What is the Current Status of the Opening of Beach Access #4 at Perdido Key?

I had the opportunity recently to drive through areas of the new District 1 over the weekend, including Innerarity Point and Perdido Key,  and one of the things that stood out to me was just how close we are to completing Beach Access #4.  Significant progress is being made at this, Escambia County and District 1's newest public Gulf-Front access point on Perdido Key.  

Work has been ongoing to level the surface and pour the concrete for the entry and the parking surfaces, which has now been substantially completed and is currently in the process of curing.  Additionally, a large portion of the fomer slab is being returned to nature with the addition of sand and native plants.

According to staff with whom I have spoken recently---this has been the biggest part of the job.  Once cured fully, crews will line the spots, add curbs and the walkover along with signage and split rail fencing.

"We should be functionally open by March 1st" was what I was told.

I can't wait, nor can many others who have been waiting for this for going on 8 years.  It has taken far too long for many reasons--but we are almost at the finish line.

I intend to have a ribbon cutting ceremony once we officially open this access point and it will be a great additional amenity for all of the west side of Escambia County and for District 1 and District 2 citizens!

Monthly Jail Stats Report(s) Begin......

 Escambia County will begin putting out a monthly report that delineates the stats from our Jail.  This was announced via an email to the board from Debbie Bowers late last week.  From her email to the board:

"We decided that monthly statistics may be the best approach to give you significant information related to the Corrections Department operations.  Please find attached the first one; going forward, we will try to issue the report before the second Tuesday of each month."

See our first report, reflecting data from November of 2021, below.

What Penalty Will be Faced by the Inmate that Attacked our Corrections Officer?

Interrupted "Gunning" in the shower leads to a violent attack on an employee--now what happens to this inmate?  What additional time will this individual face for beating up an officer, sending him to the hospital?

What will happen to the inmate in our jail that attacked and beat our employee, the jail corrections officer?  That is a question I pondered when I heard about the horrific event that happened last week at the jail.  After the news reports on the incident--I'm sure even more are wondering about this.

Apparently, the officer was following standard procedure as a nurse was about to enter the spaces--the showers are cleared of inmates prior to the entrance of the nurses---for everyone's benefit, comfort, and safety.

One inmate, apparently, "wasn't finished" and refused to leave the shower.  According to some who are familiar with what occurred, this particular inmate was "gunning" (masturbating in the open shower area) and didn't want to leave.  Apparently he was hoping to get a glimpse of the nurse and to also potentially have the chance to expose his genetalia to the nurse.

This incident took place in an area of low level offenders, and so having the one officer clear the shower was not an unusual practice-according to what I have learned. (i.e. in areas of more serious offenders, two officers would clear the shower) But although this particular inmate didn't appear to have violent offenses on his rap sheet--many believe that a majority of these "nonviolent" offenders still may have the propensity for violence and may actually have histories of violence for which charges have not been proven in court.  Regardless--the officer was following protocol, so far as I've been told.

When asked to leave the area and finish his "shower", a verbal altercation took place and the inmate refused to comply.  Upon being given reiterated commands by the officer to leave the shower area, the inmate attacked the officer before he could radio for assistance, punching him repeatedly and throwing him across the shower area and continuing to rain down blows on the officer who by this point was in a defensive posture.

. 

According to a source, the officer followed his training and was able to successfully deploy his pepper spray which sent the inmate reeling-- looking for a towel to wipe it from his eyes.  And as the inmate was wiping the spray from his eyes, additional officers converged on the scene and the prisoner was restrained. 

So I asked someone that would know what the sentence might be for an incarcerated individual who attacks a corrections officer--sending such an officer to the hospital.  I'm told it depends on multiple factors, most important of which are the severity of the officer's injuries resulting from the battery.  If a battery on a law enforcement officer is the charge by the State Attorney--then the maximum penalty is 5 years, as this would be a 3rd degree Felony.  If the injuries are severe, disfiguring, and or resulted in

Ivermectin in Pensacola Hospitals for COVID-19 Patients? Not Happening Anymore

As I discussed in this post, I have received information that patients in at least one of our "big 3" local hosptials were, in fact, receiving Ivermectin as a part of their treatment plan (s) for COVID-19.  The information I received was from May of 2021.

Yesterday, that information was confirmed by a member of that hospital's staff.  

I found the cognitive dissonance of this to be astonishing.  

Remember--EVERYONE in the mainstream wants you to believe Ivermectin is an unsafe "Horse De-Wormer" as they simultaneously warn you with a serious looking face about all the reports to poison control hotlines about people overdosing on horse dewormer!  --But they neglect to mention that the pill form of Ivermectin for humans is among the safest, most widely prescribed medication in the world--and that the lion's share of the overdosing is due to folks inappropriately measuring the animal paste Ivermectin and taking this veterinary formulation of this product.  (Some doctors are actually being investigated in some parts of the country for dispensing Ivermectin for thousands of COVID-19 patients--even when such patients improve and none die!)

I've also heard anecdotally that another member of the same local hospital's staff has quietly prescribed Ivermectin for COVID-19 patients' use on an outpatient basis, with such prescriptions subsequently filled at local pharmacies.

And lots of other local doctors are apparently  prescribing Ivermectin for Covid-19 patients, too.  Really smart, intelligent, rational medical doctors.

So if doctors want to prescribe Ivermectin for COVID-19 patients "off-label" ----- why are they being stigmatized and silenced/cancelled/precluded from doing so?  

I'm told by some really, really smart doctors that LOTS of drugs approved by the FDA for some conditions are actually used and prescribed frequently for other, differing conditions.  This common practice is called "off-label" use.  And, I'm of the understanding that once a drug is approved by the FDA for a specific condition/disease---this in and of itself DOES NOT preclude doctors from prescribing it for OTHER conditions/diseases---It only precludes the manufacturers of such medications from advertising/marketing these medications for conditions other than the original maladies for which the medications initially received FDA authorization.  Sounds complex, but it is not.  As an example--one pediatrician with whom I spoke prescribes some blood pressure medications to her patients for conditions not associated with blood pressure regulation.  Another doctor described prescribing an anti-seizure medication for purposes other than preventing seizures.  I'm of the understanding this is common practice.

