Wake up Call for Thursday: David Bear joins us to Discuss Economic Development and TDC Revenues

 

Today on the wake-up call live on WPNN 103.7 we welcomed to the show Mr. David Bear.  He is the President of the Lewis Bear Company, the Chairman of the Escambia County Tourist Development Council, and the immediate past Chairman of Triumph Gulf Coast, the entity that is charged with allocating $1.5 Billion in BP oil spill settlement dollars for qualifying environmental and economic development projects in the eight panhandle counties most impacted by the BP oil spill of 2010.  We talked about the number of Triumph projects funded, the amount of funds remaining, and who gets the interest from the funds that are not yet expended.  We also discussed the TDC and why it is that some expenditures approved by the BCC and also the TDC are blocked by the Clerk.  It was a good discussion and we appreciated Mr. Bear’s time in coming on the Wake up Call.

In addition to this, we discussed:

-local news—OLF 8 offers down to one left, a Pedestrian fatality at Hwy 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, an arrest made for the murder of Terrell Omar Owens, and $10,000 missing from the town of Century.

-New Gallup polling among Americans’ views on Israel/Hamas

-Megachurch pastor Jamal Bryant calls for a boycott of Target due to DEI program rollbacks there…

-China threatens war over tariffs

-Trump meets with released hostages and issues unprecedented threat to HAMAS

-Is the Federal Dept. of Education going to be shut down this week?

--and much more

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

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

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

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

SS United States Move to Escambia County Waters: Is the Lack of a Re-compression Chamber Locally an Unmovable Safety Obstacle?

Could the lack of a publicly-accessible recompression chamber in Escambia County slow the momentum to bring another large wreck to our local waters?

In the recent flurry of activity surrounding the potential move of the SS United States to the waters off of Escambia County, one issue has arisen that is worth consideration.  Safety.

Full disclosure, I am not a diver, I am not a subject matter expert.  But I know folks that are so I reached out to a few that do know this topic.

On deep dives, there are multiple issues that can go wrong.  Sometimes, a diver requires a re-compression chamber after a complication resulting from such a dive.

According to a constituent with whom I spoke--who is not anti-ship or anti-diver-- safety should be looked at when considering whether or not to bring the SS United States to the waters of Escambia --because there are no publicly available Re-compression chambers in Escambia County.  The closest ones are in Mobile County to our West, and Bay County to our East.

This constituent lost her husband tragically due to a complication resulting from a deep dive on the Oriskany in 2016.

"There was no chamber here, and by the time the ambulance was taking him to Mobile---he died" she related.

Acording to a veteran, very well-versed diver who also has experience in healtcare with whom I spoke--Pensacola will never get a recompression chamber.  "They are simply too expensive to purchase and staff for the one or two incidents per year they would be required to treat" said this individual.  He continued--"After all, these hospitals are businesses at the end of the day, and this would be a huge expense that is also not covered by insurance."

According to this individual--divers must purchase their own, stand alone policies that cover such treatment in case of an emergency during a dive.  The average, garden variety health insurance policy does not cover it.

I don't think the lack of a re-compression facility should dissuade us from looking seriously at bringing this wreck to Escambia County--but I do think a clear-eyed, iron clad protocol should be established that dictates severe diving related incidents MUST be treated utilizing an air ambulance that could get such a diver to Springhill in Mobile in a very short time--if such a service is needed.  Perhaps the protocol should be discussed and codified.

Meanwhile, I received another call yesterday in support.  This time from a very successful, local, and well-respected and wealthy real estate developer and outdoor enthusiast.  He expressed support and optimism that our area could not only pull this off, but that this ship's stacks could be cut off allowing for the entirety of the ship to be sunk at depths where the average recreational diver could visit the whole ship safely.

"I only dive once every five years--but I will definitely want to dive this wreck if it is shallow and if we get it.  If we were talking about another wreck at Oriskany's depth--I would not have called you, Jeff.  This conversation would not be happening."  He quipped.

