At today’s press conference, the media got to visit Phase 1 of Bruce Beach Park at the same time Mayor D.C. Reeves made his first walk-through of the 13-acre site.
“This has been years and years, about six years in fact, in the making from the genesis of this, from robust community feedback about what the vision could be here and access to the waterfront, all of those things that have now been talked about for years,” he said. “And so, this week is very exciting with Saturday’s public event at 9 a.m. I’d be remiss not to thank all those people from 2018 to 2024, and we’ll talk more about it on Saturday.”
Mayor Reeves explained that the first phase, using CRA funds, cost $6.6 million. It includes the pedestrian bridge, playgrounds, park benches, tables, several commemorative makers, and the city’s first Portland Loo. The second phase will cover the west side of the park and have beach access for kayaks. It will cost $4 million and should be opened in the fall.
He wanted to assure the public that the water is safe for kayaks and canoes but not intended for swimming.
“We’ve been working with the Department of Health and Escambia County to test for bacteria off of Bruce Beach since October 2021,” Mayor Reeves said. “This stretch of beach behind us has been found comparable to other public access areas along the bay going back to October 2021. And approximately 75% of that testing is within safe guidelines.”
He continued,” In September 2022, we collaborated with FDEP and ECUA to conduct extensive genetic testing in the downtown area. The results here showed that the bacteria was not of human origin but of avian origin. And then lastly, we did some testing yet again before this opening on April 8 at 19 different locations in and around Bruce Beach. And the results didn’t indicate any significant bacteriological sources.”
The mayor said the city will continue to test water.
Credit Monitoring Letters
The letters that offered credit monitoring services due to concerns about March’s cyberattack have been sent.
The letter says Cyber Scout, but it’s just an ancillary name company of TransUnion, so that is the same thing. It’s just a brand that they have. There’s a helpline for people who have questions. That number’s 833-543-2815. It’s open Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM for any questions that you may have.
He added, “Our day-to-day operations, in essence, have been restored.”