But now, I'm told, this one particular hospital is no longer using Ivermectin "off -label" for COVID-19 patients.  I wonder--are they precluding all their physicians from any "off-label" prescribing for any other conditions for patients----------or does this only apply to Ivermectin and COVID-19?  Shouldn't doctors be able to individually make this call for their patients?   Maybe that will be my next question to him next time I see him or speak with him.  Meanwhile, this is the official position, at least for now, on Ivermectin for COVID at this one particular, large local hospital:

"we had one physician prescribing ivermectin back in the [May 2021] timeframe..his physician extender also did so.  Since then that has ceased from happening in accordance to our formulary as adopted by our medical staff.....during the late summer/fall wave, the recommendations from medical societies came out against its use unless part of a clinical trial, which we did not do..."

Case closed.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year from the Board of County Commissioners!

Check out the Holiday greeting produced by Escambia's Community and Media Relations department for 2021!

Escambia Jail Deaths 2021

Sadly we had an inmate in our custody die a few weeks back.  It is being investigated and there have been stories in the media about this individual and her various medical issues.  As I said on the news, her death is a tragedy of immense proportion, and I join everyone else in wanting more information on what happend and what caused this death.

There are more details coming to light about what happened at the hospital before this individual was brought to the jail.  We will eventually get more detail and know with certainty what happened.

This was the 6th death at our jail in a year, a number which on its face seems shocking.  One individual with whom I spoke stated his belief that a recent study indicated that 90% of jails in the state have "0" deaths year over year.   I questioned this statement, I do not believe it.

So who was it that died this year, and how did they die?

In multiple conversations with our lawyer, I have been advised that there is very little that can be legally disseminated regarding individuals and their conditions and their casue(s) of death if such information is/was gleaned from a review of the patients' death certificate, due to state and federal patient privacy rules.  I respect and understand, so I will not divulge anything that is protected heatlh information and I have never seen any death certificates from any inmates in our custody.

But neither will I let a "narrative" build that our jails are death camps and our corrections officers are complicit in some sort of a negligent level of care which leads to death of inmates unnecessarily.

The media would have you belive that 25 year old triathletes are going to jail healthy and coming out on gurneys dead.  And they'd also have you believe there was nefarious conduct which led to such deaths and that oh, by the way, the deaths were all black citizens, not white.  That's what some folks would have you believe.  But it isn't true.

Here is the truth.

Of the 6 deaths of the thousands of individual inmates in our custody throughout 2021--four died at the hosptials where such individuals were sent for medical care---only two died "at" the jail.

4 were white inmates, 2 were black.

Ages were as follows:

68, 66, 64, 51, 38, and the last one was a 20 year old.

One died of a chronic medical condition, two died of complications from a virus, one of a sudden medical event, one from multiple issues related to treatment/refusal of treatment/treatment/refusal of treatment for a chronic, pre-existing condition, and the final one we are waiting to know about, the 20 year old.

Not one, so far as I've been told, suffered a beating or abuse by staff or other inmates leading to death.

Not one, so far as I've been told, was a result of our employees' failure to follow protocol and policy.

We have good, dedicated staff running our jail.  We have protocols and policies in place to keep inmates and employees safe.  Even still, it can be a dangerous place.  Look no further than the incident the other day where one of our officers was attacked and beaten viciously by an inmate.  It is a tough and sometimes dangerous job these men and women do working in our jail.

We have, at any given time, 1500 or more inmates in our care at the jail.  Many of whom have tremendous physical/medical issues and pre-existing conditions.  Many are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.  A high percentage of our prisoners have medical issues before they ever get to our jail and therefore we spend enormous sums providing care to these folks for which they have NEVER had care before.  We have a world-class infirmary and a dedicated medical staff in our jail.  We spend tremendous sums of taxpayer monies providing medical and dental services to our inmates.  This is the policy of this county, and what we as board members demand.We genuinely care about those folks that are incarcerated--our goal is ZERO inmate deaths while in our custody..

So if we as an organization have done something wrong--I'll be the first to say so and demand consequences.

But the other side of the story is, I won't stand for folks to be burned at the stake for doing their difficult jobs professionally in a really tough setting where most people would never want to work.

Folks who are truly interested in this topic should read this article.  It is loaded with stats collected from jails of all sizes nationwide and does a very good job of analyzing this topic with data and facts.

The Classic "Iron Triangle" in COVID-World Becomes the "Titanium Rectangle"

The traditional "Iron Triangle" of years past and even today...

Those who follow politics are quite familiar with the concept of Iron Triangles.  Three separate entities lobby and work together for self-benefit under the guise of serving taxpaying citizens--although specific outcomes may or may not actually benefit citizens served.  Outcomes always benefit the three parts of the triangle and those entities that support the desired outcome (the true constituency).

Interestingly, I wrote about this concept in an Op-ed in the PNJ in 2014 as I co-founded the Florida Coalition of School Board Members and as we were successful in getting advocacy funding legislation modernized to give individual board members more power and choice.  We did end up disrupting a cozy Florida Iron Triangle in 2016.

Are Iron Triangles good, though?- you might ask.  Not necessarily if you're not one of the three entities at the corners of the triangle.  A good answer to that question would be to answer with an open statement.  They just are.....

Fast forward to today--and the classic "Iron Triangle" in COVID world appears to have morphed into a comfortable "Titanium Rectangle."  Of course I'm no political science scholar or professor--but I read, observe and think.

Here's how today's Titanium Rectangle works.  There are four entities on the rectangle.  Big Pharma, Media and Big Tech, Politicians (policymakers and budget/finance authorities) and the Hospital Industrial Complex (FDA, Regulatory Agencies, Hospitals, Research Institutions, Drug Retailers and Wholesalers)  It all starts with money and power.  Big Pharma spends money, big money, on each corner of the four-sided rectangle.  For this, it weilds incredible influence, second only to the politicians, policymakers, and budget personnel who, collectively, control even larger budgets and hold more power via the authority of lawmaking, taxation, and appropriation-- but who's power is attenuated and limited by individual members' positions, elections, fundraising, and station on the rungs of power for the various political organizations under which they serve (national, state, and local-level).  Media and Big Tech have vested interests in each of the other three corner occupants--as significant revenue flows to their media, print and internet interests by each of the other entitites on the rectangle, and so their interest is in support of the mainstream thought of the others, and in squelching those who are opposed or who hold dissenting viewpoints (which maximizes revenue, influence, and power for the media and big tech).  The FDA, Research Institutions, and Hospital Industrial Complex represent the legitimizing and implementing arm of the other three corners--as they both provide the research and data that drives policy and spending.  They also implement operational protocols and collect and interpret data in real time--which gives them incredible power of legitimacy.

