The Summation Weekly - March 13, 2024

PUBLIC RESTROOMS COMING TO THREE PENSACOLA PARKS THIS SPRING

By Morgan Cole

Pensacola is finally looking to bring public bathroom options downtown with a modular public toilet design called The Portland Loo. In January, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announced that the city will be installing three modular public restrooms at Pensacola parks this spring. Reeves said the longawaited public restrooms shipped to the city on February 21, and the city plans to install them as soon as they arrive.

The trio of semi-permanent facilities were designed for the city

of Portland, Oregon, with graffitiproof walls and open grating to provide restrooms for the public without the crime and other problems of regular public restrooms.

The stand-alone restrooms feature an open-air design with a grating along the top and bottom that allows law enforcement to tell how many people are inside, while still providing privacy to the user.

The stainless steel walls in each unit are protected by an antigraffiti clear coat and can easily be cleaned with a cleaning hose and janitorial supplies, which are stored in a locked mechanical closet on the unit itself.

Unlike porta-potties, the units will be installed on a permanent concrete pad and are connected to public sewage with fully functional toilets. Each unit also comes equipped with a handwashing station on the exterior wall.

Reeves said if shipping times are reasonable and everything goes smoothly with the installation, the first Portland Loo could be open by the end of March.

The Portland Loo in MLK Plaza will be controlled by the Downtown Improvement Board under a funding agreement with the city where the Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) is paying for half of the installation cost.

“Our plan right now is to put one at MLK Plaza,” Reeves explained. “As we discussed with DIB. Before my administration, there was agreement between them and the (city) council about getting some bathrooms there. We have moved

from a brick and mortar (facility) to a Portland Loo. So we’ll put one at MLK right there at Gregory (Street).”

A second unit will be installed at the skate park on North Hayne Street and the third will find a home at Bruce Beach. This is because the city is looking into opening the completed portions of the new park at Bruce Beach before the total project is complete.

“It’s looking like right now, and again, this is not final, that we could have a phase one (at Bruce Beach) open at some point in March,” Reeves said. “Whereas the phase two would not be done until October. So, I felt like that was enough time to create some value for the citizens to let them use the playground, the pedestrian bridge and all that.”

In total, the city purchased five Portland Loos, but delivery of the final two is on hold while the city works to finalize some partners for the project.

“I’m looking at partnering with DIB and the University of West Florida about putting one perhaps at Museum Plaza, right there behind the museum in partnership with UWF,” Reeves said. “We had a great conversation with them, working on some final details there. And then the fifth one, at this point, would probably be a second restroom at Bruce Beach.”

DIB Executive Director Walker Wilson said the DIB would work with the city to decide on operating hours.

According to Reeves, the city had previously evaluated many options for public restroom facilities, includingstand-alone buildings, before settling on the prefabricated restroom design.

“The value of these is that they’re modular. So, if we see a greater need for one somewhere else, then we’ll plan for that and if we need to adjust, this allows us to do it, as opposed to a brick-and-mortar structure,” Reeves said.

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ESCAMBIA COUNTY MOURNS THE LOSS OF LONGTIME COUNTY EMPLOYEE DAVID OWEN

Escambia County is mourning the loss of beloved Public Works employee David Owen after a tragic tree trimming accident on Monday, Feb. 26. David worked for Escambia County for nearly 25 years, and he will be greatly missed by his colleagues and loved ones.

David’s friends and coworkers describe him as a hardworking, selfless person who was committed to his job and loved his family dearly.

“David Owen is the type of guy you’re never going to replace,” said his supervisor, Randy Brasch. “There’s not another David Owen out there. They don’t make them like him anymore.”

David was an Equipment Operator III for Escambia County’s Public Works Department, a job he took great pride in, according to those who worked with him every day. He would often arrive at work as early as 3:30 a.m. to ensure that he had time to enjoy his morning coffee and get ready for the workday, including starting up his coworkers’ computers and making sure their vehicles and keys were ready to go.

“He loved cutting trees, and I loved being his supervisor,” Brasch said. “This was his life out here – the county was his life.”

David was hired in April of 1999 and served his entire career with the county as an equipment operator. Beyond his dedication to his job and strong work ethic, David was known as a selfless and caring person who looked out for others.

“David would help anybody,” Brasch said. “Everybody in Cantonment probably knew David Owen and his black GMC truck. If David had $10 in his pocket and you needed $10, he would give it to you. He had a big heart. David would do without to help others.”

Floyd Heist worked alongside David for more than 20 years as an Equipment Operator IV, where they spent most days together cutting and trimming trees, driving around the county completing work orders, and just talking about the highs and lows of life as they worked.

“David and I were together 99% of the time,” Heist said. “We were like brothers.”

Just like brothers, Heist said they gave each other a hard time over little things – whether it was David’s small frame, coldnatured tendencies, obsession with tinkering with old trucks, or his daily breakfast of honey

roasted peanuts, a Little Debbie snack cake, and a Code Red Mountain Dew.

Heist said he and David built a mutual trust and strong friendship over the years, and he wouldn’t have traded David as his partner for anyone else.

“He was a good friend,” Heist said. “He would take his shirt right off his back and give it to anybody.”

David had a keen eye and an incredible memory when it came to trees, Heist said, and he would often file away trees or potentially problematic limbs in his “Rolodex” to be addressed as needed.

