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.

Dystopian, Fearful, Defeatist, Pessimistic Emails---and My Enthusiastic, Positive, and Realistic Response!

Dystopian, Fearful, Defeatist, Pessimistic, and emotionally-charged emails to me regarding OLF-8's pending development will, in return, receive factual, rational, educated, enthusiastic, and emotionally neutral (Think "Spock-like") responses!  

I've lived the OLF 8 issue since I bought my house right across from the field nearly 20 years ago.  At that time, it was people complaining about the noise of the choppers.  Little did I know then that a nearly decade-long effort was already well underway for the county to acquire that property for jobs from the Navy.....but it was.

Fast forward 11 years to 2015 and I became well aware of the history of the project---and I campaigned in support of a world class, high-tech, clean tech commerce park on OLF-8 to create and provide high-tech, clean-tech, high-paying jobs for the entire region--along with amenities along the 9-Mile Road frontage for nearby residents----as I successfully ran for and won the D1 seat on the BCC.  

Yes--I've lived this issue for a long time now.

Although some will now attempt to re-write history, the facts are the facts:  I supported jobs, and I vehemently DID NOT support any, not one, residential dwelling on that field. NONE.

But then came the upswelling of anger and frustration from neighbors, politically connected companies, and stong special interests----and the original plan went out the window faster than lightning in favor of a watered down footprint for jobs--favoring a much larger mixed use development and some amenities. And yes, some residential on the field was incorporated into this "new direction"--even though very few in Beulah wanted any more residential built there on OLF 8.  Even my most ardent, staunchest political enemies in the area agreed with my assessment that we should NOT be competing with the private sector by sourcing land for homebuilders on OLF 8 because there was too much residential being built in Beulah already and the infrastructure couldn't support more on OLF 8.  

But I was outvoted.  

And then I went through the master planning, swallowed hard, held my nose, gagged and in the spirit of compromise went along with the rest of the board in supporting the master plan as the blueprint going forward for this parcel. It was a hard-fought compromise that left a little something for everyone, a lot of stuff a lot of people didn't want, and very little of what a few people wanted.  Nobody was 100% happy-it was the epitome of a compromise.

That's the fact, Jack.  That's how this happened, and that is how we came to be where we are today, period, end of story.

And now that we have chosen a group with which to partner-----as only one group came to the drop dead meeting yesterday-----I am receiving some emails that are negative.  I am also receiving some that are positive.  The negatives outweigh the positives roughly 2-1.  Here, below, is an example "negative" email and my upbeat, positive, rational, and factual response:

"Jeff,

Please [do] not [use]DR Horton (sic), he is a cheap builder and will add nothing to our area and OLF-8. It would be nice to have decent restaurants. Would be great to have a Post Office,  but as you told me the USPS is closing offices, although there are 2 close together on 29. I go back to MLK and Fairfield by the School District Warehouse to purchase stamps and do mailing. Very inconvenient.

But we say no to DRA Horton(sic), not that it matters. Sounds like a done deal. And traffic will be horrific with more homes and apartments. Oh well, the end of paradise.

Thanks,"

My response:

"Thanks for the email.  I believe we did the best we could-- given the fact that the stronger bidder (Breland) didn’t show up to the selection meeting and given the fact that DR Horton is now teaming with Stirling and upped their offer significantly.  Additionally, to their credit, DR Horton acquiesced to our insistence that they accept a deed restriction limiting their ability to build residential on the light industrial/commercial areas of the parcel.  And they did set aside a 20 acre piece of the parcel for potential sale to the school board for a school if the school board decides they want to pursue that.  And their plan has a town center, Class A medical and office buildings, retail, restaurants, and other amenities for the Beulah community. The half-hearted Breland “rendering” sent to us the night before the meeting that they did not attend indicated a small, miniscule retail parcel on the nine mile frontage, a tiny, miniscule parcel for job creation (commercial, light industrial) on the northeast corner----and the entire balance of the land residential.  It was DOA the minute I saw it, so it was wise they ghosted us and did a no show.

 Remember XXXXX—from the get go I powerfully advocated against ANY residential on that field.  I wanted amenities, retail, restaurants on the frontage and the balance of the land for the creation of high-tech, clean tech jobs (like NFCU in aesthetically pleasing buildings).  But due to the pressure put on my counterparts by local residents, and powerful and politically connected special interests,—that original plan (you know, the reason we spent $18.5 million and 25 years working on this project in the first place—as a regional jobs generator) was thrown out the window.  Over my objections.  That is the true history, well documented, of how we got where we are today. So we did the master plan which I ultimately endorsed and voted to support, in the spirit of compromise.

