The Summation Weekly - February 28, 2024

SYMPHONIC SERENADES PSO PRESENTS 2024 PERFORMANCES

By Darien Hardy

Photos by Meg Burke Photography

The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra continues the 2023-2024 season ready to present a brand new lineup of performances to the Pensacola community. The Orchestra has already played from a wide repertoire, including popular symphonies by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, as well as some delightful and unfamiliar gems by Piazolla, Strauss, Bates and many others, according to music director Peter Rubardt.

“People can expect an array of A-List guest artists and polished,committed performances from the orchestra,” Rubardt said.

Still to come in the latter part of the season are a pair of big symphonies by Prokofiev and Vaugh Williams, an achingly beautiful set of songs by Mahler, Mozart’s famous G-Minor Symphony, and a rollicking, jazzy piano concerto by Gershwin.

According to executive director Bret Barrow, the PSO is on a mission to promote and advance the wellbeing of our community through live symphonic music and engaging musical activities that serve people for a lifetime. The Orchestra’s community programming, “Beyond the Stage,” allows PSO to serve people not only where they live, where they learn and where they go for entertainment, but also in their critical moments like pediatric care, homeless shelters, or in hospice.

PSO networks with partners across the community to provide musicians who teach, perform and engage with the community. To serve the mission and ensure they can provide these services for free, PSO actively solicits monetary dona-

tions from the public. “Beyond the Stage” has been well-supported and well-received, and the Orchestra plans to grow the program as resources allow.

“It makes me feel good that we can be stewards of community resources to truly serve our neighbors through music,” Barrow said.

“I invite everyone to come hear a ‘Beyond the Stage’ program and consider supporting it themselves in whatever ways possible. The impact you can have by bringing [music] to others is powerful.”

For more information about the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, its community programs and details on the season performances, visit pensacolasymphony.com.

Mozart, Mahler & Mendelssohn

March 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm

Pensacola Saenger Theatre

Join PSO for an exploration of metaphorical light and darkness through the works of musical giants. This program features Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 , one of his few major works in a minor key, and Felix Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage , inspired by the poetry of Johan Wolfgang von Goethe. Mezzo-soprano Susan Platts joins the orchestra for Gustav Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder , which sets to music the poetry of Friedrich Rückert stemming from an outpouring of grief as he processed the deaths of his two children. Heartrendingly beautiful, this intimate song cycle explores our shared humanity with the message that while death is powerful, love is stronger.

In-person tickets start at $24 and may be purchased online at pensacolasymphony.com, by

phone at 850.435.2533 or in person at the Pensacola Symphony Box Office at 205 East Zaragoza St., or the Saenger Theatre Box Office at 22 East Intendencia St.. Virtual tickets are also available for $20 at pensacolasymphony.com.

Symphonic Spectacular

March 23, 2024 at 7:30 pm

Pensacola Saenger Theatre

Join PSO for a spectacular evening, featuring Sergei Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony , conceived by the composer as “glorifying the grandeur of the human spirit, praising the free and happy man—his strength, his generosity, and the purity of his soul.” The program also includes Dmitri Shostakovich’s reorchestration of Modest Mussorgsky’s overture to Khovantchina and soloist William Hagen performing Max Bruch’s perennially fresh First Violin Concerto

In-person tickets start at $24 and may be purchased online at pensacolasymphony.com, by phone at 850.435.2533 or in person at the Pensacola Symphony Box Office at 205 East Zaragoza St., or the Saenger Theatre Box Office at 22 East Intendencia St. Virtual tickets are also available for $20 at pensacolasymphony.com.

Season Finale

April 20, 2024 at 7:30 pm

Pensacola Saenger Theatre

The PSO season closes in a riot of rhythms as the orchestra performs George Gershwin’s Concerto in F , with pianist Orion Weiss, and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ A London Symphony. Composer Wang Lu joins the Orchestra from the stage to share her work, Surge, commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the

Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

In-person tickets start at $24 and may be purchased online at pensacolasymphony.com, by phone at 850.435.2533 or in person at the

Pensacola Symphony Box Office at 205 East Zaragoza St., or the Saenger Theatre Box Office at 22 East Intendencia St. Virtual tickets are available for $20 at pensacolasymphony.com.

Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage

April 27, 2024 at 10 am

Pensacola Saenger Theatre

Join PSO for this fun family event featuring a theatrical concert designed especially for young audiences and their grownups followed by a series of hands-on musical activities. Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage features the story of the composer’s young son, Karl, who longs to be taken from his boarding school to spend more time with his famous father. An old traveling trunk serves as a magic chest that reveals an incredible journey back in time to Mozart’s childhood and

into the fantastic world of Mozart’s great opera, The Magic Flute. Along the way, Karl comes to understand Mozart’s extraordinary life as a traveling prodigy, his passion for composing, the pressures of family and fame, and the common bonds they both share.

Woven into the drama are two dozen excerpts from some of Mozart’s most famous pieces, including themes from The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni, selections from The Magic Flute and some of his most important and engaging works such as Ave Verum , Symphony No. 1, Clarinet Quintet and Eine kleine Nachtmusik. After the concert, PSO will host an instrument petting zoo with the musicians and a variety of other hands-on activities.

