tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13177701704740398612024-03-19T06:45:29.913-05:00Jeff Bergosh BlogJeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.comBlogger2541125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-25794904346408644692024-03-17T21:51:00.006-05:002024-03-18T16:35:36.961-05:00I'll be on Real News with Rick Outzen Tomorrow Morning at 7:00 AM<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t7a5igQofIRz5XaoT80wtLuiL039EEbibYu8sf77BD0NuxwiZxNyJ3AnFdW_ndZ1VYs37SOb3n5T8gtSrpEUmgXFJ68XE4lh_Q8QGjK5LXFMEVlvHJ1NfT91P66nWeyjECPrr6_03oTDyCzSnDXo7O0MyQtLL5aZrPH0J7PeD5hKJ8xHTfx36Mk7Xbz5/s433/RealNews_Logo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="433" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t7a5igQofIRz5XaoT80wtLuiL039EEbibYu8sf77BD0NuxwiZxNyJ3AnFdW_ndZ1VYs37SOb3n5T8gtSrpEUmgXFJ68XE4lh_Q8QGjK5LXFMEVlvHJ1NfT91P66nWeyjECPrr6_03oTDyCzSnDXo7O0MyQtLL5aZrPH0J7PeD5hKJ8xHTfx36Mk7Xbz5/s320/RealNews_Logo.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I'll be on at 7:00 AM tomorrow on the area's best, most listened to, most trusted, and most highly rated morning drive news program, "Real News with Rick Outzen" on the area's station with the best talk lineup--1370 WCOA</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p>I've been invited to appear tomorrow morning on the area's best, most trusted, knowledgable and engaging morning drive news program--"Real News with Rick Outzen" on 1370 WCOA.</p><p>I'll be in studio with Rick at 7:00--prepared to discuss any topics of interest he wants to discuss.</p><p>-OLF-8</p><p>-The 2024 Election</p><p>-Jonathan Owen's Ethics Investigation</p><p>-New SCOTUS rulings on Elected Officials' Social Media</p><p>-This Week's Coffee with the Commissioner at 6:30 Wednesday--Featuring Bert Thornton</p><p>Or whatever Rick wants to talk about.</p><p>Catch the show live at 7:00 AM--<a href="https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/rick9662/episodes/2024-03-18T13_37_17-07_00" target="_blank">or catch the podcast here once Rick Posts it</a></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-56996409407261458802024-03-17T21:41:00.001-05:002024-03-17T21:41:43.443-05:0091st Coffee with the Commissioner this Wednesday: Bert Thornton on Success and the Value of Mentoring<p> </p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKdWrZhtz2ElZFPDZ5kiusxsFgUgdhvl4fWnEfpwune9xBv47p-J0wK-mZwUgTRESZiWYqF69Cz62oYFp-HeWCw-J8nr3EnI0yMuAy8r1wyRi7qjM95iLpHmEesmkaj0Z859ZyPW-ZS-HUfU4CQIWKTNsTF8k-lRQOJuxMMU-X6_bWlNt6ifN0kCZf4GQH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKdWrZhtz2ElZFPDZ5kiusxsFgUgdhvl4fWnEfpwune9xBv47p-J0wK-mZwUgTRESZiWYqF69Cz62oYFp-HeWCw-J8nr3EnI0yMuAy8r1wyRi7qjM95iLpHmEesmkaj0Z859ZyPW-ZS-HUfU4CQIWKTNsTF8k-lRQOJuxMMU-X6_bWlNt6ifN0kCZf4GQH=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Join us at our virtual 91st Coffee with the Commissioner event this Wednesday, March 20. The live stream will take place from 6:30-7:30 a.m. To join the meeting, visit our Facebook site here: </span><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.facebook.com/CommissionerBergosh/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #105cb6; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none !important;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/CommissionerBergosh/</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Attendees include County Administrator Wes Moreno, Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore, and author, public speaker, entrepreneur and District 1 resident Bert Thornton, retired President and Chief Operating Officer of Waffle House Restaurants. Moreno will provide an update on county business, Gilmore will discuss public safety matters, and Mr. Thornton will discuss his thoughts on success and leadership in life and the workplace and the importance of mentoring.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Residents are encouraged to send virtual questions and comments they would like to discuss with us during the event through Facebook.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">For more information, contact District 1 at 850-595-4910 or <a href="mailto:district1@myescambia.com" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #105cb6; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none !important;">district1@myescambia.com</a>. </p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-19757967601813091412024-03-17T20:57:00.003-05:002024-03-17T20:57:31.686-05:00Does Recent Supreme Court Ruling Inform Local Board Members' Decisions on Blocking Posters and Deleting Comments?<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpC0UeJ9tafMTb-kWb0zpBZjTCUhlCA1EnDuMrckoTj8_mmA4iw_-QNG5huHMVXaqMUzLHtcjBQPkp0ONoEBSDMXoQbrEB2OxjAbe0D4-mnz6kzqqLh-2tTqSPWQEoHDcPPY7Dz-f5pKICh2yn5iRDO_JiIAA-JaB1qg8uBMojCtuLVoeZy0FNUlg8tAGr" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="276" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpC0UeJ9tafMTb-kWb0zpBZjTCUhlCA1EnDuMrckoTj8_mmA4iw_-QNG5huHMVXaqMUzLHtcjBQPkp0ONoEBSDMXoQbrEB2OxjAbe0D4-mnz6kzqqLh-2tTqSPWQEoHDcPPY7Dz-f5pKICh2yn5iRDO_JiIAA-JaB1qg8uBMojCtuLVoeZy0FNUlg8tAGr" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Do Elected Official Have to Continue to Absorb Online Ad-Hominem Attacks with no Recourse Given the Recent Rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court? It Doesn't look like legislative Officials do......</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>The U.S. Supreme Court has recently ruled on a couple of interesting cases on public officials' social media uses.</p><p>Being a public official that uses social media--<b><i><u>I am paying close attention to this.</u></i></b></p><p>It appears as if the decision turns on whether the elected official has power to act on behalf of the government. In reading the decisions, It appears as if an elected executive branch official has a greater duty to maintain open dialogue on social media than does an individual member of an elected legislative body (like a school board member or a county commissioner)</p><p>This is very interesting because a common phonomemon I have witnessed is one or two posters, or one or two posters with multiple fake facebook accounts, can "hound" elected officials with whom they have personal beefs or animus---with a barrage of attacks and ad hominem's on the elected offical's social media account.</p><p>It really discourages dialoge--as most elected officials-------particularly at the legislative level locally----do not establish Facebook accounts tied to their roles because of this hostile, unfair environment. Because they can't stop a few loud and obnoxious voices from dominating the conversations and initiating unfair, biased, and ugly ad-hominem attacks.</p><p>But----according to these new rulings----it appears as if individual members of legislative bodies are not compelled to allow ALL posters on their sites. Yes, unruly posters can be blocked, and their disgusting attack-posts can be deleted. Wow.</p><p>This is an interesting turn.</p><p>Read these rulings, <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/22-611_ap6c.pdf__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!bnjW-gE3jvhaFhWfB6JlA0gLVRVSNmszxkI_tZe5DS_xbBtZeYm4vth3S3Q-_-2NoimLNCLGdIpRTapBAQ$" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/22-324_09m1.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Escambia School Board Attorney Ellen Odom analyzed the rulings and provided the below guidance to the Escambia County School Board Members--which appears to be applicable to Escambia Commissioners as well--because we are both legislative branch constitutional offices:</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">"The Court ruled “When a government
official posts about job-related topics on social media, it can be difficult to
tell whether the speech is official or private. We hold that such speech is
attributable to the State only if the official <b>(1) possessed actual
authority to speak on the State’s behalf, and (2) purported to exercise that
authority when he spoke on social media.</b>” In sum, if you place
personal political opinions on your personal pages and you have disclaimers
stating these are personal political opinions which do not reflect the views of
the School Board as a whole, I believe you will be able to disallow comments at
all on your personal pages or to block commenters, especially those who engage
in abusive language. </span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Regarding whether a state official
“possessed actual authority to speak on the State’s behalf,” the Court ruled “A
defendant like [the city manager] must have actual authority rooted in written
law or longstanding custom to speak for the State. That authority must extend
to speech of the sort that caused the alleged rights deprivation. If the
plaintiff cannot make this threshold showing of authority, he cannot establish
state action.”</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">There is no written law or rule which
requires individual school board members to speak on behalf of the Board
on social media accounts. In fact, the School Board has long
operated under the premise that the individual views of Board Members do
not constitute the views of the Board as a whole, and that no individual
Board member has the authority to speak on behalf of the Board as a whole
unless the statement is adopted as an official statement of the Board based
upon a vote taken by a majority of the Board. You have already approved NEOLA
bylaws which will clearly state this principle, once adopted. </span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><o:p><i> </i></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> As you know, the District has its
own social media accounts in which it posts information. Based upon the
tests established today and our long-standing practice (to be adopted as
policy), I do not believe that a Court would find that a School Board Member
possessed actual authority to speak on behalf of the School Board on social
media. If the School Board Member does not possess actual authority to
speak on behalf of the Board on Social Media, then the School Board Member does
not violate the law by blocking a commenter.</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As for the second prong, whether a
government official purported to exercise State authority when he or she spoke
on Social Media, the Court gave examples of when a government official was
exercising State authority or personal authority:</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">“Consider a hypothetical
from the offline world. A school board president announces at a school board
meeting that the board has lifted pandemic-era restrictions on public schools.
The next evening, at a backyard barbecue with friends whose children attend
public schools, he shares that the board has lifted the pandemic-era
restrictions. The former is state action taken in his official capacity as
school board president; the latter is private action taken in his personal
capacity as a friend and neighbor. While the substance of the announcement is
the same, the context—an official meeting versus a private event—differs. He
invoked his official authority only when he acted as school board president.”</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The court then further refined the
examples of state versus private action:</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">“The context of Freed’s
speech is hazier than that of the hypothetical school board president. Had
Freed’s account carried a label (e.g., ‘this is the personal page of James R.
Freed’) or a disclaimer (e.g., ‘the views expressed are strictly my own’), he
would be entitled to a heavy (though not irrebuttable) presumption that all of
the posts on his page were personal. Markers like these give speech the benefit
of clear context: Just as we can safely presume that speech at a backyard
barbeque is personal, we can safely presume that speech on a ‘personal’ page is
personal (absent significant evidence indicating that a post is official).
