My Perdido

Perdido Key Neighborhood Plan Meeting

Important Gathering to Hear Future Plans for Perdido

The organizers ask that you attend whatever your stance on the future developmental plans for Perdido Key and the Perdido area.  Here is their release to provide information:

What are your ideas?
What do you want Perdido Key to look like in 5 years?  In 10 Years?
Is the vision realistic?            Is the vision sustainable?
What steps are needed in order to get there?
 
PERDIDO KEY NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN PUBLIC FORUM
Monday • September 13, 2010
Open House • 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Perdido Bay United Methodist Church Community Center
13660 Innerarity Point Rd.
Pensacola, Florida
 
Why is the Perdido Key Neighborhood Plan important?
 
In order for Long Range Planning for the Key to reflect the concerns and desires of the community, public participation is extremely important.   The PKNP semi-annual update process provides residents and property owners of the Key to provide input.  It is an opportunity to acknowledge the goals reached and set about identifying new Objectives for the future.
 
Escambia County Staff from Development Services, Community & Environmental Services, Transportation, the Fire Department as well as representatives from Gulf Power and ECUA will be on hand to provide information regarding current projects, answer questions and solicit public comments.  Refreshments will be provided.
 
We invite everyone to stop by, learn what’s new, to ask questions and to provide your comments.  Please plan to attend. 
 
>>Background information:
 
What is the Perdido Key Neighborhood Plan?
Land Use Zoning first came to Escambia County in 1989.  In view of the increasing demand for development on Perdido Key, the Perdido Key Advisory Committee was formed in 1997 to develop a plan for the future of Perdido Key.
 
>>Who wrote it?
The original committee consisted of developers, Perdido Key property owners, Perdido Key residents, members of community associations, an environmentalist, an attorney, a realtor, a family resort destination for Perdido Key specialist and an investor. After two town hall and twelve Advisory Committee meetings, the Committee determined that in order to achieve the goals set forth specific objectives and policies in the following seven areas had to be implemented: (1) Land Use; (2) Hurricane Evacuation; (3)Transportation; (4) Signage; (5) Community Center; (6) Public Waterfront Access areas, and (7) Gateway Area.
 
The overall goal reached was to “encourage responsible, quality growth on the Key with a balanced mixture of residential and commercial development while maintaining its character as a family oriented beach community and preserving its natural amenities.”
 
In June 2002, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) directed Staff to update the 1997 Perdido Key Neighborhood Plan (PKNP). The BCC also directed Staff to analyze issues on Perdido Key related to anticipated population growth, economic development, natural resources, and preservation of public safety in its Update, as well as prepare an implementation and funding plan for outstanding objectives and policies contained in the 1997 PKNP. During this process, Staff noted six additional areas that will have an impact on the future of Perdido Key and should be also be implemented:  (1) Natural Resource Protection; (2) Fire Rescue and Emergency Services; (3) Potable Water Service; (4) Sanitary Sewer Service; (5) Drainage; and (6) Economic Development.  Some of the Objectives established have been met and exceeded, some have not been reached. 
 
>>The 2002 update concluded the following:
 “The County Staff and citizens of Perdido Key will meet semi-annually to review the neighborhood plan.  The objective of these meetings will be to monitor progress of the implementation and adjust targets as necessary.  Maintaining dialogue is paramount in developing win-win solutions.”
 
In April 2010, in response to a request from PKA that the Perdido Key Neighborhood Plan be updated, the BCC directed Staff to begin working on a current report. 
 
If you cannot attend and want to submit written questions or concerns, please send them to pkaemail@cox.net. 
 
Event Hosted by Perdido Key Association

Valentino Wins Nomination

Encumbent Commissioner Edges Newcomer Sindel

Gene Valentino moved on to an almost certain, additional four years as the Distrcit 2 County Commissioner by defeating his 3 rivals for the Republican nomination in yesteday's primary election.  In my opinion the last minute tv ads he ran put him over the top.  His roll up our sleaves persona during the oil spill crisis and the dismissal of the charges related to campaign fund solicitation certainly helped but it was the appeal to his constituents that won the day.  Gene stayed on message and ads showing locals espousing a hearty "thanks Gene" sealed the deal. 

He won by 154 votes (still unofficially until Friday's certification) over a surprisingly strong Karen Sindel or really a surprisingly weak Dave Murzin showing.  George Tuart was a distant fouth.  Karen ran a very savvy campaign to overcome name recognition and virtually no funding support.  She is now a force to be reckoned with in county politcal circles.  It will interesting to watch her in coming years.

