Tuesday on the Wake up Call: District 4 Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger

 

Today on the wake-up call live on WPNN 103.7 –We had District 4 County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger on the show at 7:00.  We discussed Beach development, beach traffic, the upcoming BCC meeting this Thursday where OLF 8 will be discussed, the agenda item to add 10 paramedics to the EMS department, the changes coming to fire MSBUs, and the current state of tourism revenues thus far this year.  In addition to this, we did a complete local, national, and international news roundup.

- you can listen to this morning’s show here

Ashlee Hofberger’s interview starts here:  https://tinyurl.com/4by4rbfx

Wake up Call Wednesday: District 4 Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger

 

Today on the wake-up call live on WPNN 103.7 we discussed state, local, national, and international topics of interest.  We also welcomed onto the show District 4 Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger.  She and I discussed current issues in District 4, a parking garage at Pensacola Beach, the current state of the EMS division and her interest in OLF 8 and seeing the project to completion.  It was a great discussion!

In addition to this, we discussed:

-local news—tornado and arrest for noisy protesting downtown

-Shark attack in the Bahamas

-ADHD and smoking

-Netanyahu on the cease fire

-UWF Graduate and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna tapped to head the release of government secrets task force

-Demi Moore on her Oscar nominated performance in “The Substance”

And much more….

Listen to my interview with Ashlee Hofberger here

You can hear a complete recording of today’s live show here.

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 hour(s) in local morning drive talk radio.

News, weather, traffic, humor, and educated, intelligent discourse with no PC filters....

The Wakeup Call with Jeff Bergosh on WPNN FM 103.7:  Radio UNRESTRAINED.

The Wake up Call is coming to you live from the road as we're in New Orleans this week......

The Wake up Call for Tuesday: Catching up with Former Pensacola Mayor Ashton J. Hayward

 

Today on the wake-up call live on WPNN 103.7 we discussed state, local, national, and international topics of interest.  We also welcomed onto the show former Pensacola Mayor and the current President of the Andrews Research and Education Foundation Ashton Hayward.  He and I discussed ST Engineering, Economic Development, the upward trajectory of Pensacola and Escambia County, his days as Mayor and his recollections of that time, his work at the Andrews Foundation, and his interest in OLF 8.  It was a great discussion.

In addition to this, we discussed:

-local news and information

-The hostages in Gaza

-Tulsi Gabbard’s upcoming confirmation vote

-25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum going into effect

-Tucker Carlson’s statements on who it was to blame for the attempts on Donald Trump’s life

-Federal Judges attempting to block Trumps reforms

-Rob Blagojevich’s full pardon from Trump today

-Charges against Eric Adams dropped by DOJ

And much more….

Listen to my interview with Ashton Hayward here

You can hear a complete recording of today’s live show here.

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 hour(s) in local morning drive talk radio.

News, weather, traffic, humor, and educated, intelligent discourse with no PC filters....

The Wakeup Call with Jeff Bergosh on WPNN FM 103.7:  Radio UNRESTRAINED.

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!

New, Revised LOI Received for OLF 8 Property From Beulah TownCenter LLC

 We were notified yesterday that a revised letter of intent (LOI) was sent to the county yesterday for our OLF 8 property.  See the revised LOI below:

Let's Move Forward with the 250 Acres for Jobs

 

The jobs-creation acreage at OLF-8 and the residential mixed use portion should not be handcuffed together--- when we are good to go on the 250 acre jobs portion of this property.

We have now had three separate offers for OLF-8 where one of the first sales stipulations/conditions for such sales requires significant variances away from the approved Master Plan for OLF-8 in Beulah.

Three companies, three separate and distinct offers, three LOI's with strict requirements for variances away from our codes and ordinances as it pertains to deveolping OLF-8.

This means something.  Occam's razor applies.  Obviously there is something with the master plan which is making such a transaction not financially viable.

I lament this, but I am not entirely surprised.  In multiple discussions now with multiple industry professionals that have either already made offers for this field or who are considering doing so--the one common theme is that the plan as required is not financially viable/feasible in this market if strict adhearance in mandated.

Said one such offerer "We can get about 70% there, with the areas and the uses and even the street layouts--we just cannot make the other 30% and in order for this deal to make business sense for us as a company--we have to have relief from that 30% which includes some of the very proscriptive design code."