Conversely, context can make clear that a social-media account purports to
speak for the government—for instance, when an account belongs to a political
subdivision (e.g., a ‘City of Port Huron’ Facebook page) or is passed down to
whomever occupies a particular office (e.g., an ‘@PHuronCityMgr’ Instagram
account). </span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Based upon this, for those of you who
maintain social media accounts and occasionally post content related to School
Board business, I would recommend you place on your social media pages that it
is your personal page or account with the disclaimer “The views reflected on
the personal social media page are my views alone and those views do not
reflect the views of the School Board as a whole, or any employee of Escambia
County Public Schools.” As long as you are not announcing official
action in the first instance on social media on behalf of the Board (which none
of you individually have the authority to do under State law), then you will
not be found to have engaged in State action. Remember, the First
Amendment only applies to State action, not private action.</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><o:p><i> </i></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Please let me know if you have any
questions or wish to discuss further.</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><o:p><i> </i></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><i>Ellen Odom"</i></span><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-40108439293719827902024-03-17T20:23:00.004-05:002024-03-17T20:23:48.682-05:00Great Day at the Ballpark!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ4VtovIdOmIrg2WSdmn5mbAs8QllZCV_xvCl3yqfHKQCtvjp5sP8TONeJdg9nu-BdOLvwSTp3qH6gv5EDb4M7SB-Gd2_Z3koD_YLnmyCfmcYppQvq_h_JNxEfO64JjmKcrrFu8tepJzDR35N6mmKy41XHQXT_PgG-nwno-qrx_zMuIrPHwPKTXzAfSuV/s1671/ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1671" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZ4VtovIdOmIrg2WSdmn5mbAs8QllZCV_xvCl3yqfHKQCtvjp5sP8TONeJdg9nu-BdOLvwSTp3qH6gv5EDb4M7SB-Gd2_Z3koD_YLnmyCfmcYppQvq_h_JNxEfO64JjmKcrrFu8tepJzDR35N6mmKy41XHQXT_PgG-nwno-qrx_zMuIrPHwPKTXzAfSuV/w400-h283/ribbon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I was invited to participate in the Opening Day festivities at the Southwest Sports Complex in District 1 Saturday morning. We were celebrating the 2024 season of youth baseball, t-ball, and wee-ball at the park.</p><p>We were also cutting the ribbon on a newly-constructed all-weather, covered batting cage that the county built for the park.</p><p>It was a great day. Lots of happy families, excited players, and extended families celebrating the season's start.</p><p>There are more than 300 players signed up, and the park was packed for opening day. It was great.</p><p>Thanks to PBYSA, the volunteers, and the FAMILIES----- for the invite and for all they all do to provide a place for these youth to hone their skills in baseball. And fellowship. And leadership. And socialization. And the leadership building they are fostering.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOEWuLdnHzxj9KBagzSjWzCakO-qqChrOlq6dAcxY7TMZsrHYTXQd6Mkq_Xu_JpqboTxoskaGrhdwb8ANABzq1y6-8voM3Shn2TlBz0mIEnLB5HZEabkMSwkQodyznasNKFnH7XVUWVsgieF9rRqEzlJKDuwFgh7I-zODdMHav2t9cFTUzBMogv1NdDiV/s640/perdido%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOEWuLdnHzxj9KBagzSjWzCakO-qqChrOlq6dAcxY7TMZsrHYTXQd6Mkq_Xu_JpqboTxoskaGrhdwb8ANABzq1y6-8voM3Shn2TlBz0mIEnLB5HZEabkMSwkQodyznasNKFnH7XVUWVsgieF9rRqEzlJKDuwFgh7I-zODdMHav2t9cFTUzBMogv1NdDiV/w400-h300/perdido%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0iWQI0XhHp5X6mFgizOvcKo5YRrORe1FZhsftkFN0mRi9OA4v701flEwgeXkfX4fU26pvEUmtxex-xBrmm-IQm7U6uvODZidUrkUZgSsZnKs-uk43Cztci7dmnd9lGk6cZBhh9690v4xoKWXZj3O9UFQiVpjHdqGS1Bl1UjLSYgDgdKNynnsE9pYHS3N/s1730/perdido%20day%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="1153" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0iWQI0XhHp5X6mFgizOvcKo5YRrORe1FZhsftkFN0mRi9OA4v701flEwgeXkfX4fU26pvEUmtxex-xBrmm-IQm7U6uvODZidUrkUZgSsZnKs-uk43Cztci7dmnd9lGk6cZBhh9690v4xoKWXZj3O9UFQiVpjHdqGS1Bl1UjLSYgDgdKNynnsE9pYHS3N/w426-h640/perdido%20day%203.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>(I was also asked to throw out the first pitch which I did. I didn't bounce it, <u>but my pitch was high and outside</u>, LOL.)</p><p>An interesting side conversation I had was enlightening: <i>"These parks are getting CRUSHED by the utility bills to keep the lights on"</i> said an official familiar with the operations at the SW Sports Complex and PBYSA. </p><p><i>"3 years ago, our yearly light bill was about $22,000 a year. Now, it has tripled. It is $66,000 a year. and it is killing us."</i> Said this individual. <i> "Thankfully, we have the travel baseball teams and the tournament promoters who bring tournaments and collect fees which they pay us---otherwise we couldn't afford to keep this afloat" </i> said this source. "<i>We couldn't do it without them!"</i></p><p>It is sad for me to hear that the utilities costs are killing some of these programs for kids. As I walked through the park, it brought back memories of my sons playing baseball at NEP at John R. Jones Park.</p><p>But we didn't have the pressure back then that these families have now. </p><p>I hope they are able to hang in there and sustain these programs for these families and players---but things are changing. We need to keep these programs in place for the players and the families!</p><p><br /></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-14326447581536140152024-03-15T04:59:00.058-05:002024-03-15T11:15:58.695-05:00Improved Beach Access #2 in Perdido Key Opens This Morning at 10:00--Provides 6 more Parking Spots than Before!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NpGAqJBbdsFthbhsu68l4vtk-ksC8vqvOM5YibzLzPXMFVN19TZ8clDU59Y9kzuXkfBLqAdKsNlRrjgdhonXLCBxGHb5n5Qg9U2GMIW3no3_t0qCEtI_aFV4wE3OPkbj2-y3heTL48zq_bwLl-BmvNQLJVVpu26cyGnqxDAIWx7kDEiutDl1ruvPLqWQ/s1131/ba%202%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1131" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NpGAqJBbdsFthbhsu68l4vtk-ksC8vqvOM5YibzLzPXMFVN19TZ8clDU59Y9kzuXkfBLqAdKsNlRrjgdhonXLCBxGHb5n5Qg9U2GMIW3no3_t0qCEtI_aFV4wE3OPkbj2-y3heTL48zq_bwLl-BmvNQLJVVpu26cyGnqxDAIWx7kDEiutDl1ruvPLqWQ/w640-h480/ba%202%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-JLfyQQczocpiCfU9si1x6i-umNuSfMmgKzs8Waa44Ve4ThS3j8ukQaT44HF4HLLZ1CjXntsLgpCFp7YCHGAqHFjo6RRdAx9m8de3ok5fZsAm3A3iPsXOlFStgk3jbbUnUL01vavBLiztFXY35t9TQZ17VENxU0T8KxqLsz_3qjkrJjeGZ-I7KgRuWw5/s1600/BA%202%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-JLfyQQczocpiCfU9si1x6i-umNuSfMmgKzs8Waa44Ve4ThS3j8ukQaT44HF4HLLZ1CjXntsLgpCFp7YCHGAqHFjo6RRdAx9m8de3ok5fZsAm3A3iPsXOlFStgk3jbbUnUL01vavBLiztFXY35t9TQZ17VENxU0T8KxqLsz_3qjkrJjeGZ-I7KgRuWw5/w640-h480/BA%202%207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDb9aQ4EK2VmRU10AJiz87baUghGQtks1KO9wlbjcHi5W_F9NuqRVa4lFH0JY30872KAwyIQgw51KP1VTdh4sNdiNE0RtKGXRpR0ZJhmWuuS3UDpHEC7y7nSIKxSe1sSp1aJ8BfTwOxJwrPkPhPiMnjG3MfxtZu14AeSjwyzCHyumpI8iNrYzwsfW5cV2T/s1131/ba%202%208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1131" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDb9aQ4EK2VmRU10AJiz87baUghGQtks1KO9wlbjcHi5W_F9NuqRVa4lFH0JY30872KAwyIQgw51KP1VTdh4sNdiNE0RtKGXRpR0ZJhmWuuS3UDpHEC7y7nSIKxSe1sSp1aJ8BfTwOxJwrPkPhPiMnjG3MfxtZu14AeSjwyzCHyumpI8iNrYzwsfW5cV2T/w640-h480/ba%202%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>The dilapidated, vandalism riddled bathrooms were a source of consternation to staff for years. <i>"Without a staffed presence at all times, parks around the country experience this phenomenon--not just Pensacola"</i> 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 <i>"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."</i></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Next winter, similar work will be completed at Access #3.</p><p>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!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnthzBqsH1ZF6jNfWr600q_O7DhKmEhbxW3pjIakO2DK9njunMKP5O86z2igA2pW9aMrZ2TiFBZgbW8tPKvGLsZ-IzYhdKbYYyruU9bn_oxTLW5ych6E9xTrSAFt4esicKmV85S7VTZb53tX1fOCW8_bc8Xqq7fbcdojQCTxlJH1br7ey6ua5PFFjTbSj/s480/ba2%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnthzBqsH1ZF6jNfWr600q_O7DhKmEhbxW3pjIakO2DK9njunMKP5O86z2igA2pW9aMrZ2TiFBZgbW8tPKvGLsZ-IzYhdKbYYyruU9bn_oxTLW5ych6E9xTrSAFt4esicKmV85S7VTZb53tX1fOCW8_bc8Xqq7fbcdojQCTxlJH1br7ey6ua5PFFjTbSj/w640-h480/ba2%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpmqDgzZ2ARr-yxxQSyfsIowKAurjdhxXEl0kbgI1E8vnYBefGukS_5FNmElvXR7AJMitGqHMKsuZnh6FPiINvgSg0mhuSqPLcV7s1c8Ub_kw2JCNYiqzigyLtp4BZGcZ9TBwf78usIFIZlehyZiy5G3SEAAQDG2idrRp5K1vJDO60AsuPBlPxmrqkHpj/s1024/ba2%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpmqDgzZ2ARr-yxxQSyfsIowKAurjdhxXEl0kbgI1E8vnYBefGukS_5FNmElvXR7AJMitGqHMKsuZnh6FPiINvgSg0mhuSqPLcV7s1c8Ub_kw2JCNYiqzigyLtp4BZGcZ9TBwf78usIFIZlehyZiy5G3SEAAQDG2idrRp5K1vJDO60AsuPBlPxmrqkHpj/w480-h640/ba2%203.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitubO-0WI-b6kiyXQVsArIyeIucHgo5ESHwuxGQogmIrQ2DdQS4FGiVUtObr6uWTdgim4XMRXAyl0yN4x88pNA1NlhzHBl4IQooEvQK0MDWOIi4BmTBAP0hiiuwCkrdtD8p-nrjg_OFYD5bbgAFYsTw4ckzPYNIXGmZ_gcoYC3fq1dI0zHdYUiPddiNcwR/s773/ba2%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="466" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitubO-0WI-b6kiyXQVsArIyeIucHgo5ESHwuxGQogmIrQ2DdQS4FGiVUtObr6uWTdgim4XMRXAyl0yN4x88pNA1NlhzHBl4IQooEvQK0MDWOIi4BmTBAP0hiiuwCkrdtD8p-nrjg_OFYD5bbgAFYsTw4ckzPYNIXGmZ_gcoYC3fq1dI0zHdYUiPddiNcwR/w386-h640/ba2%204.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-48040998497208217522024-03-14T20:05:00.006-05:002024-03-14T20:05:55.599-05:00ALL STOP: We are NOT Cutting ANY Trees Down at Galvez<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLFEl5fj6ovAFy5uR5LarSymAzUxD7qrPOT50ycPKWCTl5qcd2rZS3v08LuxWpmvbqU6pfj7iI_7wuX4XKpvQGaUXVbc0gRthkuI4OSQfhKsHHn76LS6UoFkTw4ysq_O0EO_W45h04CPQyMAU-mz56_2R76O-zX_iSAdF0BQTJw_JdtH39xNZWXqh2IqsO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLFEl5fj6ovAFy5uR5LarSymAzUxD7qrPOT50ycPKWCTl5qcd2rZS3v08LuxWpmvbqU6pfj7iI_7wuX4XKpvQGaUXVbc0gRthkuI4OSQfhKsHHn76LS6UoFkTw4ysq_O0EO_W45h04CPQyMAU-mz56_2R76O-zX_iSAdF0BQTJw_JdtH39xNZWXqh2IqsO" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We had requests from multiple folks about cleaning up a county-owned parcel of land adjacent to our Innerarity Boat launch in D1 in Escambia County.</p><p>We had a number of trees that were identified to be in need of removal by our County Arborist.</p><p>Folks park in this area, folks walk in this area and the thought was that some of these trees were dying and could fall on cars or people. Initially, about a dozen were identified for removal.</p><p>Then, the arborist identified 5.</p><p>For any tree we were going to remove, the county was going to plant 2 6-7 foot replacement trees in the area, on the parcel.</p><p>But upon seeing the visceral reaction online to any trees being taken down--we will continue our efforts to clean the scrub brush from this county-owned parcel and to expand and dig-deeper the county-owned stormwater retention pond on this property and level the property with fill material.</p><p>But as for cutting ANY trees down----we are at an ALL STOP. </p><p>We will NOT be cutting any down in the immediate term until a full assessment can be done that includes myself, county staff, citizens, and stakeholders.</p><p>We will only cut trees that need to come down if they pose an iminent safety hazard, are diseased, or otherwise need to be removed in the opinion of ouar professional arborist.</p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-82073022669312818412024-03-13T06:03:00.027-05:002024-03-13T12:03:30.793-05:00County is Funding and Supports Real Change Project Re-Connect. What is It?<p>Project reconnect is a funded county program to help people who are here in the county and homeless. This program will help such individuals reconnect with family and support services in their home town or home of origin, <b><i><u>by providing one way tickets back home</u></i></b>. </p><p>There are requirments that must be met, but once support services or family at the destination are contacted and such loved-ones confirm they will assist their family member--we furnish one way tickets back!</p><p>Between this new program, <a href="https://www.wkrg.com/northwest-florida/escambia-county/escambia-county-considers-new-panhandling-ordinance/" target="_blank">our enhanced intersections/distractions ordinance</a>, and<a href="https://jeffbergoshblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/blog-post_7.html" target="_blank"> the state's new tough law on homeless camps on county property</a>---we are tackling the homelessness issue in the county head-on. <b><i><u>And it is past time for us to do it.</u></i></b></p><p>Read more about Project Re-Connect below:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwUptpLD7_NFJk33eS-RRl1JAT72UNa6eW0d0Ua_pPiioXYSvxWpDPzxA4TVboisqTVAnscbQnzM3Pzsypfkg92UgXayFAI3i2VFy8XGOMFHcEcHz2gUCfNbNzza_MbJ6l7MB3bJN6kkTol7uFMZJNsYSg5Nz3W784WpJOyxqskZwGGl7dG5ee3Ej3bCK/s2200/Project%20Reconnect%20Flyer%20for%20web%20-%20Final%20(003).