Can the Beulah Town Center Offer's Deficiencies be Overcome?

We did receive a revised offer from Beulah Town Center for the 290 acres of OLF 8 that the county will be selling for development guided by the DPZ Master Plan.  The revised offer included a price jump from $20 Million to $25 Million--which is a great thing.  But staff has now completed an analysis of the offer, and there appears to be a number of issues remaining.  Frustratingly--some of these issues were identified earlier, deleted by the county because they were "non-starters" --but now added back into the latest Beulah Town Center offer.

We have gone back and forth enough, and at this stage of the negotiations---the board should not be having to deal with issues we have already flagged.  If the offeror cannot overcome these--just tell us.  Similarly, if the county's language in some sections is unreasonable--the offeror needs to enunciate this at Monday's meeting.

But for the offeror to put back into this revised offer items which the BCC specifically cannot accept due to statutory reasons---why in the world are they back in this offer?

Folks on BOTH sides of this proposed transaction need to iron every one of these bullet points out prior to Monday so we are not, once again, trying to push a wet noodle up a hill on this.  It is time to fish or cut bait--no more Kabuki Theater.....Produce a contract we (the BCC) can make an up or down vote on!      Here are the county's objections--(from staff):

·       BTC adds back/deletes much of what was deleted/added in the County’s previous draft.

·       BTC increases the purchase price from $20,000,000 to $25,000,000.  (Section 2)

·       BTC increases the deposit from $20,000 to $25,000, with an additional $250,000 deposit upon approval of BTC’s preliminary site plan.  (Section 3)

·       There is really no situation where BTC will be unable to recover the deposit if the transaction does not close. (Sections 3.2, 5.4, 6.4, 8.1)

·       BTC does not commit to build anything or adhere to the master plan prepared by DPZ CoDesign.  Instead, it defers that issue to be resolved by a Master Development Agreement and Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions that will be negotiated after the Purchase and Sale agreement. (Sections 3.2, 7.2, 8.1)

·       BTC requires all development approvals ahead of closing and incorporated in the Master Development Agreement.  (Sections 7.2, 8.1)

·       BTC deletes references to the provisions, covenants, and other duties and obligations in the quit claim deed from the USA to the County; the quit claim deed from the USA requires the County to incorporate those references in subsequent transactions.  (Section 5.2)

·       The Agreement makes several references to warranties of title; the County cannot provide warranties of title by statute. (Sections 7.2, 9.1, 13.1)

·       The Agreement requires the County to pay the documentary stamp tax; the County is precluded from paying these by statute. (Section 10.2)

·       The Agreement contains several provisions that require the County to indemnify and hold BTC harmless and pay its attorney’s fees in the event of default, breach, or other dispute. (Sections 13.1, 19, 30)

·       BTC requires the remedy of specific performance for breach, default, or otherwise refusing to pursue its obligations in the Agreement. (Section 14)

·       The County would be required to pay all BTC’s actual damages (i.e., all out-of-pocket costs) if the County does not close.  (Section 14.3)

·       BTC requires the County to record a restriction on the County’s northern remainder of the property to light-industrial uses; the County would not be able to allow the use of the remainder for residential or retail purposes without the written consent of BTC.  (Sections 7.2 and 13.1)

·       BTC requires a right-of-first refusal for the County’s northern remainder of the property.  (Section 12)

Being Prepared for the Storms that will be Coming: Governor's Hurricane Conference 2024

Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center, speaks to attendees at the 38th Governor's Hurricane Conference in West Palm Beach, 5-15-2024

In my private capacity as a citizen and an employee of ESA South, Inc., I have the opportunity to once again attend the Governor's Hurricane Conference 2024 in West Palm Beach this week.

Lots of networking opportunities are present here with disaster response/recovery companies and other purveyors in the exhibition hall--but there are also informative presentations and other learning opportunities available to inform my other position as County Commissioner.

 At this year's event, 65 of 67 Florida counties are represented, as well as multiple other states and countries.  This event is the premiere tropical storm preparation conference in the world.

 This morning at the opening general assembly of the conference- the attendees heard from the

director of the National Hurricane Center, Dr. Michael Brennan. He went through a slide deck presentation describing the changes and improvements made in forecasting for storms since 2004. He also described the fact that over the last 10 years, 100 Floridians have been killed by Hurricanes as the primary cause. In the same period, 200 were killed after the Hurricanes by secondary causes. His big challenge ahead: How to deal with storms that rapidly intensify like Otis did last year to Acapulco? (that storm went from a tropical depression to a Cat 5 in 72 hours) hashtag

Later in the morning, the attendees heard best practices from the rural, big-bend counties Sewanee, Madison, and Dixie.  These three counties were the hardest hit by last year's Category 3 storm Idalia.  They were joined by Kevin Guthrie, the State of Florida's Director of Emergency Management. Although there were 20 named storms last year, only 7 became major hurricanes and only 1 hit Florida, according to the presenters at this morning's general session.  Nevertheless, Idalia did affect multiple counties and caused an estimated 3.5 Billion in damage in Florida.