There is obviously some wisdom in this individual's words--- as each of these three separate offers are from primarily residential builders and each such plan--thus far--looks to build more single family housing than mixed use, commercial, and/or high density commercial with residential lofts.

So if we are going to only settle for absolute 100% compliance with the DPZ plan for the southern, mixed use portions of the field--- I believe we need to go ahead and start off with moving the 250 acres on the northern part of the field forward for job creation with a re-booted triumph grant.  The board has signalled it's intent to hold back 250 acres for job creation--separate and apart from the rest of the field--due to the curveball we were thrown with the state's recently enacted "Live Local Act" which pre-empts our ability to prevent owners of commercial properties anywhere from immediately creating high-density residential apartments on such commercial properties.  If we sold the northern portion of OLF 8 as a part of any one-package all in one sale---we would not be able to prevent such a purchaser from building apartments on that commercial jobs producing parcel thanks to the state's passage of this law.  Our local control on this matter has been stripped by the state legislature.

So, with all of this as the backdrop, now is the time to move forward with creating jobs on the 250 acres of commercially zoned areas on the north east portion of OLF 8.  I discussed this on Rick's Podcast Thursday Morning.  If the board wants to create jobs with this portion, which we signalled strongly at our last meeting, now is the time to move forward, reboot our triumph gulf coast application, and get going.  There are companies that need this space at this location--good companies with good jobs.

Meanwhile, we can wait for the perfect "unicorn" offer from a developer to build the balance of the field on the south side, in complete/absolute 100% adhearance to the master plan as enacted.  We can make that portion fabulous.  Eventually.  If we get a buyer.  Maybe.

But that might just mean we never get that section developed.  It might mean we never get a restaurant, shop, or any other amenity developed on that portion of the field if the requirments are absolutely rigid and the county in intransigent with respect to ANY variances requested by an offeror.  My prediction is we may never get an offereor who will pay top dollar to build it 100% as the plan specifies.  Look back at the first three offers for my rationale for this prediction.

So the southern portion of the field might very well remain a field if that is the case.  I know many would be just fine with that--because such individuals really never wanted anything built there anyway.

But the largest tragedy of that scenario is that it makes it harder, if not next to impossible, for us to ever recoup the county taxpayers' existing $14.5 Million debt on the whole parcel if the southern, most valuable retail/commercial frontage parcels on 9-Mile road remain "unsaleable."

But at this point the jobs portion and the residential mixed use portion should not be handcuffed together when we are good to go on the jobs portion.  Time to get moving.

Has the New Auction for OLF 8 Begun?

As I had anticipated would be the case--the BCC has now received a fresh offer for all 540 acres of OLF 8 for the tidy sum of $40 Million Dollars. (and I anticipate several more in the coming weeks)

In this particular, very bare bones, three page offer (see it below)--no mention of the DPZ Master Plan--but multiple requests for full cooperation in rezoning the property, achieving preliminary site plan approvals, and amending the comprehensive plan.  So there is that.

-120 day inspection period requested

-total of $1 Million in earnest money, with an additional $100,000 that goes hard after several steps are taken and after the inspection period.

-Three (3) 30-day extensions requested.

I see some issues with the offer, chief among them is the guidance that the BCC already gave signalling that we will reserve 250 acres for job creation--so I would expect that this offer will have to be re-tooled.

Some of the speakers at recent meeting should be ecstatic.  It is someone other than DR Horton.....

We will see what the full board chooses to do with this offer--as this decision is up to the full 5-member board.

New Proposed Bulid out of OLF 8 Field Results in HALF as many Residential Dwellings as DPZ Hybrid Plan Would Have Allowed......

Less (new high density housing built on OLF-8) is More (better 😊) 

I know that headline is a mouthful.

But what would the total number of residential units be, if some buyer made an offer and built out the OLF-8 field precisely as DPZ stipulates in their Hybrid Plan -  the compromise plan the board adopted two years ago for OLF 8?  How does that number of residences compare to the latest offer/plan submitted by D.R. Horton and Stirling Properties in their revised offer of $24.1 Million for OLF-8?

I wanted to know so I asked staff to do an analysis--which they recently completed and sent back to me.