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="1700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwUptpLD7_NFJk33eS-RRl1JAT72UNa6eW0d0Ua_pPiioXYSvxWpDPzxA4TVboisqTVAnscbQnzM3Pzsypfkg92UgXayFAI3i2VFy8XGOMFHcEcHz2gUCfNbNzza_MbJ6l7MB3bJN6kkTol7uFMZJNsYSg5Nz3W784WpJOyxqskZwGGl7dG5ee3Ej3bCK/w494-h640/Project%20Reconnect%20Flyer%20for%20web%20-%20Final%20(003).jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-84386743418549957802024-03-13T06:02:00.207-05:002024-03-13T16:06:25.127-05:00Tallman's Tall Tales--Episode 1: Tallman Thinks his Listeners are Dummies<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho1WqO_SMmI75_k6vtM1OFt6qEvcevOE0E6jKMMi92JJWCOT77r2PgNA_dr10zOeiYIzLGra93Mu0zUmnrMQY4GJfM_W65i0A5xaNy7bfoGDONT7i8ocCsuqs0381JzzyQKLgXCVhraZN9V7OoUcqOVjfiAkr1-hkmMrHPugioA6erFwi8UZkM7Y4XUdyT" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1455" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho1WqO_SMmI75_k6vtM1OFt6qEvcevOE0E6jKMMi92JJWCOT77r2PgNA_dr10zOeiYIzLGra93Mu0zUmnrMQY4GJfM_W65i0A5xaNy7bfoGDONT7i8ocCsuqs0381JzzyQKLgXCVhraZN9V7OoUcqOVjfiAkr1-hkmMrHPugioA6erFwi8UZkM7Y4XUdyT=w640-h358" width="640" /></span></b></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Andrew Tallman (alias McKay) Thinks his Pensacola Listeners are dumb. </span></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Local morning radio opinion host Andrew Tallman (<a href="https://jeffbergoshblog.blogspot.com/2023/09/who-heck-is-andrew-tallman-mckay.html" target="_blank">pseudonym/alias Andrew McKay</a>) has a credibility problem.<p></p><p>Sure, he's not dumb. And he entertains with a morning drive opinion show that actually attracts a small audience.</p><p>But for someone who proclaims he's been everywhere, done everything, seen everything, and knows everything a la Walter Mitty--- and he'll be the first one to say that to you---<i><b>he sure must think a lot of his Pensacola listeners are dumb.</b></i> </p><p>Case in point from just yesterday.</p><p>Tallman plays selected snippets from an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWggD69w-ng" target="_blank">Ethics Hearing in Tallahassee from last week</a> where former Escambia County employee Jonathan Owens was on the bottom end of a 5-0 vote (by neutral commissission members from around the state). </p><p>Tallman wants you to believe this five member board and the state's prosecutor got it wrong, though.</p><p>But this unbiased, fact finding, deciding Commission on Ethics is appointed by the Governor and they are all from out of our area. They don't know Tallman, me, or Jonathan Owens. </p><p>And on Friday this neutral, unbiased board <a href="https://weartv.com/news/local/ethics-commission-approves-further-investigation-into-escambia-county-privacy-breach" target="_blank">voted unanimously to endorse the state's opinion</a> that <b>probable cause exists that Owens violated state ethics law. </b></p><p><b>Tallman wants you to believe they got that wrong, though!!</b></p><p>But here are the facts for you and Tallman: Owens sent stolen county records with protected information (he acquired when he was a county employee) unredacted, to entities out of state. He admits to doing it<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VLcRoO3WMjat3T3tPAS5juZv29iEME4D/view" target="_blank"> on the radio</a> and <a href="https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2023/08/07/escambia-ems-scandal-county-battling-over-bergosh-text-messages/70527869007/" target="_blank">in the PNJ</a> saying it would be "helpful" to a law firm suing Escambia County.</p><p>It was an open and shut hearing, very cut and dried. </p><p><b>But Andrew Tallman McKay wants you to believe they got that wrong, Dummy!!!</b></p><p>No debate, only two questions for Owens' attorney, and <a href="https://ricksblog.biz/probable-cause-found-in-ethics-complaint-against-underhills-aide/" target="_blank">the Ethics Commission voted unanimously against Owens, his attorney's, (<i>and Tallman's</i>) side-</a>----- and supported the Bergosh side of the story. ( I filed the <a href="https://ricksblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5_23231-Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">ethics complaint against Owens</a> after he admitted possession of stolen files that <a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0817/Sections/0817.5685.html" target="_blank">appears to be a felony under 817.5685)</a></p><p><b>Tallman thinks it was a bad decision, though!!! </b> He likes Jonathan Owens and dislikes Jeff Bergosh.</p><p>Now, among the snippets of sound Tallman played yesterday where his contention and opinion is that this is just Jeff Bergosh "harassing" Jonathan Owens--he (Tallman) mysteriously leaves out the most damning part of the state's case against Owens: Owens sent the entire file to attorneys who are suing the county, and in those files were unredacted, attorney client conversations about this particular case that would have never been released to the other side, ever. <b> They were protected, attorney client conversations Jonathan sent the other side--which was a huge benefit to them and their case.</b></p><p>Yes, Tallman didn't mention that all important piece that came directly from page 4 of <a href="https://ricksblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1_23231-Advocates-Recommendation.pdf" target="_blank">the state's brief against Owens: </a></p><p><i>"The disseminated information contained approximately 60,000 lines of texts, and approximately 12 pages of texts with three pages of texts between County Attorney Alison Rogers that directly addressed the Edler litigation"</i></p><p>So, how can self-anointed "super lawyer" Tallman leave that all-important fact out of this segment? It's the lynchpin of the case that the state will have an easy time making but that Tallman doesn't want you to see or know. </p><p>Why? Because Tallman doesn't want you to know, he just wants you to believe what he tells you, adopt his opinions and swallow everything he dishes out to you because he is smarter than you, smarter than anyone in Pensacola, and <b>he thinks his listeners are dumb.</b></p><p>But you're not dumb. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>You can perceive the fact that this whole episode smells funny when you look at the plain facts of reality that are well documented...</p><p>1. Owens was the only commissioner's secretary on the 4th floor that "received" this stick drive containing stolen county records pertaining to his former rival Jeff Bergosh.</p><p>2. Owens is the only commissioner's secretary that previously ran against Jeff Bergosh (in 2020) for Commissioner and LOST.</p><p>3. Instead of returning the stolen files to the owner (Jeff Bergosh) like a normal human would do--- or going to the County Attorney or the Information Technology Office with what "turned up" in his office (stolen county files)-----he instead read it, knew it contained personal data not releasable under Florida Law, and also that it contained attorney client information that would potentially damage the County's position in current litigation. What did he do?--<b>he sent it, unredacted, to lawyers suing the county and upon leaving county employment he "held onto it."</b></p><p>4. Owens admits disseminating the file unredacted to atttorney's suing the county because he "thought it would be helpful [to their case against Escambia County]."</p><p>So as the Ethics Commissioners rightly ruled unanimously---this thing appears to be a slam dunk case of Owens violating <a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0112/Sections/0112.313.html" target="_blank">112.313(8).</a></p><p>Don't worry though, Tallman thinks you are dumb and will tell you this is just Jeff Bergosh "harassing" Jonathan Owens for no good reason!</p><p>He knows 95% of ethics complaints are unfounded and never even get to the point where Owens' case is now--<i>but he won't tell you that either.</i></p><p><b>Because he really thinks you are dumb</b>.</p><p>Are you?</p><p>I predict the advocate will seek, and will eventually win, a $20,000 civil fine from Owens for this egregious conduct that continues.</p><p>I guess we'll see who are rational and right, and who are the dummies in this whole sordid matter, on August 20th.</p><p>Or sooner.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-37088100920354051712024-03-09T08:21:00.008-06:002024-03-09T08:51:17.496-06:00Jonathan Owens' Ethics Problem: What is the Process from Here?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtrNyGg0x4k_mLH8iwwRo6eYwaj_o5X4NIWAmrjfkHpJt8Th7PzjFPnxVNZG1zTcxFHjw380-ZQS9G8ZL7zy5ZXoM6_2G-7BXIfEyc0ejuIFiemhNb6o8ly0IQva6mqlLhkB6cdV78Z9P9jM_EvWpP1mXUTFCTzn5HSuWcF_83Ct-aw_5fv9Y3lMVFji6/s283/gavel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="283" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtrNyGg0x4k_mLH8iwwRo6eYwaj_o5X4NIWAmrjfkHpJt8Th7PzjFPnxVNZG1zTcxFHjw380-ZQS9G8ZL7zy5ZXoM6_2G-7BXIfEyc0ejuIFiemhNb6o8ly0IQva6mqlLhkB6cdV78Z9P9jM_EvWpP1mXUTFCTzn5HSuWcF_83Ct-aw_5fv9Y3lMVFji6/w400-h252/gavel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The Florida Commission on Ethics met yesterday in Tallahassee, and at that meeting the commission supported, via a unanimous vote, Commission Advocate (prosecutor) Elizabeth Miller's position that probable cause exists that Jonathan Owens violated state Ethics law.</p><p>Owens' attorney, in a really obnoxious, aggressive way, attempted to conflate other issues and other matters unrelated to this hearing during his time at the podium to convince the commission members his client Owens did no wrong. He attempted to vilify me and blame the victim. He tried to say his client did not get these stolen county files because of his position as an employee when he worked at the county. This attorney also argued Owens did not get such data in the course of his job duties--which I found to be telling--because in the media in interviews Owens argues, disingenuously, that he received information like these stolen files all the time <b><i><u>within his duty as an aide</u></i></b>. Nobody believed that claim by Owens, by the way. Owens' attorney's flaccid, weak, boorish and harried arguments were ultimately unpersuasive to the commission members present. (Owens and his attorney did not even file their own answer brief to counter the Advocate's assertions......... which seems odd) </p><p>Setting that aside--the only two questions commissioners asked Owens' attorney demonstrated they had read the <a href="https://ricksblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1_23231-Advocates-Recommendation.pdf" target="_blank">advocate's very detailed and factual brief</a>---- and the cognitive dissonance they were hearing from Owens' attorney, juxtaposed with the Advocate's narrative, showed on their faces. Watch the hearing at minute 6:00 of this <a href="https://fb.watch/qIaF-kxI9_/" target="_blank">video</a>, below:</p><p><br /></p><p>
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstudio850%2Fvideos%2F336421908850592%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe> </p><p><i> "Isn't HIPPA implicated here, don't folks have to get permission before releasing medical records"</i> asked one commissioner, to which Advocate Miller acknowledged the existance of concurrent civil proceedings and also the criminal investigation by law enforcement over the theft of the files and <a href="https://jeffbergoshblog.blogspot.com/2023/09/so-what-does-fla-stat-8175685-say-and.html" target="_blank">Owens' unlawful possession of said files under FL Statute 817.5685.</a></p><p>The other question was really shrewd: <i> "Did all the other commissioners recieve these files or just your client Owens?"</i> asked another commission member. To which Owens' attorney gave a nondescript, terse response. <i>"I don't know."</i> (Truth is, only Owens received these files, no other commissioner did, and NOBODY believes this stolen file from the county servers just magically appeared on his desk or that it was slid under his office door as he has also publicly stated).</p><p>After only two questions from the commission members, the vote was called and an immediate motion was made, and two commissioners simultaneously seconded the motion, and the chairman called the vote.</p><p><b><i><u>by a unanimous vote, the commissioners rebuked Owens' attorney's arguments and <a href="https://ricksblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1_23231-Advocates-Recommendation.pdf" target="_blank">supported the Advocate's position that probable cause exists that Owens violated state ethics laws.</a> 5-0 vote.</u></i></b></p><p>Next steps, according to an ethics commission staffer with whom I spoke later that day, is this.</p><p><b><i><u>A.</u></i></b> Owens and his attorney can negotiate a settlement directly with commission advocate Elizabeth Miller</p><p>or</p><p><b><i><u>B.</u></i></b> They will face a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge that will settle the case, and send the disposition of the case back to the commission where they will implement an appropriate fine and/or punishment.</p><p>Maximum penalty for this infraction, if Owens is found guilty, is $20,000.00 (Plus his currently compounding and increasing legal fees)</p><p>My prediction is that Owens and his Lawyer go for the settlement, as this appears to be their only cost-effective option given the overwhelming evidence against them in this case. I mean--how can this lawyer even argue this case???--given all the proud public statements Owens has now given about how he received the files as an employee, read them all, knew they contained private, confidential, privileged information that would never be released unredacted, didn't return the property, didn't consult legal or IT, and instead he "held onto them" when he left the county and worse than that--<b><i><u>sent them out, over state lines, unredacted. </u></i></b> He also boldly boasts he still has them.</p><p>So, they'll settle---------Or, they can fight it and risk testimony being memorialized on the record in this case <b>damaging their narrative in the civil case---- or worse---- giving prosecutors in the criminal investigation evidence that will be damaging to their defense in that proceeding.