As hard as it is to believe--communication with citizens was the biggest issue with Idalia recovery, according to the panel.  Cell service was out and the EOC had to be evacuated and the computer networks at the temporary EOC would not work with the EOC software.  Folks lost power and could not get messages from TV so the communications with the citizens was a real challenge. This and the removal of large oak trees from roadways.  "We had all of these people show up to volunteer to help but none of them had equipment big enough to remove these large trees" said panelist Chris Volz, director of Sewanee County Emergency Management.  The storm surge on the coast ended up being 11 feet tall, and all of the members of the panel celebrated the fact that no citizens were lost in these counties due to the storm surge.

 In some of these rural areas, old fashioned written communication is still a viable alternative to get the storm preparation message out.  "We utilize messages in church bulletins and flyers in stores to get the message out" said panelist Scott Garner, Director of the Dixie County Emergency Management office.

 State Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie described a new initiative coming that will help with messaging around the state.  "We have never once, not ever, lost an FM station Antenna in the state of Florida" so the FM stations are a good place for us to continue to give our messages to citizens"  said Guthrie.  He also let the audience know there is a new state plan to further utilize FM stations for storm warnings.  He also let the audience know about an obscure state law that allows for counties' emergency managment departments to take over digital commercial billboards in times of emergencies for emergency communications.

 Lots of good information on preparation this morning.  I'm sure there will be much more this afternoon, tomorrow, and Friday.

OLF 8 Updates: Beulah Town Center Offer Increases to $25 Million

The Beulah TownCenter LLC group have sent over a revised contract for the board's consideration for the purchase of 290 Acres of OLF 8 in Beulah.

I am told this revised contract will be on Monday's BCC agenda for our consideration.

In addition to a higher offer price, I am also told some language has been revised to meet what the board has requested in several meetings where we have considered previous offers.

Additionally--I was contacted by representatives of a new interested party.  This large development firm based in Alabama will be visiting the Pensacola area next week and I am told they are very interested in the OLF 8 property.

In addition to these two, we still have an offer on the table from two local individuals which the board is considering.

So the OLF 8 sale/development issue is once again heating up.  My hope is that we will soon be able to settle in on one of these offers and move this initiative forward.  If we are able to sell the 290 acres at $25 Million--this will be an immediate $10 Million Dollar windfall for our LOST fund that will provide monies for badly-needed infrastructure projects district wide.  In addition to this, such an agreement still leaves over 200 acres for the county to utilize for job creation on the northern portion of OLF 8--and everything that is developed on the southern portion of the parcel will immediately begin to generate ad valorem tax revenue for the county and the school board.

So good things are coming, stay tuned.

Another Big Endorsement?

I am posting this picture for about 15 or 16 “friends” on one particular Facebook site. I’m sure they will have a field day with it. They will say I should be investigated for damaging a local business with an inferior campaign sign. They will demand an investigation. At least one guy might even send a letter to the Governor. To which I will simply  say, the wind brought me this free advertising and endorsement from a national chain! And in honor of the wind giving me so much free advertising at a super busy McDonald’s I will today enjoy for lunch a delicious chocolate milkshake a double quarter pounder with cheese, French  fries and an apple turnover for the free solid that McDonald’s has given me here.  I know this meal will cost me between $25 and $26 but I’ll bring $30 just in case Biden‘s inflation has made it even more costly.  (I would thank the Hamburgler and Grimmace— however they were canceled in 1995 and 2002 respectively for political correctness’ sake…..and the burger clown supports a different candidate whom he’s desperately and unsuccessfully trying to make smile 😃)

(This post is a parody.)

