Discussions with Navy Leadership

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

Space Station Austronaut Answers Pensacola Students' Questions Live via Satellite Link

Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli answers Pensacola students' questions live from the Space Station via a real-time satellite link-up, 11-15-2023

I get invited to a lot of really cool events as a County Commissioner.  And I am always thankful for the invitation to attend great events in our area's schools.  Yesterday was a perfect example of this.  

Pensacola's Creative Learning Academy hosted a huge crowd from the community, to include elected officials, military officers, business leaders, parents and students--to watch a real-time conversation between students and an Astronaut aboard the international space station. 

These sorts of events don't come around often, either.  

In fact, this Pensacola school was the only school in the entire state of Florida approved for a real-time, satellite link up with the space station.

Another interesting point to note about this event: two of the four Astronauts aboard the station, including Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli--the host of the interview and the Astronaut that would be answering the students' questions--began their flight training as Naval Aviators studying right here in Pensacola.  

So, at 8:30AM sharp, Head of School Kim Stafford welcomed the crowd of hundreds that had assembled in the packed school gymnasium, prior to the link up.  

Once the video call started, Astronaut Moghbeli floated in an open area of the space station, surrounded by all kinds of wires, boxes, tubes, equipment, and other paraphernalia--and fielded more than a dozen recorded questions from students.  To make the conversation more interesting, she let the microphone free float in front of her and/or spun it in the weightlessness of space a couple of times--to the delight of the students.  She even floated upside down to answer at least one question.  This move--along with her answer to the question--drew laughter from the students. 

The questions posed to Moghbeli came from first graders all the way through eighth graders--so the questions ranged from simple to amusing to interesting to thoughtful to complex.  Most of the answers were enlightening to the majority of participants in the room.  Each question was answered succinctly-- with informative video clips and personal, firsthand testimony from Moghbeli added in.  

How do you get power with no cords or generators?  What is your job on the station?  How do you wash your laundry in space?  What do stars look like from space?  How long does it take to put on your space suit? How do you exercise in Space?  When you float upside down does the blood all rush to your head like it does on Earth? --were some of the questions posed by CLA students. 

Who knew that Astronauts wear their pants for thirty days then simply dispose of them?  Who knew about the specialized machines created for exercise (2 1/2 hours per day per astronaut) that add resistance in zero gravity--and what they actually look like?  Who knew it takes nearly 6 hours to completely, safely put on a space suit prior to a spacewalk? Who knew how Astronauts actually bathe?

There were a lot of enlightening answers to all of the questions; a lot of us had a-ha moments, not just the elementary school students in attendance!  😀

A Different Approach to Safely and Securely Offering Public Access to Public Portions of NAS Pensacola?

 

Ever since the terrorist attack of December 6th 2019 and then the subsequent COVID 19 Pandemic which followed the next year---access to NAS Pensacola by the public at large has been severely limited and all but curtailed.

There are many good reasons why-- and the decisions to do so are made largely via higher headquarters and are not made locally.

The Navy has a training mission which is the priority.  Everyone understands this.

The tourism opportunity provided by the National Museum of Naval Aviation, the Lighthouse, and the National Seashore are important to the local community as a vital revenue generating source--but the mission of the base is the priority.

Protecting the various missions on the base is the most important factor because this alone provides our area with a tremendous influx of dollars for the economy--the size of which is only rivaled by seasonal tourism and the beaches.

So is it possible to provide access to the base safely, securely, while not jeopardizing missions here?

That has been the question, several options have been studied.  The most recent idea was to have the Florida Department of Transportation take over and improve the roadway all the way through the base which would have allowed for the station's security posture to be maintained while also allowing for visitation to the Museum, cemetery, golf course, and national seashore by the general public and tourists from around the country.

Unfortunately, this option does not appear likely due to the tremendously high costs associated with implementation.

Other ideas are being explored (e.g. busing visitors aboard the station to tour the museum after such persons are vetted off the station).

This past week I was invited to participate in a conference call with  NAS Pensacola CAPT Terrance Shashaty and multiple folks from FDOT.  The reason for the call was primarily an introduction and to

3 Important Area Visits over the Last Week

 We've had several high profile visits from important groups and individuals over the last week.

