The Summation Weekly - April 3, 2024

SERVING THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

CABARET A GRAND CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS

CBy Austin Mason

abaret, Pensacola Little

Theatre’s (PLT) annual celebration of art is back for another year of art-themed fun. The theme for this year’s artful celebration is “Express Yourself,” and attendees can expect to see a variety of artistic mediums and expressions seamlessly blended to showcase art as the life of the party.

This year’s Cabaret will be held on April 6 at the Clark Family Cultural Center located at 400 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Pensacola. A vibrant playhouse vibe will completely transform the theatre and surrounding blocks into an indoor and outdoor entertainment complex.

Serving as PLT’s largest fundraising event of the year, Cabaret plays a significant role in helping the theatre raise the funding needed for its annual programs and performances.

“We’ve had every theme you can imagine—decades, colors, cities, shows—but Cabaret: Express Yourself is set to be the most interactive, dramatic experience yet,” Susan Clark Waters, committee chair and presenting sponsor said. “Collaboration of the arts in Pensacola is a gift, and one unforgettable party fusing them all together helps fund an entire year of shows led by our talented volunteer artists.”

Guests can expect to experience every form of art from ballet, drag performances and aerial dancing to singing, orchestral performances and so much more.

“This year, the theme is Cabaret: Express Yourself, which speaks to the very heart of what our nonprofit is all about: artistic expression. The Center is divided into rooms by artistic expression, leading guests through music, dance, fashion, fine art, digital media, self-expression, and every creative corner in-between. As we unveil the full interior renovations of The Clark Family Cultural Center on April 6th at Cabaret, we wanted to showcase both the building and the mission in this year’s theme,” PLT Executive Director Sid Williams-Heath said.

The event is a labor of love for those who have found a home at PLT. “It takes a village to Cabaret,” Williams-Heath explained. “I couldn’t possibly list and thank all of the brilliant minds who make Caba-

ret happen – it would take the whole article! The board drives the sales; the staff leads the execution; the volunteer artists provide the talent; our creative collaborations of dancers, singers, DJs, musicians, culinary art, and so much more absolutely make the party. The core Cabaret committee is full of the most talented souls I’ve ever met, which includes my unparalleled theatre staff. But what I’ve found most is that the theme drives the involvement, and if there isn’t buy-in from that core group, the celebration just won’t work.”

Profits from this annual fundraiser allow PLT to continue to deliver diverse theatrical experiences to children and adults through performances, volunteer opportunities and educational outreach programs in our community. “So, at Cabaret, we put the art front and center to showcase the purpose and the passion behind the party so you can get a glimpse into what you’re funding. Anyone in the community can perform with us – free of charge – and our goal is to provide access to arts and arts education to Pensacola, whether that’s on the performance side or the patron experience,” Williams-Heath said.

Tickets for this black tie event are set at $150 per person and include access to the entire event. For tickets and event details, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com/cabaret.■

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HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS TO DONATE SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOME TO INJURED SOLDIER IN PENSACOLA, FL

Pensacola, FL – The national nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) will donate a home to Army Specialist Joseph “Tyler” Smith on Saturday, April 6, 2024. SPC Smith was severely injured while serving in Afghanistan. The event will be held at 6531 Suwanee Road, Pensacola, FL 32526 at 10 a.m. (Check-in at 9:30 a.m.) The public is welcome to attend and tour the home after the ceremony.

On May 28, 2012, during his first deployment, SPC Smith, an IT specialist, was serving with 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division when he had an aneurysm while in Ghazni, Afghanistan. As a result, Tyler lost the use of his right leg, and experiences righthand peripheral neuropathy as well as other symptoms affecting his emotions.

Medically retired, SPC Smith lives in Veteran apartment housing that gives him a sense of community and is a great resource. Currently, where he lives, there are stairs throughout the complex that are an obstacle for him. Receiving a specially adapted custom Homes For Our Troops home will enable him to live safely and mitigate his risk of falling.

SPC Smith’s new home features more than 40 major special adaptations such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops. The home will also alleviate the mobility and safety issues associated with a traditional home, including navigating a wheelchair through narrow hallways or over thresholds, riding on carpets, or reaching for cabinets that are too high. HFOT will donate the home to SPC Smith, thanks to contributions from donors, supporters, and corporate partners.

SPC Smith learned about Homes For Our Troops though HFOT’s Gold Level Partner Wounded Warrior Project. He says no number of words can express how amazed he is by the generosity of HFOT donors and supporters. “It’s amazing what the organization does for Veterans and the amount of detail in the homes. It gives me hope that things can get better.”

Currently, there are 81 active projects underway nationwide. To find out more on how to get involved or make a donation visit www.hfotusa.org.