“That man could spot trees on his day off, and when we didn’t have work orders, we would go back and he would remember them,” Heist said. “He’d be driving down the road and see a tree and file it away.”

As an extremely hard worker who loved his job, Heist said David hated rainy days that slowed down their work. He would get bored easily, never wanting to take a break or have a slow day.

“He was a worker that wanted to work 24/7, because cutting trees was what he enjoyed doing,” Heist said.

When he wasn’t working, David enjoyed tinkering with old trucks, often visiting the junkyard on the weekends to get parts for his next project. David also loved spending time with his grandchildren and family, especially his mother, who he visited daily.

David’s loss will be felt by many, including his Escambia County colleagues, friends, family, and many loved ones.

“David Owen is already incredibly missed by his Escambia County family, and we join his family and loved ones in mourning and remembering what a special person he was,” County Administrator Wes Moreno said. “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragic loss, and we will continue to support our employees who were close to David as we grieve together. David was a special person who will be remembered fondly for many years to come.”

A visitation for David Owen was held

Thursday, March 7 from 11 a.m. to noon at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, 1985 W. Nine Mile Road in Pensacola, followed by a funeral service from noon to 1 p.m. An interment occurred from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens.

UF/IFAS OFFERS FREE POLLINATOR PROGRAM MARCH 23

The Escambia County Master Gardener Volunteer Program invites the public to learn about designing a landscape to attract pollinators in a free and educational event Saturday, March 23, at 9 a.m. The event will take place at the Escambia Extension Offices, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment, Fla. Local plant expert Emily Peterson will start off the event with a talk on “Artfully Adding Pollinator Plants to the Landscape,” followed by an opportunity to visit exhibits and demonstrations in the garden from 10 a.m. to noon. Exhibition topics include pollinator houses, making a container

garden for pollinators, and starting milkweed and other pollinator seeds. Please note space is limited for Peterson’s educational session.

In addition, the Master Gardener Volunteers will have a small pollinator plant sale from 10:45-11:30 a.m. Cash or checks will be accepted. Other vendors and exhibitors include the Native Plant Company, which will have plants for sale, the Escarosa Beekeepers Association, and ECUA.

For more information, please contact Beth Bolles at 850-475-5230, ext. 1104, or bbolles@ufl.edu.

CITY OF PENSACOLA SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR SUMMER YOUTH INTERN PROGRAM

The City of Pensacola is offering paid internship opportunities for eligible youth ages 16-24 through the City of Pensacola Summer Youth Intern Program. Internships are available in a variety of city departments and promote career development while providing paid on-the-job work experience.

The Summer Youth Intern Program will run Friday, May 31 through Friday, Jul. 26. Interns may work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week. Applications are due Monday, Apr. 1 at 4 p.m.

To be considered for the Summer Youth Intern Program, participants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an Escambia County resident with proof of address.

• Be 16-24 years old at the time of enrollment.

• If under the age of 18, the applicant must have parental/guardian consent to be considered for participation.

• Provide a letter of recommendation.

• Complete job readiness preparatory training class on Friday, May 31.

• Not have any felony convictions.

• Meet hiring criteria of the temporary employment agency.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY TO HOST SPRING VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS AT PERDIDO KEY GARDEN

Escambia County will host three volunteer workdays at the Perdido Key Coastal Demonstration Garden, 15500 Perdido Key Dr., March 22, April 26 and May 17 from 9-11 a.m. Workdays are open to the public and are great opportunities to become familiar with native species and gardening techniques, including how to care for and maintain coastal species.

County staff will provide all necessary tools and equipment. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. All ages are welcome, although volunteers under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian onsite for the duration of the event. Volunteers should register in advance on Eventbrite: SpringGardenWorkDays.eventbrite.com. There is no cost to register.

The Perdido Key Coastal Demonstration Garden was installed in 2021 with funding

provided by the Pensacola and Perdido Bay Estuary Program’s Community Grant Program. The garden highlights native coastal species and exhibits various landscape techniques suited for the barrier island. All plants are approved for use under the Perdido Key Habitat Conservation Plan and provide benefits to native wildlife and pollinators.

For questions regarding the garden or workdays, the public should contact Samantha Pitts at smpitts@myescambia.com. Stay up to date on the garden and future projects by following Escambia County Natural Resources Management on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information about the Perdido Key Habitat Conservation Plan and the natural resources it protects, visit MyEscambia.com/pkhcp.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY OFFERS TIPS ON WHEN TO DIAL 911

Escambia County is offering helpful advice on when a resident should dial 9-1-1, especially when it comes to identifying medical emergencies. Throughout March, Escambia County Public Safety will share tips on calling 9-1-1 during emergencies and offer guidance on what someone can do during non-emergency situations.

As a reminder, 9-1-1 should only be used in an emergency. Citizens should keep in mind that not all medical situations require 9-1-1, and some issues are better handled by urgent care, primary care, a pharmacy or self-care.

Escambia County Emergency Communications answered 216,663 calls in 2023. During each of these calls, Escambia County Emergency Medical Services or Escambia County Fire Rescue responded. Often, both EMS and ECFR will respond depending on the severity of the call. What was discovered was several of these calls were low acuity or non-emergent, resulting in an ambulance being diverted away from a potential or active emergency call. When several 9-1-1 calls are made all at once for an ambulance, the odds of emergency calls being held rise exponentially.

