What to do about Panhandlers? Homeless?

 

I've been contacted by a number of citizens that want the county to draft an ordinance "prohibiting" panhandling.

Our board has discussed it, this issue comes up frequently.  The problem is panhandling is allowable free speech according to the lawyers.  Where counties can step in is when there is behavior is unsafe (e.g. if panhandlers are in the road).  But even this behavior is tough to tackle--as by the time a complaint is made and a police officer is dispatched, such a violator more than likely will have retreated to the right of way or sidewalk.  Thus, even that unsafe (and already illegal) behavior is next to impossible to curtail.  And an additional ordinance enacted would do little to nothing to curb the behavior.  It's like the genius state law passed last session about "noise from vehicles" that is so subjective, so opaque, that not ONE law enforcement agency in the state of Florida will be able (or willing) to enforce it.

But they passed a law, though!  Problem solved!  Drinks all around!!  (Yet the noise from car problem persists.....)

You cannot legislate your way out of every problem.

Despite this being an axiom of truth most of us understand with crystal clarity--some folks with whom I have recently spoken "Want us to do something, pass an ordinance, or something, anything, to make this go away!"

Of course that's a fool's errand for multiple rational reasons.

And meanwhile----panhandling persists.  Homelessness is a growing problem.  And yes, the two are intimately intertwined.  Along with untreated mental illness, poverty, social dysfunction, and addiction.

Yesterday evening we received word that Pensacola is opening a homeless facility.  Good, good for them and I wish them all the best.  Meanwhile, the county has $4 Million to help with the problem and I can't get the city to even respond to a request for a joint meeting.  We have sent no fewer than 4 requests.  I've spoken personally to the mayor.  I've spoken to Connie Bookman.  They obviously don't want a meeting with the county. 

So I'm adding this topic to our next meeting on August 4th.  Maybe the city will do their thing, and the county will do our own?  Maybe that is what the city wants, due to their lack of interest in a joint meeting?  Who knows?

Nevertheless---I still think scaling up the Satoshi Forest model, deep in the woods, away from subdivisions and residences is the way to go. Something that is secure, with wrap-around services brought out to the camp, and where no drugs are tolerated and where security and CC cameras are present to maitain safety and order. 

Interestingly---The students from CLA independently brought the same general, basic concept. (Minute 13:00 of this video)

So the county will discuss this on the 4th and figure out the answer to an important question:  How do we best spend the $4 million earmarked to assist this problem?  

I have my thoughts, now hopefully we will get the conversation started on the dais so I can hear what my counterparts want to do about it.

And I guess we will be doing it separately from what the city is doing....

Complex issue, lots of moving parts, no easy solutions.

Blue Angels "Cockpit-Experience" Hitting the Road Soon!

Blue Angels "Cockpit Experience" 7-25-2022 NAS Pensacola

Blue Angels "Cockpit Experience" 7-25-2022 NAS Pensacola

National Aviation Museum foundation Vice President Cindy McCalip invited me out to NAS Pensacola Sherman Field yesterday for an exclusive first look at an attraction that has been in the works for the last 3 years....The Blue Angels Cockpit Experience!

Now--I must say upfront that NOTHING compares with an actual ride in an F-18--which I was fortunate to experience in 2012 when I was invited to ride with the Blues as the Chairman of the School Board and community Key Influencer.  That was one of the most amazing rides in my life.  Very funny  Video here. of my 2012 flight......

But this cockpit experience is pretty awesome in it's own right---most especially because it will be shared with tens of thousands of fans (or more) who more than likely will never get to ride in the real F-18.

The attraction will also be a way to bring the museum to the people--as this interactive flight demonstration experience will be brought to locations all around the country, in conjunction with Blue Angels shows, to let citizens experience the cockpit of an F-18 Super Hornet in person.

Blue Angels "Cockpit Experience"
7-25-2022 NAS Pensacola

Those who come to the cockpit experience will sit in an exact replica of an F-18 cockpit and experience a 2 minute "mission" from the vantage point of the cockpit.  It has all the buttons, tabs, switches, gagues, and other electronics of an actual cockpit, I'm told.

"If I pull this, will I get launched for the bonus ride?" I quipped as I pointed to the ejection strap between my legs on the seat.  Obviously, none of these gagues or switches work.  But I couldn't resist asking.....

The cockpit was manufactured in Germany and shipped back to America earlier this year "After an extended delay in New York due to customs there" according to museum staff.  The trailer was built in Indiana and the entire attraction was just recently completed/assembled in Chicago and returned to NAS Pensacola--where it sits under a tent on the tarmac, very near where the restored F-4 Phantom Jet (which will be a feature of the soon to be constructed General Chappie James memorial) is parked currently.

Staff also discussed how this attraction will function as an ambassador to and for the Pensacola area.  "That truck is going to be wrapped and decorated/painted with 'Visit Pensacola' logos and iconic features like the Pensacola Beach 'Beachball' watertower and it is going to say something along the lines of 'follow me to Pensacola!'" the staff explained.  "Lots of folks don't know Pensacola is the home of the Blue Angels so we want to promote that and also promote this area at the same time" staff explained.

