.  Shut the F%&* up and let me run this, capeche!

LISA: "Yes sir!"

CUB:  "Uh, sorry, but you are being really rude and mean Andy, you are bullying her!  and I'm feeling very, very uncomfortable.....where is this office's safe space..."

ANDY:  "Look CUB, get over it.  This is a nasty business, and it get's ugly sometimes.  Get used to it.  Remember, all you have to do is a few things: Number One--only write unflattering stories about people we don't like.  Number Two---DON'T do any stories we don't approve of first---like telling the truth about locally elected politicians.  Remember--we control the message, not you.  You're nothing but a CUB, and you have to earn your stripes.  And three--and MOST IMPORTANTLY---always understand the chain of command here at PNJ.  Always.  Otherwise, I have to use this head chopper (laughs creepily). But Don't worry, cub, we only use this head chopper on folks who won't recognize PNJ's Chain of Command! "

*This cartoon and this story is a work of fiction.  Any similarities to persons living or dead, or actual events-- is purely conincidental

Big Day As Escambia Celebrates Our County's Bicentennial!

Dignitaries and elected officials gathered in Pensacola to celebrate the 200th year of Escambia County's establishment--I was honored to be invited to participate and proud to attend the event!

Saturday morning was a great day to be a resident of Escambia County as we celebrated our 200th year as a county---one of only two original Florida counties (Escambia and St. Johns).  The committee that put this event together did a fantastic job--and they made our area proud!

We had special guests join us in downtown Pensacola, including U.S. Senator Rick Scott, Fl. State Senator Doug Broxson, both of our State Representatives -Alex Andrade and Michelle Salzman, as well as numerous other dignitaries including Mayor Grover Robinson and Chairman of the County Commission Robert Bender.

Proclamations were presented by Governor DeSantis, Escambia County, and the City of Pensacola.

We had music playing, speeches, battle re-enactments, food-trucks and BBQ vendors, a plaque unveiling, and a ceremonial Spanish flag-lowering and U.S. Flag Raising ceremony that was really impressive.

Museums were open for the day throughout downtown, with the entry fees waived--and many citizens and families were there enjoying the festivities.

A "Time Capsule" which will be unearthed in 25 years was also lowered into the ground--with many of the dignitaries present contributing items to this endeavor.  The proclamations were also added to the collection of items to be placed in the time capsule.

See some additional photos from the event here, below.

PNJ Article Twists Facts into a Knot and Mixes in Lots of Innuendo, Lies, and Hearsay....Disgusting

When a newspaper's content is dictated by advertisers and special interests and the resultant output is deliberately built on lies, hearsay, innuendo, and deception----there is a problem.   And truth, integrity, and honesty---along with readers--become  the casualties...

In what will be an upcoming Sunday morning hit-job by the PNJ cartoonist--once again important facts are left out, lies are told, truth is obfuscated, and good reputations are purposely impugned.   Some legitimate reporting by a PNJ columnist is contorted, taken out of context, and then jammed into this rant ostensibly to add a level of legitimacy, and to fit a defective narrative in order  to inflict damage on County Attorney Alison Rogers and multiple members of the Escambia Board of County Commissioners.

It is astonishing to me that they get away with it.  I'll do my part and call a liar what he is, a liar.  Andy Marlette is a dishonest liar. 

Interesting these Andy Marlette types proclaim to support free speech--they even put a blurb in their paper, an excerpt of the First Amendment.  Heck---Andy Marlette even uses the "N" Word in  his cartoons with no pushback by anyone to illustrate his ability as a white privileged man to say and do what he wants, whenever he wants, with no ramifications whatsoever.  Crickets....from NAACP and media.   No, wait,  Marlette not only uses the N-word in his cartoon and gives the finger to anyone who would criticize that despicable word choice---He actually gets rewarded with syndication $ for his dumb and non-humorous comic strip. Others get cancelled.  I guess If you're nothing bt a liberal tool that nobody knows about, cares about, or thinks is funny, I guess you are immune from cancellation.  

How about that?

Yet folks like Andy Marlette  hate when they, themselves, are called to task for the putrid tripe they put

Getting the Future Land Use (FLU) Right on OLF-8 Gives Nearby Residents Greater Say about Future Development....

 

Unlike local zonong designations, The establishement of the Future Land Use overlay for OLF-8 is a process that requires coordination with Tallahassee; for this reason it is imperative that we get it right.  Staff's first two proposals (left two, above) had too much yellow, not enough red.  The one on the far right is the one that will be brought forward for board consideration, as it is just right......