General admission tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at pensacolasymphony.com, by phone at 850.435.2533 or in person at the Pensacola Symphony Box Office at 205 East Zaragoza St. ■

PLEASE CHOOSE THE SUMMATION WEEKLY FOR ALL YOUR LEGAL NOTICES

The Summation Weekly, a publication of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association (ESRBA) produced in partnership with Ballinger Publishing, offers highly competitive insertion rates and a way to indirectly support your local bar association.

The Summation Weekly is a subscription-based community newspaper circulated to ESRBA members and made available to the general public throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The publication satisfies Fla. Stat. 50.031, which governs the requirements for publication of legal notices. In addition to the published weekly newspaper, The Summation Weekly website –

www.summationweekly.com satisfies Fla. Stat. 50.0211, which requires all legal notices to be made available online and on the state registry – www.floridapublicnotices.com.

Ballinger Publishing manages the day-to-day operations of the publication. Darien Hardy is the contact person for legal notices. She can be reached at legals@ballingerpublishing.com or 433-1166, ext. 25.

Thank you for your support. Choosing The Summation Weekly generates non-dues revenue that helps subsidize programs and services provide to members of the EscambiaSanta Rosa Bar Association.

SUNDAY’S CHILD TO AWARD $120,000 IN GRANTS TO PENSACOLA AREA NONPROFITS

Sunday’s Child, a Pensacola Bay Area member-based philanthropic group that promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality by awarding grants to significant charitable and economic initiatives, recently held its annual Grant Season kickoff event to celebrate completion of its 2024 membership drive. President Jacey Cosentino announced the $120,000 raised which will enable the organization to award six grants of $20,000 each to Pensacola-area 501(c)3 nonprofits that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality.

“This grant cycle marks our 10 year anniversary, and I cannot begin to tell you how awe-inspiring it is to watch Sunday’s Child continue to grow and flourish year after year since our founding in 2014. We truly welcome everyone and want all of our members and potential members to feel welcome and like they have found a philanthropic home with Sunday’s Child. Together, we make a difference. I have seen our grants change the lives of those around us,” President Jacey Cosentino said.

Sunday’s Child envisions a fully accepting and inclusive Pensacola Bay Area that embraces LGBTQ+ citizens and their contributions to the community. Launched in 2014, Sunday’s Child individual members or member ensembles donate up to $1,000 annually, with 100 percent of funds going toward grant awards. Since its inception, $1,007,250 has been awarded to local charities in the Pensacola Bay Area.

Sunday’s Child funds projects that align with its mission, vision and areas of interest. The organization will present a grant workshop for nonprofits interested in learning about the grant process on February 20, 2024. Area nonprofits are invited to submit a letter of intent to apply for a grant online by 5:00 p.m. February 26, 2024. All letters of intent will be reviewed to verify each organization’s eligibility to apply for a grant. Applications are due April 5, 2024 by 5:00 p.m. Grant applications are vetted by members and the winners are determined by the votes of Sunday’s Child members at its annual meeting in June. For more information on Sunday’s Child and its grant process, visit sundayschild.org.

About Sundays’ Child

Sunday’s Child is a passionate group of committed, thoughtful citizens seeking to inspire change in the Pensacola Bay Area. The mission of Sunday’s Child is to promote equality and inspire inclusion across the community by awarding grants for significant charitable and economic initiatives. Its members fund projects that enrich the quality of life and well-being of others— regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, marital status and socioeconomic status. Sunday’s Child has no paid staff and is organized, maintained and managed by volunteers. Membership dues are used exclusively for awarding grants, never for administrative or operational costs.

ECFR RECOGNIZES FIREFIGHTERS FOR RECENT RESCUES FRIDAY, FEB. 16

Escambia County Fire Rescue honored their firefighters for their work involving two residential structure fire rescues during a presentation at ECFR-Station #3 Friday, Feb. 16.

During the presentation, ECFR Fire Chief Adam Harrison acknowledged the bravery and commitment of the ECFR firefighters who risked their lives to save the life of another. Chief Harrison, along with ECFR Battalion Chief Curt Isakson, discussed the roles Escambia County Emergency Communications and Escambia County EMS played in the rescues, including the clear information provided by emergency dispatchers and the smooth, seamless transition of patient care from the firefighters to the paramedics and EMTs.

“In a one-week period, our Fire and EMS personnel have responded to numerous emergencies, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Chief Harrison. “Their swift response and effective coordination have resulted in several remarkable civilian rescues, showcasing the true essence of heroism.”

N. Highway 95A Residential Structure Fire ECFR units Engine 4, Engine 6, Engine 2, Engine 9, Engine 1, Safety 4, District Chief 1, Battalion Chief 3, Public Safety 1 and Chief 1 responded to a residential structure fire at the 2600 block of N. Highway 95A at 11:43 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31. Upon arrival, a singlestory wood-framed structure was showing heavy fire conditions in the front of the home. During the size-up of the situation, firefighters were able to access the home in the rear. During the primary search of the burning structure, one person was discovered inside the home and was quickly removed.

“As we went in, we were doing a search and our firefighters reported to me that we had a victim,” said Lt. Jeff Rohrer. “At that point, I went on the radio and let our command know that we had a victim and that we were pulling the victim out of the Charlie side.”

Once the victim was brought out of the home, firefighters performed CPR until Escambia County EMS took over patient care. The victim was transported to an area hospital by LifeFlight crews. The fire was brought under by 12:05 a.m. and is being investigated by the Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives.