So we will see how the conversations go in the next few weeks.  Again, for my support and yes vote, it has to be funded, completely, utilizing non ad-valorem revenues and no LOST funds.  

But if we can get grants and/or TDT funding or private funding--or even a Triumph Gulf Coast Grant, I am ALL IN!

SS United States: Could We Soon Have a Ship Larger than the Oriskany Sunk in Local Waters?

Could Escambia County soon be the final underwater resting place for a ship larger than the Oriskany and even longer than the Titanic?

 Yes, we could.  Yes, this is something that is under serious consideration. 

That is the buzz I am hearing from folks excited about the prospect of a nearly 1,000 foot ship, bigger that the Oriskany, being submerged in our local waters.

"This would make Escambia County waters the ULTIMATE dive spot, if we could sink the SS United States in waters off of Escambia County." said a local avid fisherman and diver with whom I spoke about the prospect of us acquiring, transporting, and ultimately scuttling the United States off the coast of Pensacola Beach.

"Right now, to our east and west, the other counties are working overtime to add more artificial reefs and dive spots---so for us to add the SS United States would help us keep pace." said this individual.

He then pulled out a tablet and showed me all the submerged reefs and ships and tanks and other features on our sea bed extending east and west and out as far as 30 miles or longer.  From the HUGE amount of numbers on this graphic shown to me---it appears as if Alabama has everybody beat, with row after row of sunken features lighting up the screen.  Rows and columns.   Way more than Escambia--although Escambia does have a lot of Bridge pilings and concrete spoils submerged off the coast in a gigantic rectangle.

Okaloosa county has a huge footprint of sunken materials and ships as well.  Also, they have a row of "columns" extending out into the Gulf in a kind of Christmas tree array.  These are buoys that extend downward into the ocean to the bottom in and attract all sorts of pelagic species.

"If we could compliment the Oriskany with the SS United States--we would be a hub for divers worldwide and we would generate a lot of trips here and a lot of stays here from pro and amatuer (recreational) divers from around the world." said this angler/diver

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE--WHAT WOULD IT COST?

The move to bring SS United States to Escambia County will require a commitment of $10 Million dollars, and swift action.  According to another individual with whom I spoke who has intimate knowledge of the plan to acquire and scuttle SS United States here--the vessel is up in Pennsylvania at a shipyard and must be moved by September 12th.  It would have to be towed here, in the midst of peak hurricane season, and then there would have to be a plan on where to sink the vessel.

I'm told the objective would be to sink it so it is an easier dive for recreational divers who typically can only go down about 130 feet.  (by contrast, the Oriskany sits in water that is 230 feet deep, with only the very top of the tower reachable by the amateur, recreational diver).

I'm told there is a spot, closer to the shore than Oriskany, where the SS America could be sunk and which would allow for the 57' of vertical clearance necessary while also allowing a much larger porition of this ship to be reachable by recreational divers than is the case currently with the Oriskany.

I like the idea, I like the plan.  But $10 Million is a heavy lift.  Possible funding sources include TDT funds, perhaps some BP Oil Spill money, and potentially even a Triumph Gulf Coast grant if such a project could meet that board's criteria.  Stay tuned over the next several weeks as this will be discussed due to the pressing timeline.  And again, for my vote, I LOVE this idea just as I LOVED the plan to bring American Magic here -- which has now come to pass.

This ship could also be a huge get for our area.

I received a strong email of support from a member of the area's Marine Advisory Committee, on some additional data and facts about the SS United States, which I will publish, below:

"The SS United States

 990 feet long   100 feet longer than the Titanic

101 ft 6 inches Beam.  The maximum width at the time for passage thru the 

                                       Panama canal was 105 feet.

53,330 Gross tonnes 

When loaded to the Load Line she draws 36 feet 4 inches.

She has 12 decks.