Do not call 9-1-1 for non-emergent situations such as:

• Non-life-threatening medical situations: Minor injuries or medical conditions that do not require immediate medical care do not warrant a 9-1-1 call. If you or someone you know has mild food poisoning, a slight fever, nausea, or a minor cut, consider calling a physician or going to urgent care.

• Requests for information: Calls for information, such as directory assistance, driving directions or road closures, should not be made to 9-1-1.

• Minor assistance: Do not call 9-1-1 if you need minor assistance, such as reaching something high up or across the room.

• Rides to the hospital: Do not call 9-1-1 just for a ride to the hospital if there is not an emergency medical situation.

If you are unsure whether the situation is a true emergency, officials recommend calling 9-1-1 and letting the call-taker determine whether you need emergency help.

Consider the following guide when determining who to call for non-emergency medical situations:

• Urgent Care (urgent but not life-threatening): Sprains, severe cold/cough, minor burns, skin infections

• Primary Care (symptoms that don’t go away): Chronic symptoms, back pain, stomachaches, high blood pressure management

• Pharmacy: Questions about prescriptions or over-the-counter medications

• Self-care (minor injury or illness): Sunburn, minor cuts, seasonal allergies

Escambia County offers the following tips when identifying an emergency that requires immediate assistance:

• A medical emergency, such as someone who is unconscious, gasping for air or not breathing, experiencing an allergic reaction, having chest pain, having uncontrollable bleeding, or any other symptoms that require immediate medical attention

• A fire

• A crime, especially if in progress

• A car crash, especially if someone is injured

In an emergency situation that warrants a call to 9-1-1, be prepared to answer the calltaker’s questions, which may include:

• The location of the emergency, including the street address

• The phone number you are calling from

• The nature of the emergency

• Details about the emergency, such as a physical description of a person who may have committed a crime, a description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experienced by a person having a medical emergency

Escambia County EMS created a “When to Call 911” video that further explains when you should dial 9-1-1.

Escambia County Emergency Medical Services, a division of the Escambia County Department of Public Safety, is a provider of critical care, advanced life support, basic life support and bariatric transports. EMS provides these services to the over 300,000 residents of Escambia County.

• Submit a completed application by the Monday, Apr. 1 deadline.

Participating city departments include:

• Developmental Services

• Finance

• Human Resources

• Pensacola Airport

• Pensacola Energy

• Pensacola Police

• Port of Pensacola

• Public Information Office

• Public Works

• And more! Applications are due Monday, Apr. 1 at 4 p.m. Please email applications and supporting documents to kpowell@cityofpensacola.com, mail or hand-deliver to the Neighborhood Services Office, located at City Hall, 222 W. Main St.

The City of Pensacola Summer Youth Intern Program was created to provide an opportunity for participants to gain meaningful work experience designed to prepare them for today’s workforce. A limited number of eligible applicants will be selected and offered a position.

For more information about the Summer Youth Intern Program, visit the Summer Youth Intern Section on our website.

CITY SEEKS REQUEST FOR LETTERS OF INTEREST ON 2305 WEST CERVANTES

The City of Pensacola and its Community Redevelopment Agency are soliciting Letters of Interest (LOI) from interested developers specializing and/or experienced in developing attainable, affordable and/or workforce multi-family rental housing for the rehabilitation and/or redevelopment of the former Pensacola Motor Lodge at 2305 West Cervantes Street, Pensacola.

An informational conference was held on Mar. 11, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Pensacola City Hall and online via Teams. The conference was followed by a site visit from approximately 10:15

LOIs will be accepted for a minimum of 30 days,

on Mar. 24, 2024, at 5:00

local time, but may be accepted on an ongoing basis until closed at the discretion of City administration.

The Request for Letters of Interest (RLOI) process is intended to be an informal, collaborative process that encourages partnerships and gauges the interest of the market in our projects. Depending on the response received, identification of a development partner may be by either formal solicitation (ex. RFP) or by direct negotiation.

Please visit cityofpensacola.com/3514/ Development-Opportunities for additional information on this project, as well as how to sign up for notifications on future development opportunities within the City of Pensacola via the Notify Me “CRA Updates” and “Bid Postings” lists.

If you are in need of additional information, email redevelopment@cityofpensacola.com.

MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2024 CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE

DESTIN, FLORIDA (December 7, 2023)

Hear the entire Grammy Award-winning Purple Rain album performed live, reminisce with Fleetwood Mac classics, dance to funky disco beats and discover new pop vocalists from The Voice — all in the diverse lineup of the 2024 Concerts presented by Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, offering something for every music lover.

The area’s first live concert series is held each spring on Thursday evenings at the MKAF Dugas Pavilion in Destin. This year’s 29 th annual family-friendly series will run from April 4 to June 6. The 10-concert live music series will feature premier regional and national musicians and bands performing everything from classic rock, rhythm & blues, and disco to modern pop.

The series kicks off on Thursday, April 4, 2024, with must-not-miss entertainers Post Modern Jukebox promising an unforgettable trip back in time to celebrate vintage music and pop culture.

The highly anticipated season features a range of local, regional and national musicians and bands including rhythm & blues sensation Wendy Moten from The Voice, full-length rendition of Prince’s iconic album Purple Rain by Black Jacket Symphony and the chill sounds of Yacht Rock Revue. Kicking off May are local fan favorites The Mulligans, the Fleetwood Mac tribute band Rumours ATL, party starters Gotta Groove Band, rock god Mitch Malloy and gifted pop/jazz/blues and soul songstress Haley Reinhart. The series caps on Thursday, June 6 with crowd pleasing Adam Ezra Group, sure to fuse rock energy and soul power.