 With that as the backdrop, we are where we are now with one interested party.  And while the plan is not perfect, I do think this team will work with us.  And over the next 6 months or so we will hammer out an agreement that will result in between a $20-$27 Million dollar “profit” for the taxpayers—which proceeds can be used throughout Beulah, District 1, and the county to address deficiencies in stormwater and traffic infrastructure as well as other quality of life needs.  And remember this, as well:  We have a $155 Million Dollar interchange coming in Beulah which will divert half of the current 9-mile road traffic which all utilizes exit five.  Additionally, Beulah Road—now a state road—will be widened in that plan.  The state is currently constructing significant upgrades on Mobile Hwy from Blue Angel all the way to 9 Mile road through Beulah.  And the Governor’s newly-announced Florida Forward initiative earmarks $162 Million for an ambitious 6-year plan to 6-lane 1-10 through Beulah from the weigh station to Pine Forest road along with a significant re-work of the entire interchange at exit 7.  So infrastructure upgrades and modernization projects are in the works right now and have been in planning since I first took office 6 years ago.

 And the built up field will create jobs and generate significant new ad valorem tax revenue for the county and the school board—which is the real, long horizon plus of this deal.  This added revenue allows us to maintain what we have done this past year:  ensuring our sheriff’s deputies, EMTs, paramedics, firemen, and corrections guards are the highest paid in the region.  All of this without raising the year over year millage (property tax) rates.  Growing the economy allows us to do these great things while keeping the tax burden low.

 So thanks for your email of concern, and please know I am going to do my level best to shepherd this deal toward a finale that produces a huge win for Beulah (where I have lived for 20 years right across from OLF 8), the county, and the region.

 Happy Easter, and have a great weekend."

 

What was Breland's Plan, Anyway?

Breland's conceptual drawing, above, did not/does not jibe with what their written offer committed to doing.......

Like a lot of folks in Beulah in very close proximity to OLF 8---I was extremely excited and optimistic about the proposal put forward by Breland to develop this 536 acre parcel right across the street from my house in my district.   In fact, even though their initial offer was $3 Million less than the first offer from their competitor, DR Horton--I still favored the Breland language, concept, and vision over Horton's--because it most closely mirrored the master plan compromise we all accepted for this property's future development.

But then came last Wednesday, before the all important April 6th deadline the board had set for all interested offerors to bring a plan for OLF 8 to the board.  It was in the press, on tv and all over the radio.  Everyone knew April 6th was Deadline Day.  So I must say I was taken aback when I received a call from the Breland CEO late on the 5th where he essentially told me nobody from his team would be coming to the decision meeting the next day--he was out of the area and nobody would be coming because according to him "nobody told him the Arpil 6th meeting was decision day."

Later that evening we received an email from Breland expressing their continued interest and also double-downing on the idea they didn't have time to show up the next day because they were unaware of the board's meeting and that the 6th was going to be decision day.  Along with that email, a rendering of their concept for OLF 8 was also included.  And it was NOT in line with what their (Breland's) initial offer stated.  NOT in line with the master plan, NOT in line with what the board requested with respect to acreage for high-tech job creation, NOT in line with what the community wanted with respect to retail and restaurant options in the 9-Mile road frontage of the property, LACKING a town center, and NOT at all what folks like me that SUPPORTED the Breland deal over the Horton plan expected.  It was astonishing the degree to which it missed the mark.  It missed the mark spectacularly.  And in all honesty--had Breland's team even showed up to the meeting with this badly deficient plan---for my vote it would have been a non-starter from the word go.  Dead upon arrival.  

Maybe that is the real reason they pulled a no show?  We may not know for sure ever but that is my hunch.  Meanwhile---to those like me that initially supported the Breland concept as verbalized in their offer letter---take a look at what they wanted to do, above.  look at it side by side with their initial letter of intent and analyze the disparities.  And then let's talk.  If you still want to.  I'll be here.

EDATES Matter: VOTE YES on the County Referendum for Them on Election Day

$1.2 Billion in Capital Investment and the creation of over 10,000 jobs was the outcome achieved via Escambia's strategic use of EDATES to help incentivize the world's largest Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, to massively expand in Escambia County's District 1

Sandra Averheart from WUWF asked me my thoughts on the upcoming election ballot referendum on EDATES (Economic Development Ad-Valorem Tax Exemptions)

I have long been a proponent of EDATES because I understand them and know they are a powerful tool in our Economic Development tool box for attracting and retaining investment and jobs in Escambia County.

In April we, the BCC,  put this initiative forward for addition on the Ballot in the upcoming November General Election.  I discussed my rationale for strongly supporting EDATES at that time. 

Yesterday afternoon's post by WUWF captures and reiterates the important and positive aspects of EDATES.  From that post:

"The EDATE incentive program was first approved for use in Escambia County and the City of Pensacola in 1992 and last renewed in 2012.