Deauville Way Residential Structure Fire ECFR units Squad 3, Engine 17, Ladder 12, Engine 11, Engine 1, Battalion Chief 2, Battalion Chief 3 and Chief 2 responded to a residential structure fire at the 4500 block of Deauville Way on Monday, Feb. 5. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were visible from the single-story home. Bystanders confirmed to ECFR that one person was

trapped inside the structure. Firefighters located the occupant within 90 seconds after entering the home and safely removed the victim from the home.

“As I made my way to the front door, I could hear the victim inside screaming for help,” said Lt. Charles McGuffey. “So I made a decision to go in and I was able to hear her and use the thermal imager to get to her. As I got to her, I realized she was conscious, and I told her to put her arms around my neck and we’ll get you outside.”

Once the victim was out of the home, Escambia County EMS provided immediate medical care and transported them to an area hospital. ECFR conducted an investigation and determined the fire was accidental and electrical-in-nature. The American Red Cross provided assistance to the displaced occupants.

During the presentation, ECFR highlighted the number of fire-related rescues that have occurred in Escambia County since 2000, the year ECFR transitioned to a consolidated fire service.

“In the last 20 years, Escambia County Fire Rescue has documented 42 rescue and removals from house fires,” said Battalion Chief Curt Isakson. “That’s pretty impressive, and if you think about it, each and every day in the country, firefighters rescue 9.8 people a day.”

ECFR discussed a variety of topics, including the importance of having functioning smoke detectors in your home, keeping your doors closed while sleeping at night, and the large number of fires ECFR responds to frequently.

Smoke Detectors Save Lives!

ECFR is available to provide and install smoke detectors free of charge for residents. According to NFPA, a working smoke detector cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call 850-595-HERO (4376) or request a smoke detector online through Ask MyEscambia. City of Pensacola residents may call 850-436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.

Escambia County Fire Rescue proudly operates as a combination fire service, utilizing the talents and diversities of volunteer and career firefighting personnel. Career personnel operate in 15 stations throughout the county. 13 stations work a 48/96-hour shift, and two stations work Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteer firefighters operate out of numerous stations throughout Escambia County. Escambia County Fire Rescue also provides other emergency services such as hazardous materials response, special operations and ALS non-transport. Follow Escambia County Fire Rescue on Facebook.

LA LUNA CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL SPRING FASHION SHOW WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

BENEFITING NEW LOCAL CHARITY, NEURODIVERSITY RESOURCE OF THE PANHANDLE

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. (February 19, 2024) – La Luna Children’s Boutique, located in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®, will host their second annual Spring Fashion Show with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 9 from 4-5:30 p.m. benefiting Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle.

The whimsical spring event will take place on Grand Boulevard’s North Lawn and kick off at 3 p.m. with a kid’s fashion show, sponsored by John Lee Nissan. Models will have the opportunity to shop the boutique’s latest spring and summer styles to showcase on the runway, courtesy of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®. La Luna is currently seeking both male and female models, ages 1-14. Those interested in participating should email karoline. kellogg@gmail.com to learn more.

Following the fashion show, guests will delight in an afternoon of family fun, refreshments, and the official arrival of the Easter Bunny. Attendees will enjoy light bites from Cantina Laredo, Everkrisp, Kilwins, and Swell Pops along with beer and wine for the adults. There will be music and karaoke by Maddie’s Karaoke and DJ Services, various vendor booths, complimentary Easter-themed arts and crafts activities, and an Easter egg hunt for kids to participate in. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance in a John Lee Nissan and take photos with children and families in front of a custom backdrop, courtesy of Arhaus and Whitney Port Photography.

La Luna will also have a robust silent auction for guests to bid on. In 2023, the inaugural fashion show raised $5,00 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.

All proceeds raised from this year’s event will go directly to the Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle, a community-based, family focused, platform that provides programs and services based on the growing needs of families living with neurodiversity.

“We are so grateful for La Luna Children’s Boutique for supporting our organization through this beautiful community event,” said Beth Roberts, founder and executive director of Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle. “Because of their support, we will continue to support our neurodiverse community through our programming and especially with our financial aid giving. Having a neurodiverse child can be often isolating and lonely as a parent; our voice is one of hope, community, and relief to so many on this journey.”

According to Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle, typical therapy cost is anywhere from $80 to $135 per hour, often needed multiple times a week, while diagnostics can range from $600 to $2,500. The organization has an online resource provider portal, community outreach with educational seminar series and support groups, and lastly their financial aid portal which is currently accepting applications. To learn more about the Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle, visit neurodiversefl.org.

The Fashion Show and Easter Bunny Arrival are open to the public and free to attend. La Luna would like to thank the additional local businesses who are sponsoring the event including 30A Smiles.

12TH ANNUAL ROTARIANS AGAINST HUNGER EVENT PROVIDES THOUSANDS OF MEALS FOR MANNA

Pensacola, FL (February 19, 2024) –Rotary Clubs of Northwest Florida joined Manna Food Bank in the fight against hunger for the 12th Annual Rotarians Against Hunger event on February 17. Rotarians packed approximately 44,700 lentil casserole meals for neighbors in need served through Manna’s pantry and food security programs.

“The Rotarians Against Hunger project provides much-needed food during the winter and early spring months when giving has decreased and need has increased,” said Manna Executive Director DeDe Flounlacker.

“Last year, Manna provided food assistance to 86,890 people – a 25% increase over the year prior! Many are the working poor, grandparents raising their grandchildren, and moms and dads who do not have enough money to pay their bills and buy food for their family due to rising food, utility, and housing costs. Thanks to our Rotary friends, thousands of our neighbors in need will be given the gift of nutritious food.”