ECFR TO HOLD PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST APRIL 22

Escambia County Fire Rescue will hold a physical abilities test Monday, April 22, at Pensacola Fire Department Station 4, 1 N. “Q” St., at 8 a.m. The test is open to Florida-certified firefighters interested in joining Escambia County Fire Rescue. Participants should arrive 30 minutes early to sign in.

Additionally, those interested in the PAT must apply for the Florida-certified firefighter position prior to registering for the test.

Florida-certified firefighters with a certificate of completion must sign up for the certified test.

In order to become an Escambia County Firefighter, participants must pass the test.

Interviews for those who pass the test will take place shortly afterward at the Escambia County Public Safety building, located at 6575 N. “W” St. The certified test consists of:

• 1 3/4” charged hose pull in 23 seconds

• Keiser sled in 47 seconds

• Tower evolution in five minutes and 40 seconds

Certified Escambia County Firefighters receive numerous benefits including competitive pay and health benefits, a 48/96 schedule, 14 paid holidays, special teams’ incentive pay and more. Learn more and apply online at MyEscambia.com/joinfire.

EMMANUEL SHEPPARD & CONDON

WELCOMES NEW SHAREHOLDER CLAY WHITTAKER

Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon (ESC) is pleased to announce Clay H. Whittaker has been appointed Shareholder of the firm.

“The firm is very pleased to welcome Clay Whittaker to the ranks of shareholder,” said Wes Reeder, ESC Firm President. “Clay has long proven himself to be an outstanding advocate and skilled attorney who represents his clients with professionalism and commitment. He is a valuable practitioner within our firm and his advancement to shareholder recognizes our confidence in his leadership abilities as well.”

Clay H. Whittaker has been with Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon since 2021. While serving the firm and his clients, he was appointed director in the firm for his leadership qualities, working with the Construction Group. Clay is licensed in Florida, Alabama and Texas, handling matters in both state and federal courts. Clay became a Florida Board-Certified Specialist in Construction Law in 2016 and regularly litigates and provides transactional assistance for developers, owners, design professionals, contractors, and subcontractors. Clay also serves on Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals for the City of Pensacola.

Clay is also the founder and owner of Gulf Coast Adoptions, PLLC, that has helped grow families through adoption since 2017. Clay is a strong advocate for women both during and after their pregnancy advising them not only of their rights but helping them find community resources and other opportunities to improve their circumstances. Gulf Coast Adoptions handles adoption matters throughout Florida, Alabama and beyond focusing on newborn adoptions, identified adoptions, relative adoptions, stepparent adoptions and DCF finalizations. Clay is a proud member of the Florida Adoption Council, an organization for Florida adoption professionals.

Clay is a Florida native and earned his undergraduate degree in Construction Management from the M.E. Rinker Sr. School at the University of Florida. He later earned his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College School of Law, located in St. Petersburg, Florida.

About Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon: Experienced, effective, and evolving since 1913, Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon is a full-service law firm dedicated to protecting the interests of individuals and businesses. For more information, visit esclaw.com or call 850.433.6581.

DISTRICT 3 OAKFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP APRIL 3

Join

Only residents in the designated cleanup area can participate in the neighborhood cleanup. Please have all items for pickup at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of the cleanup. Items left at the curb outside of the cleanup area will not be collected. If you live in the targeted area, you will have received a postcard in the mail with more information.

Residents can view the boundaries of targeted cleanup areas as well as scheduled cleanup dates for 2024 on the Interactive Neighborhood Cleanup Map.

Items eligible for removal include:

• Household appliances and electronics

• Household junk and debris

• Bicycles and toys

• Old furniture and mattresses

PENSACOLA, FL – With one week remaining before the return of baseball to downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos unveiled on Tuesday a wide array of plans for their two-game exhibition series against the Mexican League’s Sultanes de Monterrey on April 2 and 3 presented by Nationwide, Visit Pensacola and Pensacola Sports. Participants in the festivities will represent Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Chile and Puerto Rico as the Blue Wahoos showcase Pensacola’s global community.

The Blue Wahoos will wear their alternate “Pensacola Pok-Ta-Pok” uniforms, unveiled to great acclaim in 2023 as part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión (Fun Cup) event series that celebrates local Hispanic communities. Pok-Ta-Pok, also known as the Mesoamerican ballgame, was played by the Panzacola tribe of Native Americans that historically wintered in the space occupied by present-day Pensacola. The Pok-Ta-Pok brand was designed by Mexico City-based Jacobo Vidal and the Brandiose team, and is the first Copa identity to pay tribute to pre-Columbian cultural traditions.