The EDATE is an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption. It’s a tool in our tool kit that we can utilize to incentivize job creation,” said Jeff Bergosh, chairman of the Escambia County Commission.

While the exemption does not apply to taxes that go to the Escambia County School District, EDATE allows for a 10-year period of no property taxes to the county, in exchange for some measurable outcomes such as job creation and capital investment.

“I believe it’s a great thing for our community, certainly a great thing for schools — and almost a necessity these days — as every community has to compete for these top-end flagship job creators,” declared Bergosh, recalling the lack of good job opportunities when he entered the workforce in the 1980s.

“I think folks realize that if we want good jobs, if you want to keep your kids, keep them with the ability to stay in Pensacola after they graduate, we got to continue diversifying the jobs base here.”

Out To Lunch......

For anyone to say EDATES' profound positive impacts on our community provide no benefit to the average citizen is a postition that is uninformed, ignorant, and incorrect.  It is an opinion that's "Out to Lunch."--and when stated at a public meeting will be immediately challenged with the truth and facts.

Yesterday the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the addition of an EDATE (Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption) extension referendum, for a 10 year period, to be added to the general election ballot this November.  

EDATE's are simply one economic development tool in our "tool kit" of incentives that allow for time limited (10 years maximum) forgiveness of some county ad valorem taxes in exchange for certain committments by large employers in our area.  These are allowed under statute, but the voters must approve these every ten years.  And the tax forgiveness only applies to county taxes--such businesses that receive EDATES must still pay 100% of school taxes from day one.  So these are actually good for us--but even better for the school board.

And not every economic development deal we do includes EDATES.  ST Engineering Aerospace, for instance, didn't get one.  Others have done deals to build jobs here without EDATES.  But still others required the use of EDATES to either keep an employer here, induce an employer to come, facilitate a developer to build (As the case was for Quint Studer's 'SouthTowne' building downtown) or to allow for an existing employer to expand their footprint.

A couple of years back the BCC was being relentlessly attacked by our liberal daily paper's cartoonist over EDATES.  And I pushed back with a three part series of posts that completely and thoroughly explained EDATES, described and provided documents about the then current EDATES the county had outstanding, and in the process totally obliterated ignorant Andy Marlette's position on EDATES.

Now we are asking citizens to renew our ability to offer these selectively and judiciously when and if they are appropriate------- and one member of the board is apparently staunchly, stridently opposed.

That's fine--one member of the BCC can say whatever he wants and in his circle of influence he can

Inside the DPZ Text Messages and Emails: Part VI "Navy Fed Got Burnt"

 

Why does DPZ feel "Navy Fed got 'burnt' on this deal?"

As I wake up today coming off of what I felt was a good meeting yesterday (beginning at 20:08 of this video), where the commissioners were working together and arrived at a compromise for the development of OLF-8--I can't help but wonder about the text message, above, from Mike Weich of DPZ Co Design to Marina Khoury, also of DPZ Co Design.  In it, Weich states that  he "Just feel(s) bad for Navy Fed...they were 'burnt' on this deal."

This text message comes as a result of a public records request that DPZ fulfilled late last week.  The context of the above quote is:   this was a commentary between these two on a series of unflattering articles, blog posts, news pieces and television stories that came out last month illustrating the fact that there were several "behind the scenes" meetings between Navy Federal Credit Union, a coalition of NFCU employees and some residents, and the county's consultant, DPZ.  In these meetings, county staffers were specifically excluded and the goal of "embarrassing" and undermining the BCC's goals were discussed and DPZ staff was copied on these plans.

Then it was also revealed in these articles that the chief media spokesman for NFCU, Bill Pearson, was simultaneously working with the "NO Commerce Park on OLF 8" campaign against the BCC.  He (Pearson) even helped edit their talking points.  And Marina Khoury was aware of this, as members of the DPZ team were copied on these conversations.  Sadly, at the time these machinations were occurring, nobody at the BCC (DPZ's Client) was notified in real time.  Many believe this was a breach of DPZ's ethical obligation to the BCC, DPZ's sole client here on this OLF-8 project.  This all was discovered after the fact--- which was embarrassing for both NFCU and DPZ.

So perhaps Weich feels NFCU got "burnt" because of the poor way in which DPZ handled these actions--leading to the conduct at issue being discovered through a local journalist's public records request?  If that's why he feels they got "burnt"- he should look in the mirror for the culprit.

But maybe Weich feels NFCU got "burnt" because they didn't successfully kill all the jobs and commerce to be developed on OLF-8?  (This could be valid--as prior to the embarrassing public records emails detailing the NFCU behind the scenes involvement with DPZ in this---what was

DPZ is Dragging Navy Federal Credit Union's Reputation Through the Mud

NFCU is given the dubious distinction this week of "Loser" in INWEEKLY's wildly popular "Winners and Losers" feature.  A shame this had to happen.  It could have been EASILY avoided.....