Gene will likely sail through the general election in Novemebr against Democrat Myra Simmons and Paul Redman the independent.  The mending of fences, especially with opponents of gambling on Perdido Key and proponents of the overlay district for the same area, will be important for the success of his next term.  That faction backed Karen and to an extent Murzin, which as Gene must realize almost toppled him this time around.  There is a real buzz around the Perdido area from Blue Angel Parkway west to the Flora-Bama that is centered on the future beyond the oil spill.  Gene could tap into that reinvigorating atmosphere or fight it with his ideas on an all encompassing "waterfront authority" rolling Perdido Key into the current Santa Rosa Island Authority and his tacit endorsement of a casino-like operation on the Key.  He could garner huge support for things like his economic development plan and regional concepts if he reaches out to the west end community leaders.  He took the high road in the campaign, it helped win the day....now will he take a lesson away and shore up his support with conciliatory overtures to overcome the 64 percent of the Republicans who cast votes for the others in this race.  There is a message there.

 

Vote Tuesday 8/24-Candidate Picks for District 2

District 2-Republican Primary....Don't Neglect to Vote

With election day looming I am repeating my endorsements for the primary candidates. I am registered as a Republican, so  I am only endorsing candidates that are on the slate you will find in the ballot for Republican Primary District 2.

For County Commissioner District 2- The one candidate that I feel would be most effective, most in tune with my wishes for the future of Escambia and the Perdido Key area is Karen Sindel ( www.KarenSindel.com )  Her outsider place serves her well and will be an asset, not a liability to the position.  She will in my opinion strike that balance of no nonsense but cooperative efforts.  She is against gambling, not on moral grounds but because it is not in the best interests of our county.  She is for growth but an overlay district to manage economic development for Perdido. She understands planning and zoning.  She understands we already have the makings of economic growth in our tourism, military presence, Maritime Park, etc which should be exploited first before new undertakings are considered in this difficult period.  She is a realist understanding we might not get huge road projects but bike paths and green space, and ballparks are possible and maybe more important. In short I think she will bring a steady, common sense, less is sometimes more approach to problem solving without the usual political posturing and old school Escambia methods of getting the county's business done.  A fesh face and we hope a fresh start to all we dream for Perdido Key, District 2 and Escambia county. For a full description of my opinions of the other county Commissioner candidates see my detailed post.

For US Senator my pick is Marco Rubio  www.MarcoRubio.com for his experience and fiscal conservative stands.

For Governor- Bill McCollum www.BillMcCullom.com primarily for his pro NW Florida support and conservative agenda.

Attorney General- Holly Benson www.HollyBenson.com because she has been a star in every politcal position she has held and we can expect her to continue to serve well.  She is a favorite daughter too!

State Representative-David Karasek www.karasek-4staerep.us  This was the closest race for me to decide other than the Commissioner race.  Both candidates have similar stances and values.  Clay is deep into Republican politics of the area but Dave outworked Clay with visits to thousands of homes to personally make contact with his constituents.  Either candidate will be excellent.

District 2 County Commissioner- Karen Sindel www.KarenSindel.com (See my post here for details)

Circuit Judge, 1st Circuit, Group 3- Michael Flowers www.FlowersforJudge.com for his credentials and his superior grade in the Judical Candidates Survey of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association.

For ECUA I feel the encumbent Lois Benson has done a fine job and the movement of the sewage treatment plant under budget and ahead of schedule is a good indication of the effectiveness of the current board.

School Board District 2- Gerald W. Boone as a good encumbent with experience on the Board and experience as a teacher for 35 years in Escambia High.

My endorsements are mine alone and stand apart from any position I hold professionally or as a member of any church or civic group.  I take full responsibility for any opinions expressed. 

Valentino Charges Dismissed

Commissioner Encumbent for District 2 Embraces Good News

In an interesting turn of events the judge in the case against the encumbent of District 2, which includes Perdido Key, dismissed the charges.  Gene Valentino had been accused of soliciting campaign funds in a meeting with a constituent in his county offices, a misdemeanor. The motion by his defence attorney to dismiss the charges hinged on the fact that the actions by the Commissioner did not "meet the statuatory definition of a request for a campaign contribution."  The story related to the media indicated that Mr. Valentino asked businessman Dan Gilmore for a fundraiser but never asked for a specific amount of money.  See the article here:  Valentino Judge

Here is Gene's email to family and friends:

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters

My faith has been restored in the American Judicial System. It is with great relief that Maureen and I report to you; that at 10:30 am this morning, Saturday, August 14, 2010, we received a phone from Barry Beroset, our Attorney; stating that Judge Ward has decided to dismiss the States Attorney charges against me. This means that there will be no jury selection on Monday and not trial on Tues. Judge Ward went on to say that after careful review, there was no legal basis for the claim against me.