What is a Future Land Use anyway, you might ask?  The future land use is a designation assigned to a parcel of land that comports with a county's comprehensive plan and subsequently filed with the state of Florida.  Once filed, the underlying local zoning designations can be added, amended, changed, or altered via local action-with the caveat being that local designations do not trump the FLU, and incompatible uses between local zoning regulations and FLU designations require an action from the State to resolve.  This just recently happened on a piece of property in District 1 where a FLU change had to be requested of the state to "allow" for the building of apartments by a developer.

So, at the most recent regular meeting of the Escambia Board of County Commissioners last Thursday, the public hearing for transmittal of the staff's proposed FLU maps for OLF-8 were dropped from the agenda.

At least one other commissioner and I objected to the FLU being MU-U for more than half of the map--with only a "tiny" strip for commercial development along the frontage of the property on 9-Mile Road and the northern portion of the property.  This did not comport to the board's vision nor did it comport with our expressed desire to see businesses and amenities (not massive apartment buildings) on this valuable property abuting 9-Mile Road.

So we took the first rendition, the left drawing above, and it got 86'd fast.  It was, and is, a "non-starter."  The middle drawing above was a secondary proposal from staff--but it, too, had too much of this property with a FLU designation of MU-U.

So several other board members asked if I could work with staff to bring back a proposed FLU map for approval by the full board and subsequent transmission to Tallahassee that is more in line with 1.) what the board desired, 2.) maintains the vision for the compromise reached regarding other aspects of development on the field, and 3.)  that could get support from a majority of board members to move this project forward.  

I believe the map on the far right, above, accomplishes this.  In communicating with staff on this, I asked specifically if this FLU would mesh with what DPZ has put forward as the local zoning designations for OLF-8---which speak to which areas of the field can be built with what types of buildings, features and structures---to include commerce, public amenities, "town-center", residential, and commercial.  I was assured that this proposed FLU map allows for all of these things.

WHY IS MORE RED BETTER THAN MORE YELLOW ON THIS FLU MAP?

The difference is nuanced, but important, as to why more commercial (red) is prefferable to more mixed use-urban (yellow).  

While it is true that most of the commerce related aspects of what we have planned for the OLF-8 project could be constructed under a MU-U FLU designation---the critical key for me (and the more important question to consider) is what "CAN'T" be built under a COM FLU designation.  That's more important  and here's what I mean.

A commercial FLU designation does not permit stand alone residential, period.  Regardless of the underlying "local" zoning category.  So having more COM (red) has a protective, prophylactic effect on the rapid growth and sprawl of more high-density, high impact residential construction.  It does this by only allowing residential as a component of a primarily commercial development (e.g. lofts over retail), and only by allowing up to 49% of a project to consist of residential components.

Now, those that push back will proclaim "But the FLU does not matter, if the local zoning does not permit residential!!!"   Well, here's where that argument falls apart.  If the underlying local designation does not permit apartments, applicants can easily navigate the process to rezone locally via the planning board to allow for apartments if --watch for it--IF the existing underlying FLU allows for apartments.  MU-U allows apartments.  COM does not.  Additionally---- there are several "local land use consultants" that help developers navigate the rezoning process locally all day every day.  They have it down to a precise science and they are very fast, efficient, and effective at getting it done.

So having more of the map red, or designated as a COM FLU, adds a second layer of protection against

COVID-19 in our Area--What's the Current Status at the Hospitals?

Panic citizens and they will consume what you are selling and disregard the financial manipulations and machinations occurring in our capitol that will have massive negative economic consequences for our nation for generations to come....

With national news broadcasts stoking the flames of fear and worry by reporting daily about the "Delta Variant" of COVID-19---some in our area are rightly concerned about a resurgence here.

The sneaky way actual facts are portrayed by the national media are apparently designed to scare the average citizen into a state of continuous panic---a tactic that takes a lot of concern, worry, and attention off of the printing presses in Washington DC--- which are churning out more and more debt from thin air daily.  Trillions and Trillions and Trillions....so keep folks worried and paniked, maybe they'll disregard the slow motion train wreck our national budgeting/monetay policy is becomming?  Surprise--they will and they do----- it works!  😏  Oh, and also, just to put a button on that--the media disavow and completely delegitimize the recognized, rational concept of inflation. They do it by omission----ignoring any mention of it in their coverage.   Nifty, right?  