She currently holds the "Blue Riband"  (not Ribbon) award for the fastest

trans-Atlantic Ocean Liner.  For her maiden voyage July 3-7 1952 crossing 

from Ambrose light to Cornwall of 3 days 10 hours 12 minutes. Average speed

34.51 knots almost 40 miles a hour. Her top speed 38.32 knots 44 mile a hour.

Impressive numbers. 

She was designed by William Francis Gibbs. He was also head designer of the American "Liberty Ship which led to the larger "Victory Ship". both of which were

major contributors to the American and Allies victory in WWII.

WFG's daughter Susan Gibbs has headed the SS United States Conservancy.

she has stated in the past that " It would be preferable if the ship can't be restored that she be reefed". Opposed to being scrapped.

I understand that the Conservancy may have a sizeable amount of objects for a museum. There's also a maritime museum in Virginia with a sizeable collection. I think it's time to create our own maritime museum with or without UWF's participation. I also think Susan Gibbs would want to participate in the dedication of any SSUS museum or monument.

Fun Facts: There has been four Presidents to have sailed aboard the SS United States and too many celebrities to mention. When Leonardo DaVinci's masterpiece "Mona Lisa" was on loan, she traveled safely aboard the SS United States.

I sincerely hope we can find the funding for this project. It is a rare opportunity. I will be 

glad to keep you updated with any information pertaining to this."

90% Growth in Available Units for Short Term Rentals Is What Fueled Dramatic Rise in Perdido Key Bed Tax Collections 2021-2022

 Recently there has been a series of meetings aimed at improving and enhancing the advertising of Perdido Key in District 1.  For the last several years, all county marketing has been centralized under the "Visit Pensacola" brand.  I'm told by folks familiar with this matter that "Perdido Key gets plenty of coverage and advertising--just look at their year over year tourist tax development (TDT) collections growth--that's the proof."   Nobody is knocking what Visit Pensacola does, it is just that Perdido Key is not Pensacola Beach--they are two separate and distinct areas of the county.

Currently, the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce leases the Perdido Key visitor's center from Escambia County.  Within the visitor's center, "Visit Pensacola" maintains a presence, complete with rack cards, displays, and murals. There are also multiple employees of Visit Pensacola who staff this visitor's center through the week.  One issue that has been brought to my attention by the Perdido Businesses and citizens with whom I have spoken is that the Visit Pensacola employees who work in Perdido Key often recommend out of the area restaurants and other attractions to visitors who are coming to Perdido Key.  In one instance, a guest asked where a good restaurant was for a bite to eat.  Instead of pointing this particular guest to the Florabama, Crab Trap, Oyster Bar, or the Sunset Grill---the employee said "I'd recommend you go to Pensacola Beach, to the Grand Marlin"   There have been other similar occurrances of which I have been made aware.

In addition to this, there has been a lot of disdain about Perdido's Chamber of commerce--because as a state line chamber of commerce--they naturally have some members in Alabama.  About 60 of the 400 members of the Perdido Chamber of Commerce are Alabama businesses.  Of that 60 Alabama entities, however,  only 5 (Five) collect 5 cent bed taxes.  And of that five---4 of the 5 are owned by well-respected Escambia County businessman, Julian McQueen's.  company Inisfree Hotels.

Nobody is trying to knock Julian McQueen's hotels in Alabama.  It is a separate market from Pensacola Beach---very different and unique.  And Perdido Key actually lines up more with them and is closer in proximity to that market than it is to Pensacola Beach.  Perdido Key is 25 miles away from Pensacola Beach.

Meanwhile, back at the visitor's center in Perdido Key--rack cards are meticulously controlled by Visit Pensacola, with one such prominent rack card advertising an Out of State (Alabama) Gambiling Casino and another announcing "Welcome to Pensacola Beach!"  Of more than 100 posts to Visit Pensacola's Instagram over the last year--not one post had a #Hastag Perdido Key.  Every single one of the posts had hastags for Pensacola Beach or downtown.  Additionally, a recent perusal of the "Beach Events" page on Visit Pensacola was all but EXCLUSIVELY spotlighting Pensacola Beach, with the reader having to go eight clicks deep through the pages to find even one Perdido Key beach establishment listed.  The Perdido Key Chamber's website is not linked to Visit Pensacola's site for reasons unknown, yet Pensacola Beach's Chamber website is linked.  Why is that?