We can now get back to the work of the people, without distraction. This event shows that the charges against me were baseless, without merit, and politically motivated. What this event has also done is motivate me for 4 more years. Your ongoing and uncompromising support for me has re-energized me and given me the passion to serve you for 4 more years. I implore you to reach out to your family, friends and neighbors and assure them my good character and creditability has survived and remains uncompromised. I ask you to seek such support for our republican primary, Tuesday, August 24.

God bless you. Maureen and I thank you for your unbending faith and support which electrifies me for 4 more years!

Gene M. Valentino

Political Endorsement-Commissioner District 2

Republican Candidates for the Perdido Area

Perdido Key and the majority of the surrounding area is in District 2 of Escambia County.  The primary election for this position is August 24, 2010 with the winner of the Republican party to face the Democrat, Myra Simmons and the Independent, Paul Redman.  The four candidates for the Republican nomination are (in alphabetical order) Dave Murzin, Karen Sindel, George Touart and incumbent Gene Valentino.

I have attended most of the major debates between the candidates including last night's on WSRE.  I have also spent time with each candidate formally or informally to ascertain their positions on various issues and have read local articles in several news publications and their web sites. I feel I am well versed in the District 2 and Perdido area concerns and the candidates' stances. I have come to some conclusions that convince me to endorse one of the Republicans because I am registered to vote as a Republican in the coming primary. To be fair to each candidate here are my opinions, good and bad.

Dave Murzin (website) has the ability and the Tallahassee contacts as state Representative to be an effective County Commissioner.  He describes himself as a conservative.  I believe he feels an overlay district for Perdido Key is a fundamental component to advancing the Key in terms of economic development and managed growth.  I also feel he has been somewhat evasive in his stand against legalizing gambling venues that might be placed in Escambia or on Perdido Key.  His response is always (and I quote) "I would hope that gambling is not a part of the plans for economic development".  He says he wants to develop consensus with other Commisioners to get things done for the district. He openly acknowledges his "professional politician" reputation.  I am not sure the Commissioner job is his last stop in politics.

Karen Sindel (website) is the "anti politician" of the group.  She does have experience in the politics of the county having served as an appointee to the Escambia County Planning Board operating under Sunshine Laws etc.  She is self-described as a trouble shooter and I believe that is true in listening to her and watching her campaign mature since the spring.  She is a business woman and invloved with community affairs serving on many boards.  She is obviously the outsider and will need to grow into the position.  She is firmly against gambling and a staunch proponent of an overlay district for Perdido Key.  Her recurring theme is public safety and code enforcement. Her performance at debates has been consistently the best of the candidates giving the impression of preparation and holding her own in midst of strong political personalities.

George Touart (website) is arguably the most experienced candidate in terms of county government and politics. From his web site "Those positions include Planning Commissioner, City Council, Public Information officer and county administrator in Mississippi and Escambia County, FL "  This cuts both ways as George comes across as a politician but has a firm grasp of the issues and speaks his mind clearly in debate and one on one.  He is opposed to gambling, especially on Perdido Key or Pensacola Beach because of his experience when gaming came to neighboring counties when he served in Mississippi. He is somewhat tepid in his backing of an overlay district for Perdido and says he is diametrically opposed to any more government layers like a special act district (Super Homeowners' Association endorsed by some in west Pensacola). Although never charged with ethics' or legal missteps George is tainted with a contoversial land acquisition when he was Escambia County Adminisrtator.  Additional taped conversations with Gene Valentino in the midst of George's resignation have surfaced to further tarnish his character. I repeat, no formal complaints exist.

Gene Valentino (web site), as encumbent, bears the burden of a less than effective Commissioner. It is not for the lack of effort but mostly a personality conflict with the majority of the other Commissioners. Gene truly cares for the County and his district but seems to be his own worst enemy, unable to build consensus around seemingly worthy ideas.  To be fair to the encumbent I feel you must look at his accomplishments, (self proclaimed to be honest) you can find here on his website. The anti-encumbent atmosphere, exascerbated by the failures and stumbling of the current Board of Commissioners is not explained away well by Gene.  His part in the "blind bid" controversy, the killing of a vote on government consolidation and his mistakes in the Perdido Key bingo parlor and alledged solication of campaign funds in his county offices have really hurt his effectiveness to lead District 2.