As you can clearly see--all four corners have incredible, yet attenuated power.  All four working together can do anything and everything they want.

Dissenting views = cancelled

Dissenting opinions = vilified and marginalized

Alternative thought = stifled and systematically silenced

Non-mainstream therapies/medications = stigmatized

Competing theories = destroyed and debunked

When it all works, all four corners reap the benefit$.  And the citizens they serve?

Jury is out.........

If not Money $$$$$--Why else is Ivermectin being Ignored, Denigrated, and Ridiculed as a Treatment for COVID-19?

Is the .06 cent pill as effective as the $1 Billion Dollar variety at treating COVID-19?

I'm not a moon landing hoaxer or an antivaxer.  But something about the complete refusal of anyone in mainstream medicine or the media to acknowledge the studies that are out there on Ivermectin is strange.  Locally and nationally.

And again--I have taken the Moderna vaccine.  I'm not a science denier.  Which is why I'm asking this:

Why is Ivermectin being vilified?

There are studies and meta analysis sites that if nothing else show that Ivermectin has mechanisms that inhibit the replication of the COVID-19 virus.  These studies are published all over the internet, on respected sites.  So why not celebrate this and get this information out?  Why the coordinated PR campaign (Horse-Dewormer) against this medicine?

Could it be all about the money?  

As a generic, Ivermectin is out of patent and can be acquired for as little as 6 cents per 3mg pill.  So there's no money in it for Merck.

But if a new medicine is developed--the company that brings it to market will enjoy up to two decades under patent protection--meaning such medications will be extremely expensive, and very profitable for the manufacturers.

Now, just as we are on the verge of having COVID-19 pills approved by the FDA  from Pfizer and Merck that will cost taxpayers Billions of Dollars to purchase and distribute---why is nobody asking why we are potentially spending these sums of monies on new drugs when a widely available, safe, and generic medicine already exists that appears to be equally effective (if not moresoe)---according to published studies----- at stopping the replication of the SARS cov-2 virus?  Now there are worries that the new MERCK pill isn't going to be as effective as initially touted.  But still--full speed ahead anyway?

The media mercilessly ridicule anyone asking about Ivermectin and COVID-19 in the same sentence.  (watch a big 3 evening broadcast and look who advertises and PAYS to support the mainline news broadcasts)

Again---is it just about making money?   

Looking at studies of Ivermectin juxtaposed with the Merck pill and the Pfizer pill--it seems incredible that this question is not being asked by more journalists and news outlets. (perhaps this would anger the sponsors?)

I recently came to meet and discuss these and other issues with some local medical doctors who are unafraid and are asking these sorts of questions and more.  They don't tow the "company line" on what drugs to use to fight COVID-19---they appear genuinely interested in saving lives.

Then I received evidence that at least one of our local hospitals was quietly prescribing multiple courses of 3mg Ivermectin pills for hospitalized COVID-19 patients----while remaining silent as Ivermectin for COVID is vilified, ridiculed, and marginalized in the media and in this community.  I have asked the administration of this hospital personally about this.  It seems fishy to me, like mixed messaging.  So I asked--are your doctors prescribing Ivermectin for COVID patients in Pensacola?  I was told this would be checked and that someone would circle back with me to let me know.  I'll wait for that call with great interest.

Meanwhile--why doesn't someone have the guts to do this trial:   Put Ivermectin, the Merck pill, and the Pfizer pill and a Placebo together in a double blind, controlled test to see which one works the best at preventing replication and/or preventing death?

Vanderbilt is going to do a study on Ivermectin.  So is Florida.  Maybe one or both could incorporate these other pills into the study so we can find out which ones work best?  If not----WHY NOT?  

Maybe we can save a whole lot of taxpayer money if we do this, while limiting the outrageous sums of taxpayer funds we're sending to a handful of giant pharmaceutical companies.

Maybe that's precisely why we won't ever see the Pfizer and Merck pill against Ivermectin head to head.....

Follow the money.

 

My prediction:  Once the uber expensive new pills get "emergency use" authorization and the taxpayers spend billions-------then the embargo on Ivermectin will end...  After the $$$$  Billions in taxpayer checks have been cashed.

Then, and only then, will the campaign against Ivermectin let up.

But how many lives will have been lost by then, and how many billions of dollars will have been spent unnecessarily?

Clerk Directs Staff to End Retirement Account Payments for Three of Five Commissioners

At Least One Local Hospital is Using Ivermectin 3mg Tablets for Their COVID-19 Patients---since May?!?

An Excerpt from the billing of a locally hospitalized COVID-19 patient from May of 2021.  Ivermectin was being administered alongside a host of other medicines and vitimins for this patient.  So if they are using it, why are hospitals SILENT when the use of this medicine for COVID-19 is constantly ridiculed by the media and others?  Why not admit it is being used here locally?

Those of us who even dare to ask questions about this drug, Ivermectin,  and COVID-19 are ridiculed.

  I am a skeptic though, I always have been.  It's healthy, and it's good.  

But I'm not a whack job, not an antivaxer.  I have taken two doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.  

But what I see above--a portion of the bill from a patient at one of our area hospitals from last May---is intriguing because it doesn't square with the "messaging" surrounding Ivermectin's off label use to treat COVID-19.  Because what do you know, surprise surprise, there is billing for 3mg Ivermectin tablets on the discharge papers.

WHAT!!  Ivermectin for COVID-19 in a Hospital??? Locally!! 

That's what it looks like to me-----so naturally I have to ask the follow on question:   Have all the patients at this hospital been receiving Ivermectin?  The other hospitals? Since May?  Before?

Is it working, does it help these patients?

If so---then why the silence as the media and everyone else, including a lot of doctors, ridicule the use of this medicine in tablet form (formulated for human use but used off-label for COVID-19 LEGALLY) by deridingly calling it "Horse De-Wormer"

Why did they do what they did to Joe Rogan?