“This is a great lineup of live music performed in a beautiful venue at an affordable price for a great cause” says MKAF CEO Demetrius Fuller. ”When you purchase a concert ticket, you are enabling us to provide the highest quality of arts education and community engagement throughout Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties. If you are a MKAF regular, welcome back, if you’re not yet a MKAF member, please consider joining. We have a great time and as we like to say, your support keeps the arts FUN-ded.”

Gates open at 6 p.m. with concerts beginning at 7 p.m. for this come-as-you-are family-friendly outdoor concert series. Bring a lawn chair, picnic, wine, or purchase food and beverages on-site prepared by featured restaurants and food trucks.

The 2024 Concerts in the Village schedule is as follows:

Thursday, April 4 | Post Modern Jukebox

Thursday, April 11| Wendy Moten

Thursday, April 18 | Black Jacket

Symphony presents Prince’s Purple Rain

Thursday, April 25| Yacht Rock Revue

Thursday, May 2 | The Mulligans

Thursday, May 9| Rumours ATL:

A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Thursday, May 16 | Gotta Groove Band

Thursday, May 23| Mitch Malloy

Thursday, May 30 | Haley Reinhart

Thursday, June 6 | Adam Ezra Group

General admission varies per concert. Prices range from $20 to $35 for adults. Discounts offered for active-duty military (must show ID). Purchase tickets in advance of concert day and save $5 per ticket at the door. Children (12 and under) are free. A limited number of VIP tables (reserved table for eight guests for the entire season) are available for $2,250.

Purchase tickets online at MKAF.org/events.

MKAF members enjoy early entry and free admission to every concert as well as discounted pricing to other MKAF events. For more information on MKAF membership, visit MKAF.org.

Concert lineup is subject to change. All sales are final; sorry, no refunds. Pets, tables larger than two feet, and drones are not permitted. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To learn more about sponsoring the 2024 MKAF season, call (850) 650-2226.

For the latest news and information, visit www.MKAF.org, and follow the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Facebook and Instagram pages for dates, information, and inspiring arts and culture-related posts.

ABOUT MATTIE KELLY ARTS

FOUNDATION

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), a non-profit arts organization comprised of members, volunteers, and community partners building the foundation of arts and culture in the community. Since its inception in 1995, MKAF has inspired more than 337,800 children in more than 75 schools and partner agencies. Through its community education initiative ArtsReach, programming serves K-12 students, at-risk youth, people with disabilities, and the military population with visible and invisible injuries. As a presenting organization, MKAF has showcased its Concerts in the Village each season where the Southeast United States’ most vibrant performing artists and bands perform to more than 15,000 patrons annually. More than 100 artists convene in Destin each year for the Festival of the Arts, which is one the preeminent arts festivals along the Gulf coast. MKAF has partnered with multiple regional non-profits and the school districts in the communities that it serves to ensure access to the arts for all.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Zandra Wolfgram Director of Marketing & Communications zwolfgram@mkaf.org (850) 218-8805

PURCHASING OFFICE TO HOLD FREE WORKSHOP MARCH 25

The Escambia County Office of Purchasing will host a free “How to do Business with Escambia County” workshop Monday, March 25, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. Desoto St. The event is open to current and prospective vendors interested in learning more about the county’s procurement process. One or more Escambia County Commissioners may be in attendance.

During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with the purchasing team, gain valuable insights into the department’s small business initiative, and enhance their understanding of the procurement process. Attendees will also receive an overview

APPOINTEES SOUGHT FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM PROTECTION BOARD

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an appointment to the Escambia County Merit System Protection Board. Residents who wish to apply are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Resumes should be submitted via email to boardapply@myescambia.com or mailed to:

Jose Gochez, Program Manager

Escambia County Board of County Commissioners

221 Palafox Place

Pensacola, FL 32502

Please be aware that resumes submitted to a BCC agenda for consideration will become part of the official minutes and are subject to public records requests.

Merit System Protection Board (MSPB)

This board was established by the Board of County Commissioners through adoption of Escambia County Ordinance No. 2005-38, enacted on August 18, 2005. Upon the legislative sunset of the Escambia County Civil Service Board, effective October 1, 2005, the MSPB was created to provide a fair and equitable mechanism for the expeditious review of appeals and grievances of the classified employees of the county before a non-partisan deliberative body. County Ordinance 2005-38 provides the means for a classified, permanent employee under the jurisdiction of the MSPB to appeal disciplinary actions, and that these employees may file an appeal or grievance for perceived violations of the ordinance or the rules. Presently, the classified employees under the jurisdiction of the Board of County Commissioners, the Sheriff’s Office, the Supervisor of Elections and the Santa Rosa Island Authority are covered under the MSPB.

The MSPB is composed of five volunteer members, each selected by the Board of County Commissioners. Each member serves a twoyear term. MSPB meetings are typically held

once per month but may occasionally meet a second time, if needed. Meetings are normally held on the second Monday of each month at 5 p.m. On months in which a hearing occurs, the hearing is held at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the BCC meeting room at the conclusion of the business portion of MSPB meeting.