Perdido Key feels neglected and the businesses out there are not happy about it.  Remember, they are the #2 highest collector of Bed tax dollars behind only Pensacola Beach, in all of Escambia County.

Yet, I'm told if we bolster the Perdido area with better, more directed marketing--we will essentially be "Sending money to Alabama businesses." or "Competing against ourselves [Escambia]." I simply disagree.  It is a cop out and I can tell you as a person who frequently spends time at a Pensacola Beach Condo I own---visitors to either location will vote with their feet as it pertains to food and beverages; e.g. just because they are staying in Pensacola Beach or Perdido Key does not mean every dollar such visitor spends will be in Escambia County's jurisdiction.  People travel, people eat and drink out of jurisdiction.  Do I want all people in both locations to only spend money in Escambia County's jurisdiction so we collect the sales tax?  Of course.  Is that a realistic expectation?  no.  In Pensacola Beach, a vast majority of long duration visitors buy groceries over the bridge at Publix or Wal Mart.  All name-brand pizza delivery companies that deliver on Pensacola Beach to visitors staying there (Dominos, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns)  similarly are located out of our taxing jurisdiction, over the bridge in Santa Rosa County where the grocery stores are.  And when these visitors gas up their vehicles, by and large they skip the one high-price gas station in Pensacola Beach for one of the significantly less-expensive stations in.........drumroll.......you guessed it--Gulf Breeze   Santa Rosa County, out of our jurisdiction.

Similarly--in Perdido Key visitors staying in condos there may go over to Cobalt of the Hangout in addition to spending money in Escambia County at Perdido area restaurants.  

So--food an beverage choices happen, we can't hold visitors hostage at either beach once they arrive there for a visit.

But the money we are discussing, TDT, are not collected anywhere other than lodging accomodations, not at retail establishements or restaurants--so those discussions are red herrings anyhow, when we are talking about year over year TDT collections increases.   

The 2021-2022 year over year Bed Tax collections gains at Perdido Key were NOT driven by slick marketing for Perdido Key that Visit Pensacola placed.  These increases were organic, primarily due to the growth in new units coming on the market in Perdido Key via VRBO, AirBnB, Expedia, and other online owner-operated lodging solutions--in addition to work the Perdido Key Chamber did, in addition to the work Visit Pensacola did, in addition to the work Alabama state-line chambers did.

And I have the information to prove this,  information from the clerk.

I reached out to staff from the clerk's office for data on the number of unique, individual collectors in the 32507 (Perdido Key) Zip code to see what was driving this huge jump in gross-dollar TDT collections.  

The metric has only been tracked since late 2021--but the pattern is obvious;  there are a huge number of new rental units (TDT collectors) coming online in Perdido Key, and that is driving the increase year over year--it is obvious to the most casual observer.  Now, If the number of available units had held static and the gain was 52% that would point to something dramatic happening in terms of marketing and this conversation would not be happening.  But that is not what the story tells.  

Look at just 5 months side by side  to see the reason why the gains are occurring (month on top, total number of unique collectors on the bottom):

  

In just those 5 months compared, above, the available units jumped by 90% year over year--yet collections did not match growth and were "only" up 52%.  What does that mean?

There are ongoing conversations to improve this situation, I have discussed the issue with no real resolution at yesterday's TDC board meeting, where I informed that board I'd be bringing this issue to the BCC for discussion at an upcoming BCC meeting to work toward a better situation between Visit and Perdido Key to fix some of these untenable issues.  Naturally, any sort of a change to the current status quo has, is, and will be running into a buzz saw of opposition from hoteliers, advertisers, and others who are quite comfortable with the current state of things.  I happen to believe some minor tweaks and some autonomy for Perdido Key can fix things.  Unfortunately, a meeting on this topic I facilitated and attended last week produced no meaningful solutions going forward.