One week ago today, late in the afternoon after work, I sent NFCU CEO and President Mary McDuffie a personalized email.  As a 40-year member of NFCU, as a strong supporter of NFCU's expansion in Pensacola, as a "right across the street" neighbor of their massively expanding GPO campus---I had concerns about issues here.

Four days later I received a response to my initial email to Ms. McDuffie.  The response was apparently assigned, written and sent back to me by a subordinate; it glossed over all of my concerns.  It was full of platitudes, short on substance.

One of the concerns I expressed was how NFCU was taking a reputation hit via some machinations by county consultant DPZ.  I offered suggestions to put things back on track--as after the email dump I received and lots of unflattering press that put NFCU in a poor light--I was hopeful that could be addressed.

I asked what it was/is that NFCU wanted to see us accomplish with the OLF-8 property?  Didn't get an answer.

Now, sadly, I see in the Pensacola area's largest circulation weekly print newspaper, the iNWEEKLY, NFCU has been given the dubious distinction this week of "Loser" in that publications popular "Winners and Losers" section yesterday. (p.4-5)

I hate to see this and the other unflattering news that is damaging to NFCU come out in the press--all due to these unflattering DPZ team emails and some other more significant issues with DPZ.

I'm a 40 year NFCU member.  I bank with them to this day.  I root for their success.

But the apparent tone-deaf response to these issues in general and to me particularly is surprisingly disappointing.

Maybe I'll send Mary a follow-up email late this afternoon....I wonder if it would simply, once again, just be delegated to a subordinate?

Is the Push for Housing on OLF-8 Actually About "Affordable"---------- or is it Really All About "Upscale" Rental Housing?

If the push is for "affordable" rental units to be constructed on OLF-8--I don't see how rents of between $1,000 and 2,000 Monthly on a proposed 900 such units on the OLF-8 property fits that bill....$1,000 monthly for a studio sounds like a Luxury rental in Pensacola.....

The surreal revelations of last week surrounding our supposed BCC consultant's recommendations for OLF-8 have taken a dramatic series of sideways turns as I have now read through all the emails previously provided via a public records request.

As I have now pointed out in a series of blog posts--It appears that our consultant was working against some of our priorities as it relates to OLF-8.

But why the unwavering, uncompromising lobbying by DPZ for rental housing on OLF-8?----why the dogged, unflinching push by them to build more residential housing on this field that was acquired by the county to create jobs?

The first red flag was their outright refusal to consider the value of jobs and payrolls from companies that might become employers on that field--when attempting to rate/rank the "value" of plans they would bring before us.  This resulted in apples to pineapple comparisons of plans that were faulty.  We finally got them to bring an analysis from the Haas Center of the power of payrolls on our area---- if the right jobs are targeted and placed on OLF-8.  Now we are getting a better analysis of the economic value and power of jobs.

But initially--the vision from DPZ focused solely on the ad-valorem revenue the structures built on OLF-8 would generate for the county.  (Which are significant--yet paltry when compared to the impact of payroll dollars from a large employer rippling through an economy yearly--generating home purchases, retail purchases, gas tax and sales tax for the county.)  As an example of this at Thursday's meeting I pointed out something important that I learned earlier in the week after speaking with Escambia County Property Appraiser Chris Jones.  Navy Federal Credit Union has built about a Billion Dollars worth of facilities adjacent to OLF-8.  And if you peel off the incentives applied via eDATES provided to NFCU---the ad valorem value of the facilities constructed comes to about $4 Million yearly.  (The county only collects about half of that, though.  The balance goes goes to the School Board, the Sheriff's MSTU, and the Library MSBU).  The payroll that the 8400 Employees of NFCU generate, by contrast, is estimated to be in excess of $350 Million per year.

What's better:

$350 Million per year for jobs     or    $2 Million per year in the county's coffers as ad valorem revenue.

But wait!  It's not an either or.  We get both--as long as we put good companies on the field!

What we don't get, if we build a bunch of residential and low-wage retail on the field, is BIG PAYROLL dollars rippling through the economy.  We only get the facilities' ad valorem tax revenue. Which as I illustrated in the example above is paltry in comparison...

So I went back to the complete draft Weitzman study from last August and looked at the pages our DPZ Communications Subcontractor was highlighting in emails I have seen.  Pages 248-251 were what he

What Happened Yesterday Morning on 9-Mile Road?