"We’ve broken down the numbers of the plans into overall residential densities. The Horton (new) plan doesn’t include the mixed residential/commercial category as in the hybrid plan, and it proposes much lower overall densities.

 The total residential density in the [DPZ] hybrid plan is 40 units per acre. This comes from the total densities for each zoning district and the total acreage of those districts. It’s probably higher than what could be built given the variables but it’s the same way we calculate density for all zoning districts.

 The total residential density in the new[Horton/Stirling] plan is 6.7 (rounded from 6.6) units per acre. This was calculated with the 170 acres of residential and the total residential units of 1,133."

Okay so just as pictured, the lasted proposed build out consists of a town center, green spaces, commercial, retail, residential AND 241 acres for Economic Development/Job Creation.  And the total number of residential units is 1,133.

Under the DPZ hybrid plan adopted by the board--the 61 acres  set aside for residential development allowed for up to 40 units per acre.  So, multiplying the 61 acres for high density residential dwellings in the DPZ hybrid plan (and not including any of the hundreds of residential over retail in the DPZ plan's 47 acre set-aside for mixed use)==you get more than 2,400 residential units on OLF 8!! 

So the latest Horton/Stirling plan cuts, by more than half, the total number of traffic exacerbating, infrastructure taxing high-density residential dwelling units on the field while still providing retail, a town center, green spaces, restaurants, and other amenities---as well as a significant amount of space for job creation.

Remember--most that live out here in Beulah, like I do, wanted NO RESIDENTIAL on this field, as we have plenty of high density residential development all around this area already.

Just more to consider as we look at what is proposed.

But for my vote---LESS residential and more amenities is bettter.

What Does D.R. Horton's Offer Request in terms of Zoning and FLU Modifications?

 The revised offer from D.R. Horton for the purchase of 297 acres of county-owned property at OLF-8 is full of conditions, restrictions, and demands for guarantees from the county.

It protects the buyer's position completely if it is approved as it was submitted.

Which is to be expected from a buyer making an all cash $24+ Million dollar offer for a property.

Why are some modest changes from the DPZ master plan requested via this D.R. Horton Contract?

According to those familiar with master plans, this DPZ plan specifically, and the realities in the home building/development world (with associated issues complexified by a dysfunctional supply chain and labor shortages)--the master plan as written, if strictly adheared to, is not financially viable.  In other words, nobody can make it pencil, economically, as written with no engineering and no flexibility.

According to one insider with whom I spoke, "Jeff, we can get to about 70% compliance with that master plan as written and make it profitable--but we would need concessions to get out from under the 30% that kills the viability."  

So I'm not sure if the guarantees demanded for ordinance variations from the master plan and/or the requirement for the FLU change and the Zoning designations changes accomodates the necessary revisions to make this an economically feasible project.  Perhaps it does.

Regardless, the below pictures from the D.R. Horton offer indicate, graphically, two of the requested adjustments D.R. Horton is seeking via their sales contract---in light of the board shrinking their site by 241 acres.

More to come on this later in the week, and I hope to be able to post the complete contract at some point later this afternoon--once I am green-lighted to do so by the Attorney and and advised it is a releasable public record.

I'll be on 1370 WCOA at 7:00 This Morning Discussing DR Horton Offer for OLF 8

I'll be on the area's most factual, trusted, and highest rated morning drive news program "Real News with Rick Outzen"  this morning at 7:00 AM to discuss the OLF 8 offer in detail...

Rick Outzen, host of the area's best, most connected, most accurate, most insightful, most listened-to and most trusted morning drive news show "Real News with Rick Outzen"--has asked me to come on the show this morning at 7:00 AM to give insight into the latest DR Horton offer for the county's OLF 8 property in Beulah.

My intention is to go through the offer piece by piece with Rick so his listeners will know exactly where we stand with this deal, how we got here, and where we are headed.

Listen live this morning at 7:00 -- or download the podcast which, once posted, I will link here.

The Value of Economic Development as a Core Governmental Function

At the most recent District 1 Town Hall Meetings held--a large majority of citizens signaled agreement with economic development incentives given by the county to companies for the creation of good jobs locally.