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Jeff Bergosh, Republican, For Escambia County Commission District 1

Our Campaign was Endorsed by District 1 Florida State Representative Michelle Salzman

Jeff Bergosh and Michelle Salzman, 2023

From Representative Salzman:

"In the August 20, 2024 primary election for District 1 Escambia County Commissioner, I support Jeff Bergosh. Jeff works hard, gets things done, and speaks his mind. He is intelligent, he studies the issues, and he is decisive. He gets involved in our community by mentoring at-risk students and serving 14 years on the Pensacola Chamber's Military Affairs Committee. He has actively served on dozens of boards locally over the last two decades--and his work and leadership on the state's Department of Transportation as the past chairman ot the Transportation Planning Organization is now paying dividends as hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding has come to Escambia County--much of it in District 1--and some more very large appropriations are in the pipeline, headed our way. Jeff actively follows important state issues working through the legislature and we have communicated on several bills during the legislative session in real time. I hope you'll join me in support of Jeff Bergosh for Escambia County Commissioner District 1 on August 20th"

--Michelle Salzman, Republican,

Florida State Representative for District 1

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Jeff Bergosh, Republican, for Escambia County Commissioner Dist. 1

Escambia County Commission Honors Students at the Cox Heroes Awards 2024

Last Thursday, the Escambia Board of County Commissioners approved a proclamation in support of exceptional students in our community that were recognized last night at a ceremony at UWF.

I was honored to be asked to bring greetings on behalf of the board--and humbled to be asked to read the proclamation for those in attendance who are dealing with adversity much more profound than most of us could even imagine.  

These students that were celbrated last night have overcome tremendous adversity in their lives; the types of hardships that could destroy grown adults.  And yet, these students overcame.

Loss of limbs, tremendous physical challenges, the death of parents, and other unimaginable hardships--hearing the stories of these 54 students was moving.

Many of us who feel like we deal with frequent adversity could learn a lot from hearing the stories of these children and their families. 

Thanks go out to Cox Communications and the Escambia County Council of PTA's/PTSA's for recognizing these exceptional students and their families.

Discussion of Concurrency at Agenda Review Yields a Breakthrough

 

Click this video, above, to hear the Board's discussion this morning on Concurrency

At this morning's agenda review of the Board of County Commissioners, I requested a discussion about our land development code.

Specifically--I wanted a discussion of Concurrency, Transportation Mobility Fees, and/or Impact Fees.

We are the only large county in Florida without BOTH a half cent LOST tax AND some form of Impact fee to mitigate the impact of growth on existing infrastructure and public facilities.

Over the last ten years, we have seen growth that has been unbridled and it has created issues with traffic, stormwater, and school capacity at some schools.

Concurrency, had it been in place, could have helped ameliorate some of the issues with this growth.

Concurrency was always a state requirment for countys and school boards until 2011 when it was removed as a state requirement by then Governor Rick Scott to assist the state's recovery from the Great Recession.  When it was removed as a state requirement, the Escambia BCC inserted concurrency into the County Land Development code in 2011.  Two years later, in 2013, the BCC removed it from the LDC, in order to stimulate our area's economy that was still suffering impacts from the recession.

That's how we got where we now are, in 2024.

I brought concurrency to the board and traffic mobility fees three times since my last election, once in 2021 and twice in 2022.  I did not have three votes to support these measures at that time.

I brought it again today and have now gained solid support from my counterparts to have staff do some research on the issue and bring back recommendations for implementation.  

I was heartened to get the support--because we need to bring this back and more importantly--the people want it and the county needs it.  I'm glad we are making some forward progress on this.  More to come in the months ahead.

Great Day in District 1 Campaigning and Attending the Marine Corps League's Vehicle and Cycle Show

 The Marine Corps League does a lot for our community--helping charities that benefit children, veterans, and other worthy organizations locally.  Last week at the Cops, Cars, and Crawfish event--I was invited to attend today's event back at Five Flags Speedway.

Today's event, a family friendly car and cycle show, featured more than 100 classic cars and motorcycles, bounce houses for the kids, and plenty of food options. 

It was another great day meeting with those who serve and support our community!

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Jeff Bergosh, Republican, for Escambia County Commissioner District 1

WaWa Comes to Escambia County's District 1!

I was invited to attend a community celebration of a new business coming to town today in District 1.

WaWa stores are a staple all along the East Coast and even in the peninsula of Florida.

But the panhandle of Florida does not have a WaWa.

That is about to change, and today I was invited to the groundbreaking of the first area WaWa store in my district, District 1, in Escambia County.  As a matter of fact, there will be, within the next two years, a total of THREE (3) WaWa stores in District 1.  One will be at the Ransley Station Development on Pine Forest Road (the site of today's event) and the next two will be at Beulah Road and 9-Mile Road and Blue Angel Pkwy and U.S. 98. 

 

So D1 will be getting 3 WaWa's.

Some might say--why get excited about a gas station?

