Thursday on the Wake Up Call: Cheryl Golden, Business Owner in Beulah, on Impacts Growth is Having on Her Business

Today on the wake-up call live on WPNN 103.7 --We welcomed to the show Cheryl Golden, owner of Horse Rides of Pensacola.  She and I discussed the WEAR Channel 3 story she was featured on about the impact a new subdivision is going to have on her property and her business.  We also went through a list of local, national and international stories of interest- discussing multiple issues from around the country that traditional media outlets just won’t cover.  We will always cover interesting, important stories that are not politically correct and won’t otherwise be reported.  That’s what we do on the Wake Up Call! 

We are live each weekday morning from 6:00AM-8:00AM on WPNN-Pensacola's Information Station, where local, conservative morning-drive talk radio is ALIVE and Well and where we give you the most powerful 2 hour(s) in local morning drive talk radio.

Pensacola's only conservative, local morning drive talk show giving you information, weather, traffic, humor, and educated, intelligent discourse with no PC filters....The Wakeup Call with Jeff Bergosh on WPNN FM 103.7: Radio UNRESTRAINED!

- you can listen to this morning’s show here

 

District 1 Debate Held 7-31-24. Watch it Here

Huge Day for District 1: Perdido Key Multi-use Path Ribbon Cutting at 11:00 AM

From the County's Press Release:

Escambia County District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh and county staff invite the public to a ribbon cutting for the Perdido Key Multi-Use Path Tuesday, July 23, at 11 a.m. The ribbon cutting will take place at the Perdido Key Visitors Information Center, located at 15500 Perdido Key Dr.

"The multi-use path is a fantastic amenity for Perdido Key," Commissioner Bergosh said. "I'm excited to officially open it up during our summer season, where residents and visitors can get outside and explore the area's natural beauty, and I'm thrilled to see the multi-use path already being well-used by pedestrians and bicyclists. This is the culmination of years of hard work, and I'm thankful to our staff for their diligence in completing this project."

The Perdido Key Multi-Use Path was identified as a priority in the Perdido Key Master Plan, along with the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization’s 2018-2022 Pedestrian/Bicycle Master Plans.

The multi-use path is designed for pedestrians and bicycles, with motorized vehicles prohibited. The Perdido Key Drive Multi-Use Path East project extends from River Road to the western boundary of Perdido Key State Park, spanning 4.26 miles in length. The western portion of the path runs approximately 2.3 miles eastward from the Florida-Alabama state line.

This project aims to provide better connectivity along Perdido Key, while providing opportunities for alternative means of transportation such as walking or biking. With the completion of the Perdido Key Multi-Use Path, residents and visitors can more easily access and travel between residential, commercial and recreational areas throughout Perdido Key.

The Perdido Key Multi-Use Path project also includes an extensive wildlife mitigation program to protect critical habitat for endangered species.

Massive $240 Million Appropriation Coming to Beulah: Interchange is Fully Funded

Channel 3 is reporting today that it is official.  

Rumors had swirled, folks had made mention of it as a possibility....

But today the word is out.   And it is official

The Beulah Interchange is fully funded in this current year's budget and with some shuffling of existing projects from elsewhere in the state and the use of some other funding sources.  

Read the Channel 3 story here

Much more to come on this MASSIVELY Transformational win for the Beulah Community, District 1, and Escambia County in the next several days.  

A ceremonial groundbreaking for this project is tentatively scheduled for late next week and will feature dignitaries from the state as well as members of our local legislative delegation and county officials.

I was asked by PNJ, WEAR, and NorthEscambia for my statement on this epic win, which I will print below:

"The $240 Million Appropriation from the state to fully fund the construction of the Beulah Interchange beginning next year will be an amazing  and transformational project for Beulah, District 1, and Escambia County!  We certainly could not have done it without the steady leadership of Senator Doug Broxson, combined with sustained persistence by the Florida Alabama transportation planning organization as we on that committee kept this project as our number one priority.  Thank you to our legislature, the Governor, and the folks at FDOT for  getting this necessary project funded for Escambia County!"