Over the last month or so, there has been a group of citizens, elected officials, community leaders and others involved in the process to replace outgoing Florida West CEO Scott Luth.

Along the way this ad hoc committee has looked at the resumes and LinkdIn profiles of dozens of leaders in economic development around the country--folks that have submitted resumes for the opening at Florida West.

This past week the finalists have been interviewed by this panel.

The meetings were open to the public and attended by one member of the media and one member of the public outside of the committee.

But reading what these men and women have accomplished in their respective communities in terms of capital investment won and jobs created is an amazing testament to the value and need for economic development as a core function of local municipalities and counties.

Some small factions may disagree--but those who understand the issue and have seen the fruits of this labor understand that yes, this is an important governmental function.

And the general public, by and large, gets it, too.

At my last several town hall meetings, I have asked the question

"Do you support the county offering tax credits to lure big businesses to our area for job creation"

to which I was met with a sea of green "agree" cards being held high in the air.

So the folks in the business get it, the informed community gets it, the county and the city get it, and others who are shown the information understand it.

Interestingly--the very few who don't get it or who do understand it but for whatever reason don't support economic development--they are the ones who purposely outed a confidential deal a few years back that would have brought dozens of jobs and more than a million dollars in capital investment to our area.

Some of these folks also don't apparently "get" the concept of keeping confidential information confidential.

OLF 8 Project in District 1 will be a WIN for Escambia County, the Taxpayers, and Beulah!

 

A recent guest editorial and letter to the editor about OLF 8 contained strident opinions presented as facts and half-truths conflated with misstatements.  A letter to the editor in today's PNJ contained the same flawed talking points.  Therefore, I feel obliged to add clarity to this important issue.

The OLF 8 acquisition, master planning, and marketing effort has been a 25-year evolution. 

We’ve recently accepted an all-cash offer for OLF-8, allowing for the construction of restaurants, retail, a town-center, high-wage job areas, and other amenities for all Escambia taxpayers.

The bidder I favored--based upon better initially expressed intentions (Breland)—didn’t show up to the selection meeting held on April 6^th.  They were aware of the meeting and didn’t attend.

DR Horton, by contrast, attended the meeting, presented their plan, and modified their language indicating substantial compliance with the Board’s Master Plan.  They’ll be teaming with Stirling properties for the commercial/light industrial portions of the field, and they upped their offer significantly—to $42 Million Dollars ($7 Million more than Breland’s highest offer).

Also-Horton/Stirling’s plan indicates a piece of the parcel for potential sale to the school board for a Beulah High School if that board wants that. Breland’s rendering had no school site.  Horton/Stirling’s plan also has a town center; the Breland “rendering”has no town center.

Breland’s plan indicates miniscule retail portions, a tiny portion for job creation (light industrial) and the entire balance of the land residential.  Importantly: Breland’s plan didn’t reflect the master plan conformity they assured the board in their initial purchase offer.  

The Horton/Stirling plan remains much more strongly aligned with the agreed upon master plan than does Breland’s—look at initial renderings, side by side, below. Judge for yourself.

DR Horton/Stirling Property OLF 8 Concept
plan (Residential in Green)

Breland OLF8 Concept plan
(Residential in Yellow)

From the beginning of this acquisition process- as the county worked on creating high-paying, high tech jobs on OLF-8-- I forcefully advocated against ANY residential on that field-- a position with which most citizens in Beulah with whom I’ve spoken agree.

Pressure applied on the BCC by some area residents and a few politically connected special interests, however, pushed aside the original plan as solely a regional jobs generator. 

That’s how we got here.

Over the next 60 days, we’ll hammer out an agreement that’ll result in between a $20-$27 million dollar “profit” for the taxpayers— proceeds that will be used county-wide to address legacy deficiencies in infrastructure and fund quality of life enhancements. 

OLF 8 will also generate significant new property tax revenue for the county and the school board; this added revenue allows us to ensure FIRST RESPONDERS are paid competitive wages-assisting us with staffing challenges without raising property tax (millage) rates. 

Therefore, I’d caution readers to always be wary in believing a few voices of discord who want you to believe they represent and speak for everyone.