Wait, wait--that can't be possible, right?  Ivermectin used at the hospital for COVID-19?  I thought this was only a "HorseDe-Wormer"  according to those in the mainstream thought zone.  There couldn't possibly be any benefit to this hospital adding Ivermectin to the Vitamin C, Zinc, and other medications, right?  (Oh, I know, maybe she had a parasitic worm infection or scabies simultaneously with COVID--and that is the ONLY reason Ivermectin was prescribed?)...........Uh, yeah, no.  That's BS.

And obviously we know this individual patient was in the hospital for COVID-19--- due to the other medictions and vitimins listed--and because there is the monster charge for the Remdesivir.  And because she said so.

According to this individual--it was a battle and a struggle in the hospital--but she recalls really feeling much much better once she started receiving the Ivermectin.  According to this individual, they even gave her some to take home and recommended that she continue to stay on this medicine.

Meanwhile, we have back bencher, second rate entertainment morning show hosts drinking the kool aid and questioning those of us who are actually QUESTIONING the reasons why this drug is being ridiculed----along with anyone who even mentions it in the same sentence with COVID-19.  Why do people listen to that tool?  They shouldn't.  If he wants to show us he's  a "journalist" then he should take this ane ask Baptist Hospital why they are using Ivermectin for their COVID-19 patients.  But he won't, because he's a get along, go along follower---not a leader.

Follow the money.  Ivermectin tablets are cheap and generic--they generate limited revenue.  Remdesivir is New and Expensive---generating MASSIVE profit for hospitals, drug companies, and doctors.  It also provides pretext for politicians in DC to print massive amounts of currency so they can fund pet projects.

Follow the money.

Put your thinking caps on, and think.

67th Coffee with the Commissioner Generates Interesting COVID-19 Conversation with area MD's

Some really fascinating topics were covered in yesterday's edition of the Coffee with the Commissioner!

Watch the meeting by clicking the youtube video here-- or it can be viewed on Facebook here.

If you are interested in alternative opinions from licensed, local practicing and experienced medical doctors on the best way to treat COVID-19--this video and these discussions are for you!

Escambia's "Keep the Wreath Green" Fire Awareness Campaign Featured on Fox Weather's National Broadcast!

And the CMR's very own Davis Wood gave a great interview and description of the campaign to prevent house fires over the Holiday Season!

Way to go Escambia CMR, Pensacola Police Dept. Pensacola Fire Department, and ECFR!

Watch the segment here.

On 1370 WCOA This Morning at 8:00

I'll be a guest on the area's #1 Morning Drive News/Talk radio program this morning --  "Real News with Rick Outzen" --where we will be discussing current topics of interest in the county including the latest on the redistricting and the news from yesterday that the new maps are current and live on the county's website.

We will also discuss the upcoming town halls I'll be scheduling to reach out to new constituents after the first of the year.

We will also discuss some of the recent jail deaths and what can be discussed about the deaths and what is protected information that cannot be disclosed.

It should be an interesting conversation--when the podcast is released I will post it here.

So What Was Said at the Neighborhood Meet and Greet?

This past Saturday afternoon, a community "meet and greet" was held at Rossi Way and Dowdy Drive in West Pensacola.

The area, and the surrounding communities, have had several years of flooding and they reached out to State Representative Alex Andrade, who in turn invited me, to attend the meeting.  I accepted the invitation and attended the meeting.

This area is currently in District 1, right on the border with the current D2.  However-- after the redistricting takes place--the entire area will be in D2.  For this reason I personally invited all currently-announced D2 Commissioner Candidates to attend as well.  Only candidate Kevin Brown unltimately came out to meet the folks though.  (in fairness to the others, it was a short-notice invitation).  In addition to the candidates for D2, I also put a call in to the D2 office secretary, Jonathan Owens, alerting him to the meeting and inviting him to participate.  He neither answered the phone, responded, nor showed up at the meet and greet.

Once at the meeting, I met several of the residents who had personally been inundated with flood waters, in their homes, twice in the last 7 years.

"I have lived here since 1989 and never had a problem," said Steve Hoxie, one of the organizers of the event.  "But ever since 2014 the situation has changed and become worse and worse." he continued.

He and co-organizer Mike Arbrouet pulled together about 30 residents to discuss the issue and request assistance from both the county and the state to what is growing into an increasing problem for the area. 

At one point in the meeting, one attendee spoke up with some interesting input.  "We worked with the county for many years on the issues with Chris Curb--but nothing ever happened, he always had some excuse for why nothing could be done, always some explanation for why the issues weren't getting fixed."  she stated.  And this individual (a long-term resident of the area), it just so happens, works for FEMA as a floodplain specialist in her day job.  So yeah, I'd venture a guess that she knows what she's talking about.  Upon hearing the name Chris Curb--I had to ask her "Wait, you mean the guy who used to work in stormwater for the county for like 25 years wasn't able to help you back then?  But now he comes to our meetings wearing a red shirt and tells us what we need to be doing?"  I asked rhetorically (and somewhat sarcastically).  She smiled and nodded.  I want to work with Flood Defenders--I actually sat down and met with their founder Jai Faison.  But it is somewhat galling to hear criticism from the former guy at the county that ran this department for decades----------- when he comes to us now telling us all the things we should have been doing for the last several decades......

Be that as it may, I am going to work with Flood Defenders to address issues in my district where they can be helpful.  Heck, I'm having Chris Curb and Flood Defenders on my January Coffee with the Commissioner.  I'll work with any and everyone to address this issue--as it is real and acute county-wide.

But this particular meeting was not just a gripe session--in fact it wasn't that at all.  These folks just want help for a long-running concern that appears to be getting worse.

And the concern over a lack of maintenance of ditches and storm ponds is a real issue.  I took the time at this meeting to describe the issues the county is experiencing currently with a lack of manpower and a lack of an able workforce in a number of county departments.  I think most of the folks realized this is a real issue with which the county is contending currently.... and not just us.  Most businesses and all governments at all levels are contending with labor shortages in key areas. 

The residents passed out  an informational flyer (and gave me a copy as well) with all the longstanding issues chronicled, one by one, on the page.  This paper also had specific residential addresses, names, and contact information so that staff can reach out to explore possible solutions with these residents directly.