With the background I have provided it might not be clear who I endorse in this race.  The truth is I like all of these folks, personally. I respect them and their positions.  They have been to this date gentlemen and lady in a fairly clean, upfront campaign.  They each have very admirable qualities to serve as the next Escambia County Commissioner and they each have shortcomings.  We will be safe and well represented by any of the four. But here is who I endorse and urge you to vote for.

The one candidate that I feel would be most effective, most in tune with my wishes for the future of Escambia and the Perdido Key area is Karen Sindel.  Her outsider place serves her well and will be an asset, not a liability to the position.  She will in my opinion strike that balance of no nonsense but cooperative efforts.  She is against gambling, not on moral grounds but because it is not in the best interests of our county.  She is for growth but an overlay district to manage economic development for Perdido. She understands planning and zoning.  She understands we already have the makings of economic growth in our tourism, military presence, Maritime Park, etc which should be exploited first before new undertakings are considered in this difficult period.  She is a realist understanding we might not get huge road projects but bike paths and green space, and ballparks are possible and maybe more important. In short I think she will bring a steady, common sense, less is sometimes more approach to problem solving without the usual political posturing and old school Escambia methods of getting the county's business done.  A fesh face and we hope a fresh start to all we dream for Perdido Key, District 2 and Escambia county.

Does the Marine Park Affect Perdido Key-Absolutely

Rick Outzen's Blog Post Very Revealing

It has not been a subject matter for this blog but the Pedido Key area residents and property owners should know that what happens downtown, especially related to economic development or tourist attractions, affects us. Events in the downtown area like festivals, the Pelican Drop at New Years, business launches, the opera and art museum, even the opening and closing of restaurants, affects our way of life and our collective pocket books.  What is good for Pensacola is good for Perdido even if you just take into account property values.

This is why the tactics of the few who want to kill the Marine Park and the ballpark that is included in the plan need to be held to the light and exposed.  They are currently circulating a petition to get another vote on the project after it was already soundly approved by the city citizens the last time they forced a vote.

Rick Outzen writes a great local news and politics blog and today's is worth your time to read and see what the buzz around the ballpark is all about.  See it here:  Rick Outzen's Blog Post 7.23.2010

County Commissioner Debates-Part Two

Downtown gets it chance to see the Candidates up close

On Tuesday night, three of the Republican candidates and Myra Simmons, the Democrat, squared off.  Gene Valentino, Karen Sindel and GeorgeTouart mounted the dais with Myra but Dave Murzin, Republican, was in Tallahassee in the special session and Paul Redman, the Independent, was working on his boat having been hired for the BP cleanup.  These District 2 candidates followed a similar debate between District 4 contestants.  Each session was about 40 minutes in length.  Since the Perdido Key area falls in District 2 I will focus my report to that session.

The format was a little different calling for one question to a candidate (2 minute response allowed) with one rebuttal (one minute response allowed) from a second candidate.  The next questions then rotated amongst the competitors in an apparent attempt to get lots of questions on the docket.  Personally I felt it stifled the ability of the candidates from making much of a point and limited the issues in question to only two participants.  In fairness it was a method to keep the event within a reasonable time frame with seven aspirants in attendance between the two Districts.  Each of the contenders for the Commissioners' seat also had introductory remarks and closing comments where they could address anything they did not have an occassion to address in the question time.

It must have been somewhat of a disappointment to see the audience attendance.  I did not get an accurate count but I would guess there were under 100 at the New World Center venue for the event. They were subdued, polite and possibly a little unsure about the effectiveness of the format.

I purposely have not expressed an opinion on the candidates specific performance in fear it may lead to an appearance of support for one over another. I also hesitated in espousing a comment about the down town event versus the Perdido gathering but I wanted to give my readers an accurate feel for the tone and atmosphere at each setting.  I will endorse a candidate for the District 2 seat in the primary and the general election after the early voting commences on August 10th if that is important to anybody. I doubt my opinion has much of a sway but Iam willing to stick my neck out.  In the meantime here is a list of the web sites for the candidates.  I could not find an active web presence for Myra Simmons (Democrat) nor a candidate web site for Paul Redman (Independent)

http://www.davemurzin.com/

http://www.karensindel.com/

http://touart2010.com/

http://genevalentino.com/

Commissioner Candidates Debate-Part One

Perdido Key Area and Downtown Chambers Host Political Events

It has been a busy week already for the candidates for the County Commissioner seat for District 2.  The district includes Perdido Key and basically runs along the coast to the east into downtown Pensacola.  On Monday night all four of the Republican candidates appeared at the Perdido Bay Community Center.  Then Tuesday evening 3 of the Republicans and the Democratic nominee shared the podium at the New World Landing downtown.