A signalization malfunction led to unnecessary gridlock during the morning commute on 9-Mile Road this week.  The state's contractor has addressed and corrected the malfunction.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week there was something amiss on 9-Mile Road which was causing a backup all the way down 9-Mile Road to the west as far as Leisure Lakes RV park.

Friday morning it came to a head as folks could not even exit their subdivisions to make a right hand turn onto 9-Mile Road to head toward the interstate.



The choke point was the light at Heritage Oaks and Saltgrass.  It was improperly holding East and West-bound traffic due to a malfunctioning sensor on the smart grid software that was holding the green light north and south between Heritage Oaks and Saltgrass--even when cars were not at that light..  I notified staff and asked for immediate attention to the matter.

This condition was infuriating to drivers but the situation has been addressed as of Friday--and the lights are once again functioning properly.  From an email string resolving this malfunction from yesterday afternoon:

"For an unknown reason Gridsmart detection is activating at the side street, Saltgrass Drive, and no vehicle is present.  Operationally, Nine Mile Road and Heritage Oaks will have a red light and no one will be leaving Saltgrass Drive.  The light for Saltgrass will be green for 10 seconds.  This is an issue that does not normally occur...I have monitored for the past couple hours and it appears to be working.  I sent Gridsmart and Ingram the Diagnostic logs"

Thanks go out to the County's engineering staff and FDOT's signalization contractor for getting the situation resolved.

ABOUT THE STATE DOT's  9-MILE ROAD WIDENING PROJECT....

The section of FDOT's 9-Mile Road from I-10 to Beulah Road project was slated for completion by the end of this month--however the state has recently informed us all that unfortunately once again a completion timeframe has slipped and that now this segment from Navy Federal Way to Beulah Road will be done by "Late Summer" 2020.  I know this has been a nightmare, but I want all citizens to know we have been pushing this project, to get it done.  The county, NFCU, the state--all of us.  Pushing.  Unfortunately it is just dragging on and on and the completion date has slipped again.

But it is coming, and once complete it will GREATLY assist in the traffic flow east and west through Beulah.  And looking forward-once we complete the PD&E study for the Beulah Interchange, we will begin pressing hard for that project to get construction funding in the state's FDOT 5-year work program.  That project, once completed, will reduce East-West traffic on 9-mile road in Beulah by as much as 40%----as the Western portion of Beulah will have a closer option for accessing I-10 and thereby bypassing the NFCU campus and whatever is ultimately developed on the county's OLF 8 site.

Is Now the Right Time to Discuss an Overpass Connecting Devine Farm Road with Frank Reeder Road?

With tremendous growth occurring along and all around both Frank Reeder Road and Devine Farm Road--and with two interchange projects being planned in the area--is now the right time to discuss an overpass between these two county roads to provide another east-west artery for NFCU, OLF 8, and this growing area of the county?

At last night's FDOT meeting regarding I-10 widening and interchange reconfigurations, an interesting side-bar conversation happened between several folks in attendance regarding Devine Farm Road and Frank Reeder Road.  Currently, as shown in the map above--both of these roads dead-end right into the Interstate just southeast of the I-10 Weigh Station complex. 

With explosive growth all around both of these roads, with a tremendous need for more east-west connectivity in this area of the county, with NFCU expanding, with OLF 8 set for development, and with two separate FDOT studies underway currently for three area interchanges--is now the right time to discuss an overpass connectiong Devine Farm Road in District 5 with Frank Reeder Road in District 1?

This is just a rhetorical question at the moment--and a lot of upgrades would have to be made to both roads before such an idea could be seriously considered.  Also, Commissioner Barry in D5 would certainly have a big say in this--as would I as the D1 commissioner.  Residents, I am sure, would also have a lot to say about this and I am certain there would be significant push back from some.

But I do think it is worth having a discussion--given all the growth that is not only out there now, but coming in the years ahead.  It's certainly something to consider if all concerns can be addressed and it could be done cost-effectively.

This Picture Would Have Been Very Helpful..................Yesterday When FDOT's Press Release Dropped

Apparently, according to a news bulletin put out late yesterday and this article in the PNJ--Westbound access to 9-Mile Road from exit 5 (Beulah) will be closed for construction for up to the next 3 Months.

At least that's what this press release, below, intimates.

If such a plan would have in any way affected travellers heading westbound on I-10 exiting on exit 5 and intending to travel west on 9-Mile Road toward Beulah----such a plan would have been a disaster of epic proportion.

Unfortunately--the late afternoon news release without a map was not clear to many readers.

After emailing the entire world this morning and asking for clarification--I received the below diagram

Illustrating what is actually going to be closed.  If this is what is going to be modified, the impacts will be a lot less severe.   A lot less severe.....

Too bad they didn't add this picture with yesterday's press release.... a lot of folks would not have gone through a lot of stress and anxiety.