Remember: these same voices have deftly transitioned and recalibrated their opposition as we’ve responsibly advanced this project. “They’ll never complete this land-swap!” naysayers first howled.  “These commissioners are reckless—they’ll NEVER recoup this investment!” came next.  Now it’s “Commissioners only care about the MONEY.”

It’s very rich how the goal posts move, the attacks change--- but the faces of opposition remain the same.

We’ll never successfully hit the Goldilocks zone for these folks—where the porridge is “just right,” but we’ve tried.  We engaged the community, compromised, and listened.

Now it’s time to act. 

I’m upbeat, positive, and optimistic about the impending OLF8 sale/development.  

With integrity and due consideration, we’ll close this deal to produce a huge win----for everyone!

Today's Offer for OLF8: $41 Million and Language Accepting Master Plan & Restrictive Deed Covenants

 

Another Letter of Interest for OLF 8

 On Friday the board received from the administrator the latest letter of interest on OLF 8.  This time, it was Bluestem partners from Kansas City.  They are working with some local individuals and will be submitting a formal letter of intent early this upcoming week.  From their email to Administrator Moreno:

"Wanted to send this letter as a placeholder while we work on our offer.  Will have something over to you early next week."

See the letter they sent with it, below:

I'll Be on "Real News with Rick Outzen" at 7:05

I'll be on Rick Outzen's morning drive news/talk program this morning at 7:05

 I've been invited once again to appear on the area's premiere, most highly-rated and best morning drive news radio program, "Real News with Rick Outzen" on 1370 WCOA.

I'll be joining Rick later this morning, at 7:05, to discuss the latest updates on OLF 8.  And there will be news to report.

Listen live, or catch the podcast here.

I'll be on "Real News with Rick Outzen" on WCOA Tomorrow Morning Discussing the Latest on OLF8 Offers

I'll be the lead-off guest tomorrow morning on the area's best and highest rated morning drive news program-"Real News with Rick Outzen" on 1370 WCOA

 

I've been invited to be the lead-off guest tomorrow morning on the area's best, most listened-to and most informative/fact-based morning drive news program---"Real News with Rick Outzen" on 1370 WCOA.

The topic of conversation will be OLF-8 and the now multiple cash offers we have now received for this property and the BCC's next steps going forward.

We may even have other offers between this afternoon and tomorrow morning---if we do, we will discuss it.

Listen in live at 7:00 or catch the podcast here.

HOT OFF THE PRESS! BCC Receives $35 Million Cash Offer for OLF8 This Morning

This morning very early--Members of the BCC and our attorney received a $35 Million Dollar all cash offer for the OLF-8 property in Beulah in District one.

Late last week, we received a $33 Million offer from DR Horton.  This announcement was met with SIGNIFICANT concern and consternation from the constituents I serve.

Although intrigued by DR Horton's offer and the potential that cash infusion could bring to the BCC----this latest offer, below, is more lucrative and comes from a national firm that has already done or is currently working on similar, large footprint mixed-use developments.

And their letter intimates they will work within the existing Master Plan which is a huge plus and should leave the residents I serve in Beulah much more at ease.

And this could be $21 Million dollar "profit" if we can close this deal!

Much more on this--and it will be discussed later this morning at the BCC meeting.  Stay tuned!

On "Real News with Rick Outzen" Tomorrow Morning at 7:00 Discussing the OLF-8 Sale Issue.

The topic of tomorrow's chat will be
the potential sale of OLF-8 for $33 Million

I've been invited to appear as the lead off guest on tomorrow morning's "Real News with Rick Outzen"--- the area's best, most influential, popular, and fact-based local AM drive news talk program.

The singular topic will be the large offer made by a national firm to purchase our OLF-8 property in District 1 in Beulah.

Nothing we do on that property will make everyone happy--so we will discuss the offer, the next steps, and the process going forward.

We will also discuss the pros and cons of this proposed deal.

Listen in on the area's best morning news program on 1370 WCOA at 7:00

Once Rick publishes the podcast, I will post it here.

More Big Economic Development WINs for Escambia County at Triumph Gulf Coast Yesterday!

Approved Yesterday:  $20 Million + in Economic Development Projects for Escambia County from the BP Oil Spill Settlement Proceeds--$14.2 for District 1's OLF-8 road infrastructure initiative...