So here's how they make it happen--here's their cookbook recipe:  1.) Find a city or area that is having an uptick in COVID -19 Delta Variant cases, 2.) show exhausted, demoralized hospital workers describing the conditions in that particular area, carefully and only talking PERCENTAGE increases in hospitalizations in such local areas-- and for the "coup de gras"--3.) conflate the local nature of the story's topic by throwing in the TOTAL NUMBER of new cases daily NATIONALLY at the very end of the one minute, thirty second package piece---and BANG---you've created a crisis!

Some out of touch, confused citizens that watch David Muir daily are probably bamboozled and actually concerned we're having 18,000 cases daily here in Florida!!....

And some constituents  have asked me about it, too--as some of the reporting on numbers, testing, and positivity seems to have been diminished locally.

So what is happening, right now, in the hospitals of Escambia County?

To find out--I called someone in the know, a well positioned hopital executive with whom I speak from time to time.  I called this individual to get the truth and to cut through the drama and the spin our media churns out nonstop on this topic beause it's a ratings bonanza to keep it roiling......

"Jeff, we are seeing an uptick locally, but nothing like what we had back in January and February."  He went on to describe that the numbers of hospitalizations have increased--but "only in the single digits..."

"We are not out of the single digits with patients hospitalized with COVID right now."  he stated.

When I asked him his assessment of the situation overall, he was optimistic.  "The only people we are seeing now, coming in needing hospitalization and the smaller numbers who are dying--- are those who are not vaccinated....everyone can get the vaccination now so it is a totally different situation than we had before-----much more manageable."

Yes, COVID-19 is real.  YES we are having an uptick locally but it is NOTHING like what we had at the beginning of the year.  The key difference is the vaccines.  They work, and they are working.

But they don't work for those who choose to remain "unvaccinated."

Two Editorial Cartoons in One Weekend!!

 

Andy Marlette Shamelessly plugs his stupid, non-humorous comic strip, Pimp & Twits, at the Pensacola Beach Air Show July 10, 2021--with the same predictably disastrous results as PNJ's news, editorial, and features output and as equally dismal as PNJ's feeble attempts at subscriber growth and retention.....it all just ends in a fiery mid-air disaster......

Wow! PNJ Editorial Cartoonist Andy "Dandy" Marlette and the crack 2-person editorial PNJ team have been  busy little beavers this weekend, once again on the attack, lashing out at the hard working Escambia Board of County Commissioners.  We got two (2) cartoons this weekend, one on Saturday and one this morning.

Andy must be really, really lathered up and exercised to take a "Sunday" slot (the only day PNJ has any circulation over 200 readers) and pivot away from Trump, Rubio, Scott, and DeSantis---to attack us!

It's amusing

But the smaller and smaller number of subscribers PNJ clings on to must be wondering what his anger and venom is all about.  Around town at various social events I attend, I'm always asked "Wow, the cartoonist is always after you--what's up with that?" to which I simply respond, "He's an idiot, he is glib, everyone knows it, and I live rent-free in his head."

So yes, I understand Andy hates those of us that roll up our sleeves and do the difficult yet necessary (and often messy) work of local governance --work he himself couldn't do and couldn't handle---yes, we all get that.  Yes, yes we know he has a fixation on the BCC and yours truly in particular.   Yes we know he has been drawing cartoons about us that are stupid for years now, and yes we know he makes some money for the failing PNJ with his syndicated cartoons which help keep the PNJ financially viable.  (He punched his ticket by attacking former president Trump mercilessly over the last 5 years--which gave him "the creds", apparently, to have a nationally syndicated comic strip given to him--from which he more than likely makes a few bucks).  He uses the N-Word in his cartoons, so what says his employer?   It's not like he's someone that should get cancelled like the Bachelor host, right?  Yes, he hates Trump, makes money for the liberal PNJ, runs a recurring schtick that he's a "Republican" (yeah, right), and does as he is told by his local advertisers---- so they, in turn, ignore that messy piece of nastiness about Andy Marlette, a privileged white man who used the N-Word and flipped the finger to those who wanted to cancel him.  Apparently, he is untouchable unlike so many others who got cancelled for doing the same.  So, yes, PNJ keep him around because of that.  He's nothing but a useful tool.  For the money, and because he does the Patron's bidding unflinchingly.

But when he makes stupid cartoons about me and what I do, I'll continue to manipulate them and make them actually funny.  He really hates that which is also very amusing.  It drives him nuts but he can't do a damn thing about it!   So.............

Introducing "Pimp & Twits"

Introducing "Pimp & Twits!"

