My Perdido

Frank Brown Music Festival Begins

We are about to begin one of the most exciting times on the Key and in the Perdido area.  Here is a schedule of the early events.

	Entertainment Schedule
Begins this week! Monday, November 10          9:00 Lucky Doggs Tent Stage Veterans' Salute Tickets $10.00 - FREE Admission for Veterans & Active Military                5:30 Kyle Parker Band          7:00 Jeff Cook & The Allstar Goodtime Band Tuesday, November 11          7:00 Rick Whaley & John Joiner Wednesday, November 12 - Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival®          5:00 Adam Holt          9:30 Elaine Petty Thursday, November 13 - Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival®          5:00 - 7:00 Songwriters' Social          5:00 J. Hawkins          6:00 Tophat & Jackie          7:00 Rick Whaley, Larry T. Wilson & John Joiner          8:00 Mike Tozier          9:00 Jeff Ruby          10:00 John Barbato/ Songwriter's Jam Tent Stage - Golf Tournament & Kick Off Jam          6:00 Sam Glass & Jon Cook          7:00 Pat McGee          8:00 Drawings & Tournament Announcements Friday, November 14 - Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival®          2:00 J. Hawkins/ Writer's Jam          5:00 Cathy Pace Hosts          5:00 Keith Glass          6:00 Surefire In the Round                   Meaghan Owens, Brian James, Dave McCormick & Robert Wolf          7:30 Bo Roberts & David Lowe          9:30 Big Muddy          11:00 Marc Alan Barnette Tent Stage          9:00 Sam Glass & Jon Cook >> Click here to view all
Wednesday, November 12 - Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival® Writer's Party Kick Off          7:00 Open Mic - All Songwriters Welcome Hosted By Cathy Pace Thursday, November 13 - Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival®          6:00 Ken Lambert          7:00 Wayne Carson, Brice Long, Elaine Petty          8:00 Jack Robertson, Bo Roberts, Donna Slater          9:00 Sonny Throckmorton, Rock Killough          10:30 Freddie Powers, Steve Carter, Pat McCann, Moe Monsarrat Friday, November 14 - Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival®          3:00-5:00 Newcomers of the Festival          6:00 CJ Watson, Nancy Casteel, Lisa Shaffer          7:30 J. Hawkins          8:30 Brent Moyer, Ottar Johanson, Tori Anderson, Joe Sun          10:00 Stephen Veal, Cary Laine, Amy Lewis, Chris Graham          11:30 Jason Everly, Garrett Mehok

Here We Go Again

It is pretty discouraging to be in this yo-yo game of now we will and now we won't.   It is no wonder that the Perdido Key residents, owners, investors are disgusted with the local leaders who can't seem to get a handle on what it will take to move forward.  We are stuck in place no matter what side of the issue you are on. Here is the article that ran in the PNJ this morning.

Perdido building caps may remain

County would have to widen road to support development

Escambia County likely will call off its pursuit to remove building caps on Perdido Key — for now.

In December 2007, county commissioners voted to remove the caps. However, the Florida Department of Community Affairs refused to approve the move.  The county contends it has addressed the state's concerns. But recognizing the DCA likely won't support the cap removal without a major financial commitment to widen Perdido Key Drive to handle added development. Commissioners are expected to vote Thursday to repeal the ordinance they created last year to remove the caps.

"I believe we have the legal basis for our claim. The caps should be removed," said Commission Chairman Gene Valentino, who represents the district that includes the Key. "But I think there are certain factual findings that we can not substantiate effectively. We have to sharpen our pencil further on our case to DCA."

The votes are there to support his move to back off for now. Commissioners Mike Whitehead and Grover Robinson IV have said they'll support it.

The DCA's concerns remain the same, claiming the county hasn't identified a funding source to pay for widening Perdido Key Drive, demonstrated adequate sewer capabilities for added development or proved the Perdido Key beach mouse will be protected.

Perdido Key resident Dan Henderson, 68, has the same concerns and is glad to hear the board may call off cap removal. They don't have the infrastructure to support it," he said. "It isn't that we are against growth. We are for controlled growth on Perdido Key."  Henderson said he isn't convinced the narrow barrier island needs a wider road.

On the other side of the issue are residents like Alison Davenport, a real estate broker specializing in Perdido Key.  " The caps should be removed and let concurrency be the driving force for development, as it has been everywhere else in Florida," Davenport said. "But I agree the road should be widened, regardless ... to make it safer."