Mr. Ryan Newman--the General Counsel to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis--is introduced to the Federalist Society of the Emerald Coast on Friday, June 24th in Pensacola at the Artel Gallery

First off, we had the General Counsel to the Governor of Florida, Ryan Newman, at the Federalist Society of the Emerald Coast Meeting on Friday.  More than 80 attendees--including dozens of current and former Judges from the 4-county area, locally elected officials, state representatives, judicial candidates, former Mayor Ashton Hayward, State Attorney Ginger Madden, and many others--had an informative question and answer session with this important and powerful attorney.  After introductory remarks, where Mr. Newman discussed how he went from the U.S. Army as a Tank Platoon Commander, to Law School at the University of Texas, to interning for then Solicitor General of Texas Ted Cruz, to private practice, then back to work for now Senator Cruz, to working as Ron DeSantis' lawyer.  An interesting tidbit that elicited some chuckles from the crowd was when Newman recounted being offered the job by DeSantis with the caveat that before he come down he just needed to go ahead and take and pass the Florida Bar  😀.....The discussion was heavy on legal theory, the importance of textualists and originalists on the bench, the chevron deference issue, and how Newman came to the position of being DeSantis' attorney.  He went in depth on the important work he does in assisting in the process of appointing judges statewide.  It was a very compelling conversation that folks in the audience genuinely enjoyed. (Interesting that very few questions came from the audience about the Dobbs decision by the U.S. Supreme Court which had been handed down earlier that day.)

Mr. Ryan Newman--the General Counsel to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis--speaks to the Federalist Society of the Emerald Coast on Friday, June 24th in Pensacola at the Artel Gallery

Mr. Ryan Newman--the General Counsel to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis--speaks with Circuit Court Judge Gary Bergosh and to the Federalist Society of the Emerald Coast members on Friday, June 24th in Pensacola at the Artel Gallery

On Tuesday the 28th-- the Triumph Gulf Coast Board of directors held their regular meeting here in Pensacola at the Pensacola International Airport.  It was a rather short meeting--with two Bay County projects discussed as well as one $1.5 Million Dollar project for Escambia County that was pitched to the board by Florida West Executive Director Scott Luth.  Two members who will be rolling off the board, former Senate President Don Gaetz and Mr. Matt Terry-an appointee of the Senate President Wilton Simpson--were given warm send-offs by the board, staff, and members of the audience.  Notably, Pensacola member David Bear will be taking over the chairmanship of this important board that is overseeing the disbursement of $1.5 Billion in Oil Spill penalty funds earmarked by the Florida Legislature for the 8 westernmost Florida counties that received the most profound impacts from the BP oil spill of 2010.  So we will likely see more of these important meetings here in Pensacola--rather than Okaloosa, Walton, or other counties further to our East.

The Triumph Gulf Coast Board of Directors met Tuesday in Pensacola at the Pensacola International Airport.

Florida West CEO Scott Luth describes Project Arbor to the Triumph Gulf Coast Board of Directors--who met Tuesday in Pensacola at the Pensacola International Airport.

And then on Wednesday Congressman Matt Gaetz came to town and joined Senator Doug Broxson, NAS Pensacola CO Terrance Shashaty, former NAS Pensacola Skipper Tim Kinsella, and a room full of dignitaries, elected officials, business owners, and others to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with attempting to once again permit base access to civilians at NAS Pensacola--chiefly to allow for visitors to the museum.  It was a very informative meeting with lots of ideas presented and some good information disseminated about the current ways in which civilians can access the base to play golf and also the process by which folks with relatives buried at Barrancas National Cemetery can access gain access to the base to visit the graves of their loved ones.  Additionally, CAPT Shashaty gave the group updates on his efforts to get two different waivers approved by higher Navy command--one which would allow for the vetting of museum visitors off base, with subsequent transportation to the museum via buses.  This idea appears to have broad support and a high likelihood of approval.  The other waiver in the works would once again allow for civilians to drive their privately-owned vehicles (POV's) on the base--much like the way things were before the terrorist attack and COVID.  On that particular waiver--no definitive timeline for approval was given nor was there any assurance from anyone that it would be approved.  So the takeaway from the meeting was that there are lots of folks interested in getting the base opened up again---but there are numerous challenges as well.  More to come on this topic I am sure.

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer CAPT. Timothy F. "Lucky" Kinsella, Jr., Earns a Tremendous National Honor and Recognition

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer (CO) CAPT Timothy F. "Lucky" Kinsella, Jr., accepts the John Paul Jones Inspirational Leadership award at the Pensacola Country Club on Wednesday, July28th, 2021

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer (CO) CAPT Tim Kinsella has had to navigate a lot of tough issues over the last several years.  And that is putting it lightly.  And that is a massive understatement.