The goal will be to work together with Visit Pensacola on getting this attraction out and visiting places all around the country.  According to staff, a full time driver and attraction attendant/curator have already been hired and the "rig" is set to make it's debut in Chicago at the Chicago Airshow later this year.

"Whenever we take it out on the road it gets LOT's of attention--folks waving, smiling and honking" McCalip said.  

What a great way to let people learn about the Blue Angels  AND our area at the same time!  Goodwill, a great story for a great institution and a great community!

Blue Angels "Cockpit Experience" 7-25-2022 NAS Pensacola

Blue Angels "Cockpit Experience" 7-25-2022 NAS Pensacola

Pensacola's Faith-Based Community Comes through For Students and Families!

Many who come to Pensacola/Escambia County for the first time, or folks that move here from other places, marvel at the robust faith-based community here.  It is incredible.  And this community of faith does great things for the citizens---in a multitude of spaces including healthcare, mental health, family counseling, student support, and family support.  This community of faith also does much to assist those who find themselves down on their luck, homeless, or in despair.

A striking example of the generosity of the faith based community was on display this Saturday in District 1 at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds.

Pastor Tim Fox of Jubilee Church, Transformation Church, and literally hundreds of volunteers and community support groups descended upon the fairgrounds for one combined, important mission:  Supporting students and families as we prepare for the start of the next school year.

--More than 2-dozen area barbers donated their time and skill to provide free haircuts for students

--Feeding the Gulf Coast, with a generous gift from Healthcare Solutions, Inc. donated 35,000 pounds of food for families and students.

--Jubilee church provided more than 1,300 free backpacks for students

--multiple other entities teamed up to provide school supplies and other giveaways for the students and families that attended this 3-hour event Saturday morning.

Yes, our area has challenges and they are numerous (generational poverty, social dysfunction that is generational, crime, drug abuse, child abuse, high incarceration rates in some communities,  blight, apathy) ---but with the help of fantastic and dedicated community volunteers and faith-based organizations---there are weapons in the fight to make our community better.

I am thankful for the generous, giving spirit of our gracious and selfless community volunteers and specifically--the faith-based community.

Where would this community be without such entities and individuals?

These are "Natural, No Brainer" Funding Opportunities for the Children's Trust, But......

 

There are several entities that receive funding yearly from the Escambia Board of County Commissioners.

These are vetted, legitimate groups that have track records of serving the community.  They are our community partners

Several specialize in serving the community's youth.

So, naturally, as we worked through the budget this year with staff, in meetings, and in sessions on the fourth floor--it became clear that several of these organizations are natural, no brainer funding opportunities for the children's trust.

So at our recent workshops, the board intimated that these groups, the ones who focus on youth, should first seek funding from the newly established, and soon to be flush with cash Escambia Children's Trust. (Their initial millage rate of .5 mills will generate $12 Million Dollars--a full $2 Million over initial projections....)

Some entities vocalized the concern that any attempt by the BCC to not fund such entities and instead foist them on the Children's trust would be tantamount to "supplanting" funding which would be frowned upon if not outright disallowed.

The attorney for the board quickly dispatched that notion with an email recently, where she stated.

"My determination was that the language in the ordinance (which was not drafted by us) would address mandatory funding or obligatory funding obligations.  It would not, in my opinion, address discretionary funding that the Board considers every year and which the Board is not obligated to provide in any particular amount or at all.  I understand the executive director of the Trust has indicated that she has concerns about this, but the attorney for the Trust does not appear to have provided an opinion to the Trust about it yet."

Meanwhile---several of the organizations we sent over to the trust have received this response:

"Good morning. We have received the Community Partner applications for consideration for funding by the Escambia Children’s Trust. However, while these are worthy projects, I’m afraid we cannot consider them at this point – not because we do not think they fit our funding goals, but because we do not have a mechanism in place yet for consideration of unsolicited proposals.

 Our Board is still refining our grantmaking process. Our formal needs assessment will not be ready until at least next month, and our priorities for funding have not yet been established, let alone approved by our Board. We simply have no process in place to make an immediate decision on the applications you forwarded, as they were not in response to a Trust application or request for proposals.

 If possible, please let your applicants know that their proposals likely will not be considered for funding by the Trust at this time. We cannot review unsolicited proposals until the Trust Board of

FDOT Working on Sorrento Road to Implement Immediate Safety Measures

 

We know Sorrento Road in District 1 has major issues.  Lots of wrecks, lots of fatalities. Lots of problems.

We've been talking about it, and the media has covered it.  Folks in FDOT have been hearing about it, as has the TPO.  

Next month the TPO will vote on the prioritization of multiple projects, and I believe with the outpouring of community concern that has been coming regarding Sorrento--that the project to widen Sorrento to 4-lanes from Blue Angel Pkwy to the Theo Baars bridge will make a major leap upwards on the list (where it currently languishes at #18).