More than 185 Rotarians representing all 13 clubs in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties participated, donating more than 472 hours of service.

“This was the twelfth year that Rotary teamed up with Manna packing meals that will be distributed in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to help families in need,” said Mike

Stahl, Rotarians Against Hunger Project Chair. “Through this project, local Rotarians are striving to exemplify the Rotary motto, Service Above Self, and support our local community.”

Rotarians Against Hunger is a service project of the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola (CROP) that launched in 2012, and since then, more than 816,600 meals have been assembled for distribution to the hungry.

For more information about Manna, please visit mannahelps.org.

About Manna

Manna’s mission is to offer emergency food assistance, service the food-related needs of vulnerable populations, and engage the entire community in the fight against hunger. A local grassroots organization with no national affiliation or government funding, Manna provided food to 86,890 people last year. Manna operates an emergency food assistance pantry and 17 specialty programs with 24 community partners in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

About Rotary

Rotary is an international service organization of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

NEW CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT ART SHOW UNTETHERED AT JACO’S BAYFRONT

PENSACOLA

Pensacola, FL – February 21, 2024 – Untethered, a contemporary abstract art exhibition by local artist Lindsay Keeling will be held at Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille from March 6 to April 2. The exhibition will kick off with an opening reception on March 6 from 5-7pm, including a wine tasting and artist meet and greet. This unique opportunity allows art enthusiasts and the local community to meet the artist and gain insights into the inspiration behind the artwork.

Featuring 21 new abstract landscape paintings, this exhibition evokes feelings of joy and freedom through an appreciation of nature. “There is something calming about looking off into the horizon, no matter the landscape. I capture this peacefulness with soothing colors and soft brush strokes. For

this exhibit, I challenged myself to paint more freely, unleashing a looser style of expression.

That’s why the show is called Untethered.”Lindsay Keeling

Lindsay Keeling exhibits her work at galleries and art festivals across the Southeast. She obtained her Master of Business Administration at the University of West Florida and is now a full-time artist. Lindsay was voted Runner Up: Best Artist for InWeekly’s Best of the Coast in 2023.

Event Details:

What: “Untethered” Solo Show by Lindsay Keeling

Where: Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille, 997 South Palafox St.

When: March 6 - April 2, 2024

Opening Reception: March 6 from 5-7pm

ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE SPOTLIGHT: 10 YEARS OF PROGRESS

When Escambia County Animal Welfare Director John Robinson stepped into the county’s animal shelter a decade ago on his first day on the job, he knew that changes were needed to create a better environment for his team and the animals in their care.

Robinson, who is celebrating his 10-year anniversary with the county on Feb. 18, got right to work.

“My big goal first was just how do we get the shelter turned around, what’s that going to take,” Robinson said. “And the first step was just putting a team together and processes in place that were going to be functional, that were going to work.”

By building a team of dedicated people who truly care about animals and the community, Robinson was able to begin overcoming the many challenges that come with working in animal welfare, while helping more shelter animals find loving families and homes.

“We’ve spent a lot of time building up a staff that loves the animals, understands the animals, knows the animals, so I think that’s a big change that we’ve made,” Robinson said. “When people come through here and see the animals, they can tell that they’re in better shape than they used to be. They’re cleaner, they’re healthier – they’re all those things. I think all of that contributes to helping complete those families by finding the right animals for them.”

An animal lover since childhood, Robinson always knew he wanted a career working with animals. After working in pet retail for over 20 years, he moved to animal welfare, serving as the Director of Operations for the Humane Society of Memphis before becoming the shelter manager for the Town of Collierville, Tennessee. Robinson is also a nationally-certified animal cruelty investigator through the National Animal Care & Control Association and the University of Missouri. Throughout his animal welfare career, he worked as a responder with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, and the Humane Society of the United States, responding to large-scale animal cruelty cases and disasters.

During his career with Escambia County, Robinson has implemented numerous policy changes, facilitated community partnerships, and worked to overcome misconceptions about the shelter that linger in the public.

One of the first steps Robinson took was greatly increasing the number of animals available for adoption by opening up more areas of the shelter to the public, which provided more opportunities for animals to be connected with loving homes. The shelter had previously been set up for the public to only view a small portion of adoptable animals, which were selected by staff.

Robinson also worked with the veterinarian team to improve the quality of care for animals in the shelter and ensure they are spayed/neutered before adoption. Working with his team and community partners, Robinson has greatly reduced the shelter’s euthanasia rate during his tenure, also ensuring that dogs are not euthanized simply because of their breed.

Director’s Aide Dawn Harris, who has worked at the shelter for 24 years, said she has seen a significant positive difference in overall shelter operations and culture under Robinson’s leadership.

“When people feel better about their job, they’re going to do a better job,” Harris said. “And when they feel better about the management staff, then they’re just more comfortable in their day-to-day. They want to do a good job for him, but they want to do a good job for the animals – and most of them really are here because of their desire to work in the animal world.”

Initially hired as the Escambia County Animal Shelter Manager, Robinson now oversees the entire Department of Animal Welfare, which includes the shelter along with Animal Welfare and Enforcement, previously known as Animal Control.

Animal Welfare Division Manager Kevin Monfreda has worked for the department for nearly 14 years, working his way up from an Animal Control Officer to Division Manager. Monfreda said Robinson’s leadership and positive attitude have made a difference, along with the implementation of more structured training for employees. Previously, Animal Welfare and Enforcement Officers received little to no training before starting their work in the field.

