My Perdido

Grant for U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Perdido Key on Grant List

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today announced more than $53 million in grants to 17 states to support conservation planning and acquisition of vital habitat for threatened and endangered fish, wildlife, and plants.

The grants, awarded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF), will benefit numerous imperiled species ranging from the Peninsular bighorn sheep to the Karner blue butterfly.

“Our solid partnerships with states are key to Interior’s continued success in preventing the extinction of hundreds of threatened and endangered species, and recovering species, such as the bald eagle, brown pelican, and American alligator,” Secretary Salazar said. “These grant awards will support important state efforts to build and strengthen conservation partnerships, and to conserve and protect vital habitat for threatened and endangered animals and plants.”

Authorized by Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act, the competitive grants enable states to work with private landowners, conservation groups, and other agencies to initiate cost-effective conservation planning efforts and acquire and protect habitat to support the conservation of threatened and endangered species.

“Ensuring the survival of imperiled species depends on long-term partnerships and voluntary landowner participation,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “The vital funding provided by these grants empowers landowners and communities to safeguard habitat for threatened and endangered species and foster conservation stewardship efforts for future generations.”

This year, the CESCF will provide approximately $28.6 million through the Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants Program, $10.7 million through the Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance Grants Program, and $14 million through the Recovery Land Acquisition Grants Program. The three programs were established to help advance creative partnerships for imperiled species conservation recovery.

The Perdido Key Grant is $2,967,022 for acquisition of Perdido Key coastal tract in Escambia County. This grant will enable the acquisition of up to 20 acres of Gulf-front habitat used by the Perdido Key beach  mouse, ensuring its populations can remain connected. The Perdido Key beach mouse exists only on Perdido Key and faces increasing impacts from coastal development.A complete list of the 2011 grant awards under these programs (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 15.615) is available online at http://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/index.html.

Turtle nesting climbs along area coastline

Sea turtle nesting season is on a record-breaking pace. That's the word from Gulf Islands National Seashore officials who had been concerned there might be a decrease in nests in the wake the BP oil spill last year.

The 68 nests counted this year on Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key top the previous record of 58 nests in 2000, said Andrew Diller, marine biologist with Sea Grant of Escambia County. The recording of sea turtle nests on weekly basis goes back to 1991.

Diller goes on turtle patrol before dawn, counting nests from Johnson Beach to the end of the seashore on Perdido Key. The undeveloped areas of the seashore see the most nests, Diller said.

"The darkness and remoteness will always mean better numbers," he said. All but one of the nests recorded are loggerhead sea turtles; there is one Kemp's ridley turtle nest, Diller said. Kemp's ridley turtles are one of the most rare species of sea turtles, which typically nest along the Mexican and Texas coasts, Diller said.

Mark Nicholas, park biologist with the seashore, says light pollution and boaters remain the biggest — and most immediate — threat to turtles.

"When an adult female turtle is killed by a boater, that is a big deal to the future population," Nicholas said. "That female's only job is to produce as many eggs as she can."

Joyce Williams, 49, of Ocean Springs, Miss., doesn't like to think about boaters or oil harming the sea turtles she loves so much.

"I just love them so much, but they're hard to see. You don't want to shine a flashlight on them but I would love to see a nest up close," Williams said. "If we stay out of their way, the sea turtles will be fine I believe."

Six Sea Turtle Nest Found on Beaches

We are one month into the turtle nesting season and there have already been three nests located in Gulf Islands National Seashore here in Perdido Key.  There have also been three other nests found at Fort Pickens on Pensacola Beach.

One of the nest is the endangered Kemp's Ridley and the others are Loggerheads. The peak nesting and hatching season runs from May 1st to the end of October.

How can you help?

• Boaters should always watch the Gulf and bays for Sea Turtles.
• Don't throw plastics or trash in water or on the beach.
• Beach residents are required to use turtle-friendly lights. Other residents and businesses are encouraged to switch to low-pressure sodium lights. For details contact Mark Nicholas at  (850) 934-2600.
• If you find an injured Sea Turtle or Sea Turtle nest call the Gulf Breeze Police Department (850) 916-3010.
• Remember that Sea Turtles are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Report any dead or disoriented Sea Turtles to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-3922

-Courtesy of The Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce

 

Pensacola's Native Paths Cultural Heritage and Resource Center

The Perdido Bay Tribe is currently working on a new development: their Native Paths Cultural Heritage and Resource Center. They were given 800 acres of beautiful property with an existing structure at the edge of Jones Swamp Preserve in Southwest Pensacola. The location will serve as their tribal headquarters, a library and media center, an art gallery with Creek artifact exhibits and a nature preserve for outdoor recreational activities.

