Watch the Video of our Perdido Key Town Hall Meeting Here

Agenda and Run of the Show for Tomorrow's Perdido Town Hall Meeting

 Here is the agenda for tomorrow evening's Town Hall Meeting in Perdido.

Next District 1 Townhall Meeting: THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT---6:00 in Perdido at Perdido Bay United Methodist Church

We will host our next District 1 Town Hall Meeting in Perdido at The Perdido Bay United Methodist Church on Innerarity Pointe Drive on Wednesday, August 7th from 6:00-8:00 PM.

The discussion will focus on current, planned, and upcoming infrastructure projects in this fast growing area of D1 and Escambia County.

Staff from every relevant department will be in attendance and available to answer questions.

I will answer questions and make myself available for any question(s) from any citizen present.

Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend!

District 1 Debate Tomorrow Night in Perdido

 The Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Candidate Debate and forum tomorrow evening at 6:00 PM at the Pointe Church on Innerarity Pointe Drive.  Here, below, are the details from the chamber:

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

From the County's Press Release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Story behind the Story of the Big Development on Perdido Key:They'll be Sticking with the Perdido Key Master Plan on my Watch!

Today's PNJ has a story on a big development proposed for Perdido Key in District 1.

This concerns me for multiple reasons, not the least of which is the traffic situation we already are dealing with as it pertains to the "Doug Underhill roundabout" which has been a failure.  Which I am having re-designed so it will actually work-which I will fix to work properly.

So this new development is proposed for the footprint of the old Best Western motel that was wiped-out during Hurricane Ivan.  In addition, it will encompass some additional parcels to the east of the Best Western footprint.

This additional development will exacerbate already significant traffic bottlenecks--which is why the permitting of this development has to be thoughtfully considered and scrutinized.

It is also why we DESPERATELY need traffic mobility fees/concurrency to put the onus for widening roads on developers when such developers' projects degrade capacity of exising roadways.  I've brought it multiple times, and staff is working on this and will be studying what other like sized counties are doing and then they will be bringing recommendation(s) back to the board for our consideration.  More to come on that in the months to come.

For my vote, if I get one on this project, I will NOT support any variations from the established Perdido Key Master Plan.  That plan is widely embraced by the folks at Perdido Key and so I will demand it be followed. (Just like I am doing with proposed developments at OLF 8 in Beulah).

More importantly than that, we have responsibilites to ensure the Perdido Key Habitat Conservation plan is followed to the letter, which staff will do.  Additionally, the platting of the subdivision portion of this development will require the requestor go through the county's subdivision platting process, which could take 12-18 months or more.  Additionally, I am told all impacts to the wetlands will require mitigation and impacts to beach mouse habitiat will require the developer to donate similar mouse habitat elsewhere on the key, where such property will be placed in conservation, and not be buildable.

And finally, the roadway proposed directly impacts wetlands, meaning DEP and Federal permits from the Army Corps of Engineers will be required, and can take between 6-months and a year to acquire.  It is unknown at this time as to whether or not this developer, Joe Mirabile, has obtained such permits.

All this to say this development will not be a slam dunk, lots of existing state, federal, and local laws, codes, and ordinances will have to be met to the letter, and lots of eyes on this project.

Including mine.

I'm a rule follower.  Time for us all to become keenly attenuated to the adopted, accepted, and widely embraced PK Master Plan....

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

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

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

From the resident:

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

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

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

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

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

 2. **Weight of the Beer Cases:**

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

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

 3. **Total Weight Calculation:**

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lifeguards on Perdido Key at County's Beach Access #2 Starting Today!

The new County lifeguard tower has been installed at Perdido Key  Beach Access #2 

Escambia County's Lifeguards Begin Service at Perdido Key Today!

Lifeguards will be stationed at Perdido Key Public Access #2 from May 23 to Aug. 11, 2024, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Throughout the day, a lifeguard will travel to Public Access #1, #3, and #4 to monitor the water and make contact with beach patrons.

Perdido Key patrons are encouraged to stay near the lifeguards while on the beach, especially in the most populated areas. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution when visiting the beach and swimming in the Gulf, especially when lifeguards are not present.  

The Roundabout is a Failure.