Glad to see there will be no diminution of the traffic exiting from I-10 Westbound on to Exit 5 (Heading up the hill to Beulah and NFCU's Campus)

OLF 8: What's the Latest Information on the Master Planning of the Field?

The NFCU/BCC joint selection committee has narrowed the field for master planning OLF 8 down to a short list of just three firms for the BCC's consideration at an upcoming special meeting. 

The joint-BCC/NFCU committee charged with evaluating these eight planning firms and whittling down the list to the top three firms has met multiple times recently.

They have selected the top three firms from the list of eight, and this group of three planning firms will be invited to present their vision (s) for the developed OLF 8 to the public, and to the full Board of County Commissioners, at a special meeting on Monday, July 1st from 9:00AM-12:00 Noon.

Although I was not present, I was told the members of the joint committee charged with selecting this short list was given information on each of the firms that submitted applications for this work.

I'm told that there was not a whole lot of discussion;  the members of the committee ranked the slate of firms from 1-8 and the top three got the nod to move forward to the full BCC for our consideration and final selection at the special meeting July 1st.

I'm told the score between the #3 and #4 firms was razor-thin, and that there was a virtual tie for #4.

So who knows if it will just be three firms that present on the 1st---maybe one or two others will be added?  We shall see.

For my part- I only want to see the best, most qualified firm that will stay true to the guidance document we hammered-out get selected to do this work.

Read about the committee here.

Read about the 8 firms that submitted for this work here.

Here are all the local subcontractors who have partnered with the planning firms, here.

Look at the score sheets and tabulations, including the names of the 3 top finalists,  here. and below

We will see you all on July 1st!

On 1370 WCOA this Morning

I will be on the Good Morning Pensacola radio show with Don Parker, Alex Gavin, and Stacy Knowles later this morning.

The  topics to be discussed include:

--Non-Interference Ordinance status

--OLF 8 Real Estate purchase contract from NFCU

--New Administrator-select Janice Gilley

--Triumph Gulf Coast OLF-8 job-creation grant and the Master-Planning of OLF 8 that will commence very soon.

Once the recording is made available, you will be able to listen to the interview here

List of Master Planning Firms for OLF 8 Released

The solicitation dictated that all firms interested in submitting for the master-planning of OLF 8 do so no later that Midnight, April 12th.

Eight firms made that deadline and will be considered.  One of these eight firms will be tasked with master planning the last remaining, large parcel in Beulah that will be developed.

The selection committee that will rank these firms for BCC consideration has been set and we are moving forward.  Later today I will post the complete list of these firms' associated local subcontractors.

Draft MOU in the Works: NFCU willing to Pay Up to $2,000,000.00 of Master Planning Expenses for OLF 8

NFCU has agreed, under certain terms and conditions
to reimburse up to $2,000,000.00 toward our
master planning expenses related to OLF 8 in Beulah

County Staff and Officials at Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) are working on a draft MOU that will delineate terms and conditions for NFCU to reimburse the County up to $2,000,000.00 dollars in expenses related to the master planning of our recently acquired property out in Beulah known as OLF 8.

The generous offer from NFCU --- to pay these costs --- allowed the County to shift $1.3 Million of Restore Act funds from the master planning of OLF 8 over to the ST Engineering Aerospace Jobs project (project Titan) at the Pensacola Airport.  This shift enabled the County to cobble together the additional $5 Million dollars necessary to secure that deal with the City, Triumph Gulf Coast, and ST Engineering Aerospace.  (Once that deal gets rolling--it will be a MASSIVE economic development win for our entire county!)

If the NFCU draft is acceptable to the BCC, the master planning efforts for OLF 8 could begin to move very, very  quickly.  Because this is simply an initial working draft, I am not linking the document here.  Once it is in it's final draft form, I will link the final draft document to this blog.

Some Specifics of this particular draft MOU:

*  Calls for the creation of a new position and the hiring of this newly created billet-an "Independent Project Manager" --by the County, with the specific task of managing this particular master planning project (NFCU and County to split the costs 50/50).

*  Calls for a 7-Member selection committee to rank the top three firms. (3 county staff, 4 NFCU appointees)  BCC will have final say in final ranking and final selection, with NFCU reserving the right to provide input and comments.

*  Calls for public input throughout the process

*  84-Acre purchase of a portion of OLF 8 by NFCU shall be "outside" this process and not subject to

Navy Federal Credit Union Revises Offer for Land Purchase at OLF 8

Escambia County has received a revised letter of intent from Navy Federal Credit Union for the purchase of a portion of the OLF 8 property in Beulah. This letter of intent to purchase 84 acres from Escambia County includes less frontage on 9-Mile road and less acreage overall (see illustration above).  Additionally, the new LOI's offer to purchase is priced at the average of our two recently received appraisals on a per-acre basis.  See the complete LOI below.  The creation of a minimum of at least 300 additional jobs by NFCU at their Beulah campus will be an additional consideration required by the BCC for this sale to occur.  I am hopeful we can get this transaction done in very short order. 