</b></p><p>Neither choice is optimal, and this is what happens when people can't win a straight up contest at the ballot box. Greed, and lust for power, and a longing for a commission seat drove Owens on this. He and his boss and best friend, <a href="https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2022/10/21/doug-underhill-remove-office-florida-commission-ethics-ask-desantis-escambia-commissioner/10560715002/" target="_blank">disgraced former commissioner Doug Underhill</a>, must have as their calling in life, the unyielding desire to beat me in D1. They ran Karen Sindel in 2016, ran Owens in 2020, and now they are running a new guy against me this time. They are going to get the same result. Win on the issues, not slimy, dirty, disgusting and unseemley gamesmanship. </p><p>Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Doug's best buddy Jonathan Owens is in trouble. </p><p>He freely admits he's sent these files to lawyers suing the county, and he also held onto these files for nearly two years since he left employment---hoping he could use them to damage me in my election and help his chances in a rematch against me. That didn't pan out for Jonathan, though. Not by a long shot.</p><p>It's a giant quicksand pit Owens walked into all on his own. He's about waist deep in it now. And sinking. Good luck, dude.</p><p>Once the county gets a ruling on our show cause hearing on the replevin suit from Judge Schlechter--we will begin depositions in that matter. As we find others who possess the unredacted files unlawfully, we will add them to the complaint, we will perfect/amend the complaint. Who else has the files? We'll find out, one by one, and we will depose them. Not one of them----all of them.</p><p>The old bull is walking down the ridge to the pastures below---not running. walking.</p><p>Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.</p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-58117095590352543352024-03-08T07:20:00.013-06:002024-03-08T07:39:51.025-06:00Ethics Hearing will be Live on the Florida Channel This Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAvKmM3OrTxR4Mqz1TpMH4lIwc1jsbrfmwhoLT3_JWCjyd0lOmzXwLyt9GU012y7K_l4cPRvZprvF1e-pTDOVMOiAANi-dbzsWYq7kms1_AaborGJc7dzdFeQb6HdxhhjKI4DtyLTbWieiA9oHBQPzWQmSnjj1QnLOm9XzqMgnTwLmjxyTrGX3VpHWog9/s590/Scales%20of%20Justice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="590" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAvKmM3OrTxR4Mqz1TpMH4lIwc1jsbrfmwhoLT3_JWCjyd0lOmzXwLyt9GU012y7K_l4cPRvZprvF1e-pTDOVMOiAANi-dbzsWYq7kms1_AaborGJc7dzdFeQb6HdxhhjKI4DtyLTbWieiA9oHBQPzWQmSnjj1QnLOm9XzqMgnTwLmjxyTrGX3VpHWog9/w640-h326/Scales%20of%20Justice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://thefloridachannel.org/schedules/?event_date%5B0%5D=2024-03-08&event_channel%5B0%5D=Live%20Streams" target="_blank"> Watch it here.</a></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-36439746591312857862024-03-07T06:57:00.024-06:002024-03-07T14:01:41.828-06:00Check out this Tour of Escambia's Newest, Soon-to-be-Completed Fire Station in Beulah, District 1<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstudio850%2Fvideos%2F927492782099070%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>And thanks to John Singley and the folks from Studio 850 for coming out and touring the facility and filming the video.</div><div><br /></div><div>This facility, once completed, will be known as the Bradshaw-McNair Fire station, in honor of fallen firefighter Dwain Bradshaw and long-serving Beulah Fire Chief Steve McNair.</div><div><br /></div><div>This will be a great amenity for the Beulah Community!</div>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-1488126009224231252024-03-07T06:56:00.034-06:002024-03-07T08:15:40.964-06:00Legislature Takes Strong Action on Homeless "Squatters"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtXDJt6aWDAlIJ4b_XrMzY4sdpiX3KiciyIOiVBdWIYrUxTT5RDp5hI9iNCmEhj1OXwyhA-MgHDab0YpfmvlucsVGR4bnPiFIaOhUjgaPtGB19lVmp3BrBjPduo1Ea-E_V8XPXcayXVrPwsdvKR7GwqzJlFltuuz3GQpHymsa33Wis1BJ6QJC4U8Q5qCZ-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="280" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtXDJt6aWDAlIJ4b_XrMzY4sdpiX3KiciyIOiVBdWIYrUxTT5RDp5hI9iNCmEhj1OXwyhA-MgHDab0YpfmvlucsVGR4bnPiFIaOhUjgaPtGB19lVmp3BrBjPduo1Ea-E_V8XPXcayXVrPwsdvKR7GwqzJlFltuuz3GQpHymsa33Wis1BJ6QJC4U8Q5qCZ-=w400-h258" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>By an 82-26 margin in the Florida House and a 27-12 margin in the U.S. Senate---the Florida legislature has officially passed tough, new restrictions on those who "squat" on public property. The law will now head to Governor DeSantis' office--where it is widely anticipated he will sign it into law---as he has signaled this as a priority. <a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1365" target="_blank">HB 1365 gives the roadmap, what is allowed, and what is unlawful for us to do.</a></p><p>This law, in some respects, pre-empts local governments in the homeless space by making it unlawful for persons to "camp" on public lands without authorization from a local government. It also specifies that nearby affected citizens can sue the local governments if such governments fail to act on this law and tacitly allow such camping via inaction.</p><p>It really is a "no-brainer"---and it needed to happen.</p><p><a href="https://jeffbergoshblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/blog-post_23.html" target="_blank">Citizens are fed up</a> and d<a href="https://jeffbergoshblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/neighbors-are-frustrated-concerned-and.html" target="_blank">isgusted </a>with what we see on our streets, and this legislation answers their collective angst over this activity all over the state.</p><p>The law requires local municipalites to remove unauthorized squatters, and provides a mechanism for such local governments to set aside public spaces for homeless folks to camp---provided such locations have security, sanitation provisions, provisions for mental health, job training, and other social services---and that such areas are cleared to operate by the state's Department of Children and Families.</p><p>The bill, upon being signed, goes into effect on October 1st of this year.</p><p><b>Although I am a local control guy</b>----I do get it that sometimes the legislature will step over our authority and pre-empt us when a situation is not appropriately being handled by locals statewide.</p><p>This is an instance of that.</p><p>Interestingly---<a href="https://jeffbergoshblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/blog-post_85.html" target="_blank">I lobbied my counterparts and staff STRENUOUSLY</a> on this matter two and a half years ago after my office was inundated with citizen complaints on homeless blight, illegal conduct, litter, standing in roadways and causing distractions at intersections and theft. Isaid to scale up the Satoshi Forest concept would be cost effective, would provide the unhoused with better, more sanitary and safe living spaces and mental health and other services, and improve our communities.</p><p>At that time, I suggested we identify a public property WAY OUT IN THE WOODS where we could provide a safe, secure, clean area for campers and where we could bring services to them while simulataneously keeping these homeless activities out of established neighborhoods.</p><p>Even the middle school students from CLA thought a homeless camping area----away from established neighborhoods (<a href="https://escambiacofl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/515/media" target="_blank">minute 13 of this video</a>)----was the way to go!</p><p>Unfortunately--I did not receive support for the idea then. It was essentially pooh-poohed.</p><p>But now a law has been passed that essentially URGES we do just what I and the students suggested years ago--with the State's blessing!</p><p>So maybe it is time to re-visit the concept once more and see where it goes now?</p><p>Because between what we have enacted with the roadway ordinance and now this state law--I do believe we can make some significant headway on this issue</p><p><br /></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-47907872890925806082024-03-05T06:16:00.106-06:002024-03-05T15:48:03.687-06:00I Got a Call from the Florida Division of Ethics Yesterday.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gYDSEw5esFmLOKvy9MtEEORdWBalD7Fz1elnuJvUj9zublFsGLXtzIaUvTJbsb0mXoyllWvBj7C9zcF88iAB_pTAi8k4Z-Qp3UvnCnJLJdipCohLNRN-XNrwt5GZu7riblx6vQgQfXWtFYqFP7pxcaVewu-Xp1y_AGq9bg3ydPmus1PKNyTfsxQu0ruQ/s590/Scales%20of%20Justice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="590" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gYDSEw5esFmLOKvy9MtEEORdWBalD7Fz1elnuJvUj9zublFsGLXtzIaUvTJbsb0mXoyllWvBj7C9zcF88iAB_pTAi8k4Z-Qp3UvnCnJLJdipCohLNRN-XNrwt5GZu7riblx6vQgQfXWtFYqFP7pxcaVewu-Xp1y_AGq9bg3ydPmus1PKNyTfsxQu0ruQ/w640-h326/Scales%20of%20Justice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>....And was asked if I would be attending the <a href="https://ethics.state.fl.us/Documents/Ethics/MeetingAgendas/03-08-24_Agenda.pdf?cp=202435" target="_blank">Show Cause Hearing</a> in Tallahassee this Friday morning at 7:30 AM Central Standard Time.</p><p><a href="https://ricksblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/5_23231-Complaint.pdf" target="_blank">I filed an ethics complaint against Jonathan Owens</a> who <a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0817/Sections/0817.5685.html" target="_blank">illegally possesses</a> a copy of stolen county files, the complaint I initiated was investigated, and the Advocate (prosecutor) for the Ethics Commission has filed a brief that details the complaint and her finding <a href="https://ricksblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1_23231-Advocates-Recommendation.pdf" target="_blank">that Florida Ethics Law was violated by Owens.</a></p><p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://weartv.com/news/local/escambia-county-takes-legal-action-against-former-employee-for-privacy-breach" target="_blank">the county has sued Owens</a> and others for the return of the stolen county files.</p><p>The FBI and others are also investigating this for <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E4FTw_bwOygIv9502CV9mWverRiF-dAG/view" target="_blank">possible criminal violation(s).</a></p><p>And the county is awaiting a judge's ruling in the civil matter which hearing has already happend and will next (hopefully) allow for multiple depositions to happen to help the county ascertain precisely who unlawfully possesses copies of these stolen files--so we can amend/perfect our claim to add those additional persons to the suit.</p><p>Meanwhile-----the Ethics commission will hear from the Advocate and from Owens' attorney at this hearing Friday--after which time the Commission will vote on the matter.</p><p>After the vote, if the Commission agrees with the advocate, the matter will either end up with a negotiated settlement between Owens and the Commission--or it will head to the Division of Administrative Hearing for that body to settle the compaint.</p><p>I'm told that because Owens' attorney has waived confidentiality--his hearing Friday will be livestreamed on the Ethics Commissions YouTube Page (here).</p><p>The agenda is <a href="https://ethics.state.fl.us/Documents/Ethics/MeetingAgendas/03-08-24_Agenda.pdf?cp=202435" target="_blank">here</a></p><p>The live video will be at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@floridacommissiononethics2231" target="_blank">this YouTube Channel at 7:30 CST.</a></p><p>Interestingly--<a href="https://jeffbergoshblog.blogspot.com/search?q=tallman" target="_blank">Andrew Tallman's</a> opinion show on AM 1620 has been as silent as a church mouse on this matter, as has other media outlets besides <a href="https://ricksblog.biz/probable-cause-found-in-ethics-complaint-against-underhills-aide/" target="_blank">Rick's Blog.</a> I wonder if Tallman will cover this hearing and try to come up with some way to portray Owens as a victim in all of this............Yawn,</p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-88606363932608353932024-03-05T06:16:00.056-06:002024-03-05T08:06:53.748-06:00$22 Million: BCC Receives an Updated Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) for 290 Acres at OLF 8 by Beulah TownCenter LLC<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7kuSRy3TyPscem_hveZ5vzyBReInFU9NCQtGa0Rd0J6750baeRrzbHZWztkO8kCYL1mtLwT8RDCmuNoDFZcrj6HR9DHx537QB9ToXT-nYiNfwhPwrOct0ta70vvLKrNhk-qt92Cn0pNAW0ZaLY1VIDZ6KYbC7ppJ7X-dvosJIJXxN_uB5uZAA7I479A6/s1041/PSA%20OLF%208%20-%20Beulah%20TownCenter%20LLC%20(A5254467-3xA3759)%2024.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1041" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7kuSRy3TyPscem_hveZ5vzyBReInFU9NCQtGa0Rd0J6750baeRrzbHZWztkO8kCYL1mtLwT8RDCmuNoDFZcrj6HR9DHx537QB9ToXT-nYiNfwhPwrOct0ta70vvLKrNhk-qt92Cn0pNAW0ZaLY1VIDZ6KYbC7ppJ7X-dvosJIJXxN_uB5uZAA7I479A6/w640-h580/PSA%20OLF%208%20-%20Beulah%20TownCenter%20LLC%20(A5254467-3xA3759)%2024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Conceptual Image of Beulah TownCenter, LLC's development plan for 290 acres of OLF 8</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>Commissioners were notified late yesterday afternoon of the receipt of a revised offer from Beulah TownCenter LLC for purchase of 290 acres of OLF 8. The new, 25 page offer ups the good faith deposit to $500,000.00 cash and a $500,000.00 Letter of Credit. The new due diligence period is 6 months, with an option to extend. And the new purchase price is $22 Million Dollars for the 290 acres, or $75,862 per acre.</p><p>The BCC will be discussing this latest offer from Beulah Town Center LLC at our Thursday meeting.