The Blue Wahoos and Sultanes will team up on the morning of Tuesday, April 2 for a pair of school visits at Oakcrest Elementary School and Scenic Heights Elementary School. The visits are presented by Nationwide Insurance, the Official Insurance Partner of Minor League Baseball.

The Mexican national anthem before each game will be performed by Mexico native and Pensacola-area resident Amid Montelongo.

Public address duties and game music will be provided by Pensacola-based Mario Jimenez, the bilingual DJ and owner of Triple M Entertainment.

Longtime Blue Wahoos emcee “Downtown Dave” Presnell will lead on-field promotions under the temporary moniker “David del Centro.”

Krewe de Karnaval, Pensacola’s Latinothemed Mardi Gras krewe led by Roselvy Carrion, will bring a festive atmosphere to the fan experience and lead in the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch.

A special “Piñata Run” will be held during the sixth inning in which young fans chase a piñata across the outfield.

Grupo Folklorico Mitotiani, based out of Robertsdale, Alabama, will perform traditional Mexican celebrational dances and lead the crowd in the popular folk dance “La Raspa.” A simplified version of the “Pok-Ta-Pok” ballgame will be turned into an in-game activity with fan involvement.

Before the ninth inning of each game, fans will be prompted to bring the energy with an “Hora Loca” (crazy hour).

After Wednesday’s exhibition game, fans are encouraged to remain in their seats for a postgame fireworks show presented by Nationwide. During the fireworks show, there will be a live musical performance by Grupo Golpe Latino.

In-game entertainment and outreach efforts will be coordinated by Periódico La Costa Latina Bilingual Newspaper, published by Grace Resendez McCaffery.

The non-profit fundraiser of the series will be Global Corner, directed by Vanessa Mayes.

Exclusive concessions items offered at Blue Wahoos Stadium will include the El Hefe Loaded Mac and Cheese at the all-new Chez Mac Gourmet cart in Section 102; Sweet and Spicy Margaritas made with Pineapple Jalapeño Dulce Vida Tequila; Frozen Margaritas with Dulce Vida Tequila; and Corona, Modelo and Landshark beer selections.

Gates open at 5:00 p.m. prior to a 6:05 p.m. first pitch for each game. Tickets, available at BlueWahoos.com and the Blue Wahoos Stadium box office, are only $18 when purchased in advance and include a hot dog, chips and a drink. The games will be broadcast locally on BlabTV, and internationally in Mexico through the Multimedios Televisión network.

Fans visiting the area for the exhibition series are encouraged to make the most out of their stay and explore things to do in Pensacola at www.visitpensacola.com/ things-to-do/.

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins.

• Barbecue grills

• Household hazardous waste (old paint, motor oil, chemicals, batteries)

• Tires (limit 10 per household)

Items NOT eligible for removal include:

• Building materials (concrete, bricks, blocks, roofing, drywall or lumber)

• Explosives or ammunition

• Auto parts

• Dirt or sod

• Vehicles or vessels

• 55-gallon drums of fluids

Not sure if your item is eligible? Contact Max Rogers, Development Program Manager, at 850-595-3499 or mprogers@myescambia.com for questions about the cleanup.

Since 2016, more than 6,567 tons (13,134,000 pounds) of waste have been disposed of through the Community Redevelopment Agency’s Safe Neighborhood Program. During neighborhood cleanups, crew members and volunteers visit different neighborhoods in the county to remove a variety of debris and waste free of charge. Follow Escambia County on Facebook and Twitter for updates about neighborhood cleanups and other community events.

UWF TEAM WINS FIRST PLACE AT 2024 SOUTHEASTERN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION QUIZ BOWL

A University of West Florida undergraduate team won the first annual quiz bowl challenge at the 2024 Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting, held March 13-16 in Orlando, Fla. The team, “Dead Sirius,” competed against 10 other teams from colleges and universities throughout the Southeast, including Rollins College and University of Tampa.

“We have a lot of good, hardworking students at our university and in our department, so it was fun to give them an opportunity to show off what they can do,” said Dr. Lisa Blalock, professor in the Department of Psychology.

UWF undergraduate students Elizabeth Black, Ashley Martin, Landon Nelson and Clark Tipton and alumna Brooke Simila completed three rounds of psychology knowledge questions and one Harry Potter-themed fun round.

The team was guided by Blalock and fellow psychology professor Dr. Jane Halonen.

The team took preparing for the event very seriously. They held a practice session several weeks in advance and studied for the entire seven-hour drive from Pensacola to Orlando.

“My teammates were not confident going into it, and I think it’s because they’re all overachievers. It’s like one of those things where you go into a test not feeling confident, and then you come out of it with a 95,” Tipton said.