Although this area will no longer be a part of D1 after the recent redistricting vote takes effect (right after the new year)  I will still be following up with these residents to push for a solution.  That won't change just becuase the lines have changed.  

I have subsequently forwarded the one page flyer and contact information from this meeting to the county engineer, the county administrator, and the county's stormwater engineer.  And I sent additional specific information as well that I heard at this meeting.  I have requested a meeting be organized with these staff members and these residents after the first of the year so these issues can be fleshed out in person and potential solutions worked.

This meeting will happen in January.

And yes, once organized I will once again invite all D2 candidates and the D2 office to participate as well----if they so choose.

Beulah Blowout Brings a Boil-Water Notice....

Certain residents of Beulah off of 9-Mile Road awoke Sunday morning to find the water wasn't working.

Several neighborhoods lost water after a PVC pipe buried 10 feet underground failed nearby.

I'm certain more than a few residents were late for Church services as a result.  Thankfully--most residents were back up and running with water by 3:00 in the afternoon.  Luckily-- we live in America where things like this are quickly fixed by responsive crews from utility service providers.  

In some parts of the world, something like this could take weeks (or months, or longer) to repair.  In many parts of the world--there is no running water in the first place.  Here, the lights go on when we flip the switch, and water comes out of the sink when the knob is twisted.  It's what we expect, and 99.9% of the time, it's what we get.

So yeah, we do live in a great country.

So what happenend with this situation in Beulah, then?

According to ECUA Board Member Vicki Campbell, it occurred where an 8" line was connected to a 16" line.  It appears, from the picture on the right provided to me by Vicki late Sunday afternoon, that this was newer pipe in an area adjacent to the latest expansion by NFCU on their sprawling Beulah campus location.  According to Vicki Campbell  "....[could be] PVC pipe failure, hard to say.  Could have been installed in a bind.  I'm sure they will get to the bottom of it.  Shouldn't be age as it appears to be fairly newer pipe.  Boil water for 48 hours."

It will be interesting to know precisely how this happened.  I'll certainly post the reasons once I get them from ECUA.  Meanwhile--I thanked Vicki profusely for the quick action and response of the ECUA crews to get us back up and running!

Next District 1 Coffee with the Commissioner This Wednesday, Dec. 8th 6:30-7:30 AM: Discussing ALL COVID-19 Treatments

Join us for our 67th Coffee with the Commissioner event on Wednesday, Dec. 8. The live stream will take place from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. To join the meeting, visit us on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/CommissionerBergosh/. 

Attendees will include Interim County Administrator Wes Moreno, Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore, and Dr. MyHuong Nguyen, Dr. Anthony Junck, Dr. Michael Coyle, Dr. James Thorpe,  and Dr. Tim Boyett. Moreno will give a county update and Gilmore will discuss public safety matters in the county. Drs. Nguyen, Junck, Coyle, Thorpe, and Boyett are local medical professionals who have been on the front lines in healthcare during this COVID-19 pandemic. They will join Commissioner Bergosh for a discussion on current recommended treatments for the virus, the vaccines, boosters, alternative treatment methods, Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine, the Omicron variant and other interesting COVID-19 related topics.

Residents are encouraged to send virtual questions and comments they would like to discuss with us during the event through Facebook--or questions related to alternative  COVID-19 treatments (the topic of discussion) can be emailed in advance to District1@myescambia.com

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

Could All 5 Members of the Escambia Board of County Commissioners be Running AGAIN, Together, Next August?

Like the Horror Show Creature that refuses to die--it appears as if the failed language from last year's election bill, the language that would make all single-member district commissioners elected in 2020 statewide run for re-election again two years early in 2022, has been resurrected again for the upcoming legislative session!  Just imagine it:  All 5 Escambia Commissioner's Districts up for election/re-election simultaneously in 2022!  fun times, fun times!

The answer is yes, we might possibly all be running together next year.  Imagine that?  Gomer Pyle might say: "Surprise, surprise, surprise!"  --It's all because the horror show monster we thought we killed last year is stirring and moving.  Just like Jason Voorhees who has died and come back to life to wreak havoc, destruction, chaos, and death in 9 subsequent installments of "Friday the 13th"--it looks like the monster's not dead and we all might be campaigning again two years sooner than we thought.

This is because an onerous new bill is in "drafting" over in Tallahassee.  It appears that it will be filed iminently, as the draft made yesterday's deadline for legislation to be filed.

A bird whispered in my ear yesterday that this could be coming, again.  A similar provision was attached and then subsequently deleted from last year's session's elections train bill.  I've verified that this is all true.  The bill sponsor feels it is entirely appropriate.  "We have to run next year after our redistricting-why shouldn't they [commissioners statewide that serve in single-member districts]..was his response when asked about it yesterday by a third party.

So here we go again!  😁

Essentially--i'm told this bill is being crafted based upon last session's failed provision that requires County Commissioners who serve in single-member districts to run for re-election again in the first election post redistricting even when such a commissioner is only part way through a currently earned/won, constitutionally defined 4-year term.  It slices terms in half if it is passed ---and also if it passes legal muster (more on that thorny issue, below).

Ostensibly--the theory is this:  If a district is re-arranged after an election, a potentially significant number of voters "may" spend several years represented by a commissioner for whom they did not vote.

Seems like a fair enough argument, on its face.

But wait---if you make a commissioner who fairly won a four year election in a district that had to give up population due to growth-------and if such a commissioner loses the subsequent election 2-years into his 4-year term--wouldn't that serve to disenfranchise those who voted to elect this commissioner in the first place?  Wouldn't it be a "taking from the commissioner who won a 4-year term, not a 2-year term?"  Wouldn't  it serve to actually disenfranchise more voters than the smaller number (if any) who may have been "re-districted" into a commissioner's district for whom such voters did not vote?  I know it's confusing.  I know it is a lot to digest.

But examined differently--the talking point about not allowing someone to serve who some or most constituents didn't vote for can be systematically rebuked and decimated quite easily.  Our nation was led by President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001--a guy who never won a majority of the nation's popular vote.  Neither 1992 nor 1996.  In both of those cases--he simply won a plurailty of the popular vote and then subsequently the electoral college.  Betcha didn't know that, did you?

And there are other examples.