Born deep in the forests of South Georgia, Bobby Thomas Johns “Bearheart” was raised with roots deeply embedded in Muscogee Creek Indian culture. Chief Bearheart accepted a job in Pensacola in the late 70s where he pursued his passion – teaching others about his Creek heritage. Chief Bearheart established the Perdido Bay Tribe of Southeastern Lower Muscogee Creek Indians, Inc., in 1994, a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to community service and sharing of Southeastern Creek Indian cultural heritage through art and education.

The property will also be protected and maintained by the Perdido Bay Tribe for low-impact recreational use. Visitors can go hiking and horseback riding along the preserve trails and watch nature closely as the swampland sanctuary is abounding with a variety of lively and striking species. Owl boxes and a butterfly garden were installed on the land to attract and shelter surrounding nature. Day camps for children, soil and water projects and classes to teach Native American arts-and-crafts will be offered. Stay tuned for more information on the Perdido Bay Tribe’s grand opening of their new center in the near future.

Ground Breaking- SW Escambia Sportsplex

Years of Efforts by Local Citizens and Political Figures Realized

Ground was broken for the new Southwest Escambia County Sports Complex on last Tuesday at the Bauer Road site.  It is hard to to truly estimate the tremendous impact this facility will have on our Perdido Key area.  The obvious enhancement on the community sports scene is only one facet.  The economic impact that will be realized as we host sports tournaments and the beautiful green space for family outings and eventual walking trails connected throughout the county will be positive outcomes as well.


Some of the VIPs present were: Commissioners Wilson Roberts and Gene Valentino, Mike Whitehead, Sheriff David Morgan, Randy Oliver, Malcolm Thomas, Larry Newsom and Jeff Helms. Representatives from PBYSA, YMCA, PBFC, Kiwanis, Rotary, Gulf Power, Envision Perdido and Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce were also present.
 
The Sportsplex will sit on approximately 200 acres on Bauer Road and will house multiple lighted baseball, softball, soccer and football fields, an open play area, walking trails, playground, covered pavilions and ample parking. “We are excited to see this project begin. This facility will be a huge asset to the southwestern portion of the county,” stated Wilson Robertson, District 1 Commissioner.
 
The total cost of the project, athletic fields, pavilions and playground is anticipated to be $8.8 million and will be funded by the Local Option Sales information, contact 850-595-3476.

Groundbreaking for Southwest Sportsplex

Escambia County is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the Southwest Sportsplex on tomorrow,  Tuesday, June 28 at 2 p.m. Attendees are asked to park at Jim Bailey Middle School, 4110 Bauer Road. Transportation will be provided to the ceremony.                The sportsplex will sit on approximately 200 acres on Bauer Road and will house multiple lighted baseball, softball, soccer and football fields, an open play area, walking trails, playground, covered pavilions and ample parking. 

The total cost of the project, athletic fields, pavilions and playground is anticipated to be $8.8 million and will be funded by the Local Option Sales Tax.

Attendees should dress appropriately for weather and worksite conditions.  Short sleeves are recommended.  Please no heels or sandals.  

For more information or to RSVP, contact the Office of Public Information and Communication at (850) 595-3476.

How To Help Perdido Key

One of the most asked questions I field every day from the folks who love Perdido Key is "How can I help?"  Well here you go, this opportunity should be easy for anyone of any age, no physical requirements:

Gulf Islands National Seashore Announces Volunteer Opportunities

     

Gulf Islands National Seashore Acting Superintendent Dan Brown announced volunteer training for volunteers who want to help Gulf Islands National Seashore in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  The park is recruiting for beach volunteers to provide visitor information  in the Florida District at the Santa Rosa, Fort Pickens, and Perdido Key Areas. A training session for people interested in volunteering will be held on Sunday, June 20, 2010 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center in Gulf Breeze, Florida.  

