Author: Rick Outzen
Podcast: Banning Books, Mental Health
A TEAM Approach Yesterday, I interviewed Judge JJ Frydrychowicz about Escambia County T.E.A.M. Court Program and its possible expansion. The Escambia County T.E.A.M. Court Program…
Daily Outtakes: Talking with Tim
Mentor: Malcolm Thomas I interviewed Superintendent Tim Smith yesterday and asked if he felt his predecessor, Malcolm Thomas, was undermining his leadership. “No, he was…
Jefferson St. Parking Garage Face-Lift
At his presser today, Mayor D.C. Reeves discussed the repairs and improvements being made to the Jefferson Street Parking Garage. “I’m a believer in paid…
United Way to offer mini grants
This fall, United Way of West Florida will offer mini grants, up to $5,000, for nonprofit organizations in Santa Rosa County and Escambia County. “We…
LGBTQ+ advocates join NAACP, LULAC travel advisories
Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign have issued an updated travel advisory that details risks associated with relocation or travel to Florida in the wake…
Reeves ready for more economic development
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves is ready to launch the next phase of the city’s economic development. Why this matters: Coming off his success in getting…
Faculty censured New College board
The vast majority of faculty at New College of Florida voted in favor of 13 complaints against the college’s Board of Trustees About 80% of…
Daily Outtakes: Team Leonard campaign
People inside and outside the Escambia County School District are working hard behind the scenes to ensure Keith Leonard is the next school superintendent before…
Bergosh to fund Perdido lifeguard stands
On WCOA this morning, Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh announced that he would use his discretionary funds to pay for lifeguard stands on the public…
School start time changes raise questions
Beginning with 2026 school year, Florida middle schools will be prevented from beginning the “instructional day” earlier than 8 a.m., while high schools will be…
Andrade: Drag shows NOT illegal
On WCOA this morning, State Rep. Alex Andrade said that drag shows are not illegal in Florida unless the show simulates sex acts or exposes…
KPB is back
Last week, the board of Keep Pensacola Beautiful voted to change its name from Our Corner back to Keep Pensacola Beautiful. KPB CEO Charles Bare…
School board sets special meeting for Tuesday, May 30
The Escambia County School Board will hold a special meeting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30 to determine what to do after it terminated…
Daily Outtakes: Take Five
Report Given, Applause, Exit Stage Right The Mental Health Task Force of Northwest Florida was given the strategic plan and roadmap report last Friday. State…
Viewpoint: We need less politics in education
From Grover Robinson: The bad thing about being a former elected official is people approach you with community problems hoping you might fix them. The…
Baker Act solution near
Baptist Hospital and Lakeview are creating a Central Receiving System to deal with Baker Act patients. Baptist will handle children up to 18 years old….
Podcast: Why sue Escambia County School Board
Protect Democracy is partnering with PEN America on the federal lawsuit against the Escambia School Board for its removals and restrictions of books from school…
DeSantis, Scott ready to challenge Trump
News outlets are predicting Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Senator Tim Scott (SC) will officially announce their presidential campaigns next. Axios reports DeSantis will launch…
Daily Outtakes: Unintended or Intended Consequences
The laws passed by the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis have consequences. Are they unintended or intended? Why this matters: The…
Hear about Book Ban lawsuit Friday a.m.
At 7 a.m. Friday on WCOA, my guest will be Shalini Agarwal, the counsel for Protect Democracy, the organization partnering with PEN America on the…