.....And later in the morning at the review meeting I will state this publicly---along with what I hope will be an appropriate fix.  The roundabout that was the brainchild of former commissioner Doug Underhill (who pressed for it and actually paid for it with D2 discretionary LOST funds) ----and a few of his fans----- has been installed and has simply been an abject failure.

Engineers designed this, and a construction crew built it.

But it is not functioning well, nor is it functioning properly.

It is too small, and it is not properly centered.  Westbound/Southbound traffic is essentially going straight through the roundabout because they barely have to swerve a little to get all the way through the circle.  There have been a number of fender-benders already.  When it even marginally functions, it slows traffic to a crawl as folks are using it essentially as a three-way stop.  Because the circle is too small.

I spent three days out in Perdido watching the cars try to navigate the roundabout and it is readily apparent it is not working.  I see tire marks all through the middle of the circle where trucks just plow right through it.

In an effort to alleviate this issue, we have reduced speed limits and even recently added rumble strips.

Now folks are upset about the rumble strips because they are effective at slowing cars down.

We added signs, the signs have been knocked down.  The plants in the middle are dying and look bad.  The whole thing is, to use a colloquialism, an epic fail.

So I am tired of tweaking at the margin and trying to put lipstick on this pig.  I've received major backlash on social media, angry emails, and phone calls.  Enough.

Here's the way I see it.  Sometimes the folks that engineer stuff get it wrong.  Look at the Elon Musk Starship that keeps on exploding during the launches.  Sometimes the engineers get it wrong and it is obvious.  As is the case with the Roundabout.

So I'm going to solve it once and for all.

I've asked the engineering department to bring two concepts and we will implement the one that is the best, most cost-effective solution.

1.  Cost to enlarge the roundabout to an appropriate size, and to center it properly so that all three roads are entering the circle at a center point.

2. Cost to demolish the roundabout, and add a traffic signal.

Least expensive option will be implemented.  (Subject to a BCC vote)

To those that love the roundabout--I say this.  "We tried, it hasn't worked."

To those that hate the roundabout--I say this   "We'll enlarge and center it and make it work, or we will put a traffic signal there."

Improved Beach Access #2 in Perdido Key Opens This Morning at 10:00--Provides 6 more Parking Spots than Before!

The crews from Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources, and Public Works  have completed the renovation and modernization and upgrades to Perdido Key's public Beach Access point #2, a full two weeks ahead of schedule.

The effort results in a level, ashpahlt parking surface with striped spots and curb stops.  Because we were able to remove the dilapidated and damaged structure on the property --we have realized 6 additional parking spots, over and above what the previous configuration accomodated.

The dilapidated, vandalism riddled bathrooms were a source of consternation to staff for years.  "Without a staffed presence at all times, parks around the country experience this phenomenon--not just Pensacola" said a staff member with intimate, historical knowledge of the repeated incidences of vandalism at the unmonitored restorrms at Access 2 ane Access 3 in Perdido Key.  He continued "We often found condoms and drug paraphenalia inside the structures along with repeated damage to the sinks, toilets, and fixtures--so there was illegal conduct happening--and the vandalism and repairs cost taxpayers thousands of dollars.  This is the right solution."

So now we have outdoor showers, a paved, level parking surface, Handicapped accessible, portable restrooms that will be encased in wooden lattice frames, and SIX MORE parking spots just in time for the peak of Spring Break.

The portable restoom company will service the portable restrooms on a frequent basis and deal with any vandalism/damage to these portable units, and trash will be picked up 6 days a week during the season.

Next winter, similar work will be completed at Access #3.

Kudos to the staff at Parks and Rec, Public Works, and Natural Resources for getting this done and making this amenity better for all the citizens and for adding 6 more parking spots for the citizens' use!

Work At Perdido Key Beach Access #2 Commences

Crews with the county's parks and recreation department have commenced the project to add additional parking spots to Beach Access #2 and to pave the parking lot and add outdoor showers and portable restrooms.  These changes will be completed before the start of the busy Summer season, and the demolition and renovation of Access #3 will ocur next winter ahead of the 2025 Summer season.

See the pictures of the renovation of Access # 2 in progress, below.

