The Community Maritime Park was resoundingly passed last night: Yes 10,297 No -8140. The results are unofficial, but the 56% for the park is expected to hold. Save Our City got 3,716 fewer votes than they did in 2003 when the same group under a different name defeated the first Trillium plan.
The CMP won 22 of 29 precincts (see Precinct Details). Two of those were lost by less than 3 votes combined.
As ballots were counted and results called into the CMP election night party, it was clear the Yes vote was going to prevail. The early votes gave the park a 51% lead, and the CMP started to narrowly win the SOC strongholds in Cordova Park, Scenic Heights, East Hill and North Hill. The few precincts that were lost were lost by few votes. It appeared the young vote had been successful in nullifying the SOC over 65 yr. old power base.
Then we got the results for the predominantly black precincts and it was all over for the Save Our City.
Mt. Zion Baptist Yes: 493 No: 258 St. John Divine Yes: 129 No: 68
Mt. Olive Baptist Yes: 271 No: 130 Macedonia Baptist Yes: 606 No: 479
It took a community coming together to defeat Marty Donovan, Charlie Fairchild, CC Elebash and the naysayers. Truth and Justice won out.
Wonder what the anti-park Pensacola city council candidates – Jerry Howard & Sam Hall – are thinking today? They are going to have to listen to the young professionals and the minorities in their districts. The old angry white vote isn’t enough any more.