Beach volunteers are asked to work out-of-doors for a 3-hour shift each week.  The volunteers may choose from four locations in the Florida District:  Opal Beach (Santa Rosa), Langdon Beach, (Fort Pickens), Fort Pickens fishing pier, and Johnson Beach (Perdido Key) to meet visitors and provide information about the park, the on-going cleanup, and related public health messages. 

The training will cover position requirements, background information with key messages, and safety message to prepare volunteers to meet the public.  Call 850-916-3013 for further information.  For additional information about Gulf Islands National Seashore visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis.

Perdido Key on the Map for the PNJ

Three Major News Pieces in Pensacola Paper Today

It is not an accident that Perdido Key is getting the attention we deserve out here on the west end of Pensacola.  The Perdido Chamber of Commerce has been very active in recent years, especially since the election of board members this year. We added several community leaders well known for their active participation on the Key.  This is a volunteer board unlike the Pensacola Chamber which in all fairness has a much larger responsibility and which includes Perdido Key in certain aspects of their promotional side.  Perdido still has its own advertising budget and campaigns and in fact one of the reasons for recent successes has been because of IdeaWorks, our new public relations firm.

The Perdido Chamber of course is supported by 3 full time and one half time paid staff.  Tina Makowski/Director, Lauren Turner/Admin Assistant, Jaynie Arakaki/Information Special, Jack DeGasparre/Information Specialist.  They do yeomen's work.

There are several initiatives promoted by our President Fred Garth in support of our businesses and community.  One very effective effort is centered on our internet presence which has sky-rocketed with the addition of a second "sister" site www.VisitPerdido.com.  We were 70% up in reservations across Perdido for the summer this year that tranlates into great economic impact for all of the Key. That is why we are so upset with the oil spill publicity that derailed that momentum.  Count on your Perdido Chamber to make the best of what we were dealt.  We are still hard at work looking for BP dollar support and political influence to help us with publicity to overcome the national media distortions.

In the mean time here are the news articles that appeared today as fruits of our labors:

New Amphitheatre Opens In Big Lagoon 

   

Jelly Fish Bar Celebrates Anniversary 
  
  

Perdido Key Wine and Arts Festival June 12th

Big Lagoon Amphitheater Ribbon Cutting

Location: Big Lagoon State Park
Date: May 25, 2010 - Tuesday
Time: 4:00 -6:00 pm
Entertainment By Clark & Company
 
Park Fee will be waived from 3:30-6:00 pm

After much anticipation, a two year construction phase and at a cost of around $1.5 million, the brand new 300 seat amphitheater is complete and ready to again be used for events, weddings and family reunions. The rental fee is $150 plus tax and entrance fees.
The Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting and Dedication. 
 
When the park opened it 1979, it boasted an open outdoor amphitheater where many family friendly events were held, such as "Picking in the Park" where local musicians came and played regularly for residents and tourists alike.  Unfortunately, the original amphitheater was completely destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and had to be demolished in 2005. 
 
Big Lagoon State Park is located in the southwestern corner of Escambia County about 10 miles west of Pensacola.
Access to the park is from Gulf Beach Highway, StateRoad 297. The park consists of 732.40 acres.  

A big thanks to The Shrimp Basket and Lillian's Pizza for donating food for this event.

Perdido Key Publicity

The saying goes "How do you prove something you are NOT?"

Perdido Key is not contaminated with oil, our beaches are as beautiful as ever.  The beaches are not closed, in fact they are full of folks because the weather is gorgeous. The fishing is not shut down, in fact the intracoastal fishing is completely unrestricted and the state Gulf waters (9 miles out) are completely open and only 5% of Federal waters are closed "for study".  Charter captains have reported great catches inshore of speckled trout and red fish, and offshore catches of grouper, amberjack, and trigger.  There is not an odor of any kind, petroleum or other.  Swimmers are not restricted from the water because of polution.

Just as vicious, unfounded rumors can be hurtful  to persons, the misinformation you might hear about Perdido Key and the surrounding area is a publicity nightmare.  We need the help of all those who love this area to write your papers, tell your family, friends and co-workers, spread the word where ever possible that Perdido Key is open for business and could not be more welcoming.  We need a grass roots campaign so pitch in, do what you can to support our efforts to keep your beach, our beach, in the public eye.  Thank you.