The event’s genesis was a verbal “smack talk” between Halonen and a faculty member from Georgia College and State University. The quiz bowl included questions such as “What is the name of one of the few psychologists who won a Nobel Prize?” (Pavlov).

For more information about UWF’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, visit uwf.edu/hmcse.

VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR VETERANS

ESCAMBIA COUNTY RESIDENT GETS NEW HOME THROUGH COUNTY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Escambia County resident Estella Marshall has lived in the same house since 1959, doing her best over the years to maintain her home with help from her family.

Even with help, 84-year-old Marshall struggled to keep up with repairs to her home, and it eventually fell into a condemnable state.

“It was an extremely old home and it just got to be where she could not maintain it without the help of what we were able to do,” said Marshall’s daughter, Stella Marie Williams. “But as fast as we’d fix something, something else would tear up.”

That burden has now been lifted thanks to a brand-new home constructed through Escambia County assistance programs, which demolished Marshall’s old house and built a new one in its place.

Speaking on her mother’s behalf, Williams said it is difficult to put into words how life-changing this new home is for the entire family.

“There is no scale that can describe how grateful my mom and my family are,” Williams said. “She’s ecstatic. I think it’s going to give her a lot more comfort, not just physically, but comfort emotionally in her heart.”

The home was constructed through the county’s Housing Demo and Replacement Programs, funded through grants from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and the State Housing Initiatives Partnership, or SHIP, program.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic to be able to provide this brand-new home to Ms. Marshall and give some much-needed relief to her and her family,” District 3 Commissioner Lumon May said. “Programs like this are so incredibly important, not only to help our most vulnerable residents enhance their quality of life, but also to improve our neighborhoods and our community as a whole.”

Over the years, Williams said they have dealt with practically every issue possible with her mother’s old house – plumbing, electrical, termites, windows, and more. Her mother lives alone and does not have any

income, which made the issues especially challenging for Williams and her two sisters to address.

“If she didn’t have us, she virtually would have been homeless,” Williams said.

Without the county’s assistance, Williams said there is no way she and her family would have been able to repair or replace the home, which she believes will also help her mom regain her independence, reduce her stress, and live an overall happier, healthier life.

“I believe it’s not only going to help her live in better conditions, but I think it’s going to motivate her to hang out with us a while longer,” Williams said.

Marshall’s new home was constructed with stringent insurance and wind mitigation standards in mind, with features including impact-rated windows and doors, along with strengthened shingles and siding to ensure maximum strength in the event of an extreme weather event. These features should also help with eligibility for more competitive insurance policies.

Williams said she can’t say enough good things about the house and the entire experience with the program, thanking county staff in the Neighborhood Enterprise Division, District 3 Commissioner Lumon May, the construction contractor, and everyone involved with making the project a success.

“Not only is it worthwhile for the seniors, but I think it benefits the whole community, because it certainly makes the neighborhood look a little bit nicer,” Williams said. “So I think the whole neighborhood benefits from it.”

Additional assistance may be available for income-eligible homeowners in Escambia County. Limited funding is available, but eligible residents in need of assistance are encouraged to reach out for more details. For information about eligibility requirements and assistance programs for Escambia County homeowners, please contact the Neighborhood Enterprise Division at ned@ myescambia.com or 850-595-1642.

LA LUNA CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE SECOND ANNUAL SPRING FASHION SHOW AND EASTER BUNNY ARRIVAL RAISES

$3,000 FOR NEURODIVERSITY RESOURCE OF THE PANHANDLE

La Luna Children’s Boutique, located in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®, raised $3,000 for the Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle during their Second Annual Spring Fashion Show and Easter Bunny

Arrival, held on Saturday, March 9.

The event welcomed over 100 families to Grand Boulevard’s North Lawn for a kid’s fashion show, sponsored by John Lee Nissan, where over 50 local models, ages 2-12, walked the runway, courtesy of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®, showcasing the boutique’s latest spring and summer arrivals.

Following the show, guests enjoyed an afternoon of family entertainment, refreshments, light bites from Cantina Laredo, Everkrisp, Kilwins, and Swell Pops, along with pop up shops from local vendors, a DJ, and karaoke. Kids in attendance also received a goody bag, courtesy of Café Thirty-A. The Easter Bunny made a special appearance during the party and greeted the crowd of children and families before sitting down to take photos by Whitney Port Photography in front of a custom backdrop, courtesy of Arhaus.

“It always brings us joy to see the kids expressing themselves on the runway,” said Karoline Kellogg, owner of La Luna Children’s Boutique. “I love seeing all the different personalities come to life and shine as they walk the stage in front of their parents and loved ones.”