And now, with all of this ruckus in the backdrop--- stay tuned for a brand new, actually funny "cartoon" strip of my own based upon Andy's failing, stupid one that nobody reads and that isn't funny.  My version will be titled "Pimp & Twits"  ---Set in the fictional, Florida coastal fishing town known as "Patronville" Starring a meth-addicted, media-obsessed Crocadile who is actually a former human being known as El Patron ---but  who was tragically transformed into a Crocadile/human hybrid in a life-extending, youth enhancing plastic surgery procedure that went haywire in lab in Belize. In addition to becoming a crocodile, his mind became warped and he suddenly, genuinely believed he was loved by all, respected by everybody, and that all people would do his bidding universally. Surrounding the croc, affectionately known as "Pimp"(because he "pimps" everyone around him to do his bidding)  are his cast of cronies that run his deals and his games for him.....  Lisa and Andy, two simpletons that love to dress up like characters from Hogan's Heroes and play-act scenes from that 60's  show, two dimwitted

Big Wins in Last Night's Meeting

The Board of County Commissioners Stacked Up Some Significant Wins Last Night-- the long meeting was worth it!

 ...and a lot of it was not even noticed.

But that's okay.  

Yes, it was a long meeting, excrutiatingly long.  But after it was over and I could take stock of what was accomplished--yeah--it was a lot of winning.

Here are some of the highlights of the wins:

--We funded the final portion necessary to finally, after 8 years, #OpenOurBeach at Perdido Key, access #4.  That one slipped by most folks--more than likely because we ended up veering off course and discussing other facilities we can fund with Tourist Development Tax dollars--most notably a replacement/enhancement for the Bay Center.  But we passed it, $90K from CARES act to finish it up. 300 feet of public access and 35 parking spots.  It is going to be fantastic

--The board voted to do the right thing and pay to defend the former paramedic employee who was treated disgustingly unprofessionally and unfairly by our former county administrator, a former healthcare administrator-- so-called "medical administrative professional" ---who was for a short time consulting for our former administrator,  our now former HR director, our "investigations" department,  and the county medical director.  Bogus charges were cooked up against this employee, concocted in what many believe was a conspiracy against him and made of whole cloth in retaliation for his filing of a bonafide harrassment complaint against his supervisor........wait for it........the medical director! Due process was not followed, our policies were ignored by staff for months, and this employee was left hanging out to dry.   Astonishingly--this very same paramedic worked for 13 years with a sterling record, never once disciplined for ANY patient care issues.  He makes a complaint against his medical director-----and poof, abracadabra she revokes his priviledges to work AFTER she finds out about the complaint he made and subsequently DEMANDS that he be fired!  Then, unbeknownst to any staff in EMS or the Administrator's office---she, the medical director then sends a dosier-like list of serious-sounding alleged complaints to the state department of Health in an effort to strip this employee of his license and steal his livlihood.  There is a paper trail and evidence of all of this that is so apparent, clear and straightforward------- Stevie Wonder could see it.  No wonder we had to settle his suit against us for $200K . Faster than Emeril Lagasse says ".BAM!".. Next up for this paramedic who was wronged---------a first class legal defense that we voted last night to provide for him for his upcoming administrative hearing at DOAH--where he will finally be vindicated and be done with this nightmare county staff put him through once and for all!  

--We voted unanimously to award our EMS and Paramedic Employees with nice-sized raises--and we also approved the payment of incentive pay for our hard to staff positions.  We value our first responders and this significant pay increase is the manifestation of that committment--no matter what some disgruntled individuals think!  We also approved the Fire Cadet program to help recruit, develop, and train up a pipeline of talented individuals to work in our Fire Houses and fill positions, eventually, as they arise.

We shot down the ridiculous Future Land Use transmittal items for OLF-8---as the FLU as presented would have eventually led to a situation where up to 50% of the remaining acreage of that field may have become succeptible, via future local zoning changes only, to becomming high-density, high impact 4-story apartments, condos, and townhomes.  We knocked this off the agenda, and the item will be coming back with a LOT more red (commercial) and LOT less YELLOW (Mixed Use Urban)---which will allow more of the field to be used for the intended purpose of job creation and less of it to be used for what nobody in Beulah wants------more high density housing!

And finally---we did the right thing by unanimously (4-0, Doug left the meeting early, frustrated apparently) voting to increase our interim administrator Wes Moreno's pay commensurate to the level of work he has been and will be putting in as our new Administrator.  He will be paid the low end of our latest recruitment range--$173,000.00.  It's a tough job, and he will earn every dime and he already is...

Yes, it was a long meeting, but it was full of some significant, heavy duty wins for our county and for county staff and for Public Safety EMS First Responders.  A GREAT night!