At the Committee of Whole meeting on July 18, Interim County Administrator George Touart gave his first written weekly report on the jail transition–nearly month after the county commission voted to take…
City Council Workshops the Budget
The Pensacola City Council dives into the city’s 2014 budget this week. As proposed, the budget totals $192,198,700. Mayor Ashton Hayward made his proposed budget available last month. The budget must get…
Mr. Outzen video, just when you thought it could not get crazier
At the Escambia County Commission’s Committee of the Whole meeting on July 18, Chairman Gene Valentino demanded that I show myself in commission chambers. He accused me of falsely accusing him of…
Buzz: Papantonio says Progressives aren’t warming up to Crist
In a telephone interview today, Pensacola attorney and political pundit Mike Papantonio said Charlie Crist doesn’t appear to be gaining much traction among Progressives around the state of Florida. Earlier today, Peter…
Paddle to Battle with Carolyn
Two local businesses are making a difference in the lives of a local family fighting for the life of their 4 year old daughter. Fitness Onboard and Sidelines Sports Bar and Restaurant…
Mr. Outzen, come and defend yourself…another bizarre chapter in Escambia County folklore
Just when we thought county government couldn’t get any more bizarre, Escambia County Commissioner Chairman Gene Valentino called me out yesterday afternoon during the board’s Committee of the Whole meeting. He and…
One Week Left to Bring Award-Winning Documentary to Pensacola
Those interested in seeing the award-winning documentary “Chasing Ice” locally, on the big screen, have until next Thursday, July 25 to reserve a ticket. If enough tickets are reserved within the week,…
Local Attorney to Lead Marriage Equality Discussion
Joshua Aaron Jones, Attorney at Law, will present on the recent Supreme Court rulings on marriage equality and their impact on Florida families next Tuesday, July 23. The presentation will be held…
4-H Foundation will keep $1.6 million, according to UF professor
Dr. Nick Place, dean of the University of Florida /IFAS Extension, announced his decision regarding the Escambia County 4-H and its future at today’s Escambia County Commission’s Committee of the Whole. (Read…
Oh, and about the county privatizing jail medical services
Sheriff David Morgan shared this email exchange regarding the rumor that George Touart was working a backroom deal to bring back Armour to handle medical services at the county jail. From: Alison…
Mythology of George Touart. He was not that great
Today the Board of County Commissioners will decide if George Touart will be given a contract to become the full-time county administrator. Touart didn’t finished at the top of the search committee’s…
Stand Down, Mr. LeRoy or how Valentino broke his gavel
I’ve heard repeatedly about Commissioner Gene Valentino breaking his gavel last week when he got upset with a citizen addressing the board. Admiral Leroy knows how to get under people’s skin, but…
George’s version of the truth
For $50, I got five DVDs of the Escambia County BCC Budget workshops. The videos show some troubling inconsistencies regarding the County’s takeover of the county jail. Interim County Administrator George Touart…
Gov. Scott meets with ARC Gateway leaders before big job announcement
Gov. Rick Scott and Florida Senate President Don Gaetz met this morning with leaders from ARC Gateway at breakfast hosted by Lewis and Belle Bear and Collier Merrill. The governor wanted to…
BP wants to suspend claims, sets up hot line
BP asked a federal judge late Tuesday to order that all payments from its Gulf oil spill civil settlement be suspended until an independent investigation by former FBI Director Louis Freeh of…
Bollards are coming. They really, really are this time. Promise.
We got this email message via the Downtown Improvement Board: MESSAGE FROM THE CITY OF PENSACOLA Dear Resident/Property Owner: On July 18, 2013, the City of Pensacola will begin construction on Phase…
Discover Earth is coming to West Florida Public Library
DISCOVER EARTH is coming! The West Florida Public Library announces an ongoing interactive museum exhibit and program series beginning July 30 through Sept 27. WFPL is honored to be one of ten…
Alleged Mississippi Gang Leader, now living in Century, charged with racketeering
Jason Marshall Bullock, age 37, has been indicted on a racketeering conspiracy charge accusing him of attempted murder, kidnapping, bank robbery, drug distribution and bribery. Bullock, also known as “Sir J-Mac,” is…
Jail death this morning, no foul play expected
The Medical Examiner’s Office is currently investigating a death in the Escambia County Jail Central Booking Division. Richard Craig Adams Jr., age 47, had been incarcerated on charges of Grand Theft and…
Buzz: Hayward prefiles for re-election
Mayor Ashton Hayward has pre-filed to run for mayor of Pensacola in 2014. Donna Clark and Maren Deweese have also pre-filed. Clark has reported $5,250 in campaign contributions, according to the Supervisor…