Throughout the afternoon, guests bid on a plethora of silent auction items donated by local businesses, including 850 Detailing, Alys Beach, Bradley Copeland, Coast

ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL WELFARE RESCUES INJURED JUVENILE BALD EAGLE

When Escambia County Animal Welfare officers received a call from a resident about a large bird hitting their window, they were not expecting to find a juvenile bald eagle when they arrived on scene to assist.

The call came to Animal Welfare the morning of Tuesday, March 19, initially reported as a large bird or hawk that appeared to be unresponsive after flying into a window at a home on Pinewood Lane.

“The caller was concerned because a hawk had hit her window, and it was on the ground and didn’t appear it was going to live,” said Lead Animal Welfare Officer Sgt. Merideth Roberson, who responded to the call and recognized the bird as a juvenile bald eagle. “The bird was super disoriented when we got there – panting heavily, which is not normal for birds, and it was on its back.”

The bald eagle had hit the window hard enough to leave an imprint, and Sgt. Roberson knew it needed immediate care.

Sgt. Roberson and Animal Welfare Officer Johnathan Harrington quickly helped the bird into their truck and transported it to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida to receive appropriate veterinary care. Staff at the Wildlife Sanctuary confirmed the bird to be a juvenile bald eagle, with high confidence that it is a female due to its large size.

“They’re hoping to rehab it,” Sgt. Roberson said. “When we got to the Wildlife Sanctuary, it appeared more alert than it was when we first got it, so that was a good sign.”

Sgt. Roberson said she enjoys wildlife rescue calls like this not only because they aren’t as common as some of Animal Welfare’s more routine calls, but also because it’s rewarding to be able to work in partnership with the Wildlife Sanctuary to help an animal get back to its natural habitat.

“I love wildlife calls,” Sgt. Roberson said. “I enjoy going to them and seeing what I can do to help that animal, because our wildlife is so important. These are calls we don’t get every day, and you get to see that animal hopefully be rehabbed and released back into the wild.”

Sgt. Roberson is no stranger to bird rescues, with another one under her belt from November 2023 when she rescued an injured Muscovy Duck that had an arrow stuck in its wing.

Escambia County Animal Welfare Director John Robinson expressed his gratitude to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida and to his team, who are always committed to the safety and well-being of animals in Escambia County.

“Our Escambia County Animal Welfare team is so dedicated to serving our community every day, and this is just one of many examples of how much they care for animals,” Robinson said. “I appreciate the concerned resident who alerted us to this situation, Sgt. Roberson and Officer Harrington for their quick action, and the Wildlife Sanctuary for caring for this young bald eagle and giving it the best chance of getting back into the wild.”

ESCAMBIA COUNTY COMPLETES SURREY-WINDSONG STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS

Escambia County recently completed stormwater improvements in the Surrey Drive and Windsong Lane neighborhood, which included the expansion of an existing stormwater pond on Windsong Lane to help reduce flooding in the area during rainfall events.

This pond rehabilitation project enhanced the pond’s storage capacity, provided positive outfall for the detention pond and provided an increased capacity to the stormwater conveyance system in order to reduce flood risks to the surrounding neighborhood.

The project increased the stormwater pond capacity by 35%, which should eliminate flooding in the area during a 10-15 year storm event and minimize the impact during a 50+ year storm event. Through the project, the county also upgraded several stormwater inlets along Surrey Drive to help with right of way recovery during heavy rainfall.

Hippie, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, Jacqueline Ward Images, Jonah Allen, Kendra Scott, Kilwins, Restaurant Paradis, South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, Swell Pops, The Market Shops, Vin’tij Food and Wine, and YOLO Board and Bike.

La Luna also raffled off a $500 shopping spree for one lucky guest to win. Through the silent auction, raffle tickets, and personal donations, La Luna raised $3,000 for Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle.

“We are extremely honored to be the beneficiary of this year’s event,” said Beth Roberts, founder and executive director of Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle. “With these funds, we are able to help many local families through our financial aid program, helping them continue the services they so need. Partnerships within the community help us help others!”

La Luna would like to thank the additional local businesses who helped make this event possible including, 30A Smiles, Emerald Coast Magazine, Maddie’s Karaoke and DJ Services, and UPS. To stay up to date on future events, follow La Luna Children’s Boutique on Facebook.

“It was a wonderful day and inspiring to see the community come together to help those in need,” Kellogg said. “We are so grateful for all the sponsors and all the businesses who donated to our silent auction. We are also honored to support Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle and we are keeping all the children in our prayers.”