Whitehead said DCA likely will want to see road contracts in place before it will support removing the cap, and that could mean two to three years before the county submits a new DCA request. Valentino thinks it will be much sooner.  "It will be months. It better not be years. Otherwise the economic consequences to our citizens will be graver," Valentino said.

A maximum of 7,150 dwelling units — houses or condominiums — and 1,000 hotel or motel rooms are allowed on Perdido Key. The county's proposal would have increased it to 12,000 dwelling units and 2,500 lodging units.

One of the primary issues that has stymied its DCA request is a Florida Supreme Court ruling last year. The ruling initially put the brakes on the county's intent to issue $135 million in bonds for the widening of Perdido Key Drive, Theo Baars Bridge, and Sorrento Road from Blue Angel Parkway to U.S. 98.  The court since reversed its decision, allowing property tax for such projects paid for through tax-increment financing to proceed without voter approval.  Gregory Strand, who filed the 2006 lawsuit, has asked the court to reconsider, making the TIF unavailable until it's resolved.

Want to go?

- WHAT: Escambia County commissioners' public hearing to consider not pursuing removal of building caps on Perdido Key for now.

- WHEN: 5:33 p.m. Thursday.

- WHERE: Commission chambers in the Escambia County Governmental Complex, 221 Palafox Place, downtown Pensacola.

My Comments:I think the majority in any case are in favor of the four lane Perdido Key Dr as a step towards safer roads, safer biking and walking.  The speeders and weavers I see every morning on my walk that encompasses only a short portion of Perdido Key Dr (from Palacio to Johnson Beach Rd) are reason enough to get the 4 lane done ASAP with walking and biking trails up on curbs.  With school bus routes running down Perdido Key Dr I am shocked that the Sheriff's are not camped in the shoulders.  I invite Gene Valentino and the Escambia Sheriff's Department out to the Key any weekday morning to see the dangerous situation with drivers along the curve leading to the bridge.

Your comments?????? 

Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival

This weekend more than a quarter of a million people will flock to Gulf Shores for the 37th annual National Shrimp Festival at Gulf Shores Public Beach. The four-day outdoor festival that began Thursday continues through Sunday and brings together food vendors, musicians, artisans and arts and crafts from around the Southeast and the nation — and shrimp, lots of shrimp.

Since 1971, the second week of October has been reserved for this seafood and cultural festival, a last hurrah before the snowbird tourism season, said this year's National Shrimp Festival Chairman Ron Kutter.

Kayci Prohaska, 10, Lane Baker, 10, Lexi Prohaska, 9, and Maia Setzer, 10, at The Hangout in Gulf Shores, one of the eaterier at the 37th Annual National Shrimp Festival this weekend. (Brian Kelly/bkelly@pnj.com)

Parking and other events

Don't worry about finding a parking space. The Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System will give you a ride. The shuttle costs $1 per passenger, per way and will run Thursday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check out the online bus schedule and other events at www.nationalshrimpfestival.com.

New to the festival this year is a Chef's Challenge. Contestants from area restaurants will showcase their culinary skills and expertise in the Oct. 10 contest, which will start at 3:30 p.m. on the East Stage.

Also, the Shrimp Festival 10k Run is set Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m.

Want to go?

- WHAT: The 37th annual National Shrimp Festival

- WHEN: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

- WHERE: Gulf Shores Public Beach, Gulf Shores, Ala. at the corner of Highway 182 and Gulf Shores Parkway (at the bottom of Highway 59 in front of The Hangout restaurant).

- COST: Free

- DETAILS: For more information and for complete music and art schedules, maps, list of times, shuttle service and other information, visit www.nationalshrimpfestival.com. or phone Don McPherson at (251) 968-4237.

Information On Escambia Unification

The Jacksonville Story: A presentation of the history and current state of consolidated government in Jacksonville - Duval County.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Featuring:
Mr. Ed Austin, former mayor and general counsel of Jacksonville
Michael Corrigan, Jacksonville City Council
Rick Mullaney, General Counsel, City of Jacksonville

This is an opportunity to hear directly from another community and learn from their experiences. Please join us for this informative day of discussions regarding the consideration of government unification in Escambia County.

9:00 a.m.
Session A: New World Landing - Directed towards Pensacola, Century, and Escambia County elected officials, candidates, administrators and employers as well as quasi-governmental agency (ECUA, SRIA) officeholders and employees.

2:00 p.m.
Session B: New World Landing - For general public, business and civic leaders.

