Escambia County’s plans to expand the Galvez Landing boat launch have sparked passionate opposition from longtime residents who feel blindsided by the project. The facility, located near Hub Stacy’s in Innerarity Point, has served as a cherished retreat where families swim, picnic, and enjoy peaceful waterfront access.
Background: For generations, residents have treasured Galvez Landing as more than just a boat ramp—it’s been their community gathering place. The area features older homes that contrast sharply with newer developments spreading throughout the region. Residents worry that a major expansion will destroy the tranquil, family-friendly character they’ve long enjoyed.
Former Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, who represented the area from 2022 to 2024, understands their concerns. “There’s a lot of folks that have lived there a long time and they’re used to Galvez Landing being a place where they can relax so their children could go swimming,” he explained.
History
During his tenure, Bergosh worked to balance competing interests at the site. The county invested heavily in nearby Innerarity Point Park as an alternative recreational space and redesigned Galvez Landing’s parking lot to better accommodate larger boats and trailers. Additional improvements included vegetation removal, protective fencing, and drainage enhancements.
- “We spent a lot of money on Innerarity Point Park right next door,” Bergosh noted. “I felt like things were pretty good at that point.”
The push for expansion isn’t new—former Commissioner Doug Underhill championed the project. The location’s appeal is clear: unlike the county’s Perdido Bay boat launch, which requires a lengthy trip to reach the Gulf, Galvez Landing offers direct Intracoastal Waterway access.
Town Hall Meeting Scheduled
Current Commissioner Steven Berger has scheduled a town hall for Monday, June 30, to address community concerns about both Galvez Landing and dangerous Sorrento Road conditions. Though this comes after the official comment deadline, the County Commission can still modify the plan during hearings.
Town Hall
When: 5 p.m. Monday, June 30
Where: Liberty Church, 2221 S Blue Angel Pkwy
Keys to Effective Town Halls
Bergosh, who hosted numerous town halls, offers advice for productive meetings:
- Bring relevant staff who can answer technical questions on the spot
- Maintain structure with clear agendas and time limits
- Use comment cards to track attendees and ensure follow-up
- Control the room to prevent chaos while ensuring everyone is heard
“No one is well served if you just hand out a microphone and let people ask five or six or eight minute questions when they’re screaming and yelling,” he emphasized.
Finding Balance
This controversy reflects broader tensions in growing Florida communities between expanding public access and preserving neighborhood character. As Bergosh suggests, success requires genuine compromise: “I believe there’s a way to strike the balance. I just think the county has to find the way to strike the balance.”
The June 30 town hall will be crucial for all stakeholders. If conducted properly, it could foster genuine problem-solving rather than mere venting, potentially finding solutions that honor both community heritage and recreational needs.
- Public comments will be accepted in the following ways:
- Emailing restore@myescambia.com
- By mail: Attention: Ryan Kirby, Natural Resources Department, 221 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 32502
- Via the public comment portal on MyEscambia.com