“Now our officers go through a 12-week training program,” Monfreda said. “I think that is a big change, that people are getting trained, and it feels more like you’re in a career path instead of just a job.”

Monfreda also oversees the county’s Animal Search and Rescue Team, which was established about a year ago through a grant from the ASPCA. The ASAR Team has six members from Animal Welfare and about 12 firefighters from Escambia County Fire Rescue who are trained to respond to disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes or other large-scale animal rescue incidents.

Although he’s accomplished a lot during his 10 years with Escambia County, Robinson emphasized that the work is far from completed. One of the biggest challenges remaining is the shelter building itself, which was built in 1997 before shelters were designed with animal adoptions at the forefront. Once funding is available, Robinson’s ultimate goal is to build a shelter that is more inviting to the public and more comfortable for animals.

“My goal is to hopefully come up with something that can work and give this county a long-term solution,” Robinson said. “There’s never going to be a shelter big enough to house every stray animal in this county, but it’s about how to take care of animals most in need in our community.”

Robinson’s vision for the future of Escambia County Animal Welfare also includes continuing to build connections with the community, which he said have already improved greatly over the past decade.

“I think we’re seeing a culture and a community that cares more for animals than they did 20 or 30 years ago, or in a different way,” Robinson said. “But I’m still trying to build that better and better all the time –connecting with the community and becoming a part of that community. I want people to look at the shelter and Animal Welfare Officers, I want them to look at them in a positive light. We’re here to help, to educate, and to make lives better for people and animals in our community.”

To learn more about Escambia County Animal Welfare, visit MyEscambia.com/ animalwelfare. The Escambia County Animal Shelter is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive in Pensacola.

CITY OF PENSACOLA SELECTS ADAM COBB AS CITY ATTORNEY

February 14, 2024: The City of Pensacola has selected Adam Cobb as the new City Attorney, responsible for representing the city in legal proceedings, leading the legal department, and providing legal counsel to the city’s elected officials and appointed officers, Cobb joined the city from the Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon law firm, where he served as a real estate attorney and shareholder advising clients on land-use and zoning issues, representing property owners in litigation, and developing and negotiating agreements and public-private partnerships. Prior to his position at ESC, Cobb served as an attorney for the Ice Miller law firm in Indianapolis, Indiana. While in the role, he negotiated and structured public-private partnerships, guided property owners through commercial real estate transactions and related contracts, and represented municipalities in annexation and various other land matters.

“It’s rare that the opportunity arises to work for and meaningfully contribute to the betterment of the city where you grew up and chose to raise your family,” Cobb said. “I am truly grateful to have that opportunity and excited to get to work.”

Cobb earned his Bachelor of Science from Troy University and his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University. He is board certified in real estate law by the Florida Bar, on the board of directors of NAIOP of Northwest Florida, a member of the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity land committee, and a Leadership Pensacola alumnus.

“Adam’s negotiation and public-private partnership experience will be of great use to the City of Pensacola,” Mayor Reeves said. “As the city looks to restructure its future partnership and use agreements, he will play a vital role in developing agreements that benefit city residents and taxpayers.”

1ST ANNUAL MITCH MADNESS CHARITY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

TOURNAMENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 30, HONORING THE LIFE OF MITCHELL DELGADO

February 21, 2024: The 1st Annual Mitch Madness Charity Basketball Tournament will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 9:00am at Gulf Breeze High School. Mitch Madness honors the life of Mitchell Delgado who lost his life on December 26, 2023 due to opioid addiction.

Sixteen teams with three players each will compete, bracket-style, in hopes of winning the 1st prize trophy. The goal of the tournament is to give our community much-needed information about the opioid epidemic in a fun-filled, safe environment.

Ahead of the tournament, Dr. Laura Wehry will present on the truth about addiction, the stigma surrounding it, and will offer science-based information to educate attendees. There will be food trucks on-site all day, and sports memorabilia raffle tickets available for purchase.

All of the proceeds will go to Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Their goal is to transform addiction treatment, end addiction stigma, educate and empower communities, and advocate for policy changes across the nation.

Mitch Madness is open for sponsorships and team registrations now. Sponsorships start at $250 and the cost per team (three players total) is $225. For those that wish to attend and watch the action, entry into the event is free. For more information on how to participate or donate, please visit our website: mitchmadness.my.canva.site.

About Mitchell Delgado: On December 26, 2023, Mitchell Delgado lost his battle with addiction at the age of 30.

Early in his life, Mitchell evolved with his many interests. By age 10, he was playing Beethoven on the piano and achieved his second-degree Taekwondo black belt. He loved playing with his friends, playing sports of all kinds and Mitchell loved his St. Paul Catholic Church community. Mitchell was confirmed at St. Ann Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze. Even as a child, Mitchell was kind, generous, respectful, and caring...traits he carried into adulthood.

Into his teen years, Mitchell was funny, warm, friendly, and had a ravenous zest for life. He excelled in his schoolwork, receiving many academic accolades and scholarships. Mitchell’s love of sports began early, and he got out of many household chores because practice of some sort was a year-around commitment! He and his friends played football, baseball, basketball, and ran track throughout middle and high school. Mitchell was a fierce competitor and pushed every throw, drive, run or shot to the ultimate limit. His track speed translated to his love of fast sports cars for which he was passionate. His BMW 435I was his pride and joy.