Please R.S.V.P. to info@escambiaallforone.com

Escambia All For One, P.C. is a committee formed by citizens interested in exploring the idea of unifying our political infrastructure to better Pensacola.

Quiet Weekend around Perdido

It is pretty quiet around Perdido this weekend.  Most everyone will make the trek into Pensacola to the incredible Seafood Festival in Seville Square.  Here are a few other recommnedations if you stay around the immediate area.

Wimbledon and the U.S. Open are behind us, but this weekend, Pleasure Island welcomes the Tri-Level State Championships, today through Sunday at the George C. Meyer Tennis Center at Johnnie Sims Park, 244 W. 19th Ave., Gulf Shores, Ala.; the Beach Club, 925 Beach Club Trail, Gulf Shores; and the Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, 20 Peninsula Blvd., Gulf Shores. Watch more than 100 teams from the state of Alabama battle it out for the Tri-State Tennis championships. For tournament information, visit www.alabamata.com.

Guitar lessons for kids

Monday, the Orange Beach Art Center, 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach, Ala., will offer guitar lessons for children in first through sixth grades from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. This is a small group class limited to six students. The center will provide the guitars to each student. Sign your child up to begin or enhance their music skills with the guitar. An after-school snack will be provided. For more information, call (251) 981-2787 .

Guy Harvey to visit The Wharf

Guy Harvey, an artist known around the world for his underwater paintings and his restaurants, will appear in person from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at Guy Harvey's Island Grill, 4851 Wharf Parkway at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Ala. This two-day event will give guests a the opportunity to meet the artist, noted marine biologist and celebrated conservationist. The restaurant will serve its full menu while the retail shop and art gallery will have exclusive artwork, apparel and souvenirs available for purchase to be signed by Harvey. For more information, call (251) 224-8183 .

Lost Key Golf Club Serving it up

Avid golfers already know about the legendary Arnold Palmer golf course at Lost Key Golf Club, and since golfers get hungry for good chow, they also know about The Restaurant at Lost Key. It's world-class golf meets upscale cuisine.

Executive Chef Thien Thanh Chu, a native of Vung Tau, South Viet Nam brings his culinary talents to the kitchen. Chef Chu was trained at the Aroma of Mandarin, a fine dining Chinese restaurant. In 1999 he enrolled in the Florida Culinary Institute.

General manager of the Restaurant at Lost Key Golf Club, Steve Price, said one thing Chef Chu brings is his ability to prepare dishes inspired from around the world.

"One thing we're excited about is that throughout the month we offer our themed dinner nights, which include Italian, Asian, Seafood, Caribbean, Hawaiian, Santa Fe Southwestern and Prime Rib nights," Price says. "Lost Key can also host your next private event whether it be a birthday party, anniversary dinner, wedding reception or a golf tournament."

From an outstanding breakfast menu to great lunches to globally themed culinary items, The Restaurant runs the gamut from the standard to the exotic. The breakfast menu features freshly prepared items including eggs Benedict, breakfast burrito, breakfast club, corned beef hash with poached eggs topped with hollandaise sauce. Or try the three-egg, build your own omelet, and the famous almond cream french toast.

When it comes time for lunch, enjoy a complimentary appetizer of homemade bruschetta with garlic and cheese toast points. Lunch is followed with complimentary fresh baked cookies. The lunch menu features uniquely flavorful homemade soups, appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches and two chef-prepared daily features.

Every Thursday a sushi menu is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features five salads and appetizers, five traditional sushi rolls, nine specialty rolls and three chef-prepared feature rolls.

Whether you go for golf, food, cocktails or to just lounge, the Restaurant at Lost Key Golf Club is a secret gem of Perdido Key, but the word is quickly getting out, as Steve Price is quick to remind us in a letter from a customer.

"To quote a recent letter from a guest at Lost Key, 'The best part of your establishment is the people. Many courses boast about how they view customer service and what the customer experience will be like, but your staff truly believes in it. From the clubhouse staff, to the starter and the grounds crew, you could tell everyone enjoyed being there and wanted to make sure my wife and I had a great time. I'll be back this fall for a week, and I can guarantee you that Lost Key is the only course I'll be playing

National Sea Shore waives fee

Superintendent Jerry Eubanks announced today that Gulf Islands National Seashore will waive entrance fees to celebrate National Public Lands Day on

Saturday, September 27, 2008

and also on

Sunday, September 28, 2008

in honor of newly naturalized citizens.  The normal $8 per vehicle entrance fee will be waived for all visitors entering the Perdido Key (

