LOSER: Pensacola Christian College – They threw their support behind Commissioner Tom Banjanin. Many old-timers felt this was Banjanin’s strength and gave him a huge advantage. Grover still crushed him.
WINNER: Soccer Moms – They were Grover’s secret weapon. Mothers with their infants worked the polling places for Grover. They also heavily voted for the Maritime Park and the school 1/2 cent sales tax.
LOSER: WEST SIDE GOOD OLE BOYS- They elected W.D Childers to county commission. Then Bill Dickson – but they couldn’t put Myrtle Grove home boy Edwin Roberts in with a big majority. People on the West Side want change, too.
WINNER: Pensacola Young Professionals– Save Our City considered them pawns of their employers and dismissed their ability to get out the vote. PYP walked the streets, waved at intersections and voted.
LOSER: Tommy White – This former city council candidate went against the leaders in the black community and sided with the SOC. He appeared on their BLAB show and on the WSRE debate. His political gamble failed.
WINNER: Black Community – They once again became relevant in a city-wide vote. They voted and made the park a reality.
LOSER: WCOA Luke McCoy – He proved that he can’t drive an issue in the City of Pensacola. McCoy relentless attacked the CMP plan and gave SOC hours of publicity. Donovan was a regular guest. It helped to motivate the PYP and others to vote “Yes.”
WINNER: Pensacola City Council (except for Donovan) – The State Attorney dismissed the Sunshine Law violations and bribery charges and the park passed with 56% of the vote. They are more united and confident than ever.
WINNER: Pensacola voters – They are smarter than most people think.