So I'll keep working on it from my end and through the BCC at the next meeting.

Tremendous Visibility for our Community via American Magic's Time in Barcelona (And PENSACOLA Featured Prominently on the Sail!)

Pensacola, Florida is prominently featured on the American Magic's team sails which will be utilized over the next 16 months in Barcelona as the world awaits the next America's Cup race which will be held in Barcelona in 2024

 

The county, city, the Tourist Develoment Council, and state have worked diligently to help support  Pensacola Bay as the training center for America's Cup contender "American Magic."  Based out of the New York Yacht Club--the American Magic team has been practicing in the Pensacola Area for the last three years for the next America's Cup sailing race.

A group of elected officials were given a tour of the American Magic sailing facilities late last year, and I have met the skipper of the boat and many of the crew members on a number of occasions over the last year and a half.

Recently, the county, city, the tourist development council,and state have joined forces to put together a funding plan to make Pensacola Bay the permanent training center for the American Magic.  An $8.5 Million dollar project was  announced last month to fund a state of the art training and sailing center for American Magic's team at the port of Pensacola.  This project will bring more than 100 good jobs to our area paying an average of more than $100K per job. That project is moving forward.

Meanwhile, the American Magic team has now made their way over to the site of the next world cup, Barcelona Spain.  the race will not occur until late 2024-- so the team will be there for the next 16 months training and preparing for that race.

After that, they will be back in Pensacola.  The future of sailing in Pensacola is really looking strong and a lot of folks are going to know about Pensacola because as the American Magic team races, practices, and prepares for the America's Cup race over the next 16 months--they will be utilizing sails that prominently feature "Pensacola" on these same sails--like the one above (found at minute 2:00 of this video from yesterday chronicling the team's time in Barcelona)

What great visibility for our community--what a great advertisement for the Pensacola area!

TDC Votes to Cut Clerk's Administrative Overhead Costs by $212,500.00

Some numbers got re-arranged at today's TDC meeting.......

At this afternoon's Tourist Development Council meeting we went through a number of items related to the proposed yearly budget.

We voted upon  the good idea of establishing some reserves for contingency within the budget--which passed unanimously.

We also had a primer in public records law and the Florida Sunshine Law from BCC attorney Steven West.

Toward the end of the meeting, the chairman brought forward a cleaned up proposed 2023 budget for TDT funds usage for the board's consideration.  (pictured above).

After Chairman David Bear went through the proposed budget line by line, it came time for a motion to approve which I made and which was seconded by Shirley Cronley.  With a motion and a second on the floor, discussion ensued with Ronnie Rivera asking what could be done about the $562,000.00 in budgeted administrative overhead fees to the Clerk of the Court (which appear to have grown geometrically as collections have increased this year).

Discussion went back and forth between Bear and Rivera about how the fee is calculated, which typically has been a flat 3% of collections figure given to the clerk for her staff's effort(s) in supporting this board and managing these funds.  Mr. Rivera obviously wanted the acurate number in that slot--not a formulaic one..which makes perfectly good sense.(Currently, the auditor general is looking into the spending and accounting of these funds, requested by TDC Chairman David Bear, and a clear answer as to what specific ammount [the whole 3%--or up to 3%--of the collections] is authorized has not yet been given.)

So what does it cost for the Clerk to support the TDC and the TDT funds?

Fortunately for us all--Mike Davis from the Clerk's office was still at the meeting------- so I asked him to come to the podium to tell us how much it costs the clerk to manage these funds and support the TDC.  He gave the figure "about $330,000.00"  so I took that number and asked if we budgeted $350,000 for the clerk's administrative overhead--would that work?" to which Mr. Davis agreed.