After graduating from Gulf Breeze High School, Mitchell attended Florida State University (Go Noles!). His years there are best recalled by his close group of friends from GBHS who attended FSU and UWF. I am sure they have lots of “stories” we have yet to hear (or maybe shouldn’t). Those guys and girls know who they are. Mitchell earned his BA degree in Criminology and Psychology, planning to attend law school. However, his best friend since childhood,

Andrew Zambetti, convinced Mitchell that a move to California to sell solar door-todoor would be the ticket to great riches and success...both passionate goals of Mitch’s. This experience brought new friends and experiences into his life and the lessons learned continued to serve him in his quest to build a solid career. Eventually, Mitchell was hired as a recruiter by CyberCoders and then as a senior recruiter with Jobot, where he was employed at the time of his passing.

Mitchell was a lifelong New Orleans Saints fan who loved nothing more than watching his team, talking sports with his father, uncle, and friends, and predicting the outcome of every game, every season, and buying the latest jersey of new Saints stars. Annual fantasy football with his squad was the highlight of every year. To the core, he was a member of the Who Dat Nation. His IG bio reads “FSU Alum and biggest Saints fan you’ll ever meet.”

The outpouring of love and support from Mitchell’s vast group of friends has been a saving grace for his family. The common thread is that Mitchell was kind, loyal, intelligent, a deep thinker and debater, funny, non-judgmental, smart, fair, honest, spiritual, and a mentor to many. Mitchell had an uncanny ability to relate to most anyone, and was truly interested in people, their lives, their well-being, and their futures, a trait which endeared him to all. Several newer friends have said that Mitchell’s concern, care, mentoring, and advice had changed their lives forever in a positive way that they never thought possible. His legacy will be one of profound impact on all who knew him.

Nothing was more important to Mitchell than his family. We will forever cherish the memories we made with Mitch, including holidays, birthdays, sporting events, travel, the many museums we visited, and just hanging out at the house. Mitchell adored his dogs, actually all dogs and animals. He had a special place in his heart for the many pups in our family over his life. Ellie, Mila, Honey Bun, Chloe, Finley, and our cats Cali and Midnight will miss Mitch and his sweet, gentle love for them.

Mitchell was a seeker of knowledge and truth, was a voracious reader, and could converse on so many topics, including history, politics, self-improvement, fiction, investments, and sports. We discussed his concerns and hopes for others, for family, for the future, spirituality, music, and so much more. He was an old soul at heart.

Unintended opioid addiction due to an accident or injury is a national epidemic and extinguished the bright light that was Mitchell. Mitchell had been clean for nearly six months, but the addiction overtook him when he came home for Christmas. Be kind and understanding to those battling addiction. It’s not their fault. No one wants to be an addict. Seek help and support for loved ones suffering from addiction of any kind.

About Shatterproof:

Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Their goal is to transform addiction treatment, end addiction stigma and educate and empower communities. From state legislatures to Capitol Hill, they’re creating policy change that will help more Americans recover.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY ADDS NEW SIDEWALKS NEAR PINE MEADOW ELEMENTARY

Escambia County has completed the 9 ½ Mile Road Sidewalk Project, providing children and their families with a safer route to Pine Meadow Elementary School by connecting to the existing sidewalk network in the area.

The project added approximately 4,600 feet of 5-foot sidewalks near Pine Meadow Elementary School from Edendale Lane to Cove Avenue, expanding existing sidewalks that were installed as part of the Safe Routes to School initiative.

Florida’s Safe Routes to School program helps communities like Escambia County address school transportation needs and encourage more students to walk or ride their bicycles to school. The program is part of a nationwide movement to increase the number of children who walk or ride their

bicycles to school by funding projects that make it easier and safer for them to do so.

“Any opportunity to enhance safety for our children is a win for Escambia County,” District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “I’m incredibly excited to have this project completed and provide a better connected, safer route for children and families to walk or bike to and from school.”

The goal of this project is to contribute toward creating safer walking infrastructure in Escambia County, while providing a more safe and secure walking route for Pine Meadow Elementary School students. This project was managed by the Escambia County Engineering Department. To view a list and map of active projects throughout Escambia County, visit MyEscambia.com/projects.

LAWMAKERS READY TO MAKE ENERGY CHANGES

JIM SAUNDERS NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers are moving toward approving an overhaul of state energy laws, including eliminating references to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and imposing a ban on offshore windenergy generation.

The Senate Agriculture, Environment and General Government Appropriations Committee on Tuesday approved a revised bill (SB 1624) that sponsor Jay Collins, R-Tampa, said is now in line with a measure (HB 1645) ready to go to the full House.

The bills address numerous issues, ranging from natural gas pipelines to calling for a study of using “advanced” nuclear power technologies. Perhaps bigger picture, they would ditch parts of state law about reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

Collins said bill supporters are trying to “maintain our stability in the grid” and balance costs to taxpayers.

“There are things we’re taking off of the books. There are laws that we’re pulling out of there,” Collins told the Senate committee. “But it’s not because we don’t care about our environment. I think, if you look at what Florida’s doing, we do a very good job as stewards of our land, now and into the future. I think what it (the bill) does is it lets us look at this and do the things that actually have a functionable, repeatable benefit.”

But critics pointed to issues such as flooding caused by sea-level rise.