People move all the time and are represented by folks they didn't vote for.

Close elections leave up to 49.9% of voters under the leadership of those that they didn't support.

Office holders resign and sometimes years of an officeholder's term are filled by a political appointee (hack, potentially) for whom NOBODY voted....

So yeah--that failed argument is a feckless smokescreen.  But bad ideas sometimes come out of agenda pushing and make it to the finish line in state legislatures---even Tallahassee (gasp).  

Ofterntimes the finish line doesn't line up with the legislature's chambers or the governor's mansion --it  winds up at a courthouse chamber where a smart judge looks at it for what it is and strikes it down. (thankfully we do have checks and balances still, after all.  for now.  we hope. )  

This idea is a bad one, and if passed by the legislature (50-50 shot--if it gets traction in the Senate)--it will face an immediate challenge in the court.

Because numerous and ominous are the constitutional ramifications of such a reckless idea.

Simpletons will exclaim "But the State Senators have their terms cut in half and have to re-run in after redistricting--so should county commissioners!!"  But wait--that concept of running after a redistricting is a known fact of reality to every senator already----as it is codified in the constitution, (Article III, Section 15, here)

County Commissioners have no such language stipulating they be re-elected two years early after each decennial redistricting--so such a change, in many peoples' opinions, would necessitate a change to the constitution to enact. here (article VIII, sec. 1 (e)).

So why make this change this year?  That's a question I have heard.

This past year with COVID-19 mandates and lockdowns--several counties and many school boards found themselves at odds with Tallahasse leadership.  

Perhaps this is a way to change the composition of some boards? This is just a guess on my part, but maybe it is true?

Maybe some legislator doesn't like some county official and wants to exert pressure?

Could it be some sort of juvenile "Sabre rattling?" 

Oh, I know, I know!  It's those (XXXXX's) over in Brevard County!!

Maybe some legislator that wants to run for county commissioner in 2022 when he terms out doesn't want to wait until the current commissioner in that district (coincidentally a long-serving incumbent in a single-member district) leaves office in 2024?  Maybe this legislator wants to force the issue in 2022?

Who knows the real reason--right?

But whatever it is-- it ain't a slam dunk.   Not by any stretch. There's no certainty this would pass.  It would create a lot of gnashing of teeth statewide, and would face resistance.

And if it did pass--it would invite chaos, consternation, and a host of litigation and more burdens on Supervisors of Elections around the state---not to mention the check writers who fund campaigns locally--they wouldn't like this I'd venture to guess......

Would it be GOOD if it passed?  Well, I guess that depends upon whom it is you are asking.

If you ask that eccentric tuna fisherman who nets and kills 100 porpoises for every one tuna he harvests-----yeah HE might like this new idea in Tallahassee.

Similarly--if you asked the banana republic commando squad that killed 27 hostages in order to take the one kidnapper "into custody"--yeah, those guys might agree.

But most of us who are watching this scenario unfold see it, know it, and smell it for what it is.

What are the BCC's 3 Biggest Funding Requests for the Upcoming 2022 State Legislative Session?

 Look at this information card, below, to see.  This was worked up by staff based upon the BCC's discussion/direction.

Big Decisions on Homeless Locally this Week?

The city council will be meeting this week to discuss the homeless situation in the city--particularly the homeless campsite under the I-110 bridge that the city is desperately seeking to clear.

Three options have been put out, and several entities have expressed "interest" in helping.

And there is over $3Million in federal funding in play to apply toward a long range solution and/or strategy to address the issue.

I've spoken to a city council representative, and I have spoken with several experts in this space.

I believe the city should take a step back and re-evaluate their next move(s) carefully.  I believe they should work together with the county on a solution.  Thus far--there has been no coordination.

So hopefully on Wednesday, the Pensacola City Council will press the pause button and bring in County staff to the discussion.  I would not be opposed to a joint meeting on this topic specifically.

But the idea of dumping the campsite in the county with no coordination, no permits, no notice-----yeah, that's not going to happen.  It only would have happened if folks just did it commando style--unlawfully without site approvals, permits, or required permissions.

I'm told that Pensacola/Escambia should consider doing what Okaloosa County is doing on this issue--I'm told their model is "working."

I'd like to know more about it--but I'm not opposed to looking at someone else's best practices that are successful.

But for my part, in my opinion, and for my vote----I think any such facility should be far away from suburbs and existing neighborhoods.  Build a facility out in the woods, far away from any residence, business, or suburban community. 

I also think we need to define what success looks like so that outcomes can be measured.  Touchy-feely feel good platitudes don't cut it.  I want to see numbers.  I want to see outcomes.  I want to know how folks measure success.

We also need to look at how such a facility for the homeless will be funded going forward so that any such concept can stand on it's own two feet and be viable with private support--not necessarily relying on the public sector for funding.

So there is much to be discussed, much to be worked out.  And there is no reason to rush.  Anyone can circle a date on a calendar and say "This will be gone by THIS date."

But as we have seen with respect to the I-110 campground, for example, often times these dates will slide to the right.  Significantly.  Particularly if they are poorly planned and hastily organized.

What Will the District Map Look Like if Proposed and Advertised District Map is Approved by BCC December 2nd?

The map and corresponding numbers of voters for our five commissioner's districts will look like what is depicted above----if the BCC moves forward with final approval next week, on December 2nd, as I anticipate we will.

............And of course this data and much more detailed information about the redistricting is all posted on the county's website, here.

On Real News with Rick Outzen This Morning at 7:45

 

I've been invited onto the area's #1 rated morning drive news/talk program "Real News with Rick Outzen" later this morning, at 7:45.

Topics that will be discussed include 

--the PNJ cartoonist Andy Marlette's latest ridiculous attack on me in response to my calling him out for his disgusting, racist use of the "N-Word" in his cartoons--and what the county has done to deprive PNJ of revenue subsequently for legal advertisements.  (And it is a big number--could be as much as $100K yearly going forward.)

-- The redistricting and calls by some for the censure of Dough Underhill for purposely putting out misinformation/disinformation/lies at his recent series of very sparsely attended town halls last week

--My priorities going forward into the next year as I once again serve as board chairman.

Should be a great show--and once I get the podcast back from Rick, I will post it here! 

Should Doug Underhill be Censured---Again?