So I subsequently amended my motion to approve the budget,  inserting $350,000.00 for the Clerk's administrative costs (it had been a flat 3% which generated $562,500.00) and taking the delta of $212,500.00 from what was originally budgeted to go to the clerk for overhead/administrative costs, and adding that number to the 2023 surplus--increasing that number $1,487,500.00 for 2023.

This amended motion was voted upon and passed via a roll-call vote 5-1 with Jim Reeves voting "no."

Jim quipped, before he voted no, "I think this might create a controversial vote for the Board of County Commissioners to approve."  to which I responded "I think I can find at least three votes for it."

Florida Auditor General's Office to Commence Operational Audit of Escambia's TDT Funds Beginning Today

Later this morning staffs from the County and the Clerk of the Court's office will "kick-off" the process for the conducting of an operational audit on the county's use of Tourist Development Tax dollars from October of 2020 through December of 2021.  This audit is coming via the Joint Legislative Audit Committee at the specific request of the Escambia Tourist Development Council.  

The county will facilitate the auditors with whatever information they require to do this work, to include office space, parking, network connections, information and files.  The Clerk's office, I assume, will do likewise.

For my part, as a brand new member (as of last Thursday) of the Escambia Tourist Develoment Council------ I welcome the audit and any findings which will be helpful in our local administration of these important funds for the purposes allowed and according to statutory limitatations and stipulations/conditions. 

The estimated time for completion of the field work will be 4-5 months--with an initial, preliminary report to come sometime in late spring or early summer.  See the engagement letter, below.

Budget Discussions at the COW....

The Chappie James Monument will receive some County funding, apparently, AFTER private monies are raised of an equivalent ammount....

Yesterday the BCC had a budget discussion workshop.  We heard from a lot of outside entities that have sought funding.

Most are going to get some funding--but the board was fairly uniform in NOT giving more than was requested and approved last year and NOT funding any new requests.

Of course this was simply a workshop.  

We will see what actually happens next Tuesday evening when we vote on the budget officially.

Several entities that sought funding will not get funding.  

Some because they are new requests, others because they applied after the deadline for submissions, which was last March.  

What I said at the meeting, and what I meant, was that to allow folks to come in with applications for funding in August was unfair to those that actually did the work necessary and met the actual  March deadline for funding.  It would be tantamount to "cutting in line."  Before the end of the meeting, three of us, via a straw vote, signalled to staff that late applications should not even be agendaed.  That will be the standing practice going forward.

So a couple of presenters that brought large asks of the board will not be funded--because they missed the deadline.

The Chappie James monument representatives requested $100K from TDT revenues to build a statue and static jet display.  Apparently, unbeknownst to me before yesterday, the TDC approved this expenditure.  Doug Underhill stated he would not support public money being expended on this project.  The rest of the board appeared open-minded.

I asked the lead representative of the Chappie James Monument group,  Cris Dosev, a couple of different times and a couple of different ways "How much private money have you raised for the monument?"  He didn't answer directly, even when I pressed.  Apparently some in-kind donations (engineering services) have been made.  But even that information as presented was opaque.  Did FDOT accept the plans?  What are the actual cost estimates?  Can it be completed in one year?  Who knows.....

At the end of that discussion--the decision was made to dedicate the funding, but to withhold it until that entity (Chappie James Monument group)  raised the private funds from private donors to substantially complete the "hard" scape of the project--with county money coming in at the end and only AFTER the private money and city money is expended.  This seemed like a reasonable accomodation.

The final budget hearing will be next Tuesday evening.

Reason for the Pause, Part II

An analysis of requested information should clear up any questions raised by allegations that were brought to my attention Wednesday evening which led to my move to pull a funding item from last night's agenda....

In part I of this series I described the rationale for taking a pause on an agenda item from yesterday's meeting.

I asked my aide, Debbie Kenney, to make some inquiries of Visit Pensacola and Pensacola Sports Association so that I can run some other allegations to ground before we move ahead with the vote for an additional $2.3 Million to Visit Pensacola next month.