</p><p><b>Some very positive aspects of this offer:</b></p><p>1. Adhearance to the Master Plan</p><p>2. Leaving 250 Acres on the northern portion of the land for job creation</p><p>3. Retail and Restaurants on the frontage, along with potential for a big box, big name retail store that everyone will celebrate</p><p>4. A Town Center amenity for the community</p><p>5. Area set aside for addition of Tennis Courts adjacent to NFCU's park facility</p><p>6. New revenue for the county via the development of the field which currently generates zero property tax or other revenue for the County.</p><p><b>Some issues which must be worked:</b></p><p>1. Funding for the design and construction of the Boulevard Entrance</p><p>2. Top line price</p><p>3. Working out the escrow agreement and when the deposit goes "hard." Exhibit "C" was blank....</p><p><br /></p><p>I look forward to the discussion this Thursday. Could be a big step forward for our county!</p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/10IWrDsrNh3X5Bne7x25wwZx1tcc_RkJM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Read the 25 page PSA here</a></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-91298235230220795952024-03-04T06:01:00.123-06:002024-03-05T06:09:09.440-06:00Federalist Society of the Emerald Coast Welcomes Senator Rick Scott to Pensacola<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk6ulMdR4CTDURVt1x2ugmmYAkADGQkb0XdExMkQ4hPil2ONKq7ZN43ydE8S29_eT0as_a2ux6IVo9ZU0hjdN_Sq8arvrSsipcm27rjS-LbdKa8iGl_4ZZMayMvh7pRIFoW8ZUjz6w9BBbm04S38DD9VHhvUITa1YEs0-nXejNi2pVK365rr9uvR7j0IM/s2016/FED%20SOC%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk6ulMdR4CTDURVt1x2ugmmYAkADGQkb0XdExMkQ4hPil2ONKq7ZN43ydE8S29_eT0as_a2ux6IVo9ZU0hjdN_Sq8arvrSsipcm27rjS-LbdKa8iGl_4ZZMayMvh7pRIFoW8ZUjz6w9BBbm04S38DD9VHhvUITa1YEs0-nXejNi2pVK365rr9uvR7j0IM/w640-h480/FED%20SOC%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Senator Rick Scott speaks to the audience at McGuire's Irish Pub on Saturday, March 2, 2024 in Pensacola</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Senator Rick Scott was the featured speaker and special guest of the Federalist Society of the Emerald Coast this past Saturday afternoon. The Senator was on a swing through the panhandle where he made several stops to speak before various groups.</p><p>At the Federalist Society meeting, which was attended by about 70 local elected officials, former elected officials, attorneys, judges and magistrates--Senator Scott sat down and fielded questions in a "fireside chat" format, with local chapter President and Circuit Court Judge Gary Bergosh facilitating the discussions and asking the questions.</p><p>The discussion began with levity. <i>"You and I have a few things in common--you were adopted, and I was as well" </i>said Bergosh. <i>"We've got the same haircut, too!"</i> quipped Scott immediately, to some laughter in the room. </p><p><i>"I know that you spent time in the military, how did that influence you in business and later in your public service?"</i> Bergosh next asked Scott.</p><p><i>"They don't get paid enough, that's what I learned" quipped Scott. Anyone have a guess on what I made when I was in the Navy?" He paused briefly before answering his own question. "$332.00 per month."</i> he continued <i>"So I learned about how the chain of command worked, and I saw firsthand how the military was being treated at that time [post-Vietnam War] and it was very bad."</i> he added.</p><p><i>"As Governor, you appointed a lot of Judges to the bench."</i> Bergosh asked. <i>"What was your thought process as you made those decisions?" </i> He had the number at the tip of his tongue. <i>"431 judges---we appointed 431. And we looked around the state and saw that there were no women on the bench. So we were able to appoint a lot of women and minorities to the bench. And it was simple. Be nice, and follow the law. You don't get to make law as a judge, I don't as Governor, so be nice and don't try to make laws was the criteria we used" </i>said the Senator.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibK81a5g2xyGeMCB7-6pZS7JEz2bbpfG0_YGT9inJUNgf17iNP6tqSZ84CwuxyCAhCy5dCKnE63yj3twaZquXQIIEDPoF90Jw-EllCXbjtCnz9AZ_nOHWKTtzC02Oxa1EZkJ4RITQwomBXPzn0ajLp9jbVHtFmjhoIr74xbbX2hTYVbj9deH9b_Kjfqgva/s4032/FED%20SOC%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibK81a5g2xyGeMCB7-6pZS7JEz2bbpfG0_YGT9inJUNgf17iNP6tqSZ84CwuxyCAhCy5dCKnE63yj3twaZquXQIIEDPoF90Jw-EllCXbjtCnz9AZ_nOHWKTtzC02Oxa1EZkJ4RITQwomBXPzn0ajLp9jbVHtFmjhoIr74xbbX2hTYVbj9deH9b_Kjfqgva/w640-h480/FED%20SOC%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next topic for disccussion was the transition Scott had to make once he left the Executive Branch as the Governor of Florida and won a seat in the United States Senate and became a member of the in 2018. <i>"I was the Governor, and I had power, but the power was limited and most of the decisions and operations were handled by the various department and division heads." </i>he stated. <i>"But the real difference is that Washington is broken, it is a broken system. Nobody gets held accountable, nobody ever gets fired. Right now there is a COVID outbreak in Washington DC---nobody is working in their office. When I ask during hearings if employees are back in the office, I get all kinds of explanations. But they are not back in the office working when everyone else is"</i> said Scott.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrxO32km2dcO-0aOVAcX-fjDqyf7E4MI5ElZv83eNghQg28RzOMvEb1ICER7y1FBGGc7zCmqLNpdj6hYz0F3EfH5ZwF9sKN7PHhFe7aGHue7c48SsTEnnFb-RlokfsyY5UPP6sH_MYt4LPkDb9bF6u6Rm2OP3l4qu7XDNv3_MzAYc7aFpJA7_wesrw5cX/s4032/FED%20SOC%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrxO32km2dcO-0aOVAcX-fjDqyf7E4MI5ElZv83eNghQg28RzOMvEb1ICER7y1FBGGc7zCmqLNpdj6hYz0F3EfH5ZwF9sKN7PHhFe7aGHue7c48SsTEnnFb-RlokfsyY5UPP6sH_MYt4LPkDb9bF6u6Rm2OP3l4qu7XDNv3_MzAYc7aFpJA7_wesrw5cX/w640-h480/FED%20SOC%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>When asked about the dysfunction in DC that we all see, Scott ended with a lot of colorful commentary and then some hopeful optimism. <i>"Washington is broken. The senate Majority and Minority Leaders raise hundreds of millions of dollars and this allows them to have incredible power. A handful of us don't need their money to win -- but most Senators need the money. In my first election, the other party spent $65 Million against me. There are only a half-dozen or so races each cycle that are competitive so these races generate a lot of attention. We spend money and we are 35 Trillion in Debt----So the system is broken..... But we will fix it!"</i> The Senator stated as he ended his answer.</p><p>As Senator Scott exited the venue, he took time to speak to attendees individually and to shake everyone's hand.</p><p>While the media often portray Scott as an unconcerned, aloof introvert--this recent meeting proves the opposite--as Scott was personable, funny, and approachable. </p><p>And those in attendance saw this reality firsthand.</p><p><br /></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-66888303049502724392024-03-03T21:01:00.002-06:002024-03-04T13:50:10.559-06:00I'll be on WCOA at 7:00AM Tomorrow<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-324BLzK1kjcgNBZoxZq1CQtqerp8GUyDgydYh0EMFooSKeBXphlLSWs-5bpLEnW_8vtfX_VsLOICsvpDbTWnR8Wfkgw4Jg_oacJXKc2mwvSY6IzZExl2YieLRVRSHLmbCQPtD6u0roCpB9tuAPWCCJaYQXiRNwwwiazzWjlw4gqV1Y29URAy4CI8hXRA/s433/RealNews_Logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="433" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-324BLzK1kjcgNBZoxZq1CQtqerp8GUyDgydYh0EMFooSKeBXphlLSWs-5bpLEnW_8vtfX_VsLOICsvpDbTWnR8Wfkgw4Jg_oacJXKc2mwvSY6IzZExl2YieLRVRSHLmbCQPtD6u0roCpB9tuAPWCCJaYQXiRNwwwiazzWjlw4gqV1Y29URAy4CI8hXRA/s320/RealNews_Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>I have been asked to be the lead off guest tomorrow morning on the area's best, most trusted, most accurate, most unbiased morning drive news talk program--"Real News with Rick Outzen" on 1370 WCOA.</p><p>I'll be in the studio live at 7:00 with Rick and Sena.</p><p>Lots to talk about--I'll be prepared to discuss anything they want to discuss.</p><p>Listen Live at 7:00 or <a href="https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/rick9662/episodes/2024-03-04T08_56_13-08_00" target="_blank">catch the podcast here once Rick publishes it.</a></p><p><br /></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-49805865775686432452024-03-03T09:27:00.003-06:002024-03-03T09:36:58.085-06:00Term Limits Bill for Florida County Commissioners Dies<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2ve2zY3kzTlVgxSn81DcMCjJ6cyJP37HfolM2cAz7cLgqWR-0ACyl6AhFHoaykPNc6b_q84PRLajLdqftTjSPnQGcPGQ1XtLBj6bcbRzuXNJRwzUz49z4fCLQQ_SiDI3CU4TvXeEvKFbaqlGI-fg8Sf7a6u7_9NfFd5udmK9Vc_9rcm2RyrqAAm5h2hGB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="178" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2ve2zY3kzTlVgxSn81DcMCjJ6cyJP37HfolM2cAz7cLgqWR-0ACyl6AhFHoaykPNc6b_q84PRLajLdqftTjSPnQGcPGQ1XtLBj6bcbRzuXNJRwzUz49z4fCLQQ_SiDI3CU4TvXeEvKFbaqlGI-fg8Sf7a6u7_9NfFd5udmK9Vc_9rcm2RyrqAAm5h2hGB" width="151" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>The effort to enact term limits on County Commissioners in the state of Florida has died in the Senate for 2024. This has been <a href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/662315-county-commissioner-term-limits-bill-dies-as-senate-house-diverge/" target="_blank">widely reported</a> in the <a href="https://ricksblog.biz/house-bills-dying-in-the-senate/" target="_blank">media</a> and the House sponsor, Rep. Michelle Salzman, has vowed to bring it back. I was surprised that it did not go this session, but I believe it will go next session. Interestingly, Salzman and I discussed this very issue on a recent <a href="https://jeffbergoshblog.blogspot.com/2024/01/blog-post_32.html" target="_blank">Coffee with the Commissioner</a>. Lots of folks have asked my opinion on this, especially given that I'm an incumbent County Commissioner and Michelle Salzman is a friend of mine. For many years.</p><p>As I told her on the coffee--I'm generally supportive of term limits, and I know my constituents are in full support. I believe the need for term limits is much stronger at the federal level, where we have folks in congress serving for decades and decades. That never seems to happen though. Neither does the desperately needed balanced budget amendment at the federal level, either. But I digress.</p><p>Florida legislators have 8 year term limits. Florida Governors do too, as do elected cabinet members. Recently, Florida school board members were capped at 8 years. According to Salzman, all elected constitutional officers, if she has her way, will eventually be subject to term limits--she's not just picking on school board members and county commissioners. She is just starting with county commissioners. Okay, that sounds reasonable and fair.</p><p>I believe 12 years should be the magic number, because in government it takes years and years to get big projects over the line. A soon to open fire station, for example, has been an 8 year, sustained effort. The soon to open boat ramp in D1 has been nearly 9 years in the making. The Beulah Interchange will have been a nearly 15 year effort once it is constructed. I am 6 years into the effort to build a replacement fire station on Bauer Road. In short--big stuff takes time in local government. And if the voters boot out Commissioners every 8 years--who is to say the project that has been in the pipeline for 4-7 years will be carried forward? Answer--there is no guarantee. As an example: D2 in Escambia County wanted public beach access and pushed for the purchase of 300 feet on the Gulf to provide this. After electors booted the incumbent in 2014--the next commissioner did NOT want that beach access opened and he kept it locked behind a gate and no trespassing signs for the next 8 years of his term. Also in D2, the incumbent in 2013 was on his way toward getting a 4-lane solution out of Perdido Key and Sorrento Road all the way out of the beach area. His successor killed that project upon his election because he had different priorities.</p><p>So "8 is Enough" might have been the cute moniker of a cheesy 70's sitcom--But 8 years isn't always enough in the world of local commissioners.</p><p>So 12 years is appropriate, in all areas, in my opinion. 2 terms as U.S. Senator, 6 2-year terms for U.S. House, and 12 years for the constitutionionals in Florida. Along the way, the voters will and do have the ultimate power to enact shorter terms, as appropriate, in elections along the way. </p><p>Because a quick walk through the 2nd floor of 221 Palafox Place---where all former Escambia County Commissioner pictures and terms of office are memorialized--starkly illustrates that Escambia voters have historically been keenly adept at imposing term limits on commissioners without a formalized legal cap............ 4 year, 4 years, 6 years, 8 years, 4 years, 4 years. 8 years, 12 years, 4 years, 8 years, 4 years. I encourage folks to go look for themselves and do the math and check the average term in office for the commissioners over time locally. Then decide this for yourself: Is the imposition of term limits for county commissioners by the legislature really a pressing need? ---- or is this actually just a politically-motivated solution to a problem that the voters have already solved?</p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-86933573403312547522024-02-29T05:58:00.018-06:002024-02-29T09:01:39.399-06:00Beulah Master Plan Charette is TONIGHT!