“I’m excited to complete this project to help mitigate flooding in the Surrey Drive and Windsong Lane neighborhood in District 1,” said District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh. “Any opportunity to improve our stormwater infrastructure is a win for Escambia County residents, and I look forward to continuing to complete projects like this as we look at stormwater improvements throughout District 1 and Escambia County.”

The Surrey-Windsong Pond Drainage Improvements Project is located within the Eleven Mile Creek Drainage Basin, which encompasses 22,600 acres drained by a natural creek system. The system consists of one main channel and 56 tributaries that outfall to Perdido Bay.

This project was managed by the Escambia County Engineering Department. To learn more about this project, visit the SurreyWindsong Pond project page.

To view a list and map showing active projects throughout Escambia County, visit MyEscambia.com/projects.

Pensacola

“We are excited to welcome Breeze Airways to Pensacola,” Airport Director Matt Coughlin said. “This expanded service brings additional travel choices to our customers across the area, while being their gateway to the Gulf Coast.”

The addition of Breeze Airways expands Pensacola International Airport’s connectivity and provides travelers with more options for reaching their destinations while upholding its ‘Fly Easy’ promise. PNS remains committed to offering a stress-free

and unparalleled travel experience. Breeze Airways’ decision to land at PNS demonstrates their confidence in the Pensacola market and their commitment to serving the needs of passengers.

“We’re thrilled to announce the addition of Pensacola to our expanding network as we continue to add great destinations nationwide,” Breeze Airways’ President Tom Doxey said. “With Breeze’s added convenience and affordability, our business model continues to see success in cities across the country.”

With new services from Breeze Airways, Pensacola International Airport continues to play a vital role in enhancing regional connectivity and driving economic growth in the Pensacola area.

“This addition is an example of the growing interest in our city,” Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. “The commitment by Breeze Airways to expand services to our region demonstrates the exceptional work of the team at PNS.”

Travelers interested in booking flights between Norfolk, Tampa and Pensacola can book online at flybreeze.com.

For more information about Pensacola International Airport, visit flypensacola.com.

BOARD APPROVES $1.1 MILLION FOR NEW COLLEGE

TALLAHASSEE — New College of Florida is in line to receive $1.1 million in what is known as performance-based funding after state university system officials on Wednesday signed off on a “student success plan monitoring report” presented by the school’s president, Richard Corcoran.

The small liberal arts school in Sarasota was eligible to receive about half of a larger pot of nearly $4.2 million in performance funds from the state, after failing to reach an adequate score based on factors such as graduation rates. New College initially received roughly $1.1 million last year after presenting the plan to the state university system’s Board of Governors.

Corcoran on Tuesday provided an update on the school’s progress toward reaching eight goals laid out in the student success plan. For example, Corcoran said that more than $5.5 million in what the school called “campus life improvements” have been completed on campus. The expenditures included adding turf to outdoor study areas, improvements to an on-campus fitness center and library, adding security cameras and re-opening a cafe, according to the report.

“All of those things, from dormitories, to housing, to food, to campus life, everything has been completely redone,” Corcoran said to members of the board’s Budget and Finance Committee.

Corcoran and the New College Board of Trustees have sought to make major changes at the school after Gov. Ron DeSantis last year revamped the board with a slate of conservative appointees.

New College also in September set out to issue more than $400,000 in “internship scholarships” to more than 200 new students as the school has sought to increase enrollment.

“We awarded $438,940 to 223 new students,” a presentation given to the committee Tuesday said.

Committee member Eric Silagy asked about the student scholarships, which Corcoran said provide recipients with $2,000 for securing internships. Silagy pointed to data provided by New College that said the school had a 65 percent student retention rate during the 202223 academic year, and a goal of reaching a 75 percent retention rate for the current school year.

Silagy asked whether New College is giving the $2,000 scholarships to students up-front and questioned if the school would recuperate scholarship money if a student withdrew.

“Like you said, you’re hoping to get to a 75 percent retention rate. Which means 25 percent are not going to be there,” Silagy said.

“There’s no clawback, because they don’t get access to that $2,000 until they are enrolled in that internship,” Corcoran said.

Silagy’s also questioned whether the money had already been disbursed.

“So the $430,000 hasn’t been distributed,” Silagy said, “it’s just reserved for them to do that?”

“That’s correct,” Corcoran said.

Corcoran, a Republican former Florida House speaker, also said that one of the eight goals laid out by the school has not yet been reached.

“This is sort of the only little blip. We had told you guys we would hire and train four academic coaches. What we did over the course between our September pitch to you guys and now, is we created two senior academic coaches and we’re allowing those … coaches to hire four more,” Corcoran said.

Board of Governors member Alan Levine, who is chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, supported the board’s approval of the plan even though the hiring goal had not been completed.