Qualifications of Board Members

No person shall be appointed to the MSPB as a member who:

Has not been a resident of Escambia County for two or more years preceding the appointment to the MSPB.

Is holding an elective or appointive office in federal, state, county or municipal government, provided that prior appointment as a member of the MSPB shall not disqualify a person from being reappointed.

Held political office in, or was a salaried or hourly employee of Escambia County, during the 12 months preceding appointment to the MSPB.

Is a member of the immediate family of a current employee or elected official of Escambia County.

Is a current officer of any union representing employees of Escambia County.

Is working for any vendor who has a current contractual agreement with any participating appointing authority.

Has been convicted of, or has had adjudication withheld of, a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.

Qualifications must be maintained throughout the member’s tenure, or the member must resign his position on the MSPB.

Attendance

Any member of the MSPB shall be removed and replaced after being absent from more than three consecutive meetings during any calendar year. The MSPB shall determine whether any member’s absence is unexcused.

Compensation of Board Members

The MSPB members shall serve on a voluntary basis and not be financially compensated for their service.

FLORIDA SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

The Florida Supervisors of Elections Association is proud to announce an exciting scholarship opportunity aimed at supporting our next generation of leaders. In a commitment to furthering education and civic engagement, the Florida Supervisors of Elections is offering three $1,200 scholarships to college students across the state, according to Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections Tappie A. Villane.

on OpenGov, the county’s electronic bid system, and learn how to navigate vendor submissions and stay informed about upcoming projects. Purchasing staff members will be available to answer any questions attendees may have. In addition, District 3 Commissioner Lumon May will be the guest speaker discussing Escambia County’s commitment to working with small, diverse and local businesses. Registration is free, but attendees are encouraged to register prior to the event. Register here via Eventbrite.

For questions or more information, please contact the Office of Purchasing at 850-595-4980 or purchasing@myescambia.com.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY COMPLETES ADDITIONAL SIDEWALKS IN BROWNSVILLE

Escambia County has completed the Lee Street Sidewalk Project, providing additional connectivity in the Brownsville community by adding nearly one mile of new sidewalks along West Lee Street.

The project added 5,066 feet of sidewalks on West Lee Street from S Street to Green Street, connecting to existing sidewalks recently added near the Brownsville Community Center. The sidewalks are part of Escambia County’s overall revitalization efforts in the Brownsville neighborhood, which include more than 4 miles of new sidewalks, more than 7 miles of repaved roadways, and additional playground and exercise equipment at the Brownsville Community Center park.

“By completing exciting projects like this, we are continuing to invest in Brownsville and make it a safer, more walkable neighborhood,” District 3 Commissioner Lumon May said. “Sidewalks are a vital part of creating a walkable, connected community, and I look forward to continuing to add new sidewalks in Brownsville and throughout District 3.”

This project was managed by the Escambia County Engineering Department, with county staff ensuring the project was completed ahead of schedule. To view a list and map of active projects throughout Escambia County, visit MyEscambia.com/projects.

Applicants must be registered Florida voters and live in the state for at least the preceding two years. Applicants must be either a Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or Journalism/Mass Communication major and be at least a junior in college. Students must be

enrolled or accepted as full-time students in a senior college or university in Florida and have maintained at least a “C” average or above for the previous year.

The deadline to apply for a scholarship is March 8, 2024. Applications are available online at votesantarosa.gov or may be picked up from the Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections office, 6495 Caroline Street, Suite F, in Milton.

Applications must be submitted to the elections office of the county in which the applicant is registered to vote. Each county will select one finalist to send to the FSE Scholarship Committee for consideration.

For additional information, please visit votesantarosa.gov or call (850) 983-1900.

DESTIN WATER USERS, INC UNVEILS RICHARD F. GRISWOLD BUILDING

DESTIN, Fla. (March 6, 2024) – On Monday, March 4, Destin Water Users, Inc. (DWU) celebrated the completion of their newest building, the Richard F. Griswold Building, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication luncheon.

Located at 14 Industrial Park Lane, the Richard F. Griswold Building started out as a dream that began in 2010 when then DWU general manager, Richard Griswold, began making plans to convert the existing inventory buildings into offices to consolidate all the plant personnel under one roof. His hope was to improve coordination within the company and facilitate teamwork between employees. However, due to space and structural limitations of the existing buildings, the project was put on hold.

After Hurricane Michael and its proximity to Destin, DWU picked up the project again in 2019 as it was clear the new facility was needed to not only bring the team together, but to withstand another hurricane and be prepared to start recovery efforts as soon as possible. After extensive planning and thoughtful design, construction began on the new project in 2022.

“We live and work in a little piece of paradise, and DWU is intent on doing our part to keep it that way,” said DWU president Tom Weidenhamer.

The dedication brought together representatives from each company who played an integral part in creating the new building, as well as the DWU Board of Directors, employees, and community members.

“I want to give a special thank you to Monica Wallis and Paul Reese for their efforts managing the project on behalf of DWU,” Weidenhamer said.

Wednesday’s ceremony honored Walbridge, who served as the construction manager for the project, along with Dell Consulting and Michael Baker International (MBI) who designed the building and helped foster the project from concept to completion. United Community Bank was also honored during the ceremony for financing the project as well as Emerald Coast Office Products who assisted in furnishing the new facility.