 

Two Huge Events Next Week on Fire Service Infrastructure for District 1

On Tuesday--the BCC will be voting on an agreement with the US Navy to acquire 5 acres of property to construct the new Fire Station 20 in Paradise Beach.  The previous station 20 was shut down in 2018 by Administrator Jack Brown.  I have been working ever since to get a replacement, and we are taking another step forward on Tuesday at the meeting.  We have already surveyed this property and purchased some equipment for this station.  It is coming.

And also, on Thursday of next week, we will be cutting the ribbon on Beulah's brand new, state of the art 14,500 SF fire station, the "Bradshaw McNair" fire station.  See the county's press release on this event, below:

"The Bradshaw-McNair Fire Station, serving the residents of the Beulah community, is named after the late District Chief Dwain Bradshaw and retired ECFR District Chief Steve McNair. Chief Bradshaw died in the line of duty while responding to a call on Nov. 6, 2019. Chief McNair served the Beulah community as a volunteer firefighter for over 50 years before retiring. 

The 14,503-square-foot facility will feature four vehicle bays for fire trucks. Along with the standard features within a fire station, such as a kitchen, living room area, gym, bedrooms, and shower facilities, the new Beulah fire station will include a community meeting and training room for public use.

Construction of the Bradshaw-McNair Fire Station was completed by Emerald Coast Constructors, Inc., and was fully funded by Local Option Sales Tax, or L.O.S.T.

"With the opening of the brand new Bradshaw-McNair Fire Station in Beulah, this community will have a state-of-the-art facility, a full-time staff, and multiple pieces of new firefighting and lifesaving equipment that will help protect the citizens and property," said District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh. "This is a fitting tribute to the two men for whom this station is named, Dwain Bradshaw and Steve McNair, as this facility and those who man this station going forward will continue the legacy of service that Mr. Bradshaw and Mr. McNair epitomized. I am thankful for all the staff who worked for the last seven years to keep this project going, and I want to thank my predecessor, Commissioner Wilson Robertson, for his efforts to get momentum behind this project nearly a decade ago. A project like this requires patience, persistence and teamwork, and in this case, the team had it. This station is the fruit of this teamwork."

The Bradshaw-McNair Fire Station is located directly behind the former Beulah Fire Station, which has served Beulah residents since 1977. Numerically, the fire station will remain as ECFR-Station #2.

"This is an exciting time for the community of Beulah and for Escambia County Fire Rescue," said Fire Chief Adam Harrison. "We have seen tremendous growth and opportunity in this community, and we're honored to continue the elevation of Beulah with the addition of this fire station, which will serve the Beulah citizens 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Sorrento Road Improvements Coming--BIG FDOT Project Commencing this December

 At last week's meeting of the Florida/Alabama Transportation Planning Organization, some fairly significant news was shared with the group assembled in Gulf Breeze.

A long awaited project to resurface the state's Sorrento Road from Bauer Road Eastward to Blue Angel Parkway is fully designed, funded, and will be let to a contract this December.  

Currently--this roadway is littered with potholes and uneven pavement.  It has also been the scene of numerous fatal accidents over the last several years.

This project will resurface the road, add paved shoulders, and other improvements.  The larger project to 4-lane this roadway is moving up the priority list---from #18 (where it lingered under a former commissioner) to now being #6 under new district leadership.

Look for much more on this roadway-but in the meantime--take a look at the project details, below.

A Great Day on the Bay!

 

Today we celebrated the opening of District 1's Perdido Bay Boat Ramp on Lillian Highway.

What a great, positive day in District 1 as we opened this fantastic amenity for the people.  See the pictures from the event, below, and check out Rick's Podcast that covered the story.

(Additional media coverage of the event here and here)

New Offer Received Today for OLF 8: $36 Million for the Whole 540 Acres

 Staff just received the below offer today for the entire OLF-8 field.  We will have to go through it and there are some issues that would have to be worked if we were to accept it (e.g. the Triumph Grant for Frank Reeder Road and some infrastructure improvements on the field might not happen as these grants are only allowable on government owned-properties).  We will also have to see how the Master Plan that is already in our ordinances will be followed by this new offeror.  So some issues to work through but if we were to sell for this amount, we would realize more than a $20 Million dollar "profit" for the taxpayers--and this firm has a great reputation.  So we will see.

