After creating a viral storm on local social media, Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger hinted on her official Facebook page that she would have been open to other ideas if the designers had followed the county’s vendor process (see No Bid Design section below).
“**As a gentle reminder, if you or your business are ever interested in contributing your expertise to projects like this, please go through the official vendor process found on the Escambia County Office of Purchasing website. We welcome qualified bidders who are passionate about making a positive impact.”
- However, she didn’t directly address the concerns expressed in comments on Facebook. The Island Times has two Facebook posts that have a combined 442 comments.
- Public Input Portal: https://myescambia.com/…/pensacola-beach-gateway-input…
- Office of Purchasing: https://myescambia.com/our-services/purchasing
No Bid Design
The commissioner’s comments about “qualified bidders” are strange because the county didn’t solicit bids for the Pensacola Beach Gateway project. In March, the Board of County Commissioners approved a contract with Jacobs Engineering, a Pensacola-based firm, to demolish the old toll plaza and add a basic automated electronic tolling system. However, county staff, under Hofberger’s supervision, produced the gateway artwork below without seeking outside proposals.
- Even if you were a registered, qualified county vendor, the commissioner would not have given you a chance to submit a design.
Gateway Sparks Debate on the Beach
As Pensacola Beach considers designs for a new gateway entrance, local business voices are weighing in on what they see as the community’s real priorities. Robert Gleim, General Manager of Bamboo Willie’s and former Pensacola Chamber board chair, shared his perspective on the proposed toll booth replacement during a recent podcast interview.
Design Concerns
While Gleim supports removing the toll booth as an “eyesore,” he advocates for a more understated approach than the current proposals. “I don’t want to feel like I’m going to Disney World or Wally World,” he said, suggesting a classic driftwood sign positioned off to the side rather than spanning the entire roadway. He points to successful beach towns like Hilton Head and Savannah as models for tasteful gateway signage.
The existing iconic sign coming off Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze already serves as a gateway, Gleim noted, questioning whether an elaborate replacement is necessary.
More Pressing Priorities
Gleim argues that other infrastructure needs should take precedence over the gateway project. His top priorities include:
Parking Solutions: A multi-use parking garage at Casino Beach to address the growing parking crisis affecting both tourists and employees of local businesses.
Pedestrian Safety: An overpass from Flounders to the visitor center to improve safety for beachgoers crossing busy roads.
Long-term Planning: Coordination with the eventual replacement of the Bob Sikes Bridge to avoid redundant construction projects.
With Pensacola Beach evolving from a seasonal destination to a year-round community, Gleim emphasizes that practical infrastructure improvements should come before aesthetic enhancements. His message is clear: address the parking and safety challenges first, then tackle the gateway design when it aligns with broader infrastructure planning.