But WaWa is much more than that.:  

At today's celebration (which drew nearly 200 citizens, the president of the local Chamber of Commerce, our County Sheriff, myself, and State Rep. Michelle Salzman)--it was shared with the group that several locals had been BEGGING WaWa HQ to bring an outlet to Escambia County.  In fact, one couple was recognized by the WaWa executives present because for the last 10 years they wrote letters to WaWa HQ pleading with them to bring a WaWa to Escambia County!

The culture of this company is exceptional.  They are privately held, with employess holding a 38% stake in ownership.  And it was announced that after only one (1) month--newly hired associates can begin participating in the WaWa stock ownership program.  Eecutives from the company thanked our local community for the warm welcome, and described the WaWa Foundation's $160 Million Dollars in donations to local nonprofit organizations in communities where WaWa has a presence.  They even donated $2,500 to Feeding the Gulf Coast today at the groundbreaking!  On top of this--the welcome celebration included food, beverages, smoothies, a coffee bar, and give-aways including WaWa T-shirts and other knick-knacks.

This is the way to enter a market.  I was really impressed with these folks I met and spoke with today.  

I think what they bring to our community will be an opportunity for many of our citizens that want to work and grow with an established, reputible organization.

I look forward to watching thier success!

92nd Coffee with the Commissioner Live Today from the Beach!

 We had a great 92nd Coffee with the Commissioner event in Perdido Key this morning.  We talked about a lot of issues, including the roundabout.  And I made a major announcement on the roundabout and the rumble strips within the first three minutes.  Check the video below, for those who could not make it live.

Great Day Downtown with the Folks from BlabTV!

I was interviewed by BLAB TV's Billy Harrell (right) today in downtown Pensacola.

Today all the candidates in the upcoming elections had the opportunity to film a segement on who they are, what they have done, and why they deserve the citizens' support in the upcoming election on August 20th.  And BlabTV is/was the perfect platform to offer this opportunity for all candidates to make and deliver this message.

So I went in and got mike'd up and we did about a 20 minute interview about all the great projects underway currently in District 1 and also all the projects currently in the pipeline for completion, and most importantly---all the great infrastructure projects we have completed in D1 over the last 7 years.

We talked about the strategic plan I have developed and support for D1, "24 Forward Escambia" and we talked about what is on the horizon in terms of projects on the brink of commencement and/or completion right now throughout the county.  And we talked about the numerous projects we have completed since 2016.

The segement will air multiple times on BLAB TV starting in June, but I will post it here once it is sent to me.

The folks at BLAB TV are such pros----- we were able to do the entire interview in one take!  No gaffe's, no technical hiccups, no re-takes.  One take.

Real pros at BLAB TV.  

Thanks go out to Billy Harrell, Rick Wenzel, and the production team at BLAB TV for their professionalism and skill.  Great day downtown today!

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Jeff Bergosh, Republican, for Escambia County Commissioner District 1

On Rick Outzen's Podcast Live in studio Today

I was once again invited to be the leadoff guest on "Real News with Rick Outzen" this morning on the area's best news talk radio station, 1370 WCOA, on the morning drive's best news talk program.

We talked about the Perdido Key Roundabout and some upcoming improvements to that traffic intersection-- as well as the OLF 8 field and the latest offer for it which the board received late last week.

We also talked about this week's "Coffee with the Commissioner" event live from Perdido Key this Wednesday.

Check out the podcast, here.

BCC Receives Fresh Offer for OLF-8: $22.5 Million and 6-Months Due Diligence

Commissioners were notified today that the Chairman of the BCC and the county is in receipt of a new offer for OLF 8.  This will be on the agenda for discussion at Monday morning's BCC meeting.  Check out the letter of intent, below.  This is the eighth group that has expressed interest in the property..........

92nd Coffee with the Commissioner Event Live from Perdido Key this Wednesday

 

92nd District 1 Coffee with the Commissioner April 24

We are looking forward to our 92nd Coffee with the Commissioner event this Wednesday, April 24, at 6:30 a.m. at the Perdido Key Visitor Information Center, 15500 Perdidio Key Drive. The meeting will be held live and also be live streamed from the Escambia County YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@EscambiaCountyFL

Attendees include County Administrator Wes Moreno, Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore, and CEO of the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce Tammy Thurrow. Moreno will provide an update on county business, Gilmore will discuss public safety matters, and Thurrow will join Commissioner Bergosh for a discussion on topics of interest for District 1 residents and businesses in Perdido Key.

Residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Send us your questions and comments forthe  Coffee with the Commissioner event can be  to the Office of District 1 by calling 850-595-4910 or emailing district1@myescambia.com.