The Latest from FDOT on Segment 6 (Beulah Rd. to I-10) of the Project to 4-Lane 9-Mile Road

Although we all wanted it completed earlier--the Beulah portion of the 4-lane project on 9-mile road will be completed this year!

Many folks in Beulah have been asking about the lack of progress on the project to 4-lane 9-Mile Road from Beulah Road over to Interstate 10.

I know the completion date has slipped due to numerous factors--but folks want to know what's up with this project so I asked FDOT for an up-to-the minute update and status of where we are, and I will cut and paste it below for folks who want to read it all.

But the good news is this:  Segment 6 (from Beulah Road to the Interstate--where all the gridlock is for us Beulah residents) is slated to be done this year, in late 2019.

This is fantastic news because I heard persistent rumors that it would not be complete until as late as August, 2020.

But I confirmed, today, that the Beulah portion will be 4 lanes and open to traffic by the end of this year.

From the report:

"CONTRACT E3O54

Financial Project ID (FIN): 218605-6-52-01; Road Construction Project from a point just west of Beulah Road to Below Interstate 10

FIN: 218605-7-52-01; Road Construction Project from Below Interstate 10 to a point just west of Surrey Drive (west of Pine Forest Road)

FIN: 218605-6-56-01; Utility Construction Project (relocate ECUA water and sewer mains and services) from a point just west of Beulah Road to Below Interstate 10

FIN: 218605-7-56-01; Utility Construction Project (relocate ECUA water and sewer mains and services) from Below Interstate 10 to just west of Surrey Drive (west of Pine Forest Road)

Contract time began: 3/31/16

Design began: 3/31/16

Released for Construction Plans stamped: 2/1/17

Revision #1 stamped: 3/8/17

Revision #2 stamped: 4/14/17

Revision #3 stamped: 4/25/17

Revision #4 stamped: 5/3/17

Revision #5 stamped: 7/3/18

Revision #6 stamped: 8/17/18

Revision #7 stamped: 12/26/18

Revision #8 stamped 12/7/18

Both Utility Projects FIN 218605-6-56-01 and FIN 218605-7-56-01 were completed in May 2017. The relocation of the utilities was necessary to begin the road construction. Please note that clearing and grubbing operations began in September of 2016 to advance the utility relocation projects.

Storm water drainage, unsuitable soils removal and bridge construction began in February 2017. Bridge construction was completed in November 2017.

On October 3, 2017 the Contractor implemented their Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan and closed the inside lanes in the existing four (4) lane section to begin construction of work beneath Interstate 10 (I-10). Due to the volume of traffic on westbound Nine Mile Rd. and exiting westbound I-10 traffic backed-up past Pine Forest Road (on Nine Mile Road and on I-10). To mitigate traffic backing up onto westbound I-10 as well as Nine Mile Road the Department directed the Contractor to remove the MOT and reopen the lanes. This started the delay to the critical path. The Contractor was directed to redesign the MOT to maintain the two (2) westbound lanes on Nine Mile Road. As the Engineers worked to modify the MOT they discovered that the limited right of way would not allow them to design a plan that would maintain both westbound lanes and allow for the lowering and increase in elevation/grade. There are specific requirements for slopes, drop-off, barrier wall, and work space. There was not enough space to meet the requirements. It was determined that a full redesign of the roadway was necessary to maintain the existing two (2) lanes. During this redesign the critical path was stopped. Crews scheduled to work were redirected to other projects and some crews were allocated to work on the roadway section between Beulah Road and Eleven Mile Creek. 

Revisions #5 was received and stamped 7/3/18 and crews were able to return to work on items that have not changes as we negotiated the cost of the changes. This delayed the project over 190 days. During the negotiations the costs were much higher than anticipated and additional redesign was needed to try to get the cost to a more reasonable limit. Revision #8 was stamped 12/7/18 and we anticipate completing the negotiations for the changes this week.

The Projects had weather that significantly impacted the work. Weather does not just affect the project for the day it rains, the impact can extend for days due to the wet conditions of the soils and lime rock base. Each lift of soil, subgrade, base, etc. must meet specific material requirements and densities. These densities are heavily dependent on the moisture content of the materials. The Segment 6 Project (FIN 218605-6-52-01) is impacted more due to the water table being so close to the surface of the ground and the poor quality of the existing soils and its ability to perk water.