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-riw_H1-WwCq8y3Y_Ix3PDouQHwc_izJYyOCNSYeQ7KdpkHVrmRbbemZO5nmE00UmR8JukfnIHaA3MNU4HCICJHd0I2KYBQpHNNHETG9HwhkhjJPzOp4J3Bjz_yFtFNLO_4Vl5E-_3wylcR7RGmAfjB4J1B5L0j3OZ3HBKEjFD-G2cp8J31er0nxGZdeQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="800" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-riw_H1-WwCq8y3Y_Ix3PDouQHwc_izJYyOCNSYeQ7KdpkHVrmRbbemZO5nmE00UmR8JukfnIHaA3MNU4HCICJHd0I2KYBQpHNNHETG9HwhkhjJPzOp4J3Bjz_yFtFNLO_4Vl5E-_3wylcR7RGmAfjB4J1B5L0j3OZ3HBKEjFD-G2cp8J31er0nxGZdeQ=w640-h336" width="640" /></a></div>The design team from Sigma Consulting that is creating a master plan for the Beulah area will hold their third public meeting tonight at Beulah Middle School at 6:00 PM.</div><div>This has been a long time in the making, and this event is open to the public and the public's participation is welcomed.</div>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-54772089533503726162024-02-28T06:47:00.089-06:002024-03-01T08:04:35.577-06:00It's All About Personal Relationships.......<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaFSKC5fadtPv39OFyc_7phyphenhyphenjbkW0zZkmNabVUn2O7czELfDHgHGtoifL4czFQxLK_Gafgf9LnvE2YHIwWXewRyAyLWOw30tRYeAPholiagVhONYXhmysJW5ff6UOpXl0F-KITOpu2ncJbjIUSp1WdR9OUCDSZS2TTZ-sFQGUpBlQ4R_Xl_r1oQfSVtLf/s575/American%20Magic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="575" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaFSKC5fadtPv39OFyc_7phyphenhyphenjbkW0zZkmNabVUn2O7czELfDHgHGtoifL4czFQxLK_Gafgf9LnvE2YHIwWXewRyAyLWOw30tRYeAPholiagVhONYXhmysJW5ff6UOpXl0F-KITOpu2ncJbjIUSp1WdR9OUCDSZS2TTZ-sFQGUpBlQ4R_Xl_r1oQfSVtLf/w640-h490/American%20Magic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I was honored to bring remarks on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners to Monday's lease signing between the City of Pensacola and the American Magic sailing team. </span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Monday's signing ceremony between American Magic's sailing team and the City of Pensacola at the Port of Pensacola was the culmination of years' worth of work by lots of individuals and carried to fruition due to the generosity, hard work and determination by a host of entities.<div><br /></div><div>To much press fanfare and celebration, American Magic's skipper Terry Hutchinson joined current Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves and a raft of elected officials and other dignitaries on a chamber of commerce weather day at the port to formalize a 10-year agreement.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a huge day, and the event was <a href="https://weartv.com/news/local/sailing-capitol-of-the-us-pensacola-inks-10-year-deal-with-american-magic" target="_blank">covered</a> <a href="https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/2024/02/23/american-magic-port-lease-in-pensacola-approved/72696488007/" target="_blank">in multiple </a><a href="https://www.wkrg.com/northwest-florida/escambia-county/city-of-pensacola-signs-10-year-lease-agreement-with-american-magic-sailing-team/" target="_blank">press outlets</a>. The American Magic webpage <a href="https://americanmagic.americascup.com/en/news/156_American-Magic-Announces-Transformative-Agreement-with-the-City-of-Pensacola.html" target="_blank">celebrated the deal as transformational</a>. It was a massive win-win of epic proportion.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it all happened due to a long standing friendship between area Icon and surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, and members of the American Magic team, chiefly Terry Hutchinson(skipper) and Doug DeVoss (principal).</div><div><br /></div><div>Often times in life, when good things happen, there is a story behind the story......And just as ofter--<i><u>It's all about personal relationships.</u></i></div><div><i><u><br /></u></i></div><div>This story is no different.</div><div><br /></div><div>The DeVoss family and Dr. Andrews all enjoy competitive sailing. Dr. Andrews competed in numerous America's Cup races over the years, and had a boat named Abracadabra. A number of years back, Dr. Andrews was building a boat in Maui and the DeVoss family lent a helping hand to finish it up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Years later, as American Magic was sailing in Key West and had run into some bureaucratic hiccups with the local government down there---a call went out from the team up here to Pensacola. To Dr. Andrews specifically.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"You all need to come up here to Pensacola"</i> was Dr. Andrews' advice to them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shortly thereafter, in early 2018, Dr. Andrews spoke with his good friend and then Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward. The conversation centered around the port. <i>Could they use space at the port?</i> was the question.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ashton enthusiastically supported the idea, the team sent a contingent up to Pensacola, and they began sailing here that year. And their presence has grown here every year since. And each successive mayor has carried forward the baton of this project.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few years later, in 2021, local restaurantier Collier Merrill and Commodore Tom Pace from the Pensacola Yacht Club began to publicly advocate for an expanded presence for American Magic here in Pensacola. They approached me with the idea after a TDC meeting and I encouraged them to come the very next day to the regular Board of County Commissioners meeting to gain additional support. Which they did and which support they did gain. Then the Tourist Development Council, a board upon which I sat and still remain a member of supported the project, then Triumph Gulf Coast, then the Governor's Job Growth fund and Escambia County and the City of Pensacola.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone got on board, and this lease happened Monday. <b>It will be an enormous win for our area and will make Pensacola, Florida, the sailing epicenter of the United States.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>But it didn't happen in a vacuum, and it wasn't a one man show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of folks carried the water, pushed and made it happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>And none of it would have happened had it not been for a personal relationship that was nurtured and maintained over decades of time--interspliced with other overlapping personal relationships.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because it's all about personal relationships. Life, governance, sailing, and team building, too!</div>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-48962269350964402832024-02-28T06:47:00.056-06:002024-02-28T10:18:28.785-06:00D1 and the West Side of Pensacola about to Get an Amazing Amenity!<p><br /></p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="314" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstudio850%2Fvideos%2F1128520141661252%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>John Singley from Studio 850 shot the above video of the soon to be opened Escambia County Boat Launch on Perdido Bay in District 1. It will be an AMAZING amenity for the West Side!</div><div><br /></div><div>39 Acres</div><div>60 large trailer parking spots</div><div>Picnic Areas</div><div>Camping Areas</div><div>Kayak Launches</div><div>walking trails</div><div><br /></div><div>This thing has been in the works for eight years and will be opening next month. Stay Tuned!</div>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-30890064553790095022024-02-28T06:47:00.041-06:002024-02-28T08:40:51.737-06:00Escambia County Does NOT have ALA Membership....But we Will Discuss the ALA at our Next Meeting <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjug7vQCUxxM_RjSX6Ab2qD9FMd1YkR2zHI9sUtjxUvwOussT12K1aUjUJtrDkkojNFAsD8Ckql6oh6Xq_7DcxnmVYqrJWBDZK7-k07kgIjRn0E6HWv7mb55VA2Y-v-QFEGzK0aAstBqlDwx2DjZrt2oosiwF3j0Zrbb_w-SEser1RmjFhxdaZFFSWuJRm_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjug7vQCUxxM_RjSX6Ab2qD9FMd1YkR2zHI9sUtjxUvwOussT12K1aUjUJtrDkkojNFAsD8Ckql6oh6Xq_7DcxnmVYqrJWBDZK7-k07kgIjRn0E6HWv7mb55VA2Y-v-QFEGzK0aAstBqlDwx2DjZrt2oosiwF3j0Zrbb_w-SEser1RmjFhxdaZFFSWuJRm_=w640-h334" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>I have received a number of requests from constitutents to have the BCC discuss issues with the American Library Association.<div><br /></div><div>Many constituents want us to drop our membership. I'm told by staff we are not ALA members and we are not spending any money on ALA memberships for librarians, staff, or from the county.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have asked for the issue to be placed on next Thursday's board agenda for discussion so we can fully inform the public about Escambia's stance on this organization.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think it a worthy conversation--because as a conservative Republican, a father, a Christian, and a former School Board Member who cares about kids---much of what this organization is doing is of great concern.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am NOT a book ban guy, nor am I a free speech squelcher.</div><div><br /></div><div>But everything must be age appropriate---and a lot of youth are being exposed to things that are inappropriate. That's my opinion.</div><div><br /></div><div>But we will hear from the whole board on this next Thursday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the email I received on this topic:</div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>"I recently learned that Escambia
County has been paying over a thousand dollars in annual membership dues to the
American Library Association (ALA) and its state chapter the Florida Library
Association (FLA). On behalf of the citizens of Escambia County and the
Christian Family Coalition, which has been leading the statewide campaign to
defund the ALA, I urge you to join the number of counties around the state that
have terminated their memberships in the ALA, including <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.lifesitenews.com/news/florida-county-cuts-ties-with-american-library-association-over-marxist-president-pornographic-books/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFss-BScrg$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Citrus</a>, <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.lifesitenews.com/news/another-florida-county-votes-not-to-renew-dues-with-left-wing-american-library-association/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFuWLsZ4jQ$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Hernando</a><span style="color: #500050;">, </span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/flvoicenews.com/collier-county-commissioners-cut-ties-with-american-library-association/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFvR_YABgQ$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Collier</a>, <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.fortmyersbeachtalk.com/2023/11/08/lee-county-commissioners-vote-to-end-funding-for-american-library-association/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFvntnvfJA$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Lee</a>, <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/11/14/sarasota-commissioners-urged-to-keep-ties-with-library-association/71565104007/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFtE3VpcLg$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Sarasota</a>,
Pasco, Santa Rosa, Lake, St. Lucie, <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/thebradentontimes.com/stories/manatee-county-libraries-to-end-association-with-ala,69779__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFukgchJ7Q$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Manatee</a>, <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/12/14/private-pressure-prompts-charlotte-commissioners-to-end-ala-membership/71903676007/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFuFZX-5lg$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Charlotte</a>,
Flagler, Bay, St. Johns, and <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.tampabay.com/news/hillsborough/2023/05/03/are-more-parental-controls-coming-hillsborough-libraries/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFtlS4_RHg$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Hillsborough</a> counties.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>The ALA has become notorious for its
aggressive promotion of "<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.lifesitenews.com/news/watch-drag-queen-admits-hes-grooming-children-at-story-hour-events/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFu3UHNpkQ$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Drag Queen
Story Hours</a>" and sexually explicit LGBT materials targeting children,
along with other leftist ideological agendas. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">The ALA's current
president is self-proclaimed </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/thefederalist.com/2023/08/26/report-library-associations-president-wants-to-stock-kids-shelves-with-lgbt-propaganda-and-porn/?seyid=85065*3Futm_campaign*3DACTENGAGE__;JSU!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFs2r_iN-A$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">"Marxist
lesbian" Emily Drabinski</a><span style="color: #500050;">, </span>who has said libraries "<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/sep/28/emily-drabinskis-call-socialist-organizing-librari/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFtS5di76Q$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">need to be
a site of socialist organizing</a>" and has used her position to
champion the "queering" of public libraries.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">But the ALA’s radical
agenda of sexualizing children goes back years before Drabinski’s presidency.