 

 

I'll be on "Real News with Rick Outzen" tomorrow Morning at 7:00PM

I'll be live in the WCOA studios tomorrow morning at 7:00 as the lead off guest on the area's best, most accurate, trusted, highest rated, and relevant morning drive news/talk show-"Real news with Rick Outzen" on the station with the area's best news talk line up--1370 WCOA.

Lots to talk about and I'll be prepared to discuss any topic Rick wants to dig into.

-OLF 8

-Northwest Florida Defense Coalition trip to DC last week

-Jonathan Owens' ethics issues

-Perdodo Roundabout

-Other County Issues

-2024's Local Elections

When Rick publishes the podcast, I'll post it here.

ADC Recap- Washington DC April 8-10 2024

 

ADC Recap:  Economics, Resiliency, and Creative Partnerships

 

At the Defense Communities Summit in Washington DC this week—what resonated with me as I watched the various presentations was the impetus for DoD to be nimble and adaptable. Be it to an economy that is changing, climate that is changing, or budgeting realities that are changing and necessitate innovative approaches.

I attended this event on behalf of the BCC along with a delegation of elected representatives and area business leaders, and I could not help but see some of these challenges presented as being the very same issues we face in Escambia County and Pensacola. We were fortunate to have an private audience with members of Congressman Matt Gaetz’s office, as well as a face to face meeting with the Commander of Naval Installations—where we were able to express our need for funding for a hangar and NAS Pensacola for the Blue Angels as well as funding for a CDC for NAS Whiting Field.  But we were equally fortunate to attend the breakout sessions presented featuring leaders from communities around the nation that are facing similar challenges---to hear from them directly what is working and what is not working so we can (hopefully) model best practices here locally.

Conferences like this one are not simply networking events:  they are learning opportunities.

One of the first presentations I attended was a really engaging economic presentation by Dr. Anirban Basu, Economist, founder, and CEO of the Sage Policy Group. His engaging and entertaining presentation was thematically named the “Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” in reference to a 1960’s western film starring Clint Eastwood. 

Dr. Anirban Basu, 4-8-2024

But the theme was strangely fitting to our nation’s current economic circumstance. Mr. Basu started out with the “good” which is the housing market—with home prices maintaining their values, despite interest rates that have climbed. Also, a positive in the current market is the low overall unemployment rate—which has been low since the nation recovered from the 2020 COVID 19 recession. The “bad” refers to our current predicament—with inflation at an alarming rate over the last four years and consumer spending on credit at an all-time high. The “ugly”—our national debt and the uncertainty of the future. Mr. Basu, who himself professed to the crowd that he is pessimistic---finished his remarks with his prediction that the nation is headed for recession sometime in 2024.

Resiliency, Infrastructure, and the need for Installations to foster creative partnerships was the theme of the next several panel discussions. The first panel was comprised of the Commander, Naval Installations Command Vice Admiral Scott Gray, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Rear Admiral Dean Vanderley, and Mr. James Balocki, Executive Director of the Marine Corps Installations Command. These gentlemen each gave opening remarks and then took questions from the audience. Admiral Gray provided a grim, candid assessment of the state of Naval facilities currently. “The majority of our facilities will be in poor or failing condition by 2027.”  He went on to elaborate on why this is the case, but years and years of deferred maintenance was identified as a main culprit. 

Vice Admiral Scott Gray speaks at ADC 24.  4-8-2024

An audience member asked how this could be, given record debt and historically high budgets for the DoD, to which Admiral Scott replied “We have too much Navy to fund. It is like a family with ten children on a constrained budget—which three kids of the ten are we going to starve?” he mused. “So, we haven’t funded these repairs and this maintenance as we needed to.”  Admiral Vanderley described the challenges with getting contracts pushed out and executed. “We did 500 1391’s [DoD planning and budgeting document for large projects] last year but only moved fifty of them” he stated. Mr. Balocki described the Marine Corps Installations’ priorities, investing in talent, right-sizing unaccompanied housing (40% currently vacant), sustaining force readiness, and maintaining resiliency. A large thrust of this panel’s priority centered around finding creative partnerships with private providers to utilize the private sector to operate and maintain inherently non-governmental functions like water systems and utilities systems—which in many instances and on many installations are failing and/or are unreliable with large numbers of unplanned outages. With respect to being in utilities, Admiral Gray was blunt: “I don’t want to be in your (utility) business.”