“This building, this dream that we are dedicating in honor of former General Manager Richard F Griswold, proves our commitment to be prepared to serve the members of DWU in fair or in foul weather,” Weidenhamer said. “We hope it serves our company, team, and community well into the future.”

LAWMAKERS SET TO PASS $117.46B BUDGET

JIM TURNER AND RYAN DAILEY

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE --- Florida’s 60-day legislative session is expected to end on time Friday after the release Tuesday of a $117.46 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

House Speaker Paul Renner announced at 11:49 a.m. Tuesday that the spending plan was “on the desk,” after House and Senate budget leaders finished negotiations Monday.

“It was a textbook smooth process,” Renner said. “And given the hour of the day, that means we’re going to be able to have a pretty good Friday and spend the weekend at home.”

Renner’s comments came one minute after the budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year was made available. That started a required 72-hour “cooling off” period before lawmakers can vote on the budget, which will be nearly 1.4 percent smaller than the budget for the current fiscal year, which will end June 30.

But overall state spending will be higher than the $117.46 billion in the budget because of separate legislation. For example, lawmakers have approved spending $717 million in a major health-care bill (SB 7016) that includes efforts to attract more doctors to the state.

A Senate news release said the budget includes spending $500 million to pay down state debt. It also comes after the state budget was boosted in recent years by federal money related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the timeline to spend pandemic funds is coming to (an) end, we are making smart, fiscally responsible adjustments and right-sizing our balanced budget to a level sustainable for the long term,” Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, said in a prepared statement.

As the legislative session began in January, leaders discussed a need to tighten spending. Gov. Ron DeSantis in December proposed a $114.4 billion budget.

The negotiated budget includes a 3 percent pay raise for state employees, with additional increases at the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and for agents who protect DeSantis and his family.

The budget includes a $1.8 billion increase in funding for public schools over the current fiscal year, which will mean a $240 bump in per-student spending.

Senate Education Appropriations Chairman Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, pointed to $1.2 billion in the budget for increasing teacher salaries and said it was “renewing our commitment” to educators. That amount represents a roughly $200 million increase for teacher pay over the current year.

Lawmakers also included a $40 million increase in school safety funding, bringing

the total to $290 million, and a $20 million boost to school mental-health funding, bringing the total to $180 million.

The Florida Education Association, a statewide teachers union, said the budget wouldn’t go far enough in supporting students and educators.

“Florida has the fourth largest economy in the nation, yet Florida’s budget doesn’t reflect that,” union President Andrew Spar said in a prepared statement. “Make no mistake — our state has the ability to provide funds to pay teachers and education staff professionals fairly, to fully fund public education, to ensure teacher vacancies are filled so every child can have an educator trained in their subject, yet chooses not to make these real issues a priority year after year.”

In a news release, the union pointed to the money in the budget for teacher salaries, saying it would “need to cover roughly 200,000 educators.”

“While $200 million sounds historic, the truth is, the salary increases being proposed in Florida’s budget don’t move the needle far enough or fast enough for educators working toward a better life,” the FEA said in a statement.

In higher education, the budget has just shy of $750 million in what’s known as capitaloutlay funding for state colleges and universities. The funds can be used for such things as construction and maintenance projects.

The budget also includes more than $230 million for maintenance and repair projects at charter schools.

On environmental issues, the budget includes $702 million for Everglades restoration and operations at the South Florida Water Management District. Meanwhile, flood and sea-level rise programs would get $125 million, while $55 million would go toward natural springs.

The budget doesn’t include an additional $5 million DeSantis sought for a program that has transported undocumented immigrants to out-of-state “sanctuary” communities. Instead, about $9 million still available in the current year would roll into next fiscal year.

“We’re trying to craft a responsible budget and if the funds were not used (in the current fiscal year), we revert and reappropriate them,” Passidomo told reporters. “We’ll see how it goes over the next year. And if those funds are used, we’ll be able to appropriate more in the next budget cycle.”

The spending plan includes $528.6 million for land acquisition and management programs, which include Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Another $17 million will go to continuing a program that offers $5,000 bonuses to new law-enforcement recruits and to attract veteran officers from other states.

FPL RATES GET BEEFED-UP APPROVAL

JIM SAUNDERS NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE — Utility regulators Tues-

day signed off again on a 2021 settlement that increased base electric rates for Florida Power & Light after the state Supreme Court required a more-detailed justification of the agreement.

The Public Service Commission approved an order that dug deeper into a series of issues after the Supreme Court in September ruled that an earlier approval had not shown why the settlement “is in the public interest and results in rates that are fair, just and reasonable.”

The new order provided justification for issues ranging from how much profit FPL can earn to paying for solar-energy projects.

“The evidence in this record demonstrates that FPL has delivered value to its customers at a relatively low cost,” the order said. “Residential rates remain well below the national average and below those charged by other Florida investor-owned-utilities.”

FPL reached the four-year settlement in 2021 with the state Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumers in utility issues, and other parties including the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. The commission then issued an order approving the settlement.

Base-rate issues are closely watched, as they involve billions of dollars, make up large portions of customers’ monthly bills and help determine utilities’ profitability.

After approval by the commission, the FPL settlement led to a $692 million rate increase in January 2022 and another $560 million hike in 2023. The wide-ranging settlement also included such things as allowing increases in 2024 and 2025 to pay for solar-energy projects.