Meanwhile, I've now heard from State Representative, Dist. 2, Alex Andrade on a host of issues FDOT is taking on right now to improve safety on Sorrento Road immediately.  Rep.  Andrade has been extremely supportive and helpful on the issue --for which I'm very appreciative.  According to Andrade:

"the following is a quick mention of the improvements along Sorento Road. These improvements and added safety features represent the  efforts underway. There are more features coming in the interim until we can provide the long term features as the projects make their way through the resurfacing program. Also we will continue to monitor the corridor for additional improvements and possible safety enhancements.

•             Construction underway for resurfacing of Sorrento Rd from Theo Baars Bridge to South of CR 293 (Bauer Rd).

            Resurfacing the pavement and upgraded signing and pavement markings

            Construction of a southbound left turn lane at Choctaw

            Construction of paved shoulders as needed

            Reconstruction of the Canal Dr. intersection at SR 292 (Perdido Key Drive)

             Adding keyhole bike lanes at the existing westbound right turn lanes near the Dollar General and in front of the Perdido Bay Baptist Church and Merlin Ave.

             Extension of the newly constructed left turn lane from Innerarity Point Road to the existing three lane section at Iaca Ave. as well as the extension of the existing right turn lane at Innerarity Point Rd.

            Adding audible and vibratory pavement markings on outside edge line and centerline.

•             Construction underway for intersection improvement at SR 292 Sorrento Rd and CR 293 (Bauer Rd.) to construct an eastbound right turn lane, northbound right turn lane, and extend the westbound right turn lane and westbound left turn lane.  New pedestrian crosswalks with pedestrian signals are also included.

•             We are closely monitoring Doug Ford Rd. and have an ongoing speed study in this area.  The speed study is nearing completion.

•             Construction underway for turn lane improvements at the intersection of SR 292 Sorrento at CR 292A Innerarity Point Intersection.  This project will add a southbound left turn lane, eastbound right turn lane, and extended the westbound left turn lane. Intersection lighting was also included. Construction is estimated to be complete in the near future.

•             SR 292 Sorrento Rd/ Gulf Beach Hwy from CR 293 to CR 292A is currently being considered as a candidate resurfacing project for design in FY 24 and construction in FY 26.  Additional safety improvements will be considered during design of the resurfacing.

•             The Department is conducting immediate safety improvements to install outside and centerline vibratory and audible pavement makings as well as speed feedback signs between Bauer Rd and Blue Angel Pkwy; set to begin in August. 

•             Left turn lane on Sorrento Rd at Nighthawk Ln is currently in construction."

I'll Be On 1370 WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen" Later this Morning at 7:20

 

Host Rick Outzen of 1370 WCOA's smash-hit, top-rated in the market morning drive radio program, "Real News with Rick Outzen"--has once again invited me on the show later this morning to discuss yesterday's BCC meeting.

I'll be on at 7:20.

As was widely covered in the press yesterday afternoon, the Board of County Commissioners voted by a 4-0 margin (Underhill stormed out of the meeting before the vote) to ask the Governor to look into multiple citizen complaints about Doug Underhill abandoning his district, his residence, and by action of that --his office.

I'm certain the conversation later this morning will be all about that.

Tune in to the show live, and I will post the podcast later this morning here.

Commissioners Vote 4-0 to Send Request to Governor to Clear up Underhill Residency Requirements Questions

 The Escambia Board of County Commissioners voted 4-0 (Underhill left the meeting and did not vote) to send the below letter to Governor DeSantis regarding Commissioner Underhill vacating his homestead property and his subsequent move out of the district he represents and up to a D5 property he recently purchased.  This decision was made after multiple constituents complained that Commissioner Underhill had, in fact, abandoned his district.  

Last week at the BCC meeting on Thursday July 14th, several constituents complained at Underhill during public forum about his, Underhill's,  moving out of the district before his term expired.  This generated several news stories

Last night on Facebook, underhill downplayed these accusations, questions, and media reports and stated "So we sold and rent back until I'm done with my service."

Just this morning, however, a citizen sent me a screen shot from two weeks ago--before the media brewha over Underhill moving out of his district and before today's meeting.  In this screen shot, taken on July 7th,  it says  "We have 2 days left to get everything cleared off our Sally-damaged property before the buyer takes possession.."

So it appears that there is a disconnect between what was stated last night, and what was stated online two weeks ago.  Therefore, and because several citizens have now complained--- and although given multiple chances at public meetings to set the record straight Underhill refuses to address the growing controversy---the below letter will be sent so the matter can be properly investigated.  We will see what happens.

The Mummy--a Fictional, Metaphoric Tall Tale*

A rhetorical:  If the mummy is one step from walking off the cliff----is it necessary to get behind such a creature and push?

As the mummy marched onward toward a cliff that was actually soon to become a caldera encircling a presently red-hot, erupting, and lava-laden volcano--unaware the cliff was approaching becase this same creature was sleepwalking--- one observer who had contempt for the mummy exclaimed--"Someone should get behind it and push!" to which one bystander said "Yeah!--push It!"  Others watched with interest and curiosity and did not intervene--neither to save the mummy nor to hasten his destruction.  Soon large groups of onlookers gathered to watch.

