UWF issued this statement: “The University is currently looking into this. This grant was originally awarded in 2017, with the most recent renewal awarded in 2022, prior to SB 266. We are…
County debates how to equitably fund fire protection
At a heated meeting on May 1, the Escambia County Commission debated significant increases to the Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) fees used to fund fire protection services. The discussion revealed deep…
Daily Outtakes: VA Mental Health Crisis in Pensacola, too
The New York Times reports that President Trump’s decision to end remote work for federal employees has forced VA (Veterans Affairs) mental health clinicians into crowded, public spaces that compromise patient privacy,…
Top Stories: Week ended May 3, 2025
The two top blog topics concerned the city’s selection process for awarding the demolition contract for the Baptist Hospital “legacy campus” and why we have two Pensacola-Escambia Promotion & Development Commissions. Other…
Belle Bear selected to Florida Women’s HOF
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the selection of Belle Yates Bear, Mary Brickell, and Dotti Groover-Skipper to the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. Each year, the Governor selects three nominees from recommendations…
Commissioners approve $25 million investment in John R. Jones Park
Last night, the Escambia County Commission took a significant step toward enhancing local sports facilities and creating more tourism assets. In a unanimous 5-0 vote, the commissioners approved $25 million in TDT…
Podcast: Children’s Book on Sea Turtle Conservation
Florida author Jim McClellan is making waves with his latest literary venture – a children’s book aimed at teaching youngsters about sea turtle conservation in a compelling and visually appealing way. In…
ECT/CRA debate delayed to 5/15: Cameras or Youth Internships
Last night, the Escambia County Commission held an hour-long discussion about the Escambia Children’s Trust waiver request that highlighted fundamental questions about how we best serve our community’s children. The debate centered…
Daily Outtakes: Mystery of Two PEDCs solved
THE DOUBLE ENTITY A Walker Holmes Investigation The manila envelope landed on my desk without ceremony, but what it contained would unravel years of financial misdirection. County Clerk Pam Childers had stumbled…
City names interim Parks & Rec director
The City of Pensacola has appointed Kerry Shanaghan as the Interim Director of Parks and Recreation. Shanaghan brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community engagement. Military Background and…
Sea Turtle Nesting Season begins today
Sea turtle nesting season officially kicked off today, May 1, with Escambia County Sea Turtle Conservation Program volunteers beginning their daily morning patrols on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. These dedicated volunteers…
County Commissioners support Hofberger’s fire safety plan
Commissioner Ashley Hofberger presented an ambitious plan to the Escambia County Board of Commissioners to utilize approximately $34 million in unallocated LOST (Local Option Sales Tax) dollars to build new fire stations…
Best of the Coast 2025 Ballot
Just like we have every year for the last 25 years, we’re asking all of you to play favorites and vote in our Best of the Coast poll. That means your most…
Rally to say NO to a FP&L rate increase
Press Release: With the rising costs of everything from eggs to rent and insurance, Floridians are struggling to make ends meet. And now, Florida Power and Light (FPL) is pushing for the…
Podcast: United Way’s Upcoming Events to Support Our Community
In a recent interview for “(we don’t) Color on the Dog,” Lauren Clark from United Way of West Florida shared exciting details about two major upcoming events that will significantly impact our…
Daily Outtakes: Two PEDCs? Walker Holmes seeks answers
County Clerk Pam Childers has discovered her office has been wiring funds to Pensacola-Escambia County Promotion and Development Community Development Entity, LLC, not the Pensacola-Escambia Promotion & Development Commission. This mix-up dates back to 2007, when Ernie…
Sunday’s Child opens 2025 Grant Cycle to Local Nonprofits:
Annual Grants Support Equality, Inclusion, and Innovation Across Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties Sunday’s Child, a Pensacola-based nonprofit organization that promotes equality and inspires inclusion by awarding grants for significant charitable and…
Clerk uncovers she may have wired PEDC funds to wrong acct
The Escambia County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office recently reviewed the Pensacola-Escambia Promotion & Development Commission (PEDC) and related entities. This review raises questions about entity relationships and the flow of public funds…
COW to hear ambitious plan to build four fire stations
At the Committee of the Whole tomorrow morning, Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger will present an ambitious plan to construct four new fire stations. This $34 million investment would fulfill her campaign…
Kohler to City: ‘If you want to take other people’s money, you should at least have them in the room’
In the unfolding story about the Baptist Hospital demolition project, Escambia County Commission Chairman Mike Kohler has responded to Mayor D.C. Reeves’ comments about the selection of North Star for the demolition…