LAWMAKERS TARGET HEMP PRODUCTS

DARA KAM NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House on Tuesday teed up a proposal aimed at outlawing euphoria-inducing hemp products sold at shops throughout the state, as critics warned that the plan could shutter small businesses and eliminate thousands of jobs.

With the 2024 legislative session scheduled to end Friday, the House made changes to a Senate bill (SB 1698) and set it up for a House vote, possibly as soon as Wednesday. If the House passes the tweaked bill, it would need approval from the Senate before it could be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The legislation targets what is known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids in hemp products — including whole-flower products — that can create euphoric effects.

House bill sponsor Tommy Gregory, R-Lakewood Ranch, acknowledged Tuesday that his proposal is designed to eliminate intoxicating hemp products offered at retail stores.

Lawmakers in 2019 authorized hemp to be grown in the state to take advantage of a federal farm law. Hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants, but levels of the cannabinoid THC differ, with hemp having a THC level of 0.3 percent or less. Other cannabinoids in hemp, however, can be changed to increase the intoxicating effects of products.

Gregory argued Tuesday that lawmakers were “duped” into approving the 2019 law allowing “industrial hemp” to be grown and sold in the state.

“There was a grand total of 35 acres harvested last year, of hemp. They’re not doing it for industrial purposes. There are hemp products being sold around the state, and they’re being sold because there’s a lot of money in selling people drugs. They’re using hemp products to make intoxicating substances,” Gregory said.

The Senate unanimously passed its version of the bill last month. But changes made Tuesday in the House would remove a flavor ban for inhaled hemp products and set proposed caps on the amount of THC concentration in hemp-based products to “5 milligrams per serving and 50 milligrams per 14 container on a wet-weight basis, whichever is

less.” The Senate proposal had set caps at 2 mg per serving and 10 mg per container.

The House proposal also would clarify that hemp-based products are regulated by the office of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who has made a priority of ridding the state of hemp-based products that appeal to children or exceed certain levels of euphoria-inducing THC.

During a House discussion Tuesday, Democrats questioned Gregory about testimony during the legislative session from business owners who said the proposed caps would effectively nix a thriving industry.

Products that would be banned if the bill passes are legal under federal law, argued Rep. Hillary Cassel, D-Dania Beach. Cassel also noted that the products targeted by the bill would still be allowed to be sold by the state’s licensed medical-marijuana operators.

“All we’re doing in this fight is picking winners and losers. We have an industry that’s successful, that sells over $10 billion,” Cassel said. “These products aren’t bad enough to be taken off the market. We’re just deciding who gets to sell them.”

Democrats failed to convince Republicans, who have a large majority in the House, to remove the restrictions.

Rep. Robin Bartleman, D-Weston, said the bill needed to be “gutted” to protect lawmakers’ constituents, including people with medical conditions such as epilepsy or cancer who rely on the hemp-based products.

“These are your constituents, losing their jobs, closing their shops, and more importantly, honor their wishes,” she said.

But Gregory said the state should adopt his “law-and-order” approach to the hemp industry and called the revamped bill a “compromise” with the Senate.

“Make no mistake, the reason they (the businesses) want to sell delta-8 and some of these other psychoactive substances is, there’s a lot of money in it. And the reason people are buying it is because it gets them high,” Gregory said.

He equated hemp-industry operators to pawn-shop brokers who sell stolen goods.

“We’ve caught them at what they’re doing. They’re not producing industrial hemp. They’re making recreational intoxicating substances,” he said.

SENATE SUPPORTS LIMITS TO BOOK OBJECTIONS

RYAN DAILEY NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate on Tuesday backed a wide-ranging education measure that would limit the number of book objections from people who don’t have kids in schools, as Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said some Floridians have gone “overboard” with filing the challenges.

But the settlement drew challenges at the Supreme Court from the group Floridians Against Increased Rates and a coalition of three other organizations, Florida Rising, the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida and the League of United Latin American Citizens of Florida. They have argued that the settlement was not in the public interest and that some parts of it violated state law.

The Supreme Court’s September ruling did not make conclusions about whether disputed parts of the settlement should be upheld. Instead, it focused on whether the commission offered justifications needed to evaluate the legality of the settlement.

“In this case, after hearing from 60 witnesses and receiving 635 exhibits into evidence, the commission produced an explanation of its public interest determination that spanned little more than a page,” the ruling said. “The order provides conclusory statements about the virtues of the settlement agreement, not the reasoned explanation required for our review.”

Public Service Commission member Art Graham on Tuesday suggested the Supreme Court ruling countered efforts by regulators to be more efficient.

“So basically what the Florida Supreme Court just said that we didn’t write enough?” Graham said. “Should we weigh the order next time to see if it weighs enough?“

But Commissioner Andrew Fay, an attorney, pointed to the need to carry out the Supreme ruling.

“The court has asked us to do this, and so I think it’s really important that we put it forward,” Fay said. “I recognize we can’t always be as efficient, but they serve as our primary (legal) jurisdiction for these issues, and we have a lot of respect for them. So we’ll send this order to them and see where it goes.”

Senators voted 28-11 to approve the measure (HB 1285), with significant changes to a version that the House passed last month — meaning it will have to go back to the House for approval before it could go to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The House had approved the bill on Feb. 15 with a provision that sought to assess $100 “processing” fees for unsuccessful book objections. The proposed policy would have allowed fees to be assessed for people if they did not “have a student enrolled in the school where the material is located” and had “unsuccessfully objected to five materials during the calendar year.”