-A terrorist attack leading to the death of sailors, and multiple injuries on the facility, drawing worldwide press scrutiny and attention.

-A worldwide Pandemic that has had a tremendous impact on the training mission at the base.

-And a devastating Hurricane in September of last year, to boot.

And leading the way through all of these obstacles, and many others, with a great attitude and an infectious smile--- was none other than CAPT Tim Kinsella.

So when it came time for submitting a nomination package for the John Paul Jones award for Inspirational Leadership--a prestigious, national award for an area Navy leader who rated such an honor--CAPT. Kinsella's name was top of the list.

Fast forward a couple of months after submission, and the great news came back to our local Navy League Chapter here in Pensacola:  Out of more than 200 submissions worldwide, our NAS Pensacola CO CAPT Timothy F. "Lucky" Kinsella won the award.

Typically, this award is given in a nationally attended ceremony in Washington DC-but because of the pandemic this year-the award was given locally.  And that ceremony occurred yesterday at a lucheon held in honor of CAPT Kinsella at the Pensacola Country Club.

I was honored to be asked to attend, along with several hundred military and civilian dignitaries and family members.  At the table where I was seated--there were 3 retired Navy Admirals and a retired Army General.  Members of the Pensacola City Council, the Pensacola Mayor, County Commissioners,  State Representatives, and representatives from the offices of Senators Marco Rubio, Rick Scott were also on hand.  In addition to this, there were more military O-6's (active duty and retired) than you could count.  It was a powerful room.  To my right at the table, I had the honor of sitting next to a retired Navy man who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.  This gentleman and I had a great conversation and I felt like I was talking to a living vestige of history.  He told me a bit about himself and his life, and I was blown away by his lucidity, sense of humor, and the fact that he was/is still living independently and driving himself around.  I quipped to him "I want to be like you when I grow up!"

When it was time for the program to start, the room quickly quieted down after presentation of the colors by an honor guard from NAS Pensacola.

CAPT Kinsella was given a rousing introduction by retired Admiral Kyle Kozad, and he was also presneted a proclamation by Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson.  When it was time for him to speak, CAPT. Kinsella was humble and gracious upon receipt of the honor.  He quipped "I feel like I don't belong here, like I walked in a room where someone else was getting an award." 

He thanked the military men and women of the base, the civilian staff, his fellow commanding officers of other tenant commands, and the Pensacola community.  He saved his most heartfelt thanks for his family--a large contingent of whom were present.  His mother and father, wife and three children, and a host of other extended family members were praised by the CAPT.  Before he gave emotional thanks-he set a lighthearted mood when he jokingly described the difficulty he had getting his family out the door and to the event on time.  "I've deplayed on combat missions, got aircraft carriers underway like clockwork--and that is easier than getting my family out of the house on time for something, really it is." He smiled and chuckled as he spoke.   He then recalled advice his father, a retired pub owner from Ireland,  gave him when he was on his way to boot camp.  "Stay away from the complainers--they'll only bring you down!"  He became emotional when thanking his wife for all of her support throughout his military career.   "I got to go to sea, I got to fly helicopters, and go to events like this one today--but my wife was the one at home, holding my family together."  He then gave some profound advice on achieving success from his mother that really resonated with him.  "There are three things you must  always try to do, and doing these three things will serve you well.  Number one, show up.  Number two -give it all you have do the best job you can.  Number three treat others with dignity."  He ended his remarks, drawing a standing ovation, thanking all those who had helped him during his time at NAS--both civilian and military.

Upon hearing this, I thought to myself wow-if everyone had that work ethic/outlook--the world would be so much better!

Several speakers and the CAPT himself alluded to the fact that upon his retirment wich is forthcoming, Kinsella and his family will be staying here in the Pensacola area.  

People of this caliber, choosing to stay here when they could live anywhere in the world they want, really give affirmation to the fact many of us already know:  This is a great place.  Pensacola, Escambia County--really a great community.

And having the Kinsella family retire here will only make this community better and stronger.

Congratulations to CAPT. Kinsella and his family!

Foreign Students and Weapons: How Escambia County Citizens and Businesses Can Assist NAS Pensacola

I feel 100% CERTAIN our local Escambia County citizens and businesses will respect this DoD rule and report any suspicious purchase attempts by foreign military students locally as requested.