At least one angry citizen believes he needs to be---- based upon some misinformation that was put out by the District 2 office in last week's sparsely attended town halls... Read the email we all received, below:

"Dear Commissioners,

During the last three town halls your fellow colleague on the board put out false information on the record on video and it is now posted on your website about the redistricting process and the laws and requirement you are to follow.

As a citizen it is my belief, for you to allow that behavior to stand without a public reprimand is very poor practice for the Board of County Commissioners to allow especially at the juncture of the ten year redistricting process.

It needs to be clearly, documented in writing and in the record of what was false info and what is the truth and available to be reported in local media, published n the agenda and subsequent minutes.

It is my suggestion that you review those recordings and document, in a more concise fashion. what was said to the constituents that is untrue, write in clear language what is in fact true, put it on the agenda and up for a vote prior to the December 2 vote to adopt the published maps.

Otherwise you just have these falsehoods hanging in the public domain.

I believe the chairman viewed the videos and documented some of the outright blatant information that was put out but not yet in an official capacity, only on his blog, and he also posted the letter the attorney sent to you.

It is my thought you should not allow that to stand because it foments division and unnecessary unrest and problems for good governance in a professional manner in Escambia County. The Censure motion is appropriate because it is your duty as a government body to correct bad behavior of another member.

We are governed by rule of law and specific guidelines, not propaganda and falsehoods so please add this to the agenda ahead of time, fully documented, take the vote to Censure, then vote to adopt the map that was settled upon by the joint bodies of local government in the time frame specified by the county attorney.

To let that hang out there unchallenged should not be condoned. 

Of course some is gobbly gook rhetoric but especially that the redistricting does not have to be done or that McMillan being followed is racism by the board.

Are you really going to allow that to stand?

 Sincerely

XXXX  XXXXXXX

Escambia County Citizen"

Attorney To BCC: "We are more than 10% in population deviation between our least populated district and most populated district."

 Nevermind the sour grapes, gobldygook gibberish, and the misinformation and lies from last week's "Clown" hall meetings by D2 (and I say "clown" to describe the D2 office staff--Doug, his secretary, and his intern---- that put these sparsely attended events on--not the concerned citizens that attended or EMR staff that professionally supported these "events")----Nevermind any of that noise.  This, below, is the important factual information citizens and constituents need to know regarding the "why" we are redistricting now instead of waiting and also why McMillan and the Voting Rights Act  REQUIRE that we maintain a minority-majority district.  

Forget about the lies

Get the FACTs in this email that just arrived in our inboxes this morning:

Here's the Next Big Push: Let's Just Wait Until 2023!!

Whether smiling while they say it a la Mr. Rogers--or with a serious look on their face similar to Henry Rollins--a lie is a lie, facts are facts, and numbers don't lie......no matter how information is delivered.... 

Now, suddenly, a few people are demanding we stop the redistricting process and wait until 2023 to do it.  Interesting--- that's what I said in March, April, July and September.  Loudly, and publicly.

But then majority of the BCC, including Doug Underhill, wanted to plow forward and finish in 2021-- so that's what we did.  I'm happy to work at the speed the majority wants--that's called politics.

Now, at the 11th hour, 59th minute, and 59th second metaphorically speaking-- with advertised draft final maps at the county and at the school board set for adoption in the next three weeks---some folks realize they don't like the map.  

They're throwing all kinds of reasons at the wall like a Jackson Pollack artwork---hoping desperately that something will stick and stop this process.

Now they want to reverse course, do nothing and hold on to the status quo with respect to our district sizes.

But at this late stage that is an unrealistic, untenable position.

Here's Why:

Attorneys for both the School Board and the BCC have urged us—since our first joint meeting in October and in the strongest possible terms, to complete this process this year ahead of the elections of 2022 due to the fact that currently our districts are outside of the legally allowed deviation of 10% between the highest and lowest populated districts.   This, according to the attorneys, could very well trigger a lawsuit and we would be very vulnerable as everyone has been told, publicly, that we are now officially outside of the 10% allowable deviation as our districts stand currently.

 Now, I know that my counterpart from D2, Doug Underhill, and his staff intern and secretary are telling folks at their sparsely attended town halls this past week that “we are NOT outside this population deviation threshold” (47:30 of this video)---however this statement is a blatant lie.  If you look at the census data fact-sheet (pictured below) that we all received from the Supervisor of Elections David Stafford this past August-----anyone and everyone can see with crystal clarity that the numbers do not lie and we are, indeed, out of balance beyond 10% between the largest district (D1—68,158 citizens currently)   and the smallest district (D2--- 61,111 citizens currently).  This is calculated by taking what should be the ideal district size post-census provided by the Supervisor of Elections to the board (64,381 citizens), multiplying that number by 5% which equals 3,219 and adding that number to an ideal sized district of 64,381 citizens to reach the maximum allowable high end deviation size of 67,600 citizens.  To arrive at the smallest possible district's size without a 5% deviation, we simply take the ideal sized district of 64,381 and subtract the 3,219 (5%) to reach the figure of 61,162.

 

Currently—District 1 has a population of 68,158 and is above the 5% threshold district size of 67,600 citizens.

Currently---District 2 has a population of 61,111 and is below the 5% threshold district size of 61,162 citizens.

look at the data chart below, for yourself, to see the numbers.  Numbers do not lie.  Wanna still think I'm lying while you believe those that are really lying?  request this table yourself from the SOE's office.

 

The difference between these two district population sizes exceeds 10% and nobody has to be a math major to work this out.  It is what it is, no matter what any politician or his secretary or aide tells you with a serious look or a smiling face.   Facts are facts, numbers do not lie.

