Pensacola Beach may be seeing dogs, and Perdido Key may be seeing ‘beach.’
During tomorrow’s Escambia County Commission meeting commissioner’s will consider changing the name of the Key and establishing two dog parks on Pensacola Beach. The board is also expected to finalize the county’s RESTORE Act advisory committee and award a contract for the removal of derelict vessels and debris from the Escambia River.
The possibility of opening up two areas on Pensacola Beach to dogs has been a topic of conversation for months. The Santa Rosa Island Authority gave their blessing in January.
Tomorrow the county commission will hold a public hearing on the issue. If commissioners decide to allow the dog parks—which will be governed by certain rules and regulations—it will require a new ordinance.
The discussion pertaining to Perdido Key is apparently rooted in marketing. The county, along with the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce, is under the impression that changing the locale’s name from Perdido Key to Perdido Key Beach will make for a better draw.
“The county believes that changing the name will promote tourism and enhance the local economy,†states county background material.
Also during tomorrow’s meeting, commissioners will consider scheduling a public hearing in consideration of an ordinance that would prohibit alcoholic beverages on the public portions of Portofino Boardwalk on Pensacola Beach. The boardwalk lessee is requesting the consideration, contending such a ban is “in the interests of economic development, public safety and promoting a family-friendly atmosphere.â€
Commissioners hold a 9 a.m. work session, followed by a 4:30 p.m. public forum and 5:30 p.m. meeting. All meetings are held in the Magaha Government Building (formerly the governmental complex) downtown.