Rick's Blog

DeSantis’ education commissioner just landed the Polk State College presidency—and Pensacola State could be next in line for a political appointee.

Emails show Escambia Clerk Pam Childers admitted she wasn’t sure blocking charity grants was even legal—then asked Tallahassee for help. They ignored her.

Downtown Pensacola’s Jefferson Alley is getting public art, seating & lighting—plus the return of the beloved Umbrella Sky installation.

Life’s A Dance promised to feed hungry kids—but no check was ever written. 2026 Schedule uncertain. Now people are all asking questions.

Orange Beach apologizes for dumping homeless man at Waterfront Mission—County Admin Wes Moreno got a face-to-face commitment it won’t happen again.

Florida lawmakers vote to gut local property taxes. Pensacola Mayor Reeves says the city could lose $6.4M/year—enough to close every park and community center.

American Magic unveils airport mural, adds SailGP partnership, hires locals—and Breeze Airways goes daily to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale July 1.

Five fires in 2 years. Pensacola’s City Attorney has put EMR Recycling on notice—and taxpayers are tired of footing the bill. Read the full story.

Florida lawmakers rewrote DeSantis’ property tax plan on Day 1—protecting school budgets, killing the trust fund, and rejecting a $5.5M ad campaign.

Sheriff Simmons: DeSantis’s tax plan could gut law enforcement funding — 92% of his budget is people, not programs. Here’s what it means for Escambia County.

Aviation / Workforce Development ST Engineering, City Announce Five Mayor’s Scholarship Winners from Booker T. Washington Aviation Academy Five graduates from Booker T. Washington High…

Sheriff Simmons caught Orange Beach police dumping a homeless man at the Waterfront Rescue Mission. He didn’t ask to come here—but now Escambia pays the cost.

Two vacant library board seats, no agenda action, and no answers. Chair warns delays threaten oversight and transparency. What’s really happening?

As social media continues to shape the daily lives of young people, concerns surrounding mental health, online exploitation, cyberbullying, sleep disruption, and addictive platform design…

DeSantis’ property tax amendment could gut $90M from Escambia schools, sheriff, libraries & city services. The Chamber is watching—but will it speak up?

Melanie Luna resigns as Commissioner Hofberger’s aide amid library hire scandal. The “Mean Girl” texts, backroom deals & policy violations finally catch up.

DeSantis’ property tax amendment would gut Escambia County by $72.9M and Santa Rosa by $49.3M—and counties can’t raise rates to make up the difference.

After 12 years and a trail of failed plans, Pensacola’s Veterans Memorial Park is finally getting a permanent restroom. Mayor Reeves says it’s happening.

Sheriff Simmons accuses Orange Beach PD of dumping a homeless man in Escambia County. Orange Beach says their officer showed compassion. Check out video on FB

Congressman Patronis names Dustin Retherford as Director of Military & Veterans Affairs—luring the Ranger-qualified Army vet away from Mayor D.C. Reeves.