Members of the Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Committee received the below email from NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer CAPT Timothy Kinsella this afternoon--relating to a new directive from the Department of Defense and a request of the citizens locally to assist. I spoke to CAPT Kinsella this afternoon and he reiterated his wish that this new policy be made known to citizens locally.   From the email:

"Colleagues,

In the wake of the Dec 6^th terrorist attack on board NAS Pensacola, the Department of Defense issued a change to policy whereby international military students are now prohibited from buying, owning or handling firearms within the United States. Each international student must now acknowledge that they are, regardless of other civil laws, prohibited from access to firearms.

While this policy is non-binding to commercial purveyors of firearms, I ask your assistance in educating our local gun-shops and retailers about the attached DOD policy so that they may assist us in preventing a foreign bad actor from gaining access to firearms. If nothing else, with their knowledge of such a policy I would hope that they would notify us of any foreign military student who attempted to buy a firearm from them.

Many thanks to each of you for your continued partnership, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance.  

 Sincerely,

 CAPT Tim “Lucky” Kinsella, USN

Commanding Officer

Naval Air Station Pensacola"

I feel 100% CERTAIN our local Escambia County citizens and businesses will respect this DoD rule and report any suspicious purchase attempts. Read the full DoD Policy Here.

Double Standards Part I: Historic Properties

Should the application and enforcement of state and federal historic preservation laws be equal across the board--or should a different standard be applied to historic properties that are "controversial?"

There are a lot of double-standards happening today--and folks seem perfectly fine accepting these.

At least situationally--if it fits within a certain ideology or goal.

Here is one example that is particularly stark:  Disparate treatment of Historic Properties under the Law

When Hurricane Ivan blew through the Pensacola area in 2004--tremendous damage was done to NAS Pensacola.  It was devastating!

I began work there in early 2005 as the recovery from the storm was well underway.  I worked as the interim cultural resources manager and dealt with a lot of the issues surrounding the recovery.  Specifically, the federal government has to follow federal law with respect to historic properties subject to the National Historic Preservation Act.  Although congress appropriated hundreds of millions of dollars for demolition and rebuilding structures on the base that were heavily damaged---the DoD and the Navy had to meticulously follow the Section 106 process that stipulates the way historic properties must be considered before demolition.  It is not a short undertaking either.  It is time-consuming, requiring case reports, public hearings, and consideration by the federal entity (in this case the DoD and the Navy).  But the relevant State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) has a big part to play, as does the National Trust for Historic Preservation--a board charged with the authority to consider demolition/destruction of historic properties.  A plan for the removal is mandatory, and the goal is always to minimize the loss of historic properties.  Importantly--at the end of the process--the relevant government entity always has the final say.  In the case of Ivan at NAS Pensacola--it was the Navy.  In the end in 2004-2006----lots of damaged buildings were demolished, some were saved, and a memorial trail with historic markings was constructed to help preserve and document what was there before the Hurricane.  I remember one structure was badly damaged and there was great consternation among some Ivy-League type historians that flew in to Pensacola from all around the country to consult with the Navy.  I remember one historian angrily confronting high-ranking Navy Personnel (Including the base CO at the time CAPT John Pruitt) saying [paraphrasing] "These are NOT your buildings--they belong to the people--all the people!)  It really was quite surreal--as the "historic property" at issue in that case was an old-dilapidated structure that was in poor condition prior to the storm, and all but destroyed after the storm.

Eventually--the demolition program at NAS ended with the largest number of historic structures razed anywhere in the country in the history of the NHPA.  The Navy followed the process to the letter, and in the end was able to make the decision (s) that were in the best interest of the mission in Pensacola--with respect to which historic buildings would be renovated and which would be razed.

Now--contrast that thoughtful, deliberate effort at compliance with Historic Preservation law by the US Navy Leadership in 2004-2006, complete with participation by out of town academics, consultations, public hearings and meetings, and complete transparency------------ with the light-speed, knee-jerk effort to remove a historic property in the City of Pensacola to appease a loud vocal group that want a historic property removed IMMEDIATELY.

Sure, the times have changed and there are passionate voices on both sides of the issue.

Some DEMAND that the statue be removed.  Others want it to remain--as a reminder of the history of our area.

Meanwhile, however, it appears that nobody was taking into account the historic property laws that may be applicable here.  Particularly applicable if a historic property is to be removed.  Acutely applicable if the object to be removed is a contributing structure in a district that is recognized as a National Register of Historic Places District--as the North Hill District is.

Read the legal complaint requesting the monument NOT be removed for yourself-- and pay particular attention to #12 and #18-#20.

