The crews from Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources, and Public Works have completed the renovation and modernization and upgrades to Perdido Key's public Beach Access point #2, a full two weeks ahead of schedule.
The effort results in a level, ashpahlt parking surface with striped spots and curb stops. Because we were able to remove the dilapidated and damaged structure on the property --we have realized 6 additional parking spots, over and above what the previous configuration accomodated.
The dilapidated, vandalism riddled bathrooms were a source of consternation to staff for years. "Without a staffed presence at all times, parks around the country experience this phenomenon--not just Pensacola" said a staff member with intimate, historical knowledge of the repeated incidences of vandalism at the unmonitored restorrms at Access 2 ane Access 3 in Perdido Key. He continued "We often found condoms and drug paraphenalia inside the structures along with repeated damage to the sinks, toilets, and fixtures--so there was illegal conduct happening--and the vandalism and repairs cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. This is the right solution."
So now we have outdoor showers, a paved, level parking surface, Handicapped accessible, portable restrooms that will be encased in wooden lattice frames, and SIX MORE parking spots just in time for the peak of Spring Break.
The portable restoom company will service the portable restrooms on a frequent basis and deal with any vandalism/damage to these portable units, and trash will be picked up 6 days a week during the season.
Next winter, similar work will be completed at Access #3.
Kudos to the staff at Parks and Rec, Public Works, and Natural Resources for getting this done and making this amenity better for all the citizens and for adding 6 more parking spots for the citizens' use!
I remember the COW on I think a March 8 several years ago when you brought this up and said it should have been opened. YESTERDAY!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat lit a fire and a good one. It was bought with about 750K LOST plus a grant for the purpose of public access and not to have yet another condo built on it like the ugly thing next door.
Underhill was trying to keep it underwraps and closed!
SOSDD Underowens attempting to misuse his positionand office to keep/secure a benefit for himself or butt buddies. As usual.
Unethical. He should have never been reelected in 2018. Corrupt politician even back then.
That is why it is GREAT you redistricted this area to you and to do your job as a public servant to provide public access here as well as open more.
YEAH! Good job. 👍
Hope you are reelected.
11:47 a big hearty second to everything you said except this is even better than you realize--that was Beach Access 4, which is already up and running strong. These are looooong needed improvements and expansion of parking at Beach Access 2 in time for this summer!
ReplyDelete:) :) :) :) :) :) :)
Makes me so happy to see this.
Oh OK. Thanks for the clarity Mel.
ReplyDeleteIt was #4 that Underhill tried to keep. But he was neglecting and working to close off all the accesses. I stand corrected. 1 2 3 AND 4 getting improvements. Staying open.
I can see why the county is contracting out to a port a potty service. After vandalism make a permanent one more vulnerable and high maintenance and expensive to replace permanently fixtures.
But yes, thanks for being the champian for public access in which the public already had, but past corrupt d2 office attempted to keep for themselves and close it off the the rest of us.
Bergosh 2024
Most people pee in the sea...anyway.
Outstanding!!
ReplyDelete4:19 PM, "But he was neglecting and working to close off all the accesses."
ReplyDeleteDarn right he was, or rather, all but one big one where he was going to herd the "white trash" and "cooler draggers" like cattle. He even promised the PKA he was going to shut down Access 1 at one of their meetings, on video. With zero concrete progress in replacing it with something else.
This is why it was so important to get the Key districted back to a commissioner who values public access and wasn't going to waste any time reversing all the beach and parking closures Doug effected with the PKA and Dan Brown of National Parks. It's certainly one of my top reasons for lobbying for returning the Key to District 1.
Good Job Commissioner! It is really nice to see that you are pro-active in making our beautiful beaches better for all! Nice to see they have also worked on the transition from parking area to sandy beach. There was a nice size chunk of concrete there before that was a hazard. I am glad that we have someone in position that wants to keep the place nice and accessible to all.
ReplyDeleteMichael McCormack,
ReplyDeleteYou, Commissioner Bergosh, and Dianne Krummel and every member of Save Pensacola Beach are my forever heroes when it comes to public beach and water access. And Tracy Olson McAdams is my forever hero on Galvez. And none of it would have happened without Randy Cudd confronting Underhill that day at Lillian's, and your public record request.
Oh, with special shout out to Tim Day for being a forever hero for beach access and really so much else at the County it's impossible to even list.
Most people will never know how hard we really worked and fought for all of it. They saw the Facebook posts and don't get that was just such a small fraction of everything that was put into it, in time, sweat, blood, and tears.
The Bergosh haters (and the Pino haters, etc.) will claim this is just electioneering. But honestly, even knowing how committed he was to getting that beach and parking open, I am so totally blown away by just how much Jeff has been able to accomplish in such a short time down there. With your help on the biggest stretch, Michael. Because every single accomplishment could have been the "Okay I'll rest my hat there" but he just keeps driving on to get that stuff open.
I got misty when you dropped in Michael. Love you like butter brother.
Thank you Michael for everything you did to uncover the deeds for beach access out at Perdido Key!! Without engaged citizens like you----stuff like that would never have been uncovered. Hope all is well.
ReplyDelete