Resiliency—Maintaining Mission Readiness with CIRPA

Another interesting session went through the processes by which DoD and CISA (Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency) are working with state and local governments and FEMA to maintain the continuity of vital services that support the military and are national security priorities after major incidents. CIRPA (Critical Infrastructure Resilience Planning Areas) are intended to “be a force-multiplier to achieve strategic national defense and national preparedness/resilience objectives in the 2024-2027 timeframe so that critical infrastructure is ready” when the nation is faced with a crisis. “CIRPA focuses on resilience at the intersection of a subset of critical infrastructure and a subset of National Essential Functions (NEF’s) which are the primary focus of the Federal Government and Small, local, territorial, and tribal governments before, during, and after major national emergencies like pandemics, large-scale terrorist or cyber-attacks, or military conflicts abroad.”

Quality of Life for the Military:  A Big Push Needed

Another panel featured Mrs. Sharene Brown, the wife of the 21^st Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. Mrs. Brown has been a strong advocate for the military family as a military spouse for three + decades.   She advocates for resilient communities via a program called five and thrive. This program seeks to improve quality of life for military families in five key areas:  Childcare, education, healthcare, housing, and spouse employment. These five are the biggest challenges to military families and communities as reported by surveys of this community. Creating stronger communities and focusing on these five areas will make such communities better for the military members that serve but also for the civilians in communities that face these same challenges. Red more about five and thrive here.

Houlahan and Bacon, 4-9-2024

Representative Don Bacon (R) Nebraska and Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D) Pennsylvania shared a fireside chat on their collaboration on the House Armed Services Quality of Life panel. Bacon and Houlihan, both military veterans themselves, each shared their views on the situation at hand. “Right now, 1 out of 8 military members is on [snap] food stamps—and that is unacceptable.” Said Bacon. “Our nation’s barracks are failing according to the GAO, housing allowances are insufficient, and military members are reporting difficulties finding appropriate, affordable childcare.”  He continued “2/3 of military members would NOT recommend military service for their children, and this is a problem.”  Houlahan recounted her service and the challenges she faced. “I was a young mother in the military and finding childcare was incredibly difficult where I was stationed. It became one of the reasons I left the active service.”  Both members lauded the work of their bi-partisan subcommittee, and they felt the work was continued in a civil, non-partisan manner. Bacon expressed a desire and a hope to continue the bipartisanship going forward in budget talks, which he expressed to the audience would be challenging. “70% of the Federal Budget is mandatory expenditures, 30% is discretionary—but half of the discretionary is for military expenditures. So, it is going to be challenging to fix the discrepancies and fund the military appropriately” he concluded.

There were various other presentations on ancillary topics—but the lion’s share of the conference centered on how to keep our military mission ready, correct deficiencies with insufficient budgets, while also improving critical infrastructure while making quality of life better for military members and families. Daunting tasks indeed.

Discussions with Navy Leadership

I joined Admiral Don Quinn, Santa Rosa County Commissioner Colten Wright, Pensacola Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Thompson, and Northwest Florida Defense Coalition Executive Director Debbie Graham for a meeting with Vice Admiral Scott Gray, Commander Naval Installations Command. We’re here in Washington DC for the 2024 Defense Communities National Summit. We discussed our area’s challenges and opportunities—and some needs as well: funding for a CDC at NAS Whiting Field and additional funding for hangar repairs at NAS Pensacola. We also discussed base access issues/traffic during Blue Angels practices. Adm. Gray was receptive to multiple potential solutions. Great conversations and we were very appreciative of Admiral Gray’s time.

Tremendous Support and Reception to our Door to Door Outreach

 This weekend we personally visited dozens and dozens of District 1 constituents and voters going door to door, meeting the voters where they live.

No, we didn't just run through neighborhoods and throw stuff on people's doorsteps.

No, we didn't rubber band cards to people's doors...because that doesn't work and people do not like that.

Yes, we met people, took time to hear them, and discussed the issues of district 1 with them.

We had a great reception and I planted dozens of yard signs in D1 yards.

Can't wait to meet as many D1 voters as possible in the lead up to the election on August 20th--and thanks D1 for the tremendous support!

political advertisement paid for and approved by Jeff Bergosh, Republican, for Escambia County Commissioner, District 1

Letter from Bender........491 Valid Petitions Verified!

 

Yesterday afternoon, after a particularly productive day visiting with D1 voters face to face, door to door, I received a letter from the office of Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender.

Of the 511 petitions I turned in two weeks back---491 of them were signature verified as bonafide, valid petitions which allows me to qualify for addition to the ballot without paying the $5,500 qualifying fee.

Thanks again to the D1 voters for their overwhelming support by allowing me to quickly collect all of my petitions, nearly two months ahead of the deadline.

Thank you, D1!!

Could a HistoricChurch be a Prominent Component of the Beulah Town Center on OLF 8

 Late last week I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with the Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, Mr. Geoffrey Lentz.  