Some who were favorable to the mummy attempted to prevent the walk toward destruction by standing in front of the creature's path--desperately pleading with the monster who ignored their cries while subsequently walking over them.  

One particularly vituperative mummy loyalist, who  himself was an odd looking sort, short and with bulging eyes-------- talking incessantly and running around nonsensically---- tried to push the mummy away from the course leading to the lava pit to save him.   The mummy, apparently not realizing this individual was a supporter trying to help--nevertheless dispatched this odd, short, man spectacularly.  In a deep, resonating, roar--the Mummy screeched "Fly to the Sun--heathen!"  at which point the odd looking, diminutive fellow flew quickly upward--screaming "But I love you, mummy!!!!"  as he accelerated toward the heavens.  Some in the crowd thought they heard this poor-soul's eyes pop out like Champaign Corks as he rapidly disappeard from view,  climing higher and higher into the sky toward his eventual rendezvous with the sun.

Without much care for the disappearing, flying short man--others in the crowd quickly shifted focus back to their ally the mummy---they remained greatly concerned about the mummy's fate.

Some of them said "Don't worry, he won't walk off the cliff--he will wake up before he takes the last step or he'll be saved as usual before that happens!"  

Others looked on and wept and sobbed, murmuring "The mummy is not bad, he didn't mean to kill the

3-Year Buget Deal between BCC and ECSO on Tomorrow's Agenda

The proposed 3-year funding agreement between the BCC and ECSO to be considered tomorrow is the latest demonstration of this Board's support for public safety, first responders,  and law enforcement

There is a fairly profound agenda item on tomorrow's BCC regular meeting agenda.

Over the last several months, staff and personnel from the county and ECSO have been working toward a multi-year budget deal for the ECSO.  

The BCC had a similar, 4-year deal negotiated back in 2018.

If the board approves this deal and the Sheriff signs it--the two entities will have a deal that makes the budgeting for the next three years "plug and play."  No drama like we have seen before, no billboards, no negativity, just a fair and straightforward three year deal that provides what the ECSO needs--including significant yearly pay increases in each of the next three years--- while simultaneously necessitating NO tax rate increases for citizens and NO raising of the Sheriff's MSTU.

This will be a big deal if passed and enacted--which I feel fairly certain will happen.

It demonstrates this board's continuing support of public safety, corrections,  and first responders--as this comes on the heels of us providing historic raises and bonuses for ECFR, EMS, and corrections.

While it is easy for some to denigrate us and attempt to falesly accuse this board of "not supporting" public safety-----those false assessements fall flat in the face of our demonstrated support for public safety and first responders through our actions via this budget.

And this potential 3-year deal with ECSO is just the latest example of this effort and commitment. 

See the backup for this three year deal here.

On Real News with Rick Outzen this Morning at 7:10

 

I've been invited to speak later this morning at 7:10 on the area's #1, most informative, locally centered and dependable morning drive news program-"Real News with Rick Outzen" on  AM 1370 WCOA.

Coming off of our three meetings last week (2 budget, 1 regular) I anticipate discussion about the budget, the decision to release the Underhill public records lawsuit transcripts, and our upcoming meeting tomorrow.  Discussion might also ensue regarding the residency questions brought up by citizens regarding Underhill's current residency status (e.g. citizens at the meeting questioned whether or not Underhill vacated his office by moving to the farm property in D5 he purchased recently).

I'll also make it a point, if time allows, to discuss our item on tomorrow's agenda to enter into a 3-year budget deal with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office.

Listen live later this morning at 7:10--and once published I will link the podcast here.

Read The Underhill Public Records Lawsuit Transcripts--All 6 of Them--Here

 

Over the last several years the county was dragged into multiple lawsuits that dealt with public records and one commissioner's alleged refusal to turn over such requested records.

And it was ridiculous.

Meetings, lawyers, consternation, and wasted taxpayer dollars.  Lots of wasted time.

It was frustrating, and infuriating.

Fast forward a couple of years and we (the county) are out of the suits leaving only commissioner Underhill in state and federal lawsuits---as is appropriate as he is the one commissioner that has been accused of not turning over all requested public records.  None of the rest of us 4 commissioners has had any allegations of not turning over records.

So the board voted yesterday to release the transcripts in response to public records requests.  

Unlike the IIDC transcript release, the board in this case voted to release the transcripts before they were made available by one member unilaterally.  

These transcripts provide some interesting insights into these cases and the board's thoughts on this litigation.

Check them out for yourselves here, here, here, here, here, and here.  Grab a cold beverage, your reading glasses, and enjoy.

Minutes in Underhill v. Bear Lawsuits Will Be Released

 

The minutes in these proceedings will make for an interesting read.......

Later this morning, the BCC will vote to waive executive privilege and and release a series of transcripts related to the still ongoing, but now substantially completed, litigation between Doug Underhill, the County, and David Bear.