Levine said Tuesday that a different university previously had encountered a similar issue in the past “where they were in the process of hiring, and we gave them credit for it, because it was being done.”

“And I would encourage us to do that today. Because we do have a precedent for it. And I think that it’s clear that progress has been made toward this student achievement plan,” Levine said.

The full Board of Governors gave final approval to the New College plan and authorized the release of the funds on Wednesday.

Jono Miller, president of the group NCF Freedom that has opposed actions by Corcoran and the revamped trustees board, spoke in favor of the release of $1,099,013 to the school.

“Because the current administration did substantially implement the initiatives outlined in the student success plan,” Miller said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Florida Legislature earmarked tens of millions of dollars in state funds for the university in the state spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget needs approval from DeSantis.

The state budget includes $15 million for New College that would have to be spent on things such as temporary student housing and academic coaches, but there are some strings attached. New College officials would have to submit a detailed business plan to the Board of Governors outlining “the institution’s long-term student enrollment goals and how it will use the funding provided by the state to achieve these goals.”

The budget would steer a separate $10 million to the school for “operational enhancements,” with Corcoran and the New College trustees given discretion on how the funds are spent.

DISNEY, DISTRICT SETTLE LAWSUIT

JIM TURNER NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE --- Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District have reached a legal settlement that includes nullifying controversial development agreements that the entertainment giant entered with the former Reedy Creek Improvement District.

The settlement was announced Wednesday and approved by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, which was created last year by the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District replaced the decades-old Reedy Creek district, which had close ties to Disney.

The deal ends an Orange County circuitcourt lawsuit that came amid a feud between DeSantis and Disney over the company’s opposition to a 2022 state law that restricted instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. Disney filed a separate federal lawsuit and appealed after a U.S. district judge in January dismissed that case. The appeal remains pending.

Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle said in a prepared statement the company was “pleased to put an end to all litigation pending in state court.”

“This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district and serves the interests of all parties by enabling significant continued investment and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunity in the state,” Vahle said.

A copy of the settlement was not immediately available.

The district provides government services for a swath of Central Florida that includes Disney properties. Disney reached development agreements with the outgoing Reedy Creek board shortly before the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board took over.

LEADS TO LEGAL FIGHT

JIM SAUNDERS NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE — Six years after the deadly collapse of a Florida International University pedestrian bridge, Tallahassee-based companies affiliated with a bridge-engineering firm are fighting a proposal that could prevent them from working on federally funded projects.

Nine companies and their owner, Linda Figg, filed a federal lawsuit last week seeking to block the proposal by the Federal Highway Administration. The companies are affiliated with FIGG Bridge Engineers, Inc., which designed the Miami-Dade County pedestrian bridge and was barred in 2021 from working on federally funded projects until 2029.

The lawsuit said the federal agency in September gave notice of a proposal to “debar” Figg and the affiliated companies. If ultimately issued, debarment would “bar them from doing business on any project wholly or partially funded with federal funds for the same period” as FIGG Bridge Engineers.

“The record on which the notice of proposal to debar was based contained no evidence that Linda Figg or any of the affiliated companies had any involvement in or knowledge of the actions found by the government agencies to have been the probable causes of the bridge accident; no evidence of a history or culture of negligence or tolerance of negligent behavior; no history of failure to adhere to the highest standards of safety; and no other evidence that would make them culpable in connection with the bridge accident,” the lawsuit said.

The pedestrian bridge, which was under construction, collapsed on March 15, 2018, crushing cars and killing five motorists and one construction worker. Federal investiga -

tors determined that FIGG Bridge Engineers made design errors and did not “identify the significance” of structural cracking before the collapse, said a September memorandum from the Federal Highway Administration about the proposal to debar the affiliated companies.

The memorandum, which was filed in court with the lawsuit, cited connections between the affiliated companies and the “continued intent of Ms. Figg and the FIGG affiliated companies to seek bridge contracts for design, construction, management and inspection.”

“That affiliation record proves that Ms. Figg and the FIGG affiliated companies have interlocking management and ownership; identity of interests for Ms. Figg as owner; shared facilities in the same principal place of business; and common use of management employees,” the memorandum said.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Tallahassee, raises a series of arguments, including that affiliation of companies is not enough to legally justify debarment. It seeks an injunction and a ruling that the federal agency has violated due-process rights.

“Debarment based solely on affiliation when there is no evidence of wrongdoing or threat to public safety or to the integrity of the federal contracting system is beyond the authority delegated to defendants by federal statutes and regulations,” the lawsuit, filed by Tallahassee attorney Barry Richard, said.