Interestingly--they are offering a donation of between 15-25 acres to the school board for a school to be built on the site.

This offer will be on our next agenda, this coming Thursday.

Escambia County's Equestrian Center Could be the Location of Next ECSO Substation (and a Community Resource Center)

I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Sheriff Chip Simmons and Chief Deputy Andy Hobbs out at the Equestrian Center in Beulah yesterday.

The topic was the rapid growth out in Beulah in District 1, and also the need for a Sheriff's substation in the Beulah Community.

As District 1 Field Representative Jesse Casey and I discussed the location with Sheriff Simmons and Chief Deputy Hobbs, the reasons for this location became very clear.

"If we can have a location out here, it is very central to Beulah and it allows us to quickly get to all the local schools including the ones on Longleaf if that became necessary" said Sheriff Simmons.

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, Escambia County
Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Andy Hobbs, and D1
Commissioner Jeff Bergosh Discuss an ECSO
Beulah Substation, 5-30-2024, at the Escambia
Conunty Equestrian Center

"With Beulah's population estimated to grow by tens of thousands over the next several decades, this location in the center of Beulah makes the most sense for a substation."  Said Hobbs.

I asked the Sheriff and Chief Deputy if we could co-locate an upgraded resource center for the community and they seemed open to the idea-- once security concerns could be addressed.

In speaking with County Administrator Wes Moreno on the topic, he was positive as well.

"Sheriff Simmons and I have discussed this location and I think it is a great idea, I am all about it." said Moreno.

The ideal area where such a substation could be located on the Equestrian Center land, complete with parking, appears to be the northwest corner, right on Mobile Highway, where a second driveway already exists.

Look for this to be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the full board and also look for some continued discussions with the Sheriff's office on this topic.

It could be a win-win for both the ECSO and the Beulah community!

Big Trucks Parking on Perdido Key Multi-Use Path Is Creating Concerns among Residents

A concerned resident sent the above photos of what he sees on a regular basis:  Large delivery trucks parking on our soon-to-be completed Perdido Key Multi-Use Path in District 1.

I'm sure parking this way makes the stops easier for the drivers--however these large trucks and their incredible weight could crack and damage the 4" to 5" thick concrete that the path is made of.  A Perdido Key resident sent me these photos and even calculated the weight of these trucks if they are carrying a full load.

From the resident:

"The approximate weight of a 16-wheel tractor semi-trailer full of beer cases depends on several factors, including the type and number of beer cases, the weight of the tractor and trailer, and any additional cargo. Let's break down the components to estimate the total weight:

 1. **Weight of the Empty Tractor and Semi-Trailer:**

  - An average 16-wheel tractor (also known as an 18-wheeler with two wheels off the ground) typically weighs around 15,000 to 20,000 pounds.

  - An empty semi-trailer usually weighs between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds.

  - So, the combined weight of an empty tractor and semi-trailer is roughly 25,000 to 35,000 pounds.

 2. **Weight of the Beer Cases:**

  - The standard weight of a case of beer (24 12-ounce bottles or cans) is approximately 36 pounds.

  - The maximum legal payload for a typical semi-trailer is around 45,000 pounds.

 3. **Total Weight Calculation:**

  - If the trailer is loaded to its maximum legal payload, the total weight of the cargo would be around 45,000 pounds of beer cases.

  - Adding the weight of the empty tractor and trailer (25,000 to 35,000 pounds), the total weight would be:

    - Lower estimate: 25,000 pounds (empty tractor and trailer) + 45,000 pounds (beer cases) = 70,000 pounds

    - Upper estimate: 35,000 pounds (empty tractor and trailer) + 45,000 pounds (beer cases) = 80,000 pounds

 Therefore, the approximate weight of a 16-wheel tractor semi-trailer full of beer cases would range from 70,000 to 80,000 pounds."

I have spoken to staff about this concern and we are looking at ways we can put a stop to this.

Obviously, before there was a path, the drivers couldn't park this way or they would have been stuck in the sand.  

We need to go back to the way these delivery drivers delivered before the path was constructed--otherwise we are going to have damage that county taxpayers will be on the hook to pick up.

We don't necessarily want ugly bollards --but we have to do something to stop this.