Unlike the premature, unilateral release of the IIDC shade meeting transcripts by one member of the BCC (Doug Underhill) before completion of all litigation in that case---the board here in this case is taking the appropriate steps by voting to waive the privilege before releasing the transcripts.

If the board votes for release, they will be released shortly thereafter.

If the board votes against release, which is highly unlikely, the board will not release them.

It is all about following the law and the appropriate processes and protocols.

Like the purported reason for the transcript release in the previous IIDC case--this release is similarly being put forward to answer a public records request.

The transcripts will be a very interesting read for the average citizen, and will be an insight into some of the unnecessary yet bitter acrimony that has festered due to the conduct at issue that drew the suits, in addition to a host of other behavior online which continues to this day by one member of this board directed to four others.  And you the reader can work out which ones.

Yes, it will be an eye-opening, interesting read.

Look for those to be released at some point Friday.

But Did You Really Want these "Public Records?" Really?

If you make a request but then totally and completely ignore staff's follow on communications--it begs the question:  Did you really even want these records, are are you just wasting our time?

Unlike other members of the Board who willfully, spitefully withhold bonafide public records from citizens who make requests for such records (and face ZERO consequences for these transgressions)---I take the Florida Public Records Act seriously and have ALWAYS worked to quickly, diligently, and efficiently answer such requests made of me and my office.

If they are easily accessible records requested--- not requiring legal review--I have often turned such requests around in one day.

Other such requests have required significant effort and have taken as long as 30 days.

Some requests require significant staff support, research, and time to be completed--necessitating monetary payments to the county for effort(s) necessary to comply.   I have still always fulfilled such requests in a timely manner--typiclaly within 30 days--once the appropriate deposit(s) were made in each such instance. 

Examples of this include voluminous, expansive requests made of my office from the fire union a few years back and one from ECSO in 2018.  These took time, and one of the two required a deposit to be made to cover the staff time necessary to retrieve, reproduce, and print the records.  Upon completion, the one for ECSO needed two banker's boxes to hold all the paper!

It is entirely appropriate (and legal) to have a public records requestor pay a deposit to cover the costs associated with the production of a voluminous public records request--this is absolutely allowed for and provided in statutes and in county ordinances.

Heck, a coupe of years back when we, the county, made a public records request of our own design consultant DPZ for their text messages and emails related to OLF-8---they charged the project (ultimately paid by NFCU) over $5 grand for this request.   Yes, these requests can be expensive and time consuming.

So recently I had a very voluminous request made of me, and thereupon I immediately began the laborious process of locating the records requested (covering a 6-year period)--to include harvesting some information from old iPhones and havested data files on stick drives.  I quickly spent nearly 4 hours just getting  some of the basic requested information----before I even started the daunting and excruitiatingly meticulous task of going through all of the records to ascertain which ones were bonafide records, which would require redaction, and which were not public records.

Meanwhile, I requested that the county attorney's staff make a request for a small and appropriate deposit from the requestor--as I believed the ultimate completion of the request made of me will take many more hours of time to complete.

Multiple emails, hard copy letters, and even phone calls from the legal office to this individual have now been ignored.

No deposit has been made.  Crickets.

So now, the work to gather what was initially requested has been suspended.  

If he wants the records, fine, but if he doesn't--that's fine too.   But he ought not wast valuable staff time making huge requests if the records he requested are not really wanted.  Otherwise, he's just wasting people's time.  Or, he's still trying to save up enough money to pay the small deposit required to fulfill the request?  Who knows, it is weird.

Earlier this week, I again queried legal staff about this particular request and received the below response before I suspended my efforts on this request.....

"Good Morning,

There has been no payment or response to the PRR 2022-286. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist with this PRR.

 Best,

Danielle Cooper  Citizens Services Coordinator"

Join us for our 74th Coffee with the Commissioner Online this Wednesday!

 Join us this coming Wednesday morning for our virtual 74th Coffee with the Commissioner event. The live stream will take place from 6:30-7:30 a.m. To join the meeting, visit our  Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/CommissionerBergosh/. 

Attendees will include Interim County Administrator Wes Moreno and Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. Moreno will give an update on county business and Gilmore will discuss public safety matters. Escambia County Finance Director Stephan Hall joins Commissioner Bergosh, Moreno and Gilmore as this month's featured guest. Hall will lead a discussion on the 2022-2023 budget with topics centered around the budgeting process, county revenue sources, mandated expenses and community partners. 
  
Residents are encouraged to send virtual questions and comments they would like to discuss with District 1 Commissioner Bergosh during the event through Facebook.

For more information, contact District 1 at 850-595-4910

Yes: This Happened on Palafox and Government Last Night In Pensacola

The angry left:  "You don't have the right to say things or protest in ways that offend us. You're also NOT ALLOWED to disagree with us.  If you do, we will attack you and the press will side with us!"

Wow this is crazy.  And it happened yesterday afternoon right here in Pensacola, downtown Pensacola, Florida.

So about three dozen young, mostly white and primarily female protesters were marching around downtown in support of Abortion.  It was a "pro-abortion" rally.  Signs, banners, and chants.

