Has the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. Memorial Foundation lost its right to build a memorial plaza at the foot of the Chappie James Bridge?
The stewardship agreement between the City of Pensacola and the General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. Memorial Foundation had it automatically terminating on June 30 if the Foundation failed to provide:
- Documentation proving full funding for Plaza construction and Associated Installations, and
- Additional funding to support a minimum of three years of anticipated maintenance, repair and upkeep.
Also, the Foundation was required to submit an annual report within 30 days of the agreement anniversary (due March 2). The report must include a list of foundation activities, achievements, officer listings, and the most recent year-ending financial statements.
- Our sources say all these requirements remain unmet.
BACKGROUND
In May 2022, the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. Memorial Foundation unveiled ambitious plans for a memorial plaza near the bridge bearing the general’s name. This announcement came five years after locals first broached the idea in 2018 when the new Pensacola Bay Bridge was under construction.
The proposed $2 million project would feature a 10-foot bronze statue sculpted by renowned artist Ed Dwight, a restored F-4 Phantom II fighter jet from the Vietnam era, and an 80-foot flagpole. Foundation chair Cris Dosev initially predicted completion by late 2022.
- The City of Pensacola committed $250,000 to the project and granted the Foundation exclusive rights to construct the plaza at Wayside Park.
The Funding Controversy
By January 2025, the Foundation failed to raise enough from the private sector to build the monument and plaza so they asked Escambia County to contribute $1 million. That request ignited a heated dispute between Escambia County commissioners and the Tourist Development Council (TDC) over whether bed taxes could be used for the project.
- What began as a community effort to honor the nation’s first Black four-star general has evolved into a complex legal and political battle that highlights tensions over fiscal responsibility and tourism funding regulations.
The TDC first approved $750,000 for the project but later withdrew the funds when TDC Chairman David Bear questioned the legality of using tourism dollars.
- Bear, whose family foundation has donated millions to local charities, faced unprecedented personal attacks from foundation board members who even demanded proof of his own contribution to the memorial. Bear provided documentation of his March 2023 donation, but the incident highlighted the increasingly personal nature of the dispute.
Legal Challenges and Interpretations
Central to the debate is whether a memorial statue qualifies as a “museum” under Florida law, which would make it eligible for tourism funding. County Clerk Pam Childers endorsed the project, declaring it an “open-air museum” and stating that it complied with state statutes. However, TDC members and legal experts expressed skepticism about this classification.
- “If we were to consider that statue a museum, then why would we not consider every other statue in our community or across the country a museum?” Bear questioned during council meetings.
The Florida Attorney General’s office was consulted twice but declined to issue formal opinions, citing insufficient information about project ownership and tourism promotion. An economic impact study by the Haas Center found the project would create only 24 short-term construction jobs with no evidence of promoting tourism.
Commission vs. Council
Despite TDC concerns, County Commission Chairman Mike Kohler pushed for approval, telling commissioners he wanted them to approve $1 million regardless of the TDC’s recommendation.
Commissioner Lumon May emphasized his long-standing support for the project, stating it was “black and white” and questioning only whether the funding was legal. County Attorney Alison Rogers warned that if the Department of Revenue determined the funding to be inappropriate, the county might face repayment obligations and risk losing its state funding sources.
Nevertheless, commissioners voted unanimously to provide $750,000 in TDT funds, plus an additional $125,000 from other county sources. However, the funding was contingent on the City of Pensacola reworking its agreement with the Foundation so that the city would own the monument and plaza.
- Mayor D.C. Reeves didn’t put it on the council agenda for discussion.