Concerns over Perdido Key Roundabout Discussed

The Perdido Key Roundabout is built.  It works as designed. I was at Perdido Key yesterday and it was functioning smoothly.  Some folks are happy with it, others want additional measures implemented, still others want it scrapped.

One thing I can say with certainty:  This traffic feature has been divisive--which is unfortunate.  As an example-- I offer this email exchange from this morning....I've had several like it from both supporters of the roundabout and detractors as well.

"Dear Mr. Jeff Bergosh

 I am a Canadian snow bird and been coming to Perdido Key for over 15 years, watching it grow every year along with downtown Pensacola and for the most part very pleased.

But my main peace now is the round about at Johnson Beach rd. It s way too small I do not even think it complies with US Government recommendations https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/00067/000676.pdf

In my opinion it is about 40-60 ft shy in diameter there is not deterrent for south bound travelers to slow done at all they can enter round about at 50 + per hour and not even have to slow down it needs to be enlarged to be safer and I am surprised you have not gotten any law suites from accidents there but I’m sure you will just saying.. because if I get clobbered there I will bring my dash can video to court and will be suing Pensacola and the driver who hit me.. Been 3 close call just this winter alone from people who fail to yield ….

XXXXXXXXXXXX    XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Canada"

To Which I replied: 

 

Hello XXXXXXXX,

 Thanks for the email of concern.  I have received several just like this one.  By contrast, I have also received several of late that appreciate the county building the traffic circle.  FULL DISCLOSURE:  I am not a traffic engineer, but I am told by the traffic engineers that the roundabout’s size is sufficient.  I have driven it from every angle and have found it to work adequately.  We have applied a number of additional measures to the roundabout to make it even more effective, safe, and efficient—however no amount of engineering can account for unsafe driving behavior of some who speed through the roundabout, drive over it, and are reckless.  This is why we all must drive defensively.

 A little history for you XXXXXXX…..Upon this area reverting to District 1 in early 2022 after a decennial census dictated we had to rebalance our 5 county voting districts---this project had already been designed and funded and was “shovel-ready.”  In addition to this---the citizens of Perdido Key had been consulted with numerous town hall meetings where they were asked which of three options they preferred on this county owned road.  1.  No build of anything—status quo  2.  A traffic signal  or 3.  A roundabout.  Overwhelmingly—the citizens chose option 3, a roundabout.   I agree with you in that it (roundabout) seems to be off-centered and undersized, but as I stated previously, above, the professional engineers who went to school for this and have studied these sorts of things academically have told me, eye to eye and in my face, that the roundabout was built as designed and is working as it was designed to work; slowing down traffic to prevent high speed wrecks while also allowing for a safer left turn solution from Johnson’s Beach Road going West back toward Alabama. Furthermore—do to a number of environmental constraints we face on Perdido Key and a lack of available right of way to expand the size of the roundabout---I am told by the professionals from the county’s environmental and traffic divisions (copied on this email) that enlarging the circle is impossible.  If I am wrong in this, again—they are copied and I’m asking for them to correct my understanding of this.  

 So let me make this perfectly plain.  If we can enlarge the circle, if this would improve safety, I am committed to doing it.  Enough have requested it of me and I have a budget for it.  Chris Phillips and Tim Day—can we do this?  We are still watching the operation of the roundabout and considering a bypass solution which could de-conflict some of the traffic going into the circle.  When I receive a final determination on whether or not we can do that—I will take decisive action and act on the recommendation.

 In closing, XXXXXXXX, I offer this:  What I have learned in nearly 18 years in local public office is that no solution will please all people.  To quote the famous trope from Goldilocks and the Three Bears—The porridge will never be just right—it is always too hot or cold.   With this said, I am always willing to re-assess a decision in light of new input and data from knowledgeable sources so your comments and considerations below are duly noted.  Thanks for your email, and I hope you enjoy your winter down here in America.

 Sincerely,

 Jeff Bergosh

District 1 Commissioner

Escambia Board of County Commissioners

Delegation Meeting 10/26/23: Should "Perdido" Incorporate?

Escambia County's legislative delegation met yesterday evening at Pensacola State College.

A HUGE part of the meeting was about the nascent effort to incorporate a large swath of the southwestern portion of Escambia County into a new city called "Perdido."