The Republican primary is August 24th.  The Democrat Myra L. Simmons and Independent Paul Redman will join the race in earnest for the Commissioner's job once the Republicans make their choice.

Monday night was an exciting exchange between Dave Murzin, Karen Sindel, George Touart and Gene Valentino in front of over 300 local citizens, mostly from the Escambia west side. It was co-hosted by the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce and the civic minded Envision Perdido.  Seven comprehensive questions were asked of each competitor with introductions and closing remarks saved for free discourse.  The Perdido audience was polite, engaged and attentive. They arrived early stayed for the entire debate and buzzed for a good 20 minutes after the candidates had concluded their remarks.  Most reports after the debate were positive and complimentary of the candidates and the moderator, Vicki Campbell.  There was alot of information shared and positions described on such subjects as the Tourist Development Council funding, gambling, sports parks, zoning/overlay districts, widening Perdido Key  Dr, the proposed YMCA and more.  It is safe to say after about 1 hour and thirty minutes everyone left with a more informed understanding of the candidates and their platforms.  There were stark contrasts and many similarities among the candidates.  There was a sense that the Perdido area deserved more county government attention and these candidates were well aware of the local sentiment.  With a high per cent of the taxes, both property taxes and bed taxes, coming from our area and going to pay bills all over Escambia there is growing impatience as we wait for our just desserts. This is nothing new to the southwest Escambia citizenry but somehow it seems different this time around.  The political types are taking notice and it is obvious, as it was at the debate amongst these four.  A new awakening, activism, holding BP and government agencies to task in recent community forums in light of the oil spill have caused a stiffening of our backbone.  Tie this to the greater influence of the Perdido Chamber and the re-emergence of the unifying Envision Perdido group and we see some well directed passions in our community emerging.  The upcoming election has garnered a stronger following with these influences.  It is gratifying to see Perdido grappling for its potential, never more evident than at this event at the Community Center.

More about the downtown version of the candidates debate in my next post.

Republican Candidate Debate-Perdido Key

County Commissioner Candidates Discuss the Issues

The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce will host a debate between the Repblican Party Nominees for County Commissioner for District 2.  Perdido Key and most of the Perdido area is in District 2.  The debate will be moderated by Vicki Campbell, of Envision Perdido, a well known local business woman with board positions and ties to many civic organizations .  Vicki is very knowledgeable about a wide range of county wide issues and lives in the Perdido Key area.

The format will include introduction of the candidates with time for their personal opening remarks, a series of questions to be fielded by each candidate and closing remaks by each participant.  Timing wil be strictly enforced.

The debate wil begin at 7:00PM and is expected to last until 8:30PM. See a flyer here for details.

WHERE: Perdido Bay Community Center on Innerarity Point Rd

WHEN: 7:00PM-8:30PM

WHAT: Moderated debate between the four Republican Party Candidates for Escambia County Commission Seat, District 2

WHO:  The candidates are:

David Murzin***Karen Sindel*** George Tourart*** Gene Valentino

Perdido Key Plan Rejected

Governor Crist's Office Vetoes Use of BP Dollars, Escambia Commissioners Sign Off

The Escambia County Board  of Commisioners gave approval to the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce plan to spend another $700,000 of BP's money on a nationwide advertising blitz.  The Perdido Key Chamber had proposed an innovative plan to garner a huge publicity bonanza and return at least $273K in economic impact by "Giving Away the Keys To Perdido Key". The request for $235K was denied based on the reading of the understanding that Tallahassee says it had with BP.

Here is the Perdido Key proposal;  Keys to the Key Word doc   Power Point Presentation

A detailed article by appeared in the Pensacola News Journal today: BP Ad Campaign

A friend of mine in public realtions sent me this template to send to Governor Crist and to the Escambia Commissioners.  Please feel free to send this with your own edit to the powers that be.

To Governor Crist  email

To Commissioner Valentino email

"It is my understanding that the appointed marketing money ($700,000) from BP to Escambia County can only be used for media purchases in the region.

Editorial/media all over the region and nation are exploiting the gulf situation making converse advertisements a joke.

Media buys instead of a solid public relations plan is an obvious losing battle.

Please help Escambia County by allowing the BP marketing dollars to be spent within a strategic public relations plan or provide other funding to help Perdido Key and the Gulf coast promote itself with a plan that produces results.  Timing is critical with the summer season almot over.  Act now...please !!

It simply makes sense to fight fire with fire. There is absolutely NO CREDIBILITY in advertising our beaches are clear anymore!"