They (Doug and his intern) next go on to lie about the proposed population size of District 1 post-redistricting--exclaiming D1 will be "topheavey" after the process and one of the largest districts population wise. This was proclaimed at their very lightly attended "Town Hall" last night in Beulah.  Doug expounds on this misinformation with additional gobledygook and gibberish that is nonfactual drivel (beginning 49:20 of this video)--all the while knowing that in the current, most recently voted --the new D1 is the second smallest (Only D5 is smaller) of the five districts population-wise, smaller than the ideal sized district by 818 residents,  for the exact, precise reason that it makes sense to be smaller ahead of the planned growth that is coming to the district over the next 10 years.  This is a fact--do not be feeble and maleable like a human, kool-aide chugging Gumby doll and let a politician (or his secretary) look you in the face and lie to you.  Fact check them. Don't believe me?---check the data chart for the most recently proposed district maps for adoption, post redistricting, on the county website, here, and also posted below:

 

BUT EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY:  

Look at the agenda item for what it is we will be adopting on December 2nd--it is posted on the county's website---here  If adopted as it is being presented and advertised....DISTRICT 1 WILL BE THE SMALLEST OF THE 5 DISTRICTS AT JUST 61,909 IN POPULATION POST REDISTRICTING---BARELY OVER THE MINIMUM SIZE TO MEET THE 10% DEVIATION THRESHLD.  Again--don't believe me or your lying eyes--fact check me by going to the county's public site.  Dough and his secretary and intern know this stuff.  Don't let them lie to your face.

Watch out for any politician that will look you in the eye and lie to you.  When you catch them lying to you, call them out for it and ask them to explain it.  Hold them accountable.  

Otherwise get out of the way because you are an enabling water-carrier, a part of the problem, not a part of the solution.

Lies, lies, lies, "clown hall" dis-informational sales jobs, potential lawsuits and a rapidly ticking clock.....  

For all of these reasons and many more that we could get into but won’t—maintaining the status quo on current district lines and sizes at this, the 11^th hour, 59^th minute, and 59^th second,  is an unrealistic, untenable option.

We must and we will move forward on Dec. 2nd.

 

Pee-Wee Football.....A Parody

When the coach demands to play even when the lightning is crashing and the rain is coming down--that coach, upon getting the game they demanded and upon  losing such a game very badly, cannot with any integrity ask for a "do over".....

There was an all important, pee-wee football tournament scheduled.

Two teams were playing the early game on a field of astroturf.

Two teams were playing the late game on grass.

And the clouds were forming.  Heavy weather was coming.....

The two coaches for the early game, and the ref, said "Let's go ahead and play, we can get the game in before the weather hits and it is important to the kids-------we can DO IT!"

The two coaches playing the late game, on grass when it would be raining, discussed the issue.

Coach one, who wore impeccable outfits and spoke eloquently with lots of wit and big words opined "We need to go ahead and play today--the kids are here, the families are here, this team and their families have EQUITIES that need to be protected, and there is no reason to wait------you're not worried about losing, are you??! he stated to his opposing coach, as he continued,,,, "Let's go ahead and just do it today--there is no reason to delay--we can get it done before the rain!"

Coach two, who was a veteran of many seasons and was  laid back, wearing flip flops and sporting a week's growth on his beard and a San Diego Padres baseball hat, said simply  "Why rush?"  He continued.. "We can wait until the week after next, the weather will be better, the fields will be better, and there will be no issues---so let's wait!"

Coach one said  "No!!!!, we need to play right now, there is absolutely no reason to delay--so we should play now."

Coach two, looking back at his team, stated dryly "We're ready to go whenever-- if you want to go today, let's go, but it would be smarter to wait."

The first games on astroturf ended without a hitch, as expected, and then the rain started after that game ended and as the second game, on grass, commenced.........

Interstingly--Coach one disappeared for the first quarter of the game he wanted so desperately. inexplicably, he abandoned his team to be run by his trusted secretary and intern in his absence for the all important first quarter.   And while he was gone, coach one's team got pummelled.  They were slip-sliding all over the place on the increasingly muddy field and having the dog-snot whipped out of them.  It was ugly.  Upon his return, coach one wondered, aloud, what had transpired in the first quarter?  "What happened???" was his question to his two faithful helpers.  But they had no words----"They are running away with it, they are imposing their will on us." one of them murmured.

When the third quarter was almost over, and when  coach two's team was by then winning 56-8------Coach one suddenly changed his tune.  Curiously and unexpectedly--he climbed up on the bleachers and pleaded to the crowd of parents:

"We didn't need to play today!!!!!!!--we should have waited.  Look at this field, it's muddy, and it is not fair to these players!!!-----It's not safe!!!!!   Don't you think we need to end this game and start a new game in three weeks??????!!!!

"This is Unacceptable!!" he screamed to the crowd, who by this time wondered if this particular coach had lost his mind.

Then time out was called, and coach two walked over to coach one and stated, flatly:

"You lobbied for this game, you're losing, and now that you're losing---------NOW you want to do what we should have done--what I WANTED to do before we started----which is to play this in three weeks when the field is dry!!!"  "NO, not going to happen"  said coach two.  He continued.

"You wanted this game, you were intransigent, you're side is getting beat, and you don't get to change the rules after the game you wanted has started.  You wanted this, be careful what you wish for--you might just get it!"   Said coach two.  "Besides--you are not considering all the officials, the scorekeepers, the linesmen, and the referees.  They stayed and put in the effort to officiate this game you so badly wanted--now, you want them to just do it all over again?  That's not happening..."

After this, the clock wound down to zero, the fourth quarter ended and the final score was 62-11.

Coach one and his team were humbled--losing a game they pushed for but that they could have postponed......

Meanwhile, coach one again abandoned his players and parents as he stormed off the field in anger and haste---even refusing to shake hands with the winning coach. 

Then, something really great happened....all the players from both teams shook hands and started eating their snacks, talking to each other, and running through the "human tunnel" their parents created on the field, facing each other and grasping each others' hands.  Everyone left the field happy, even the losing team made friends with the winning team and the day ended with the sun coming out and everything was at peace.

Upon heading to the parking lot to exit the facility--Coach one, the poor sport who left in anger, was reportedly seen sitting in his truck with his secretary and intern, busily banging away on their cell phones all by themselves, with the coach chugging a bottle of Sailor Jerry rum as if it was a Gatorade and he was Michael Jordan.  

It was bizzare behavior to say the least.  It was weird--and the parents he abandoned in the stands just walked by their former coach, shaking their collective heads in disbelief...... 

It was reported that between gulps of the rum, coach one was heard mumbling and talking to himself, saying "I'm quitting!"  I'm done with being the coach, I AM DONE!

The End

*This post is a parody and not based on any real pee-wee football games or political processes or actual real people, coaches, secretaries, valets, or interns....