“I’m not sure how it became political to care about our environment,” Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, said. “Florida is ground zero for climate disasters. We are surrounded by water, and the effects are showing.”

As an example, part of current state law says, “The Legislature finds that the state’s energy security can be increased by lessening dependence on foreign oil; that the impacts of global climate change can be reduced through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and that the implementation of alternative energy technologies can be a source of new jobs and employment opportunities for many Floridians.”

Under the bills, that section of law would be deleted, and partly replaced by sentences that say, “The purpose of the state’s energy policy is to ensure an adequate, reliable, and cost-effective supply of energy for the state in a manner that promotes the health and welfare of the public and economic growth. The Legislature intends that governance of the state’s energy policy be efficiently directed toward achieving this purpose.”

Florida utilities during the past two decades have become heavily dependent on natural gas to fuel power plants, while largely ending the use of dirtier-burning coal. At the same time, utilities have built numerous solarenergy facilities, as costs have decreased and technology has improved.

The bills address a series of issues related to natural gas. As an example, gas pipelines within Florida that are 15 miles or longer currently need certification under a law known as the Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Siting Act. Under the bills, the requirement would apply to pipelines 100 miles or longer.

Unlike some other parts of the country such as the Midwest, Florida does not rely on wind-generated power. But the bills would ban building or operating offshore wind turbines in Florida-controlled waters and on property within one mile of coastlines.

Collins said the proposed ban is designed to help protect wildlife and ecosystems and to prevent noise.

“Overall, the risk to our flora and fauna, our whales, the ecosystem around there, that’s concerning,” Collins said. “And then the tourism and noise aspect as well is also concerning.”

But Polsky and Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton, suggested the issue should be studied before a ban is imposed.

“We are stopping an industry,” Berman said. “We are supposedly the free state of Florida. It’s being done all along the Northeast (United States). They have wind turbines, and I haven’t seen any studies that (they) were causing (harm to) whales and extreme environmental damage in those areas.”

The Senate committee voted 6-3 to approve Collins’ bill, which needs to clear the Fiscal Policy Committee before it could go to the full Senate.

LAWMAKERS BACK TYING GAMBLING MONEY, ENVIRONMENT

OF FLORIDA

JIM TURNER NEWS SERVICE

TALLAHASSEE --- Legislative leaders have agreed to use hundreds of millions of dollars in gambling money to help pay for further expansion of a state wildlife corridor and other environmental projects.

The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee and the House Infrastructure Strategies Committee last week approved identical bills (SB 1638 and HB 1417) that, in part, would provide $100 million a year for the wildlife corridor, a priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples.

Also, the bills include directing $100 million a year for the management of uplands and to remove invasive species and $100 million for a Department of Environmental Protection flooding and sea-level rise resilience plan.

Much of the money for the legislation would come from a gambling deal, known as a “compact,” that Gov. Ron DeSantis reached with the Seminole Tribe of Florida in 2021.

But the bills also include $150 million in state general revenue that would go to the South Florida Water Management District for “operations and maintenance responsibilities.” The bill includes directing the district to contract with the Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University to conduct a study about issues related to Lake Okeechobee.

House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, said Thursday the district deals with “significant environmental issues.”

The gambling deal, which was ratified by the Legislature in 2021, allows the Seminole Tribe to offer online sports betting statewide and provide games such as craps at its casinos. In exchange, the tribe pledged to pay $2.5 billion to the state over the first five years --- and possibly billions of dollars more throughout the three-decade pact.

Legal battles over sports betting caused delays in carrying out the deal, but the tribe has recently moved forward. The tribe paid

nearly $58 million to the state in the first installment of the revenue-sharing agreement after the Seminoles launched mobile sports betting in November.

Passidomo highlighted the need for the legislation on the Jan. 9 opening day of the legislative session, saying “these investments preserve working farmland and ranchland, allow for strategic expansion of the wildlife corridor, and help protect endangered native species, including the Florida panther.”

The corridor is envisioned as connecting 18 million acres of publicly owned land and agricultural properties from the Florida Keys to the Panhandle. About 8 million acres remain unsecured.

“I know everybody has heard (Passidomo) talk about it on the Senate floor and several times when you’ve approached her,” Senate bill sponsor Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, said last week. “I’m honored to carry it for her and it is something that I know she’s put her heart and soul into.”

Among other things, the bill would direct $79 million toward water-quality improvement grants and $4 million for the Department of Environmental Protection to create a local trail management grant program.

Voters in 2014 approved a constitutional amendment that requires a portion of money collected through documentarystamp taxes on real-estate transactions to go toward conservation efforts. House Agriculture, Conservation & Resiliency Chairman James Buchanan, R-Osprey, said the money in this year’s bills would be “supplemental” to the voter-approved money.

Lawmakers in recent years have earmarked the documentary-stamp tax money for numerous projects, such as sending about $200 million a year to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, $50 million to the state’s natural springs and $50 million to the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project.

INSURANCE TAX BREAKS

GET BACKING

JIM TURNER NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE --- A tax package that began moving forward Tuesday in the Senate and a revised tax proposal in the House could provide some assistance to homeowners with property-insurance costs.

The Senate and House have released the tax proposals as they prepare during the next two weeks to negotiate a budget for the 20242025 fiscal year. The chambers are in sync on holding a series of sales-tax “holidays,” but the Senate has not gone along with a House proposal to temporarily lower a commerciallease tax.