Okay, fine.  I've seen this on Palafox and Garden over the last few weeks.  No issue.

After all--this is America and we enjoy the freedom of speech and assembly.  And peaceful protest is a uniquely American "thing" that others around the world do not enjoy (e.g. look what happens to protests of the government in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and/or Russia for stark examples of the difference between them and us--where some protesters there get "disappeared" or thrown off of buildings for demonstrating or expressing themselves).

So whether it is the pro-abortion folks doing what they do----OR the Pro Life folks doing what they do--complete with graphic and bloody post-abortion photos---they both have the right to protest PEACEFULLY.    Peaceful protest is a right we enjoy in America--NO MATTER WHAT the topic or subject.  And protesters have the right to NOT be harassed and they also DO NOT have the right to bully, intimidate, or harass those who are present to watch--or even potentially DISAGREE peacefully.  

That's the way the bill of rights is supposed to work.

Now, not wanting to wade into hot-button topics here (and I won't) I will simply say that not all protests are equal, though. NOPE.   And the coverage of these protests are definitely NOT EQUAL by the left-leaning, dishonest, and compromised media. (e.g. the summer of 2020 riots around the country resulted in $Billions of dollars in property damage, hundreds of police injuries nationwide, and several dozen deaths of citizens.  And the national press downplayed those events, ignored them, justified the reasons for them while attacking the political "right" wing, and/or flat out lied characterizing them as "mostly peaceful"--which is dishonest and we all know it.)

Contrast that with a few dozen right wingers who planned a protest in Idaho and the national media immediately arrests them and tells you they were "planning a riot!" and drops the hammer of judgement on them.  Apparently, one of them had a "smoke bomb."  Then, a few dozen protesters in Boston marched with American flags, peacefully, down the famous Freedom Trail and they are immediately denigrated by that city's mayor, police chief and national news with David Muir deridingly referring to them ---with a "serious look" on his face--- as dangerous "white nationalists."  ABC NATIONAL covered it as an Alarming act of white supremacy!  What??  Wait--so if I carry an American flag and walk a trail that is the definition of "white supremacy?"  When is 4th of July going to be cancelled??!!?? 

Meanwhile, they (National media) all but ignored Antifa riots all around the nation in 2020 where actual weapons were being used (not smoke grenades) on police and national guardsmen, people were being assaulted and killed,  and buildings were being burned to the ground....

Talk about a weird double standard and selective coverage (and outrage).

And do not misunderstand me--I am NOT making light of the situation that occurred on January 6th when that protest became a riot and laws were broken.  Those that broke the law in that instance should be punished and charged appropriately--so this post is NOT a defense of the lawless component of that day.

But, I digress.   

Meanwhile, back in Pensacola on Palafox street last night, this happened.

As the Pensacola pro-abortion protesters marched by a group of three men, who were simply bystanders, one of the pro-abortionists looked over at them and said "Do you support a woman's right to choose?"  to which the group of three did not respond.  Growing more beligerant-the same protester raised his voice "Do you support us!!"  to which the group of three ignored the comment.  The protester then ratcheted up the tone saying "I assume by your silence you Don't support a woman's right to choose!" to which one of the three men there just watching resonded "I support Life."  Now this agitated the protester, who trailed off from his group and  began yelling and screaming obnoxiously at the three citizens who were simply there by happenstance walking through downtown.  These three men, who were only and simply standing and watching---then backed away and walked the other direction, west on Government street, as they were headed to a different establishment to have a cocktail.  "Have a nice day" one of the three men said back to the yelling, agitated, apoplectic pro-abortion protester.  This really set the protester off, though, and he commenced an even more vile and offensive verbal tirade on the three men, with expletives I won't print here.  Meanwhile, the three men just kept walking the other way.  The one man of the three who had a brief exchange with the pro-abortionist grew mildly agitated at this point, even as he walked away, and so he briefly turned back to the still-yelling and following protester, made eye contact,  and yelled back at him "Your mother should have aborted you!"  Which actually muted the protester--who was (literally and figuratively) a much smaller man.  He mused something inaudibly as he scurried back to his group of pro-abortion protesters--who were by this point marching ahead and away from him.  And the three men then continued on to their destination establishment to have a beverage.  (By the press's new apparent standard--the bystander who stood his ground and verbally responded would/should probably be characterized as "aggressive, dangerous, threatening, and provocative" and summarily arrested, LOL.)

So yes,  the contrast and hypocrisy is astounding.  Peaceful protesters (who do not engage, harass, or

Grizzly Bear Trap Part IV: Clerk's Motion to Quash is Dismissed; Lawsuit Against Commissioners is Dismissed

Saying something is illegal after demonstrating the belief this same thing was legal by paying on it for years is a tenuous argument.  Particularly high are the stakes---because if you are "right" and the "thing" you were doing was, in fact, illegal---well then you have to explain why you did it all those years.  On the other hand, if the "thing" you used to do but suddenly, unilaterally stopped doing is deemed to be legal---well oops you are facing a different problem because such action might be deemed to be acting ultra vires.