Look for more discussion on this going forward until we come to an appropriate solution

WaWa Comes to Escambia County's District 1!

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

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

But the panhandle of Florida does not have a WaWa.

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

 

So D1 will be getting 3 WaWa's.

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

But WaWa is much more than that.:  

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

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

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

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

I look forward to watching thier success!

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

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

Great Day Downtown with the Folks from BlabTV!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Real pros at BLAB TV.  

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

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

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

 

92nd District 1 Coffee with the Commissioner April 24

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We will see what happens with his proposal.

Read more about it, below.

Bellview Neighborhood Cleanup Next Wednesday beginning at 7:00 AM

A neighborhood cleanup for residents in Bellview will take place Wednesday, Jan. 17. This is a chance for residents to dispose of items such as old furniture, appliances and household waste free of charge. Yard debris is eligible for removal during this cleanup.

Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Please have all items for pickup at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. If you live in the targeted area, you will have received a postcard in the mail with more information.

Residents can view the boundaries of targeted cleanup areas as well as scheduled cleanup dates for 2024 on the Interactive Neighborhood Cleanup Map.

Items eligible for removal include:

• Household appliances and electronics
• Household junk and debris
• Bicycles and toys
• Old furniture and mattresses
• Barbecue grills
• Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)
• Tires (limit 10 per household)

Items NOT eligible for removal include:

• Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)
• Explosives or ammunition
• Auto parts
• Dirt or sod
• Vehicles or vessels
• 55-gallon drums of fluids

Not sure if your item is eligible? Contact Max Rogers, Development Program Manager, at 850-595-3499 or mprogers@myescambia.com for questions about the cleanup.

Since 2016, more than 6,385 tons (12,770,000 pounds) of waste have been disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency's Safe Neighborhood Program. During neighborhood cleanups, crew members and volunteers visit different neighborhoods in the county to remove a variety of debris and waste free of charge.

I'll be on 1370 WCOA's Real News with Rick Outzen Tomorrow Morning at 7:00

I'll be on Pensacola's highest quality, highest rated, most accurate and trusted morning drive news program--"Real News with Rick Outzen" tomorrow morning at 7:00AM.

Rick Outzen, host of the area's best, highest-rated, most trusted and accurate source for morning-drive news programming--"Real News with Rick Outzen"--has invited me to be the week's lead-off guest tomorrow morning at 7:00AM.

The county won't be having any meetings anytime soon--however there is never any shortage of topics for discussion, so I'll be prepared to field any questions Rick wants to throw at me.

Perhaps we will discuss the garbage guest-editorial in today's PNJ--lionizing the clerk and slamming the BCC?

Perhaps we will discuss the ongoing homeless issue the city is enduring? 

NFCU's new park facility opening?

Who knows, maybe he'll ask me about my free speech rhetorical question I posted on my blog that is getting hammered by hits?  Or the whole bruhaha in Tallahassee?

Or maybe the issue of the "who" it will be running the new Beulah fire station once it is completed in the next few months and the old one is decommissioned.

Or the latest on OLF 8 and/or the Beulah Master Plan, or Perdido Incorporation?

There's never a shortage on what we can discuss.

So tune in live on 1370 WCOA at 7:00 or catch the podcast here, I'll post it once Rick publishes it.

Beulah Road Improvements on the Way

 

A public meeting will be held this evening at 5:30 in Beulah at the Senior Center on Woodside Road.  There will also be an online component to this hybrid meeting on the same topic.

This is an FDOT roadway and project--but it is an important artery road in D1.

FDOT encourages public participation and involvement in the planning of this project which will include some new sidewalks, drainage, and resurfacing.  Here is the press release from FDOT, below:

State Road (S.R.) 99 (Beulah Road) Resurfacing Project

 Hybrid Public Meeting

 Chipley, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a hybrid public meeting concerning the resurfacing project on S.R. 99 (Beulah Road) from

U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) to Isaacs Lane in Escambia County on Tuesday,

Nov. 7, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (CST).

 Citizens are encouraged to attend the virtual meeting at www.nwflroads.com/virtualmeetings. Those who are unable to participate virtually may attend the meeting in-person at the Beulah Senior Citizen Center, 7425 Woodside Road, Pensacola. Pre-registration is required for the virtual format and encouraged for in-person attendees. The same materials will be presented for each format.