Senate Finance and Tax Chairman Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, said state economists have reported the nation is entering a period where “excess general revenue is going to be harder to come by.”

“I would hate to have small businesses sit there and have a lower business rent tax this year and all of a sudden, if there’s not enough money in there to bring it down permanently, then we’re going to have to raise it back up,” Ingoglia said.

The proposed Senate and House packages would be less than the $1.3 billion in tax breaks that the state provided in the current fiscal year, which will end June 30.

The Senate proposal (SPB 7074) is projected to reduce state and local government revenue by $630.6 million in the 20242025 fiscal year. That includes providing insurance-related breaks, including exemptions from insurance-premium taxes — an idea recommended by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Before it added the insurance component, the House proposal (HB 7073) totaled $647.3 million in tax cuts for next fiscal year.

House and Senate Democrats said they think the proposals need to more directly assist Floridians. House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, said the package continues to display “a prioritization for businesses over consumers.”

But House Ways & Means Chairman Stan McClain, R-Ocala, replied “we believe that all consumers would benefit from any of the tax cuts.”

“As we tried to balance out where we are, I think from a budgetary perspective and the dollars available, I think it’s a good package,” McClain said.

A Senate staff analysis said the Senate’s proposed insurance tax changes would amount to $211.3 million during the 20242025 fiscal year and that additional savings would come in the next year. Ingoglia said policyholders would save about 3.5 percent on their homeowners’ premiums.

The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday revised its package to include an insurance-premium tax break for homeowners with property valued at $750,000 or less. But the House has not matched a Senate proposal for a tax exemption on flood-insurance policies.

Meanwhile, both packages include a 14-day back-to-school tax holiday, when shoppers can buy such things as clothes, school supplies and computers without paying sales taxes. The state held two backto-school holidays this fiscal year.

Also, the packages include a one-month summer tax holiday on recreational purchases, ranging from camping gear to tickets for concerts and sporting events. That holiday was three months during this fiscal year.

Among other issues, the House proposes to extend for two years an annual distribution of $27 million in sales-tax money into the Florida Agricultural Promotional Campaign Trust Fund for issues related to thoroughbred horse racing. The Senate package would make the tax distributions, first approved in 2023, permanent.

“The thoroughbred industry is a big economic driver in the state, and the return has been pretty good,” Ingoglia said.

Absent from the Senate plan is the largest part of the House package, a $339.6 million cut in the commercial-lease tax that business groups have long sought to eliminate.

The lease-tax rate is already set to go down from 4.5 percent to 2 percent in June, and the House would further lower it for a year to 1.25 percent starting July 1.

The House bill continued to draw concerns about a proposal that would limit new tourist-development taxes, often known as bed taxes, to six years. Also, it would require voter approval by July 1, 2029, for existing tourist-development taxes to continue.

The Senate is seeking to prohibit tourist-development plans from allocating more than 25 percent of tax revenue in any fiscal year to single projects unless backed by supermajority votes of the local governments.

JUDGE REJECTS WETLANDS PERMITTING SHIFT

JIM SAUNDERS NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE — In a win for environmental groups, a U.S. district judge Thursday ruled that federal officials did not follow required steps in 2020 before shifting permitting authority to Florida for projects that affect wetlands.

Washington, D.C.-based Judge Randolph Moss, in a 97-page decision, found that actions by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency violated the Endangered Species Act. Moss vacated the approval of the shift to the state.

The shift has been backed by business groups such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Florida Community Developers. Supporters argued it would reduce duplicative state and federal permitting and give Florida more control.

But environmental groups Friday touted Moss’ ruling, which involved permits for dredge and fill activities often associated with such things as large developments.

“(The) ruling sends a clear signal that Congress meant what it said when it passed the Endangered Species Act,” Earthjustice attorney Christina I. Reichert, who helped represent the plaintiffs, said in a prepared statement. “No state can be allowed to take over a federal program as important as the Clean Water Act’s wetlands permitting program by making an end run around the Endangered Species Act.”

While vacating the approval of the shift, Moss gave federal and state officials 10 days to seek a stay of the ruling. Nevertheless, he wrote that the stay would not apply to pending or future permit applications that would affect endangered or threatened species.

The EPA approved the transfer of the permitting authority in December 2020, about a month before former President

Donald Trump’s administration ended. Florida became the third state, after Michigan and New Jersey, to receive the authority, which is usually held by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, the Sierra Club, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Florida Wildlife Federation, Miami Waterkeeper and St. Johns Riverkeeper filed the lawsuit in January 2021. They challenged the approval on a series of grounds, but Moss’ ruling dealt only with the Endangered Species Act issue. He indicated he would address other issues in a later opinion, if necessary.

While the lawsuit was filed against federal agencies and officials, Florida intervened to help defend the shift of authority.

The ruling focused, in part, on whether the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service properly prepared a biological opinion and what is known as an “incidental take statement” as part of the process of approving the transfer. Incidental takes are situations in which threatened or endangered species could be killed or harmed as a result of what are allowed activities.

Moss said a biological opinion and incidental take statement did not comply with the Endangered Species Act and another law known as the Administrative Procedure Act. He wrote that because the biological opinion and incidental take statement that the Fish and Wildlife Service “issued in this case were facially and legally flawed, the EPA unreasonably relied on those documents in approving Florida’s assumption application.”

The judge wrote that the state and the EPA “can pursue other options. Those options, however, are appropriately explored and crafted by the administrative agencies and the state — and not by the court.”

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