Either way it's bad.  Bad if you're right, bad if you're wrong.  It's a two-way, unescapable grizzly bear trap.  I describe my rationale for this in depth here , here,  and here. 

That's the position I believe Escambia County Clerk Pam Childers has been in for a while now.  I harbor no ill-will toward her--I'm just perplexed by the way this has played out and the WHY it went down like it did.  

It didn't have to happen this way.

And I'm particularly concerned about what has transpired with a bonafide, Board Approved contract that the clerk unilaterally terminated by failure to pay on it.  That is a dangerous, slippery slope precedent that-- if allowed to happen unchecked-- has great potential for abuse.  Thus my continuing interest in this matter.  (and no, I don't take the 401a plan).

We each have to stay in our lanes as constitutional officers, that's my take.  

So yesterday two rulings came down in the court case regarding the county and the clerk.

Both rulings went the county's way.

The Clerk's motion to quash was dismissed, and the lawsuit against Commissioners Barry, May, and Bender was also dismissed.

We will have to see what comes next, what the next ruling is.  

But for today, anyway, things went our way.

"Your Honor....I Recommend a Censure and Public Reprimand......for My Client in this Case" (Paraphrased)

In the ongoing, ugly saga of one sitting Escambia County Commissioner's continuing, seemingly never-ending legal battles and ethics hearings comes now an interesting turn of events.

No, this is not his federal nor his state court case on withholding public records/violation of civil rights.

No, this has nothing to do with his previous cases where he was defending against allegations he libeled a local businessman.

No this isn't about his previous public censure by his counterparts on the Board

Nope--not those cases, not those issues.  

This is an ethics case where he, this one commissioner on the Escambia Board of County Commissioners,  is alleged to have violated a host of Florida Statutes regarding ethics.

In the current case before the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings--which is rapidly coming to a conclusion-- two recommended orders were filed yesterday.

For the State, the order submitted seeks to make the case that the commissioner committed multiple violations and as a penalty recommends this particular commissioner, Doug Underhill, be removed from office.

But the truly surreal thing is that the defense's recommended order, while seeking to disprove a majority of the charges---actually acknowledges that the state proved, to a clear and convincing standard, that Underhill did violate at least two Florida statutes.  This order (from Underhill's own lawyer) goes on to recommend to the Judge that Underhill be publicly censured and reprimanded.  

Wow.  

Read the advocate's proposed recommended order.

Read Underhill's attorney's proposed recommended order.

Ultimately it will be up to the Judge to decide, and it is anticipated this ruling will occur in early August.

When the Chips are Down and Requests for Specific Information are Vital for Local Governments......

.....we should be able to request clarification and technical guidance and assistance from the state's Department of Revenue if it is a matter under their purview.  Right? (And when I say "when the chips are down, I am of course speaking metaphorically--not literally.  No, not talking about the Joker or Poker)

Case in point:  The recent initiative the county is advancing to find a more intelligent way to fund the ever growing, ever expanding budget for fire service in Escambia County while simultaneously giving a tax break to Escambia County taxpaying property owners by eliminating the MSBU for fire.

You see, because we have given significant pay increases, settled the contract with ECFR's labor union, and increased staffing for ECFR (all without raising taxes or increasing the MSBU)--we now need to find a better way to keep up with the costs of this important public safety service.

So when we brought forward the idea of replacing the MSBU with a 1/2 penny sales tax (which is permissable under state law--but also not widespread among the 67 Florida counties)--we naturally had questions.  Several specific, directed, and important ones.

So we reached out for technical guidance to the Florida Department of Revenue--after first reaching out to the office of Economic and Demographic Research.  EDR sent us to DOR.  DOR didn't answer the phone.  multiple times.

So we sent specific, detailed questions to their office of technical assistance.  Specific, numbered questions that we should be able to get answers to from the agency department that handles this.

We sent a letter------- and waited.  About a month later--we received this "responsive" reply. (below)  Now, this letter that I am posting below gives very little guidance, a few hyper links, and cut and paste boiler-plate "information" that is comletely, totally, and 100% "non" responsive and  unhelpful.  Thankfully we have dedicated staff who demonstrate a can-do attitude and have expressed to me, optimistically, that they can navigate the statute and requirments without assistance (that's obviously not forthcoming) from DOR and give the board at least the option and ability to have this matter ready for addition to the general election ballot in 2024 if the BCC votes to move this idea forward.  Thankfully we have staff that will not be stymied by non-responsive, non informative gobldygook from a state bureaucrat in Tallahassee that threw this thing together.  Yes, when the chips are down and specific information and technical guidance and assistance was/is needed by a local government from the Tallahassee deep state---here's what we got!  😜  (And the letter writer proudly exclaims we ought to

On 1370 WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen" Later this Morning at 7:10

I've once again been invited to appear later this morning on the area's best, most influential and highest-rated morning drive news talk program--"Real News with Rick Outzen" on 1370 WCOA.  Today's topic--how the silent overdose epidemic is quietly destroying our community.....