But an overhaul of the bill filed by its Senate sponsor, Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, changed the approach toward certain book objections.

Under the tweaks to the bill approved by senators Tuesday, the proposal seeks to limit certain people to one book objection per month.

“A resident of the county who is not the parent or guardian of a student with access to school district materials may not object to more than one material per month. The State Board of Education may adopt rules to implement this provision,” the revamped provision says.

The issue of book objections has become a political battleground in the last two years, after the Legislature and DeSantis have approved measures that bolstered scrutiny of such materials.

The governor last month said he had called on the Legislature to take steps to curb “frivolous” book challenges. A news release from the governor’s office said that the state “empowered parents to object to obscene material in the classroom.” But the release also said that some people had “abused” the process to file objections to books such as “Johnny Appleseed,” “The Giver” and the Bible.

“We also know that some people have abused this process in an effort to score cheap political points,” the governor said in a prepared statement on Feb. 15. “Today, I am calling on the Legislature to make necessary

adjustments so that we can prevent abuses in the objection process and ensure that districts aren’t overwhelmed by frivolous challenges.”

Passidomo on Tuesday similarly touted legislation in previous years that ramped up book scrutiny, but acknowledged the policy needed to be revisited.

“We in good faith passed a bill that gave people the right to look at what kind of books would be in school libraries,” Passidomo, R-Naples, told reporters. “I’ve had parents bring some of those books to me, and I was appalled.”

Passidomo added, however, that “people went overboard, and they started objecting to the classics, like Shakespeare,” which she called “ridiculous.”

“So … we needed to rein that in,” she said.

Democrats have heavily criticized efforts to scrutinize school books, likening such measures to book bans. During floor discussion about the bill Tuesday, Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton, peppered Burgess with questions.

“Do we think that this is going to truly make a difference in the way that our larger book bans have gone?” Berman asked.

“I don’t believe that we stepped on anything in the original bill that we passed,” Burgess replied. “What we’re doing, though, is recognizing that we could always improve.”

The sweeping education measure also would direct the state Board of Education to craft rules that would lead to the creation of a “classical education teaching certificate” in Florida.

The bill would require that such certificates could be issued “upon the request of a classical school, to any applicant who fulfills the requirements” of a part of state law dealing with eligibility criteria for certificates.

The bill would exempt applicants for a classical education certificate from meeting requirements that they “demonstrate mastery of general knowledge,” “demonstrate mastery of subject area knowledge,” or demonstrate “mastery of professional preparation and education competence.”

The measure defines a classical school as one that “implements and provides professional learning in a classical education school model that emphasizes the development of students in the principles of moral character and civic virtue through a well-rounded education in the liberal arts and sciences that is based on the classical trivium stages of grammar, logic, and rhetoric.”

Fax:

and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE

TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS

The

Attorney for

Personal

Personal

IN

The

IN

spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, judgment creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under or against her and her unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, and judgment creditors of defendants, deceased, and all other parties claiming by, through, under, or against defendants; and all unknown natural persons if alive, and if dead or not known to be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees and judgment creditors, or other parties claiming by, through or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other person claiming by, through, under, or against any corporation or other legal entity named as a defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the above named or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title, or interest in the property described in the complaint, Defendants.

Case No.: 2024 CA 160

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: ESTATE OF EVELYN DORION, deceased, and their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, judgment creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through,

February 16, 2024 Clerk of the Court

By: Beth Phelps Deputy Clerk (Clerk’s Seal) 4WR2/21-3/13NOA IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA

LOWELL HOLDINGS OF PENSACOLA, LLC Plaintiff, v.

SYLVAN D. GOLDBERG, EVELYNNE

M. MOLOFSKY, and if deceased their

or against them, and their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, and judgment creditors of defendants, deceased, and all other parties claiming by, through, under, or against them; and all unknown natural persons if alive, and if dead or not known to be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees and judgment creditors, or other parties claiming by, through or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other person claiming by, through, under, or against any corporation or other legal entity named as a defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the above named or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title, or interest in the property described in the complaint, NELSON H. GOLDBERG, and JONATHAN L. GOLDBERG, Defendants.

CASE NO.: 2023 CA 3039

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: SYLVAN D. GOLDBERG, EVELYNNE M. MOLOFSKY, and if deceased their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, judgment creditors, and all other

Place Ste 110, Pensacola FL 32502. Telephone: 850-595-3793.

PAM CHILDERS CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA

By: Emily Hogg Deputy Clerk

4WR3/6-3/27TD

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That BUFFALO

BILL LLC holder of Tax Certificate No. 02257, issued the 1st day of June, A.D., 2017 has filed same in my office and has made application for a tax deed to be issued thereon. Said certificate embraces the following described property in the County of Escambia, State of Florida, to wit:

LT 19 BLK B WESTERNMARK S/D PB 7 P 81 OR 6242 P 1720 OR 6816 P 608 OR 6921 P 426

SECTION 09, TOWNSHIP 2 S, RANGE 30 W TAX ACCOUNT NUMBER 052631043 (0424-29)

The assessment of the said property under the said certificate issued was in the name of

RODNEY T JONES SR 1/2 INT and LAWYER W STEANS EST OF

Ryan P. Hatler brings a wealth of proven experience in alternative dispute resolution processes, focusing on resolution of construction and business related disputes throughout the State of Florida.

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