Yesterday was a huge day for Escambia County as two big projects moved forward and were approved at the Triumph Gulf Coast meeting in Panama City.  The projects, totalling more than $20 Million Dollars, will allow for the growth of jobs at Escambia's OLF 8 property in District 1 via the construction of a high quality, durable road from 9-Mile Road to Frank Reeder road, as well as associated drainage and utilities.  This will bi-sect the property and has been something multiple potential developers had looked upon as "must have" infrastructure for the field's development to commence.

The second project approved yesterday, project laser, will help to fund a manufacturing research center of excellence.

The board members received the below email notifying us of the vote by Triumph yesterday afternoon from Scott Luth, CEO of Florida West Economic Development Alliance.  From the email:

"The Triumph Gulf Coast board voted to support two Escambia projects yesterday afternoon totaling over $20 million. 

 The County OLF8, $14.2 million, road and infrastructure project term sheet was approved and recommended for a full contract. This is a tremendous milestone project to develop publicly owned, competitive, light industrial park property to help our community keep and expand our existing business and attract new business.

 The PEDC, $6 million, Project Laser full application was approved and recommended for term sheet development. This is a partnership project between PEDC, Pensacola State College, Space Florida, and LIFT to establish a new manufacturing research center of excellence in our community (Please see the Triumph Staff recommendation of our project attached).

 I would like to thank the Triumph staff and our two Triumph board members from Escambia County, David Bear and Collier Merrill, for their support and leadership. 

 Both of these projects would not have moved to this stage without the help and support of the City, County, and many other partners. 

 While these are great first steps and represent a lot of work thus far, we will now begin to move the projects forward to realize the long term benefits this potential investment will have within our community.  I appreciate your support of our community"

About Florida West

About Triumph Gulf Coast

$14.2 Million Triumph Gulf Coast Ask for OLF-8 Wins Unanimous Approval

Escambia County is bringing home a huge award of over $14 Million in Oil Spill penalty money to create good jobs on our OLF-8 property.  Big win for our county and our citizens!

As the county moves toward developing the jobs-producing portions of OLF 8 --one of the biggest barriers (outside of some of the requirements and ambiguities of the site's Master Plan) that companies and potential developers have expressed is all about infrastructure.   Where will the roads be located?  Who is responsible for stormwater retention?  Will it be necessary on each parcel--or will there be a large, centralized storm pond for all commercial tennants to utilize?  What about sewer?  what about electrical service?  These are important questions that need to be answered before we can move jobs creating high-tech, clean tech manufacturing, distribution, and assembly companies onto this field.

Yesterday in Panama City a big part of the answer to that question was formalized.  John Singley and Studio 850 were there and covered the meeting.  Kudos to them for doing that.  

As a result of the county's request- we will receive $14.2 Million in BP oil spill monies to invest in a North-South connector road between 9-Mile Road and Frank Reeder Road---which will facilitate ingress/egress for the vehicles of potential jobs producing tenants on OLF-8.  The county will kick in an additional $3 Million in matching funds ---but will be reimbursed for this funding outlay once deals are reached with those who will develop sites on this field to produce jobs.

This was a giant, profound step forward.  Right now, there are two entities that have expressed significant interest in building 35-40 acre sites on the field for creating up to 250 jobs that will pay above our county's average salary.  A third entity is waiting in the wings.  Interesting to me that no residential interest has swooped in to develop the dozens of acres that provide for density of up to 60 units per acre under the OLF-8 Master Plan.  I'm told by staff and at least one residential developer that some of the provisions of the master plan are actually a hindrance to such developers coming in to build--which frankly is fine by me as I was the commissioner who was staunchly opposed to any residential being constructed on this field. (along with a majority of nearby residents that did not want residential and feel too much residential has been built in Beulah already.  So perhaps that is just serendipity.  Meanwhile, we WILL move forward with creating jobs and bringing home the Triumph money just as I campaigned on. (Read all about the history of this field here.  There's a LOT of history..)

But nothing--commercial or residential-- moves on that field until we can cogently explain what the road layout will actually look like and how the provision of utilities will be distributed around the field.  A large part of that question will be answered as a result of yesterday's meeting and unanimous vote to support OLF-8 and Escambia County.  Another big win for the county.

Much more to come on this in the months ahead.