There were large crowds from both sides that spoke passionately for and against the proposal.

In the end, the delegation voted unanimously to move the draft legislation ("local bill") forward to Tallahassee where it will be finalized, filed, and WILL PASS.

Then, the question will come before the voters in the "study area"--as to whether or not such voting residents want to incorporate.

Such an incorporation will lead to higher taxes for those within the boundaries of this new city if the voters approve the measure.  That reality was formally acknowledged last night by the folks from "We are Perdido" that are spearheading the effort.

Now the impetus is on every registered voter to educate him/herself on what this will cost, and what benefits it could bring.  And the question needs to be, is the extra layer of government and additional taxes worth it?

I am neutral on the question--but I do represent the area so I will DEMAND complete and honest transparency so the voters I represent can make an informed decision at the ballot box next year.

But there are a LOT of details to be worked out between now and then.......much more to come on this, stay tuned.

PROPERTY INSURANCE:

I spoke on the impetus for action on our state's BROKEN and DYSFUNCTIONAL property insurance market, and the desperate need for state action to provide attainable premium relief for Floridians via utilizing the Florida Huricane Catastrophe Fund to subsidize some re-insurance which would provide IMMEDIATE relief to Florida insurance consumers.  I hope the delegation will look at this at their upcoming special session in November.  I hope they will, we will see.

They need to.

Isabella Subdivision-Perdido Key

This past weekend I had the opportunity to speak before an HOA group from a condominium complex on Perdido Key in District 1.  

There were lots of issues to work through and we discussed a lot of initiatives that are in the works for that area.

But one area of concern expressed by the residents was the soon to be constructed subdivision on Johnson's Beach road near the intersection of Johnson's Beach Road and Perdido Key Drive--an area of much consternation post-roundabout construction.  

I was asked about it, specifically which roads would be used for ingress/egress for that subdivision.

I told the folks in the room I would ask staff about it and then publish what I learned here on this blog, which I am doing.

The subdivision has not yet been approved, it is under review.  Initial applications were made a few years back that have subsequently expired.  Recently, new drawings and plans were submitted.  These are currently under review.

At this stage, what is being requested is a 41 lot subdivision on the north and south portion of Johnson's Beach Road--as indicated on the drawing above.

Nothing has been approved yet, but this is the current state of the project

Litigation to Remove Deeded Public Beach Access Easements in Perdido Appears Imminent......

I'm in receipt of an email from Attorney Steve Moorhead this week regarding public beach access easements that were discovered earlier this year.  Apparently, there are some folks and some condominium HOA's that are going to attempt to use the courts to invalidate/remove/extinguish the public access easements on the parcels that contain this language out in Perdido Key.  I reported on this a few weeks back.

This turn of events is very unfortunate.  The last thing anyone wants is litigation.  We dealt with it when we opened Access #4 and folks in the surrounding areas did not want that.  We prevailed.

Now a large swath of what we have discovered to be publicly accessible beach properties will be be in jeopardy.  But in this instance, just as was the case with beach access #4, the people will prevail.

Because the plain language on these deeds says what it says and I don't see the way by which these easements can be yanked--they were stipulated, on the deeds, when the Federal Government conveyed this land.  If they argue that the public abandoned these easements--I believe that argument fails as well.  Folks have used those very beaches and those very easements for decades--including in the 1980's when my dad and I fished up and down that beach and never once saw any resistance--let alone any "No Trespassing" signs.   Nope, if they are going to argue that--it will be an untenable position, particularly given the fact they have unclean hands as they (various condo owners and HOA's) sought, at times successfully, over the last 6 years to keep citizens off of these easements utilizing paid security, private property signs, and often paid strong-arm security to run people out.  So no, the folks did not voluntarily abandon anything--most were unlawfully forced out of areas to which they were entitled to be per that stipulated clause in all those deeds.  But not all of the citizens kowtowed to the no trespassing signs of the last 6 years and continued to use those easments despite the efforts to keep them out.  So no, arguing abandonment will fail.

So, no, I am not a lawyer and I don't need to go to law school to see how this movie ends.  The effort to remove these easements will fail, and the folks funding this effort will spend a lot of money, this lawyer will make a lot of money in this losing effort and infuriate a lot of west-side citizens in the process----but make no mistake:  This effort to take this beach access from the people ultimately fails and the people will win and these easements will remain in place.  

