Their strategy is clear–delay voting on economic development as long as possible in hopes of building a ground swell against the Chamber. Yes, against the Chamber, not for Commissioner Valentino’s vague proposal….
Commissioner Valentino’s comments
The BOCC referred the economic development to the PEDC for further discussion. Here are Commissioner Valentino’s comments on today’s meeting (the emphasis is his): I’m excited and grateful that the dialogue and…
Valentino show
Commissioner Gene Valentino presented his “plan” to the Escambia County Commission. Jane Birdwell worked the PowerPoint presentation and coached the commissioner during the meeting. Valentino led a series of “experts” through conference…
Gainer school closing no surprise
The PNJ is reporting today that the “Ruby J. Gainer Charter School, a high school for at-risk teens, will not reopen in the fall because of low enrollment and looming legislative budget…
Century votes down gas tax
The Century Town Council voted 3-2 Monday night against supporting the tax for Escambia County Area Transit. According to NorthEscambia.com, the sticking point was ECAT officials wouldn’t give any guarantees that one…
Sen. Nelson is coming
U.S. Senator Bill Nelson will hold a press conference today at 3 p.m. at Plaza de Luna at the end of Palafox. He is holding a series of press conferences along Northwest…
Charter commission sets public hearing
This is a big week for local government. On Tuesday, June 16, at 9 a.m., the Escambia County Commission will discuss economic development at its Committee of the Whole. The hockey lease…
Memorial service set for Mayor Gilchrist
The family will receive friends on Monday, June 15 at St Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Gulf Breeze from 4pm to 6pm. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June…
Gilchrist was a statesman, public servant
For his 27 years of public, Lane Gilchrist was paid a total of $27. He was fair and had no hidden agendas. Lane didn’t worry about Sunshine Laws because he spoke freely…
Gulf Breeze mayor dies
Long-time Gulf Breeze Mayor Lane Gilchrist, 72, has died. I received a phone call early this morning that Lane had passed away during surgery. Lane first was elected to the Gulf Breeze…
County may drop longevity pay
Escambia County is looking for $17.1 million in budget cuts. County Budget director Amy Lovoy has made these recommendations to the BOCC: — Eliminate longevity pay after Sept. 30, 2009. Those already…
Nuclear power coming to Escambia County?
Is Gulf Power planning to build a nuclear power plant in north Escambia County? William Reynolds of NorthEscambia.com thinks its possible. The electric utility has spent over $2.1 million to date to…
Seville Rotary
I spoke last night to the Seville Rotary, Pensacola’s newest Rotary club and the only one that meets in the evenings. The club meets at Seville Quarter on Tuesday and has about…
Notes from Gulf Power Leadership Forum
Last Thursday, Gulf Power held a leadership forum. President/CEO Susan Story presented how her company sees the region. While the most are predicting the U.S. unemployment will bottom out in the last…
Escambia County Community Land Trust
What is it? Who is it? Found a December 2005 Florida Trend article by Charlotte Crane. “In 2003, three businessmen incorporated the Escambia County Community Land Trust to develop housing to help…
Wyche arrested
Perennial candidate John Wyche has been arrested and charged with the misappropriation of almost $480,000 in state funds intended for use by Life Skills Center, a local charter school that was closed…
Pensacola starts curbside recycling June 15
The City’s new curbside recycling program begins next week. Garbage and recyclables will be collected on a once-a-week schedule beginning June 15th. These collections are made on separate days so customers should…
This day in blog history
On June 9, 2008, we reported Buzz: Benz will be interim UWF prez: There is persistent buzz that Dr. Judy Benz will be named the interim president of the University of West…
DIB takes away more free parking
For years, the parking area at the corner of Intendencia and Baylen streets has been free. In fact, it was the last free public parking area within a block of Palafox Street….
Rick’s Blog is on twitter
We’ve had a few readers request a more iPhone compatible feed for the blog, so I’ve added a Twitter account that should help. I’ve added the comments feed, too. http://twitter.com/routzen