As I said to channel three and in the PNJ--I am just following up on information that was given to me.  Just allegations.  Hopefully, there is no substance to these allegations.....

I reiterated this position in a Friday interview on Pensacola's top-rated morning radio show, "Good Morning Pensacola" on 1370 WCOA.

Here's the Deal:   if I do not follow up on serious allegations from credible sources, then I am not doing my job, so I follow up on credible reports when I get them, and I get to the bottom of issues that are real.  Look no further than Newpoint schools and what happened there........ 

The below request was made today by my aide.  When I receive the information back, I'll hopefully have a better idea, before the next vote in April, about whether or not some things I have been told about these allocations of TDC monies are true or untrue.

Reason for the Pause, Part I

Sometimes a close examination of an allegation is good for all sides. Sometimes it proves there was no "there" there, other times it confirms allegations.  Occasionally  it serves to improve processes.  In any case, a thorough look is in order when seemingly alarming claims are made

At yesterday morning's agenda review session, I led the effort to pull a funding item from the agenda for this month so that I could investigate some issues that had been alleged having to do with the "process" of some purchases.

The board agreed and the item was dropped.

I described to the media and my peers on the BCC some of my concerns--the largest one being that according to a citizen with intimate knowledge of Visit Pensacola--a large-dollar purchase of a website domain name was made without proper authorization (from the full Visit Pensacola Board of Directors--in advance of the purchase)

I did confirm that to be true yesterday late in the evening--the board of Visit Pensacola neither authorized nor approved this purchase in advance as should have happened according to their bylaws and financial procedures documents.

The minutes from June 27th describe the purchase being disclosed to the full board after the fact. 

So far as I understand it--the purchase was questioned by the clerk's office, who in turn deferred to the County Administrator's office.

The County Administrator's office approved the purchase for reimbursement in September of 2018 (although the original purchase was made in early June of 2018).  I asked the following question yesterday:  "Was the authorization for the approval of this purchase reimbursement made with the understanding that the Visit Pensacola Board of Directors had voted to authorize this purchase in advance?"  and the answer was an unequivocal "Yes."

I'm told at least one Visit Pensacola board member was not happy about the way this purchase was done.

Nobody has told me yet, for sure,  if this purchase was ever officially ratified by a follow-on vote of the board--as should have occurred.  This action, if it did occur, is not reflected in the minutes.

So setting aside the size of the expenditure ($150,000.00 seems high to me-- but I'm not an expert in buying website domains) There is little doubt that the process here was badly flawed.

So if this was truly a time-sensitive issue--my question is why not call a special meeting?  Why not wait at least 3,5, or 7 days to do it right?  Why not write the contract stipulating the purchase is not valid until the Board of Directors approve the purchase?  Why the rush to spend this much money with no deliberations among the board of directors prior to the purchase?

And if the website was so important to acquire in such a rapid fashion, why has nothing been done with it--why is it not, at a minimum, at least directing traffic to the existing Visit Pensacola site right now?

Some other allegations were made about "multiple consultants and lobbyists" being engaged by these entities as well--with very generous monthly stipends.  This is all well and good, but I am requesting some information to see if what I am told squares with the reality of the situation with respect to several of these consultants, what they are doing, and for what purpose, and what sources of money is funding this.

I'm also going to ask about how these positions were advertised and whether or not RFP's or solicitations for these services were put out before the hires were made--or were these persons direct hires?

As I said in the PNJ--it is all probably nothing--I hope there is no larger issue other than this one obvious misfire with the website address purchase prior to board authorization.

But in our oversight capacity as commissioners--we have to take credible information seriously and we have to ask questions when irregularities (like the $150K Website Purchase without prior authorizations from the Board of Directors) are brought to our attention. 

I hope everyone gets this.

I mean, just imagine the alternative.  Imagine if we "didn't" follow up on allegations brought to our attention about potential issues with the expenditure of public monies?