The project schedule was also impacted by legal issues related to right of way takings. Several properties remain open under Stipulated Orders of Taking. Impacts from these Orders have impacted the roadway design and construction between the Eleven Mile Creek and the Interstate. In late July 2018 the access design was approved by the legal team. The approved design caused a significant amount of re-work of some buried utilities before the construction could begin. This was completed in January 2019.

The Contract’s Critical path was delayed 190 days for the redesign (identified above), 316 days due

Private Development Group offers Escambia County $18 Million for 530 Acres of OLF 8

We haven't even taken title to this property (OLF 8 in Beulah) yet from the Navy.

And already Navy Federal Credit Union has offered us $4.2 Million for 100 acres.

Today, a private development partnership has sent a written letter of intent to purchase the remaining 530 acres (the portion NFCU is not purchasing) for $18 Million.

This is intriguing, and this would put us firmly in the "black" ($4.7 Million to the good) on this property if we move both of these offers forward and convert these offers into sales.

In order to complete the transactions, our attorney has clearly articulated that we would have an obligation to surplus any property and offer it for purchase to the highest bidder before simply acting on an unsolicited offer from an outside group.  Obviously we will follow the law with respect to whatever we end up doing with this property.

It is intriguing.  I'm certain this issue will be discussed this week when the board meets.  I look forward to these discussions.  See the LOI we received below:

First Official BCC - NFCU Meeting on Future of OLF 8 Held This Week

NFCU has created very preliminary draft renderings of how they conceptualize their development of 100 acres of OLF 8;  the BCC has said we will sell  NFCU 100 acres in exchange for a Market Price and the creation of 300 additional jobs...

The Escambia Board of County Commissioners has given clear direction to staff:

--Begin the process of negotiations with NFCU regarding their written offer to purchase 100 acres of our soon-to-be acquired OLF 8 field in Beulah.

--Begin discussions with NFCU regarding their written and verbal offer to pay for a Master Plan for this property based upon the parameters specified in our unanimously approved RFP for selection of a firm to implement this plan.

(The county unanimously approved a compromise draft document that will guide the development of the plan for the field, a document that maintains the focus on creating jobs, keeping the county in the running for a $30 Million Dollar grant to create a minimum of 1000 good jobs, and adding some amenities while FULLY considering the needs of the Beulah Community in this development)

So Thursday of this week the first kickoff meeting between staff and NFCU was held in Beulah at the NFCU campus.

Now, this was a very preliminary meeting, as we do not yet own the property. 

(The property will transfer to the county in the next several months when some final paperwork is concluded.  In late February or early March of  2019-- there will be two (2) ceremonies memorializing this profound land transfer deal between Escambia County and the US Navy--one will be held at Whiting Field's newly constructed OLF X in Santa Rosa County, and then one will be held at OLF 8 in Beulah on the same day.)

At this Thursday meeting representing NFCU were Kara Cardona, Kimberly Adderholt, and a representative from the NFCU General Counsel's office.  For the county, it was acting administrator Amy Lovoy, Assistant County Attorney Matt Coughlin, and from the county attorney's office, Meredith Crawford.

Topics of discussion, according to folks that were in the meeting with whom I have spoken, included forming a selection committee to rank planning firms for the master plan, and the make-up of this committee.  Additionally, the 100 acre portion of the field that NFCU wants was also discussed, however price, terms, and other issues have yet to be ironed out.  This will require appraisals of the portion of the field that NFCU has expressed a desire to acquire.  (NFCU has created and circulated some initial, preliminary renderings indicating how they envision utilizing the field--as indicated by the draft rendering above).  At this meeting Thursday, county staff asked NFCU if they were prepared to make a formal, written offer via a purchase offer document for the 100 acres--as this has yet to happen.  They did not do so at this meeting.

The other important discussion centered around insuring a planning process where no one party (neither NFCU nor the County nor any particular citizen) exerts undue influence.  As a way to prevent this, an initial concept discussed was for the County and NFCU to jointly fund and hire a

On WCOA's Good Morning Pensacola Today

I'll be the guest later-on this morning on WCOA's top-rated Good Morning Pensacola radio show.

The singular topic of discussion will be OLF 8, jobs, and the County's $30 Million Dollar Triumph Gulf Coast Grant Application--and how all of this ties in with the HUGE victory we had in our recent special meeting by approving a compromise RFP document for this property that:

1.  Still focuses on using this field to create good jobs for the county.

2.  Still focuses on the Triumph Grant.

3.  Allows for the planner to incorporate aspects of Regional Significance into the plan (in order to help us win the Triumph Grant)

4.  Allows for the incorporation of some amenities that have been requested by local Beulah Residents and Navy Federal Credit Union.

This compromise document represents a win-win for Beulah Residents, NFCU, and the citizens county-wide!


Listen to the Podcast Here