We had a pleasant conversation about multiple topics, one of which was the pastor's desire to bring an historic church, brick by brick, out to Beulah.  

I love the idea, and he even expressed an interest in rebuilding the historic property on OLF 8 in the town center section of the development which will occur one day.  

Although that would have to be worked out with the eventual buyer of OLF 8--I nevertheless love the idea.  "Some developments go to great lengths to re-create historic looking structures--I actually want to bring an actual historic building, more than 100 years old, to Beulah" said the pastor.  

While he is looking at multiple properties in Beulah, he would certainly consider OLF 8 if the opportunity presented itself.

We talk a lot about the sorts of amenities residents want out here in Beulah; restaurants, retail, parks, green space, a post office, etc.  But every community needs an assortment of places to worship.  Thankfully we already have a number of excellent churches in Beulah.  But there is always room for more.  

So we will see what happens.  In the midst of so much drama, strife, and uncertainty this week, In Escambia County and the nation and world, too------- having a conversation with Pastor Lentz added just the right amount of balance and perspective to level-out this week.

We will see what happens with his proposal.

Read more about it, below.

The Roundabout is a Failure.

.....And later in the morning at the review meeting I will state this publicly---along with what I hope will be an appropriate fix.  The roundabout that was the brainchild of former commissioner Doug Underhill (who pressed for it and actually paid for it with D2 discretionary LOST funds) ----and a few of his fans----- has been installed and has simply been an abject failure.

Engineers designed this, and a construction crew built it.

But it is not functioning well, nor is it functioning properly.

It is too small, and it is not properly centered.  Westbound/Southbound traffic is essentially going straight through the roundabout because they barely have to swerve a little to get all the way through the circle.  There have been a number of fender-benders already.  When it even marginally functions, it slows traffic to a crawl as folks are using it essentially as a three-way stop.  Because the circle is too small.

I spent three days out in Perdido watching the cars try to navigate the roundabout and it is readily apparent it is not working.  I see tire marks all through the middle of the circle where trucks just plow right through it.

In an effort to alleviate this issue, we have reduced speed limits and even recently added rumble strips.

Now folks are upset about the rumble strips because they are effective at slowing cars down.

We added signs, the signs have been knocked down.  The plants in the middle are dying and look bad.  The whole thing is, to use a colloquialism, an epic fail.

So I am tired of tweaking at the margin and trying to put lipstick on this pig.  I've received major backlash on social media, angry emails, and phone calls.  Enough.

Here's the way I see it.  Sometimes the folks that engineer stuff get it wrong.  Look at the Elon Musk Starship that keeps on exploding during the launches.  Sometimes the engineers get it wrong and it is obvious.  As is the case with the Roundabout.

So I'm going to solve it once and for all.

I've asked the engineering department to bring two concepts and we will implement the one that is the best, most cost-effective solution.

1.  Cost to enlarge the roundabout to an appropriate size, and to center it properly so that all three roads are entering the circle at a center point.

2. Cost to demolish the roundabout, and add a traffic signal.

Least expensive option will be implemented.  (Subject to a BCC vote)

To those that love the roundabout--I say this.  "We tried, it hasn't worked."

To those that hate the roundabout--I say this   "We'll enlarge and center it and make it work, or we will put a traffic signal there."

Buc-ee's is Hiring......WOW!

 

Buc-ee's is a phnomenon all to itself.  

I didn't know much about them, other than I had stopped in the locations outside of Tucson and San Antonio on cross country trips from Pensacola to San Diego multiple times since 2004.

They have good prices on gas, a funny logo, they sell shirts, they have clean restrooms, and they have retail floor space larger than Lowe's or Home Depot with ANYTHING you want for sale.  Anything travel related.  And gas pumps in rows.  Lots of them.  They're unique.

A couple of years back a Buc-ees opened nearby--just over the border in Alabama between Mobile and Pensacola.  I've stopped there from time to time for gas and a pulled-pork sandwich on trips out of Pensacola on the I-10.

This past weekend coming off a road trip to New Orleans I braved the crowds to stop at the closest Buc-ees to our area.  There were so many cars trying to get in, the parking lot attendants literally were directing traffic like I was at the L.A. Coliseum to see the Rolling Stones play a concert.  It was ridiculous.  But even with a massive crowd I got in and out quick (and paid about $.20 cents less per gallon than I would have at the Circle K in Pensacola.....)

As I pumped gas I saw the placard on the pump announcing the positions that were open at this local Buc-ees (and the pay).

I guess I must be out of touch --------but some of those jobs pay well.  I mean, over $200K.  WOW!