Over a decade ago, the ALA started the</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ala.org/awardsgrants/rainbow-project-book-list__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFtDuXfPYQ$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Rainbow
Project Book List</a><span style="color: #500050;">. </span>This recommended reading list for children aggressively
pushes alternative sexual lifestyles and "gender fluidity" themes on
children as young as 3 months old, with titles such as Two Grooms on a Cake for
ages 6 to 9; The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope for ages 4 to 8, which
celebrates transgenderism in children; and Bye Bye Binary, for ages 3 months to
4 years, which encourages "dismantling gender norms" from infancy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">The ALA has used its
influence to promote books that not only push gender ideology indoctrination on
children, but outright pornographic content. The ALA’s so-called</span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFsmuCbnnA$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">“Banned
Books List”</a><span style="color: #500050;"> </span>celebrates these pornographic books by pushing the narrative that
efforts to keep them away from children and<span style="color: #500050;"> </span>out of school libraries are a form of censorship that must
be resisted. The ALA actually encourages libraries during so-called
"Banned Books Week" to promote these books on posters and
conspicuously placed display cases in public and school libraries to encourage
children to check them out. These books include Gender Queer, which includes
graphic depictions of teens engaging in oral sex; Lawn Boy, which depicts sex
between men and children; and Beyond Magenta, which includes a graphic
description of a 6-year-old performing oral sex on multiple men. The ALA
coaches librarians to push back on parents who object to these pornographic
materials being made available to their children by casting them as villains
and “book banners.” Drabinski's designated successor as ALA president, Cindy
Hohl, who will start her term in July 2024, can be expected to aggressively
carry on this insidious agenda given the fact that she is the current treasurer
of the "Freedom to Read Foundation," which is behind the "Banned
Books List" promoting these pornographic materials to children.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">The ALA has been
encouraging the expansion of</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.lifesitenews.com/news/watch-drag-queen-admits-hes-grooming-children-at-story-hour-events/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFu3UHNpkQ$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Drag Queen
Story Hours</a><span style="color: #500050;"> </span>in libraries for over five years. The ALA’s website devotes an<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ala.org/advocacy/libraries-respond-drag-queen-story-hour__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFuxXSwmdw$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">entire
page</a><span style="color: #500050;"> </span>to
resources to help librarians plan drag queen story hours to encourage children
to explore what they call their "gender fluidity."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>The ALA and its defenders claim the
growing movement to defund their organization is about censorship, but it's the
ALA that's doing the censoring. Sen. Marco Rubio has rightly called for <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.rubio.senate.gov/rubioalaletterreligiousdiscrimination/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFtZzbsJaw$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">ending all
government funding</a> to the ALA and conducting an investigation into its
efforts to censor and discriminate against Christian author and actor Kirk
Cameron and his publisher Brave Books. When Cameron attempted to organize a
national family-friendly story hour on Aug. 5 in libraries across the country,
Deborah Caldwell-Stone, the director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual
Freedom, coached librarians on how to “invent programming” for that day so
library reading rooms would not be available for the event.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>The Florida Department of State's
Division of Library & Information Services recently announced it will <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.wuwf.org/florida-news/2023-11-08/what-does-floridas-new-rule-on-the-american-library-association-mean-for-public-libraries__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFsjCyJfeA$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">not accept
any grants</a> with project activities associated with the ALA or its
state chapter the Florida Library Association. Several other state libraries
and counties outside of Florida also have severed ties with the ALA, including
the Montana, Texas, Missouri, and South Carolina state libraries.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">You can find several
articles with more information about the ALA's radical agenda and its Marxist
president</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.lifesitenews.com/news/top-us-library-group-colludes-with-local-librarians-to-sneak-lgbt-content-to-kids/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFtVux6wxg$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/are-taxpayer-funds-used-block-kirk-camerons-public-library-event-gop-senators-want-answers__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFt8mdE-Eg$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/thefederalist.com/2023/08/26/report-library-associations-president-wants-to-stock-kids-shelves-with-lgbt-propaganda-and-porn/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFvMOzu4Qw$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/thenewamerican.com/us/education/drag-queens-and-groomers-american-libraries-now-dens-of-iniquity/__;!!HBkrTJ0WuSgwNeGG-g!Zx14iLjvfwMJLA-wR_jvZ31DbaznJXC4WBLlMerDsG-Ja0h7Tg1XrhROwYWxlDDh_N82mKw8WRGpP5m9_zrteFsVpyTANw$" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>By terminating dues membership in
the ALA and its state chapter the Florida Library Association, our county will
be sending a strong message that it is standing up to this radical and corrupt
organization while adding momentum to the movement to defund the ALA across the
state of Florida and the United States. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>I hope we can count on your vote to
stop paying dues to the ALA and the FLA. Please let me know. <b>In the
meantime, we urge the county hold off on any upcoming planned dues payments
until this issue is voted on. </b><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Thank you, and I look forward to
your reply!<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Precinct
committeeman XXX<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Sent
from my iPhone"<o:p></o:p></i></p></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-59843199863094745632024-02-22T06:50:00.032-06:002024-02-22T10:40:46.734-06:00Work At Perdido Key Beach Access #2 Commences<p>Crews with the county's parks and recreation department have commenced the project to add additional parking spots to Beach Access #2 and to pave the parking lot and add outdoor showers and portable restrooms. These changes will be completed before the start of the busy Summer season, and the demolition and renovation of Access #3 will ocur next winter ahead of the 2025 Summer season.</p><p>See the pictures of the renovation of Access # 2 in progress, below.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisVBjnM_InBNbppNr5Q_A-IriwBDk9-9J_JFbOb8p1DAm_UajR9P2Or4G6VlznAmZrevxpj1HBgkkpBwA4HXnZMy_wxf_U0hQyQGIThPeZnRFHT1qT_3ZAva_YIcYv_5bkVFFLh53mehMqS_ACM-B1udq7TQMrpWKs3MU4hCEqR5V9hW3qH_Lf95ySOe4K" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="1360" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisVBjnM_InBNbppNr5Q_A-IriwBDk9-9J_JFbOb8p1DAm_UajR9P2Or4G6VlznAmZrevxpj1HBgkkpBwA4HXnZMy_wxf_U0hQyQGIThPeZnRFHT1qT_3ZAva_YIcYv_5bkVFFLh53mehMqS_ACM-B1udq7TQMrpWKs3MU4hCEqR5V9hW3qH_Lf95ySOe4K=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbdcYIHmmmLeVHVs7v1vhoGo16ONDaWJtjHg2iWxeuTi-AvdLukvglhjvx3spPm-pAa_CUOhDRP87EcziUpxeLVUo_dbXwoSxBeengIp4MooduWl8uC1mMDZ0Cxx6gs_FI2UvId3Y9QReGFkGMqtM7Rk02RKrVNQD_uN7B2lx6cumXgj7xiCZ9mklG5Lv7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1280" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbdcYIHmmmLeVHVs7v1vhoGo16ONDaWJtjHg2iWxeuTi-AvdLukvglhjvx3spPm-pAa_CUOhDRP87EcziUpxeLVUo_dbXwoSxBeengIp4MooduWl8uC1mMDZ0Cxx6gs_FI2UvId3Y9QReGFkGMqtM7Rk02RKrVNQD_uN7B2lx6cumXgj7xiCZ9mklG5Lv7=w640-h290" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDl0OKh0RK0ti4H5HJfxM4e260QjxI_5ujlsWvN0DqHSgIuuOi95e7IAml5XLHQ6B64_8caDIzULVXflwRmAm_UxGsuhcN7P-eUdVNvnk-L01s8kV0zWSISkjqXlj_8TJmy7T0d7-DUYPMwrLdJ3effhQ74KokD88UdBYstzaEwU9FmUqISCXupl8lfqFO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="872" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDl0OKh0RK0ti4H5HJfxM4e260QjxI_5ujlsWvN0DqHSgIuuOi95e7IAml5XLHQ6B64_8caDIzULVXflwRmAm_UxGsuhcN7P-eUdVNvnk-L01s8kV0zWSISkjqXlj_8TJmy7T0d7-DUYPMwrLdJ3effhQ74KokD88UdBYstzaEwU9FmUqISCXupl8lfqFO=w288-h640" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><p></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-57505669218160688252024-02-19T05:42:00.025-06:002024-02-19T09:18:47.911-06:00Election Ugliness Begins<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmBSNecRsza-nvGmO3WyZDGPzAkJm1NwyOxk3bb_waZT3VBCLms4iS3jUluaD4gefsG1mhks7VoSWf6a4uOVuWekMlRbrqR620Yel-SoaiqAEyBefccDt6l7TIWesuUoOP3dAR7m4w-OGyFnm7tq7yo8DOe7i2MahTkUSy_G1emKm4i-ZAHUVxC_yI2Gi1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmBSNecRsza-nvGmO3WyZDGPzAkJm1NwyOxk3bb_waZT3VBCLms4iS3jUluaD4gefsG1mhks7VoSWf6a4uOVuWekMlRbrqR620Yel-SoaiqAEyBefccDt6l7TIWesuUoOP3dAR7m4w-OGyFnm7tq7yo8DOe7i2MahTkUSy_G1emKm4i-ZAHUVxC_yI2Gi1=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">People that play stupid games will win stupid prizes....</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This August 20<sup>th</sup>, the date of the Republican
Primary election, will be my 7<sup>th</sup> contested election in Escambia
County for local office.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And each cycle that I have been through, the nastiness and
ugliness intensifies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whether in the school board races or more recently for
county commission—it never ceases to amaze me the depths of cowardly depravity folks
will go to in order to smear their opposition or artificially manipulate an
election outcome.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s nasty, it is ugly, and frankly it is the reason lots of
folks never run for office.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This election season is off with a bang, and the Election
Ugliness has officially begun.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">DYSFUNCTION JUNCTION<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You know folks are desperate when they bring in surrogates
to do their dirty work.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Clerk of the Court Pam Childers actively encouraged at least
two existing county employees to run against me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One has, and I am told the other is
considering it. She’s mad we are suing her to compel her to do her job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ho hum.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sitting commissioner Mike Kohler’s recently departed
secretary, Steve Stroberger, is one of these that was encouraged to run by
Childers, and he is running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But is it really helpful to have a sitting
commissioner get his secretary to run against another sitting commissioner on
the same board?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Check with <a href="https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2022/10/21/doug-underhill-remove-office-florida-commission-ethics-ask-desantis-escambia-commissioner/10560715002/" target="_blank">disgraced former commissioner Doug Underhill </a>and his <a href="https://weartv.com/news/local/escambia-county-takes-legal-action-against-former-employee-for-privacy-breach" target="_blank">former secretary Jonathan Owens</a> on
that).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worse, this commissioner, Kohler,
on a recent trip to Tallahassee pulled aside a friend of mine and started trashing
and slandering me and making false statements about the contents of my stolen
data files. (Oh yeah—someone stole those from the county and guess who ended up
with them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Answer, the guy I beat by 17
points in the last nasty election I was in, <a href="https://weartv.com/news/local/escambia-county-takes-legal-action-against-former-employee-for-privacy-breach" target="_blank">Jonathan Owens</a>). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