 The intent of this project is to resurface existing travel and turn lanes.

Additional improvements include:

• Adding a sidewalk from Beulah Academy of Science to Nine Mile Road.
• Replacing a cross drain at Beulah Church Road intersection for improved drainage.

No additional right-of-way is required. Bids for construction are scheduled to occur fall 2024.

 Maps, drawings, and other information will be on display. FDOT representatives will be available to discuss proposed improvements, answer questions, and receive comments. 

 This meeting is being held without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status.

 For more information visit the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on the web at www.nwflroads.com, follow us on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl and Instagram @myfdot_nwfl,  like us on Facebook at MyFDOTNWFL, or subscribe to us on YouTube @MyFDOTNWFL.

 

Tremendous Generosity for a District 1 Wounded Warrior!

Friday afternoon a ceremony was held in District 1 to honor a wounded veteran who lives in our community.  Corporal Corey Dingman served multiple tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan with the United States Army- where he was severely injured.  After active service he stayed in the fight as a defense contractor overseas for nearly four years.

This past week, Cpl. Dingman and his wife Michelle were notified that they would be receiving a fully furnished, handicap-accessible, and fully-paid for brand new home in District 1.  The nonprofit group Helping a Hero has teamed up with Bass Pro Shops and Lennar Homes to begin the 100 homes challenge, an initiative established with the goal of identifying and building 100 homes for America's wounded heroes who have come home from active service gravely injured.

I was notified the groundbreaking would occur Friday morning and I was humbled to be invited and to give remarks on behalf of the community.

The highlights of the ceremony can be viewed at this video here, along with an interview with Cpl. Dingman and his wife Michelle.

It is incredible, the generosity of our nation's business community and average citizens who donate to such admirable causes as Helping a Hero.  Initiatives such as this would never get off the ground without such support AND the amazing work of corporations like Lennar Homes and Bass Pro Shops.

I look forward to early January when the community will celebrate the completion of this hero's house and we will welcome him "home" together.

Thank you for your service to our nation Cpl Dingman!

Will They Really Sue Us to Shut Down Public Access to Perdido Key's Beaches?

Some folks do not want you, the public, to access the public beaches of Perdido Key that the deeds to their properties allow via a perpetual easement for a public beach of 75'.  These folks are prepared to sue to remove that language.  They are about to pull the tiger's tail if they try that. And it won't succeed in court or in the court of public opinion either.......

Late last week I heard about this troubling develoment.

Apparently there are a half-dozen or so condominium HOA's that will be banding together to hire a prominent local attorney to challenge the 75' easements that were discovered earlier this year which provided for public beach access in perpetuity.

I anticipated a phone call on Friday from this attorney but it never happened.....

As we found during that process to determine which parcels contained public use easements, about 63 parcels at Perdido Key contain this very language--stretching from the state park Eastward to the Perdido Skye condominium.

Apparently, I am also told, there are several retired attorneys that own property on these parcels and are pressing for litigation;  some of these folks don't even live here full time.

But dangit--they don't like the public using (what they thought was) their beach!

The trouble is--these beaches, since 1957, have had the 75' easement language in place guaranteeing public access/use.  I walked those same beaches with my late father in the early 1980's and never had any problems and nobody ever accused me of trespassing.  Many others I've spoken with did likewise.

I think they will attempt to argue we/the public/the county "abandoned" this easement.

All I can say is good luck with that argument.  It fails.

So I wonder why this is the fight these folks want to pick?  Do they really want to awaken the citizens on the west side with this litigation?

Nobody wants litigation, nobody wants a court fight.

But a fight to preserve the public's lawful right to access these beaches is one I am willing to have.  And I know I am not alone.  

Every town hall I have I ask about the public's use of these beaches and it is a sea of green "AGREE" cards.  

It is a universally bi-partisan issue that transcends every ideology, race, age, and social status---public beach access.  

So I hope this litigation is rethought and a productive dialogue can commence instead--focused on the county providing additonal safety and maintenance resources in these areas which I believe is appropriate if the public is using these beaches.

Stay tuned, more to come on this.