But Judge Gary Bergosh--my brother-- issued an emergency temporary restraining order prohibiting the removal of the monument until such time as a hearing could be scheduled.

All of this will now have to be settled in court.  And the argument could be made that the Federal NHPA act is inapplicable as the property at issue is not federal property.  However, there are Florida Historic Preservation Laws that are very similar to the Federal NHPA--contained in Chapter 267 Florida Statutes.  And because the city receives some federal funds--the applicability of the NHPA could come into play.  Again--lawyers and judges will decide these complex questions.

But meanwhile--no out of state academics appeared to defend the historic preservation law as it pertains to the Lee Square monument.  Nope.  While they passionately, stridently defended every

Escambia County Provides Mobile Command Center Support to NAS Pensacola Shooting Investigation

Escambia County's Mobile Incident Command Vehicle, THOR, deploys to NAS Pensacola Friday, December 6, 2019.

Escambia County EMR reports that our County's mobile command center, known as THOR, has been deployed to the incident scene aboard NAS Pensacola to provide a mobile command center platform to the various entities that are investigating Friday's NAS Pensacola shooting.  From Escambia County Information Officer Laura Coale:

"THOR is being used as the incident command post for NASPensacola, FBI, FDEM, NCIS, FDLE, ATF, HSI (Homeland Security Investigations) and US Marshal Service.

• Can be mobilized in 2-4 hours with a 1 or 2-person team depending on travel distance
• 1000sq feet of interior working space
• 35 kw generator with 72 hours of fuel on board
• Dual 5-ton A/C units
• Wireless Communications- Cellular, Satellite, VOIP Phones
• Radio Equipment- UHF, VHF, 700/800 P-25
• Security cameras with DVR
• 52’ Hilomast Pneumatic mast with antennas and high-resolution cameras
• Video Distribution System Matrix (Off Air, DirectTV & Computer Display)
• 4 position communications room
• Color printer/scanner and a stock of office supplies
• Minifridge, microwave and coffee maker"

 See pictures of the deployed THOR below:

Proud of Escambia County, Proud to be an American!

Governor Ron DeSantis and Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan answer press questions in the wake of a deadly shooting today outside of NAS Pensacola 12-6-2019.

As the community and the country mourn the killed and the injured in the shooting incident aboard NAS Pensacola today, I cannot help but think about the tremendous response to this tragedy that occurred and that I witnessed.

At 6:50 AM this morning as I was headed to work in the facilities management annex aboard NAS Pensacola-- the traffic on Navy Blvd suddenly came to a screeching halt.  Navy Blvd., the three lane artery leading to NAS Pensacola suddenly became a parking lot, backed up for miles.

Then, one by one, the emergency vehicles started screaming by the stopped traffic trying to get to work--the police cars and ambulances were heading south toward the base using the northbound lanes---sirens blaring and at a high rate of speed.  Obviously something incredibly serious had occurred.  I counted more than 80 Sheriff's Office Vehicles, Pensacola Police Department Vehicles, Fire Trucks, Ambulances, Swat vehicles, and EMS trucks.  I took a facebook video describing the chaos at the time.

I immediately thought about my co-workers and the employees I supervise.  Thankfully the three personnel that were already aboard the base were secure in our building which went into lock down.  And I was subsequently able to reach the rest of the personnel from our annex via the telephone-those  who had not yet made it to work.  All were safe and accounted for.

As I spoke to various national and local media outlets today including, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, and Channel 3--I wanted to emphasize the one and only positive aspect of today:  The tremendous, incredible response to this event. 

I am so proud of all of the first responders today--the Navy Security Forces and also the first responders of Escambia County--the Sheriff's office, Pensacola Police Department and EMS and ECFR.  Seeing this event unfold from the front gate, and just how quickly a massive and overwhelming force of the "Good Guys" came to help--it made me proud.  It was AMAZING.

So while we are all keeping all victims of today in our prayers we can all take comfort in knowing that in this country and in this community--If a bad guy tries something like this--there will be an  overwhelming, massive response and the outcome for the bad guy will not be good--they will be killed or captured in short order.

Today I'm thankful this tragedy was not worse and that the threat was neutralized by Escambia County Sheriff's Office Deputies and that the wounded were attended to by the competent and professional men and women of Escambia County Public Safety.

We pray for the swift recovery of all of those who were injured, including two of our Deputy Sheriff's Officers.

And we pray for our community and our nation

as well.

Escambia County Response to the NAS Pensacola Shooting Tragedy...