This action to further deprive the public of their beach access will be exceedingly unpopular in the court of public opinion---and this action in court to do this will be vigorously defended by the county.  

Vigorously.

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

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

Late last week I heard about this troubling develoment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nobody wants litigation, nobody wants a court fight.

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned, more to come on this.

Great Evening with Constituents: D1 Perdido Town Hall 9-18-2023

 We had an excellent, informative, and productive townhall meeting last night in District 1.  I appreciate all the citizens and staff that came out and participated.  For those unable to attend, I am linking the video of the event here, below:

Agenda/Run of the Show for This Monday Evening's D1 Town Hall in Perdido

More Safety Flotation Rescue Tubes Installed at Perdido Key in District 1--Thank You Perdido Key Rotary Club!

Yesterday, volunteers and members of the Rotary Club of Perdido Key installed two more emergency rescue tubes at beach accesses number 2 and 3 in District 1's Perdido Key.

Multiple citizens participated, and the swimming areas will be much safer now that these emergency flotation devices have been deployed.

According to members of the Rotary Club with whom I have spoken yesterday---there are plans for many more of these devices to be deployed in the coming months to improve water safety for all citizens in Escambia County going forward.

My hat's off to the Perdido Key Rotary Club for their diligent efforts and work to improve public safety at our area's beaches! 

Professional Traffic Analysis of Perdido Key Roundabout's Performance is Completed-------So What Does it Say?

The study for the Perdido Key Roundabout, pictured above, comes with analysis, data, and recommendations.

I am now in receipt of and am going through, meticulously, the professional traffic study analysis of the Perdido Key Roundabout in District 1.

I requested it in the face of mounting displeasure by the residents in Perdido over this traffic feature that was meant to assist with traffic flow and safety--but that instead has apparently exacerbated the traffic problems out on Perdido Key.

Staff has sent me the full report, which I will be presenting in detail at a town hall meeting in Perdido to be held Monday, Sept. 18th at 6:00 PM.

With the report, staff also provided their initial thoughts and recommendations, which I will consider thoughtfully as we find a way forward on this issue.  

From the email:

Commissioner,

 Attached is the report submitted by HSA-Columbia for your review.  I have highlighted a few key points below:

1. Observations were conducted on July 22 and July 29… two consecutive Saturdays with good weather (sunny and hot)
2. Video counting measures were taken both north and south of the circle with 3 intervals north to record backups.  Traffic was also counted on Johnson Beach Rd.
3. Southbound backups were observed from the roundabout northward over the bridge to the Publix driveway on July 22 only between approximately 4 to 5 pm.  The same was observed on July 29 around 3 pm for 15 minutes and again from 4 to 5 pm.  The delay times for these instances to travel from Publix to the roundabout was 6 to 7 minutes.  Travel times from Gongora Drive to the roundabout were generally 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Northbound backups related to signal timing were discovered from the signal to the roundabout on one of the observation days around 10:30 am.
5. Analysis for a west bound (Johnson Beach) to northbound (PK Drive) bypass lane was analyzed with favorable results.
6. The conclusions on page 10 indicate a delay of around 5 minutes beyond expected times on peak, special days (holidays, Blue Angels events, etc).

I would like a chance to get the camera installed on the condo so we can look on that side of the bridge, similar to what we have done at Pensacola Beach to time the signal (see #4 above) to prevent delays northbound.  We are working with County Legal and the Condo Legal to get an agreement worked out for liability and maintenance. 

I will inquire with Natural Resources relating to wildlife impacts regarding the addition of the bypass lane (see #5 above) to help with the hesitation associated with the close quarters of the southbound leg and westbound leg being so close together.  Right of way and wildlife impacts have long been an issue with the size of this circle.

In summary, I don’t believe we have enough information yet to justify removal of the circle.  I believe that it will function as intended during the “off season”.  I would like an opportunity to observe further from the circle to the bridge exactly what backups are taking place.  I believe the community is getting more used to the circle in that I have not heard of any more mishaps of running through the center of it nor any collisions.  If you hear of any of these instances, please forward them to me.

Read the full report, here.