soon as he, Kohler, was done shooting off his mouth, of course my friend called
and told me everything Kohler said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow,
what a desperado. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Interestingly—these comments made by Kohler in Tallahassee were
made before the county released the redacted version of the stolen county records.….Although
the files do not contain what he lies and says they do—<b><i><u>there are some
things he mentioned that he would not have known had he not seen a copy.</u></i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that will be looked at and questions will
be asked during depositions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
information will also be passed along to the investigators looking into the
criminal conduct surrounding this theft of county files.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did Pam Childers, who has and does possess at least one copy of my
unredacted stolen data file—did she give Mike Kohler a copy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did she give it to the candidate she
encouraged to run, Steve Stroberger?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did
Doug Underhill give it to Mike Kohler?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Too many questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we will
get to the bottom of it all as we commence depositions here in the next few months as the county's replevin case moves forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Old Bull is walking down the hill, <b>not
running</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all of these individuals
must know by now that mere possession of these files, unredacted and without
authorization, <a href="https://jeffbergoshblog.blogspot.com/2023/09/so-what-does-fla-stat-8175685-say-and.html" target="_blank">is a Felony under state law, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, that’s right.</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, I have conducted polling for this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And the numbers are about what I expected them to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This scientific polling indicates there is
one heck of a battle for the bronze medal between Stroberger and Owens, and I’m
comfortably ahead of both of these individuals by double digits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But those two, each more than 20 points
behind me, are within 6-8 points of each other for the Silver Medal…..<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Interestingly, though, another creepy, sleazy thing happened
during the time this poll was recently in the field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, according to another friend I
have that contacted me, Johathan Owens and Alex Arduini attempted to get people
on the internet to “stuff the ballot box” and send bogus responses in on my
poll for my opponents and against me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
friends forwarded this to me, below.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JFkmwUeGY4rsqG97YdaJIUUBOatScLWKhA7Zy-zNbJkmwXELTa8ZR3iAFKTu5zpUyABX0zbbEdmuE4KOogkkbJ9Ysia9kzEKL_H94ib77EdDRKMO4FFrSe4KCcHBjuoz3Opg1o-oVvTJQ3cAUW0KfBHo5TM8-zbBESFcH6cGHgy_8JlR2XJoadchBpUZ/s1333/IMG_6156.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="715" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JFkmwUeGY4rsqG97YdaJIUUBOatScLWKhA7Zy-zNbJkmwXELTa8ZR3iAFKTu5zpUyABX0zbbEdmuE4KOogkkbJ9Ysia9kzEKL_H94ib77EdDRKMO4FFrSe4KCcHBjuoz3Opg1o-oVvTJQ3cAUW0KfBHo5TM8-zbBESFcH6cGHgy_8JlR2XJoadchBpUZ/w344-h640/IMG_6156.PNG" width="344" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml7VKRcGfRhh1BrWo18VJYnn8IWNMewjC3yP4v2SamrKXjhyphenhyphenE1hbu6qFwYMrRIJgHM8XfNpvjbWy7FWvl06xyD8UN0w9GpntGfFg9PUJe2WWahLfYkMW5R8Rasp9CQUCwG6t3EFxUO8pxyrvPOARJMTd6Rq2E2VXPhy_HPFFhxD-dl4wqM0g6HbzBBKGW/s1113/IMG_6157.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="709" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml7VKRcGfRhh1BrWo18VJYnn8IWNMewjC3yP4v2SamrKXjhyphenhyphenE1hbu6qFwYMrRIJgHM8XfNpvjbWy7FWvl06xyD8UN0w9GpntGfFg9PUJe2WWahLfYkMW5R8Rasp9CQUCwG6t3EFxUO8pxyrvPOARJMTd6Rq2E2VXPhy_HPFFhxD-dl4wqM0g6HbzBBKGW/w408-h640/IMG_6157.PNG" width="408" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How desperate do these desperados have to get?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stealing my files, slandering me, and trying
to disrupt elections communications and polling??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting elected officials attempting to
unseat incumbents on the boards upon which they sit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clerk of the court actively encouraging
sitting county employees to run against us??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s weird, surreal, and dysfunctional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b>Why can’t these folks just compete, straight up, on the issues?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why the sleaziness and sliminess and anger
and vitriol and weirdness? </b>These guys are almost as bad as our local newspaper,
the PNJ, who argue they have absolute, complete immunity to have my son’s stolen
tax forms and my daughter’s stolen bank account information—<b><i><u>even though
neither of these items is a public record nor a matter of public interest and
the possession of this data unauthorized is criminal under Florida Law.</u></i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0817/Sections/0817.5685.html" target="_blank">Read 817.5685</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Well, the last data point I’ll share from my poll:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When respondents were asked if they believed
the area’s only daily newspaper, the PNJ, was fair, balanced, and
accurate---the response was 62% NO and 38% Yes among all parties and
demographics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was worse among only
Republicans.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">People don’t like and don’t trust the PNJ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s not just me.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">See you all on August 20<sup>th</sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span face=""Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-80504219155952586462024-02-18T21:34:00.003-06:002024-02-19T13:30:21.236-06:00I'll Be the Leadoff Guest on "Real News with Rick Outzen" Tomorrow Morning at 7:00 AM<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv29TW10YiEn67N0f8yeKKmkJWr8E0KvhY4C5o6g2F6NNwpOqPBKVwV7YKyjvDgeLl-J7swIKfCVKMnPDTC5-2Py7prHd8SkR8ycXj8NBv9rTqSidVGMUT6RDkIPvQQkJbMWNdGuu1kFpPAvAOR5VbX02uXMg9HPin4mcvLf3uBqt73yoeeNmZBUaSLL_w/s433/RealNews_Logo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="433" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv29TW10YiEn67N0f8yeKKmkJWr8E0KvhY4C5o6g2F6NNwpOqPBKVwV7YKyjvDgeLl-J7swIKfCVKMnPDTC5-2Py7prHd8SkR8ycXj8NBv9rTqSidVGMUT6RDkIPvQQkJbMWNdGuu1kFpPAvAOR5VbX02uXMg9HPin4mcvLf3uBqt73yoeeNmZBUaSLL_w/s320/RealNews_Logo.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I'll be on the area's best, most highest quality, reliable and accurate morning drive news program--Real News with Rick Outzen--tomorrow morning at 7:00. Listen live on the station with the best talk line up--1370 WCOA</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>I've been asked to appear tomorrow morning as the lead off guest on the area's best, most trusted, most accurate, most listened-to morning drive radio news talk show, "Real News with Rick Outzen" on WCOA.</p><p>I am assuming we will discuss the looming offers on OLF-8, this week's BCC meeting on Thursday, and possibly the county's replevin case against Alex Arduini, Jonathan Owens, and Gannett/PNJ.</p><p>It should be an interesting discussion. Listen live, or <a href="https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/rick9662/episodes/2024-02-19T11_11_13-08_00" target="_blank">catch the podcast here once Rick publishes it.</a></p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317770170474039861.post-295990706400958132024-02-16T04:38:00.063-06:002024-02-16T10:40:41.215-06:00Show Cause Hearing Held: Jonathan Owens takes the 5th--Refusing to Testify<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQBZQG2B9qVNVhFvsPnJ7JcaO_eIKjdPk_RY1JEnBpM5ufqQYYNfoRKX5MF8MjbRCxNsJkMLZ3IzvEcd5-ruIY98emkOfw9zxhZT3Mg-tBfaac7pgPDfmC-Tx-QjflW2-qTR8SqyERyEvVZ4W2d0rr7bTZ3ab9LmWUF_ce05MVN3PkDdx75HmgcM9RSkQ/s590/Scales%20of%20Justice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="590" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQBZQG2B9qVNVhFvsPnJ7JcaO_eIKjdPk_RY1JEnBpM5ufqQYYNfoRKX5MF8MjbRCxNsJkMLZ3IzvEcd5-ruIY98emkOfw9zxhZT3Mg-tBfaac7pgPDfmC-Tx-QjflW2-qTR8SqyERyEvVZ4W2d0rr7bTZ3ab9LmWUF_ce05MVN3PkDdx75HmgcM9RSkQ/w640-h326/Scales%20of%20Justice.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Does the "press" have the right to possess personal identification information, in contravention to state statutes, when such information neither serves the public interest nor is a public record?</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Escambia County's case against Gannett, Jonathan Owens, and Alex Arduini moved forward yesterday with a show cause hearing on Zoom that lasted about two hours.</p><p>The county presented its case and called a number of witnesses. I was first, and I testified truthfully. Jonathan Owens was called to testify and through his lawyer, he took the 5th amendment and did not testify. Alex Arduini, initially advised by his own lawyer to also take the 5th amendment actually did answer questions and testified that he has never seen the text file nor has he ever possessed it. That was his testimony under oath. Not one (1) person from the PNJ bothered to show up to testify. Their lawyer informed the court they would not testify and that they would be shielded from testifying about the identity of their anonymous source that gave them their files via a Florida law that protects the media.</p><p>The judge was very methodical and allowed all attorneys present to speak and present their cases.</p><p>I was allowed to testify to the fact that several of my family members have endured fraud on their accounts in the last 8 months, and I was given space to describe the circumstances under which I needed to have my phone's contents backed up to preserve county records.</p><p>At the end of the day where this case goes next is entirely up to Judge Schlechter. I believe the county presented rational arguments for the return of the stolen files from those who possess it currently. I believe the county presented rational arguments for the case to continue to discovery so that the county can depose individuals to learn more about who has the files, how such files were obtained, and to whom files have been shared. This case is much larger than just me. There are a lot of innocent, unaffiliated individuals who now have their private medical information out in the public--including current and former county employees---due to no fault of their own. These files were in the care and custody of the county's IT department and we believe it is wholly appropriate for the county to work through the courts to retrieve these stolen county files.</p><p>And to the defense the attorney for Gannett put forward, at some point some court, somewhere, will need to rule on this to answer this very important question: Where is the line for what the media can and cannot do because of the protections they enjoy under the 1st Amendment. Where is the line? And when I ask that, rhetorically speaking, I mean--does press freedom and legal precedents from last century allow the media to transcend and violate existing state law? </p><p>The PNJ readily admit they possess the files at issue here, which files contain the personal identification information on more than a dozen local citizens. The mere possession of data like this is a felony under state law 817.5685. How does the media's possession of my daughter's bank account number, my son's tax form and my other son's social security number serve a public purpose or the public interest? Answer: it doesn't. So if the folks that possess stolen personal information are given leave by the courts to keep such data in contravention to state law---doesn't that serve to encourage more folks to engage in the nefarious conduct of stealing and possessing others' personal identification information? </p><p>Really--where is the line for the "press's" immunity? Could they have child porn on their computers if they were using such disgusting information for a story? Could they protect a source if that source admitted committing murder? Where is the line the press can't cross---and does state law trump the press's right to hold data unlawfully?</p><p>Maybe, just maybe, this little case might start to provide an answer to this question. We will see.</p>Jeff Bergoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638001957494810839noreply@blogger.com14