 

I've been invited to appear later this morning on the area's #1 rated and most influential morning drive radio program, "Real News with Rick Outzen" on 1370 WCOA (the area's best, most informative local and dependable news/talk station with the best lineup of hosts).  

The topic of conversation will, according to host Rick Outzen who invited me on, be my Saturday afternoon Blog Post describing last Thursday's Mental Health Task Force meeting -- an event that received virtually no press coverage despite the fact that some alarming information was disseminated during that meeting.  Some alarming, disturbing data as well as some positive progress on some fronts was announced at the Thursday task force meeting. (One article did eventually publish 3-days later, on Sunday, in the PNJ---- after my Saturday blog post--- and only on one relatively small aspect of the discussion when the totality of the meeting's content is/was considered.

The fact of the matter is the situation with respect to overdoses is so dire in Escambia County right now--that meeting should have been live-streamed on WEAR AND PNJ's facebook page(s) --that's how important this information is to the community.

But, sadly, that meeting came and went like a redwood falling in the forest that nobody heard.  Kudos to Rick for seeing the blog post and spotlighting this issue on his popular show later this morning.  I can't wait to discuss these problems.

When the podcast is sent to me, I will link it here.

7:10AM on 1370.

We're #1 (and Other Important Information not Reported from the Mental Health Task Force Meeting Last Week......)

 

It's Not Always Good to Be #1

Those who attended this past Thursday's Quarterly Mental Health Task force meeting at Hillcrest Church in Pensacola were told about the state of mental health and treatment in our area--and the news is ominous and the problem appears to be growing.  Nothing was reported in the press on this after the meeting though--which to me is ASTONISHING.  In addition to the area experiencing 3,120 Baker Acts already this year--we now also hold the dubious distinction of being the number one county in the state of Florida for drug overdoses.  #1.  From January to June 27th--Escambia County EMS has dealt with 1,024 Overdoses, or 5.6 per day in our area on average--#1 in the state.  More than anyone.  #1.

Sometimes it isn't good being number one.

This astonishing statistic was provided to the assembled group of task force members(state representative Michelle Salzman, Clinic directors, law enforcement, EMS, health care professionals, county leadership, and others working to tackle this problem) by Escambia County EMS Chief David Torsell--who himself also commented that he has never, in his more than 30 year career in public safety, seen "So much Death as he has in his last 13 months in Escambia County."

To help address this issue, he informed the group that he will be working in partnership with Community Health Northwest to help provide addicts with access to Suboxone-- a drug for easing withdrawal symptoms for addicts,  which itself is an opioid and  schedule III narcotic that is very expensive and has--according to some accounts--the potential to be abused.  Apparently, this is a high cost drug, but Community Health Northwest will be able to provide it for about $30 per prescription via the utilization of a $1.43 Million Dollar State of Florida program that 9 counties have been able to tap for funding.

When discussing the most important shortcomings of our area's response to this "epidemic" of addiction and the resultant overdoses--Torsell discussed the need for transportation of folks that are addicted to access important mental health support and medical appointments.  

Another big issue is follow-up care for these patients, the ones who survive their overdoses and sometimes do not receive follow-on help overcoming their addictions.  Torsell suggests that a private induction room is necessary to facilitate this follow up treatment, and he strongly suggests that such follow-up treatment and induction be given within 24 hours of the initial overdose--but not during the primary episode at which time the patient is in the hospital ER.

To assist with this transportation problem, Torsell reports that several members of the Escambia County Public Safety Department will be receiving training so these same individuals can assist with transportation of patients in conjunction with ECAT.  I'm sure there will be more to come on this initiative in the weeks ahead.

There was much more discussed at this meeting beyond us being #1 in overdoses; important issues like case management shortcomings and a diminishing number of choices of detox facilities for area patients were also spotlighted.  On a positive note--County Administrator Wes Moreno and Ronnie Rivera from ECSO also discussed/unveiled a new county initiative which will help integrate the provision of services for those who are homeless and afflicted with mental health issues as well as addiction.  This dashboard will provide snapshot data on where beds are available in the County and what the entry criteria is at each facility where each bed is available.  Apparently this will be coming online very soon.  (Meanwhile--we cannot seem to get a joint meeting shceduled with the City on the topic of Homelessness--although I have asked over and over about this like a broken record.  I'm going to figure that out once and for all this coming week.)

But back to the task force meeting--it was by all accounts a very sobering look at our community's struggle with mental health, homelessness, and addiction. Alarming, sobering, and stark 

And with our Nation's southern border totally porous and busted, Chinese Fentanyl pouring over it, and

Latest on County Vacancies

HR Director Crystal Dadura sent commissioners the above chart late this week.  It represents the current snapshot of where we are with staffing.

Slow incremental progress is being made  in some departments when previous vacancy chart from June is compared, (e.g. corrections vacancy percentage down slightly, overall vacancies down by 37 from 500 last month, public safety openings down to 70 total from 80 last month) however we are still looking at 463 openings throughout the county as of the end of this week.

We've still got a lot of work to do-- but we are making slow, steady progress and hiring more staff.