So it just goes to show we live in a great country, and with a company like Buc-ees, a young person can start a job at the entry level and end up working his/her way up to store manager making a respectable salary.  No college, no student loans, straight in to the workforce.  Not for everyone--but for some this could be a very viable option.  I'm sure they earn this pay, whoever works there----it is retail after all---but WOW!  

Look at the wages, below.  Look at the benefits.  How in the world will McDonalds, BK, and the rest compete with this kind of pay and benefits package??????  No wonder a Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal deal and McDonalds is like $14.68 these days...And a 3-piece Chicken Dinner at Popeye's with a drink is like $15.79.  Funny money.....

(my first job at the Navy commissary in Yokosuka Japan at age 14 paid $2.41 an hour in 1982---my first job in Pensacola at the Popeye's on Navy Blvd in 1984 paid $3.35 per hour-----my oh my have times  changed!)

Napkin Man Goes after Speakers at Public Forum Now!

 "Napkin Man" is not happy.

He likes to send letters to the commissioners and others to express his rather opinionated views.

Often his letters are on cut in half envelopes or napkins, thus the term "Napkin Man."

He has sent some doozies over the year.  Check out these recent ones.  Here, here, and here.

Now, apparently, he is going after speakers at our Public Forums.

This one, below, was recently sent to Public Forum regular Larry Downs Jr.  

Who the heck is Napkin Man?

I've been Invited to be the Leadoff Guest on 1370 WCOA's "Real News with Rick Outzen" Tomorrow at 7:00 AM

I'll be on the area's best morning news talk program, "Real News with Rick Outzen," at 7:00 tomorrow morning.  LOTS of big news to discuss and I will be prepared to discuss it all with Rick.  Tune in live! 

I've been invited to appear tomorrow morning at 0700  on the area's best, highest rated, most-trusted, least biased, least opinionated and most relevant morning-drive news program---"Real News with Rick Outzen" on the area's best news talk station--1370 WCOA.

I am certain we will discuss recent court rulings regarding the theft of county property, the upcoming board meeting next Thursday, recent happenings in the OLF 8 sale negotiations, The HUGE opening of the regional CRF facility in Escambia County, the Children's Trust/CRA issue, the upcoming primary election, and any/all other topics of interest Rick wants to discuss.

Tune in live at 7:00 AM.

It will be a very good discussion with LOTS of information passed.

I'll post the podcast here once Rick publishes it.

Escambia County's Central Receiving Facility will open Mid April

Today stakeholders and supporters of the regional Central Receiving Facility (CRF) in Escambia County met and toured the soon-to-open local CRF.

The facility--to assess and direct patients in mental distress-- is desperately needed locally, as currently Baker-Act patients often end up in emergency rooms of local hospitals where they exacerbate alreadly long wait times.  Additionally, if a Baker Act patient is brought to a hospital's emergency room by law enforcement officers--often the Sheriff's deputy or the Police Officer who brought the patient cannot leave until the patient is admitted to the hospital--which can take hours and hours.

At the new Central Receiving Facility operated by the LifeView Group---Law Enforcement Officers can bring Baker Act Patients to the facility and be released from the call within 7-14 minutes, according to staff who gave a tour of the facility today.  This will allow for the officers to return to duty in the field much quicker than under the current protocols.

Additionally--the CRF will allow for staff to quickly assess the patients and also to provide such individuals with an array of ongoing support services that may not be offered by a Hospital's ER staff members.

With this new facility, slated to be operational by April 15th, Florida will have about 14 such facilities total.

This arrangement, along with the associated support services, will allow the local hospitals to better serve all patients.  

Once the CRF goes live, all Baker Act patients will come first to the CRF, at which point their ultimate destination will be determined.  But in close proximity (within walking distance) to the new CRF are two facilities that can house for treatment on a short term basis as many as 65 patients.

Youth that are Baker Acted will be sent to Baptist Hospital, and the adult Baker Act patients that need to be hospitalized will go to Baptist Hospital and/or Florida West Hospital.

Mental Health continues to be a vexing issue locally--but thanks to all stakeholders who envisioned, championed, and ultimately funded and established this facilty--the processes will be smoother and more efficient for everyone involved.

Thanks to State Representative Michelle Salzman, State Senator Doug Broxson, Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, and the City of Pensacola for their contributions to the establishment of this facility.

Because not only will this facility be better for the patients in distress--it will also be better for the taxpayers, cities, and counties in our area as well financially.

Thanks to Allison Hill and Shawn Salameda for hosting today's tour--and to all who took time from their busy schedules to attend and tour this facility.

See additional pictures of the facility from today's tour--below