In addition to Figg, the plaintiffs are FIGG Group, Inc.; FIGG Bridge Inspection, Inc.; FIGG Bridge Builders, LLC; FIGG Bridge Builders, Inc.; FIGG Bridge Managers, LLC; FIGG Bridge Developers, Inc.; F&M Engineers, Inc.; FIGG Engineering Group, Inc.; and Cline Precast, LLC.

PATRONIS QUESTIONS COSTS OF LAND DEALS

JIM TURNER NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE --- Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis suggested the state should have looked again at the prices of three land-conservation deals that totaled $193 million before they were approved Tuesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Cabinet members.

Patronis said after the Cabinet meeting that a federal judge’s ruling last month in a battle about wetlands permitting has affected the appraised values of the 27,742 acres of agricultural land in Polk, Seminole, Hendry and Collier counties.

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2020 improperly transferred permitting authority to the state for projects that affect wetlands. As the legal fight continues, the state and business groups say Moss’ ruling has left developments in limbo.

DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner

Wilton Simpson and Attorney General Ashley Moody on Tuesday voted to approve the three land deals, while Patronis dissented. The deals are:

--- Purchasing 1,342 acres in Polk County from Creek Legacy Ranch, LLC, Creek Ranch Mitigation Bank, LLC and Creek Ranch, LLC. Price: $36.1 million.

--- Purchasing 1,361 acres in Seminole County from Edward Yarborough Ranches, James W. Yarborough and Frances M. Yarborough. Price: $34.5 million.

--- Purchasing 25,039 acres in Hendry and Collier counties from CDC Land Investments, Inc., Collier Land Holdings, Ltd., and Cow Bone Slough, LLLP. Price: $122.4 million.

In the lawsuit, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District sought a ruling that the development agreements were “null and void.”

DeSantis, appearing Wednesday at the Orange County State Attorney’s Office for a bill-signing event, said his actions on changing Reedy Creek and the education issue “have been vindicated.”

“Going forward, we’re going to continue to govern with the best interests of the state of Florida,” DeSantis said. “So, I’m glad that they were able to do that settlement on those eleventhhour (development) covenants and restrictions.”

The state in the 1960s created the Reedy Creek district. But in pushing to revamp the district, DeSantis said “allowing a corporation to control its own government is bad policy.”

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board member Charbel Barakat said Wednesday the district is “eager to work with Disney and all other businesses to make the country’s tourism destination famous for a second reason, which is good government.”

The settlement also came as the district board on Wednesday appointed Stephanie Kopelousos to the $400,000-a-year position as district administrator. Kopelousos was recommended by DeSantis and had worked for him as legislative and intergovernmental affairs director.

Paul Huck, an attorney for the district, outlined the settlement to the board and also said Disney agreed to withdraw publicrecords requests tied to the litigation. Among other things, Huck said Disney agreed to work with the district to review a 2020 comprehensive plan for the region.

In the separate federal lawsuit, Disney alleged state officials unconstitutionally retaliated against the company over its opposition to the education law. The company’s appeal is pending at the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

“That (ruling) should have been factored into the appraisal process,” Patronis said. “I think the prices were high considering the legal challenges right now to do any type of development whatsoever on all those properties.”

Patronis said projects all over the state are “grinding to a grinding halt right now” because of Moss’ ruling.

The permitting authority is typically held by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but federal officials transferred it to the state in late 2020, about a month before former President Donald Trump’s administration ended.

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 a lawsuit in 2021 in Washington, D.C., challenging the transfer.

The Washington-based Moss on Feb.15 found that the EPA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service violated the federal Endangered Species Act in transferring the permitting approval process. The state on Feb. 26 filed a motion for a stay of Moss’ decision, but the judge has not ruled on the motion.

In a news release after the meeting, DeSantis’ office touted the deals as part of the “largest investment in decades for conservation lands,” with the Hendry and Collier land vital for the Everglades and Florida panther habitat.

Land in the three purchases are tied to a growing statewide wildlife corridor.

The Hendry and Collier land, which is part of what is known as the CaloosahatcheeBig Cypress corridor, would remain under the management of the current owners, which would be able to lease the property.

The state “will not receive compensation for any sublease,” a Cabinet report said. “Instead, the land manager will receive the proceeds, which will provide funding for the management of the subject property.”

Patronis said because the state doesn’t “put enough money into managing the resources we already have,” he supports allowing current owners to continue maintaining the land.

DeSantis and the entire Cabinet also approved two conservation easements that will allow landowners to continue ranching operations in exchange for limiting development.

The deals, through the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, involve paying $12.65 million for a 3,080-acre easement in Osceola County and $12.646 million for a 5,269-acre easement in Marion County.

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