Johnson

 

Beach

) Area in the Florida District of the Seashore on these days

Great News for Perdido

Gene Valentino just sent this news:

Dear Precinct Leaders and friends: (PASS THE WORD AND WATCH TONIGHT’S NEWS ON CH 3)

            It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce that the State Supreme Court of Florida this morning reversed its decision on the “Strand Case”.   The claims against Escambia County which in turn effected all 67 counties of the state of Florida have been overturned, giving standing in all matters that the “TIF” (Tax Increment Finance) funding program remains a legal and legitimate funding mechanism for the county commissions to use to fund infrastructure and projects of their respective counties.

 

            Mr. Strand (et al) have the opportunity to ask the State Supreme Court to reconsider this matter in the next 15 days.

 

            This good news jump-starts Escambia County ’s ability to get infrastructure under way which is absolutely necessary. 

            I am pleased with this ruling.   The SR 292 project from the Florabama to Walmart is ‘guestimated’ at this early stage to be at least a $200-million project. For every dollar we spend on this road project yields $10.00 to our economy!   This is huge! 

            I know many of you have expressed frustration with the lack of results.  I always promised you that while the timeline of government is nothing that pleases me, I did promise you I would not give up when others would!   I thank all of you for hanging in there and I implore you to continue to do so.

 

            More forthcoming in our precinct / district newsletters…

Sincerely,

Gene Valentino

Red flag morning walk

  At seven this morning there was still a stiff breeze about 10mph with higher gusts.  The flags tell the story of dangerous surf and sand blasted legs.  The sky was a beautiful blue to the north but the haze from sand and spray in the air close to the beach and looking east gave a diffused look to the sun. Here you can see the sea foam and the retreating waters along the National Sea Shore.

The breaches in the dunes along the south side of Johnson Beach Rd caused sand to cover large stretches of the road.  It was interesting to see where the sand fences were finally undermined by the constant pounding. The surge eventually was the victor. 

The posts left naked on the beach were a testament to the effectiveness of the fence that remained.  To the left of this shot is the road covered with 6-10 inches of sand that was once a dune supported by slats of fencing now peeled back.  Look a little further and you can see the berms that remained and protected the road.  The other eye opener was the difference in results depending upon the amount of beach expanse.   In areas that had wider space between the road and the beach due to the general topography chances were that the dunes were not breached.  I would suggest we keep this in mind when the issue of beach re-nourishment is discussed in the coming years.  The overall impression was like walking into the set of a Planet of the Apes movie.  It wasn't long until we started to see more and more folks out to take in the sights Mother Nature had left behind.  This is the sight of the road at the first walkover and gives an idea of the "lost world" impression.    To the left is roadway, to the right the beach. 

The other place where we saw flooding in previous days was on the north side of the National Sea Shore at the end of the service road that leads to Trout Island .   You can see the pine straw line up the nature walk.  It indicates flood waters to about 2 feet and the entire parking area was under water last Wednesday.

One last picture.  Here is a "last sentinel".  This small section of sand fence was supported by the sea oats that managed to grow up through the slats and stands lonely amid the washout surrounding it.

   

 

Ike-Still a factor

Amazingly Ike is still pounding the beaches across the Pensacola/Perdido area.  Hundreds of mile across, the width of Ike has been incredibly reaching our area with a storm surge that has remained about 2 feet above normal tides.  Here is an article from the Pensacola area with some pictures and a map of the most affected areas.    http://pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080912/NEWS01/80911036&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

I took this picture from our Palacio condo to capture the scope of the churning waters of the Gulf.  The next one shows the extent of the damage so far on the Key.  Here you see the piece of the walk over from Perdido Sun that broke off yesterday morning at the peak surge when it was coupled with the high tide.  This morning the water has retreated since yesterday back away from the berms that helped protect the pools and landscaping along Perdido Key Dr. I am sure there are some other walk overs damaged by the constant pounding.   The water has come over the road in the National Sea Shore but the area is closed so I don't know if it was damaged.  The Gongora/Siquenza was inundated with water almost to Perdido Key Dr just at the south edge of the Theo Baars Bridge cutting off passage to the Oyster Bar from that section of road.  I would expect some of the homes were damaged if they were not built on pilings or finished off at the at the ground level .  It has been going on now for over 36 hours but I think the worst is over.  The skies are clearing too as Ike gets closer to Texas and farther form us.  Our prayers are with the people in its path.