Escambia County Issues Response to NAS Pensacola Shooting

Published Dec 06, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with Naval Air Station Pensacola today. Escambia County EMS, Fire Rescue and Emergency Management responded in support.

District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh: Today was a tragic and sad day and all of our prayers are with the victims of today. We should also be very, very proud of our local first responders who stepped up like the heroes they are and met the threat head on and neutralized it. And, I also want to give special appreciative thanks to our Escambia County EMS personnel for the swift an expert care of the wounded.

District 2 Commissioner Doug Underhill: Tragedies such as this are the tests that challenge how well we are prepared to respond to crisis. Our first responders, in collaboration with our Navy partners, performed exceptionally well when it mattered most. Today Escambia County and the Navy reaped the rewards of systematic collaboration and training, and almost certainly prevented what could have been a much greater loss of life. Every one of us should say a prayer for the victims and the first responders, and take a few minutes to consider our own resiliency and preparedness that we might perform as with honor if ever called upon.

District 3 Commissioner Lumon May: We are praying for the families, friends and loved ones whose lives have been changed forever by the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola today. We ask God to bring comfort to those who are grieving and strength to those who are recovering. Our deepest condolences are with all who have been affected.

Commission Vice Chairman, District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender: NAS Pensacola is such an integral, important part of Escambia County and we are very supportive of our military and are keeping all of our thoughts and prayers with them. We continue to support them as Escambia County and as citizens in this time of grief.

Commissioner Chairman, District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry: We are heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred at NAS Pensacola this morning. We are sending our deepest sympathies to the wounded, the families of those who have been injured, and those who live and serve at NAS Pensacola.

County Administrator Janice Gilley: We want to thank Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, the U.S. Navy, Pensacola Police Department, Pensacola Fire Department, Escambia County EMS, Fire Rescue and all first responders for their dedication to protecting our community. We truly appreciate your strength and partnership. Escambia County is beyond grateful for our partner agencies who offered mutual aid to NAS Pensacola this morning.

What We Must Do, What We Can Do, and What We should Do....

We should Go Out of Our Way to Accommodate Military Families, Not Find Ways to Stymie Their School Choice Selections.

At the Escambia County School Board workshop last Friday morning I initiated a discussion about military children in our schools.  We are a military town, with a large contingent of military dependents in our programs. We benefit greatly from the military's involvement in our schools as volunteers, and mentors, and helpers at special events, sporting events, and all sorts of other activities.  Military attendance in our schools also generates revenues and grant proceeds that help military and non-military students alike.  In short, having military dependents in our schools makes our schools better overall. I know, personally, what it is like to be a military dependent because after my dad adopted my brother and I, we were military dependents--he was a Navy Chief Petty Officer!  (and we attended 17 different schools before graduating from Pensacola High School).  It is tough always being the new kid....

Florida recognized this issue and attempted a legislative accommodation.

In 2008, the Florida legislature passed a law ensuring that the children of Florida service-members would receive preference in registration in our schools, to include magnet school programs.  Because parents are very discriminating these days, due to the plethora of information available about schools online, often these military parents select the best, most successful programs in our district for their children to attend.  Some of our schools have certain pre-requisite requirements, and Brown Barge Middle School (BBMS), for example, typically does not allow for entry after the 6th grade year--as the 6th grade year begins a sequentially progressing series of stream courses that form the foundation of the whole grade 6-8 program.  The thought process is that, unless a student is coming in from a similar program elsewhere, it is difficult to hop on the merry-go-round after 6th grade, as too much will have been missed.

So the issue now is a military family that is coming to Pensacola from the mid-west wanting their student to attend BBMS; They've done their homework and this is the program in Pensacola that they want their child to attend.  And yet the red tape has now stymied this family's attempt to enroll this  rising 7th grade student in BBMS next year.  At this workshop that began on Thursday afternoon, NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer CAPT. Keith Hoskins' School Liaison Officer (SLO) was present to speak to the issue--as she had tried to navigate the bureaucracy to assist this family with placing this student at BBMS.  Instead of showing any deference at all to this liaison, the board abruptly ended the meeting and so the Captain's rep., who had waited patiently 2 plus hours at this workshop to hear the matter discussed, had to come the next day to see the conclusion of the board's discussion on this issue.  This, in and of itself,  was a faux pas that most in the room did not perceive.
Setting that aside, here is the fact:  We have allowed other non-military students come into BBMS after the 6th grade.  We've allowed other military students to enter BBMS after the 6th grade.  So we