Pensacola Councilwoman Sherri Myers had a difficult time getting the mayor’s office to respond to the havoc caused in Dunmire Estates by Tuesday’s tornado.
Myers told Inweekly, “I went to Dunmire Woods around 8-ish (a.m.). I could see extensive damage. Dunmire Street was barely passable. Citizens were out cutting a huge tree out of the street so at least one lane was passable.”
She didn’t any sign of city workers out there.
“I called the Mayor’s office and spoke to someone named Judy,” said Myers. “I told her that I wanted to speak to the Mayor or Eric Olson, that it was an emergency regarding Dunmire Woods”
The councilwoman was told Mayor Hayward wasn’t there and Olson was in a meeting. When the woman tried to transfer her to Constituent Services, Myers said, “No, I want the Mayor or Eric Olson. I am a city council person, this is an emergency and I want to talk to the Mayor.”
The city staffer said she would try to get the message to Eric. She came back and said Zack Michaels, the mayor’s assistant, would talk with her.
“I explained to Zack what was going on and my concerns,” Myers told Inweekly. “He said he would send Eric an e-mail.”
Here is the email sent to the City Administrator:
From: Zach Michael
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 9:00 AM
To: Eric Olson
Cc: Keith Wilkins; Sherri Myers; Don Kraher
Subject: ImportantEric/ Keith:
Council Member Myers has called and surveyed damage, most of which was in her district from last night’s storm. She is trying to get in contact with City Administrator to go to Dunmier Woods and other areas of Ninth and Olive to survey needs of residents and have police officers in neighborhood. Mr. Weeks of Inspections is planning to go into area today.
Council Member Myers: 850-293-7841
Please advise.
Zach Michael
Executive Aide to the Mayor
Shortly, thereafter, the City Administrator contacted the councilwoman.
“He was not aware of any damage to Dunmire Woods. He said he had not received any calls. I told him I thought we need a police presence out there. He said he would check with Chief Alexander. He said he would get back to me,” said Myers.
A little before noon, Olson sent Myers this chain of emails. Notice how long it took for the City Administrator to get back to the council member. Also Police Chief Alexander wasn’t responding to an email request from the City Administrator. The chief is sending a chain of emails that started in response to Councilman Charles Bare. The City Administrator simply forwarded this to Myers, and Olson waited nearly two hours to send the PPD emails to her.
From: Eric Olson
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 11:44 AM
To: Sherri Myers
Subject: Dunmire WoodsMs. Myers,
Please see the email from Captain Stephen Davis of the PPD below.
Respectfully,
Eric Olson
From: David Alexander III
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 9:58 AM
To: Eric Olson
Subject: Fwd: PPD press releaseFYI
Begin forwarded message:
From: Stephen Davis
Date: February 24, 2016 at 9:53:50 AM CST
To: David Alexander III
Subject: RE: PPD press release
Chief,
I personally went through Dunmire Woods this morning and made contact with at least two dozen residents. I told them that it would be hectic for a few days, but not to hesitate to call us if they need us. They have power, chainsaws and coffee and were in high spirits. Many roads in the subdivision are impassable due to downed trees.Tonight, the COPS Unit will be patrolling the hardest hit areas exclusively.
Capt. Stephen Davis
Neighborhood Services Division
The Pensacola Police Department
850.435.1910From: David Alexander III
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 9:04 AM
To: Charles Mallett; Kevin Christman; Stephen Davis
Subject: Fwd: PPD press releaseFYI
From: Charles Bare
Date: February 24, 2016 at 8:56:24 AM CST
To: David Alexander III
Cc: Eric Olson
Subject: Re: PPD press release
Having said that. I understand there is very little police presence in the areas of the city that were damaged such as Dunmire Woods. That is unfortunate.Charles Bare
President
Pensacola City CouncilFrom: David Alexander III
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 8:55 AM
To: Charles Bare
Subject: Re: PPD press releaseThank you
On Feb 24, 2016, at 8:46 AM, Charles Bare wrote:
This is a better synopsis than the minimal damage press release sent out last night. That one never should have been sent out.Charles Bare
President
Pensacola City CouncilFrom: Cindy West
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 8:43 AM
To: Amy Brodersen; Andy Terhaar; Ashton Hayward; Brian Spencer; Charles Bare; Charles Mallett; Cindy West; Cindy West; David Alexander III; Eric Olson; Gerald Wingate; Jewel Cannada-Wynn; Kristin Brown; Larry B. Johnson; P.C. Wu; Paul Kelly; Sherri Myers; Stephen Davis; Steven Johnson; Tommi Lyter
Subject: PPD press release
Myers did tell Michaels that she was going to be back out at Dunmire Woods at 2 p.m.
“At around 1:45 or so, Ashton called me and said he was on his way to Dunmire Woods,” she told Inweekly. “I told him I was meeting the Council President and Council Executive at 2 p.m., and we would see him probably at Dunmire Woods.”
Myers described what she saw.
“When we got to Dunmire Woods around 2:10, there were many cranes, trucks, bobcats, grinders and people all over the place. Many trees down and people’s homes damaged. We talked to a number of home owners,” she said. They later caught up with the mayor who was traveling with a crew from WEAR TV.
By the end of Wednesday, Myer was very frustrated by the lack of communication from Pensacola City Hall and the mayor’s office.
“Throughout the day I checked my e-mails for updates from the City,” she said. “I only received updates from the PPD.”