What Happened
MAY 12: Pensacola Symphony Orchestra performed to a packed crowd at the Symphony By The Sea Mother's Day Concert at the Gulfside Pavilion. This concert, along with the Bands on the Beach are funded by commercial and residential lease fees.
MAY 12: Nineteen athletes took on a Sprint Triathlon under the direction of MPI coaches and staff at Portofino.
MAY 7: Pensacola Beach Chamber and Pensacola Beach Advocates met to prepare critieria to grade RESTORE projects. Their suggestions will be presented to the RESTORE Committee, Monday, May 20.
MAY 6: Spanish Delegation visits Pensacola Beach and receives a warm welcome from SRIA Director Buck Lee.
MAY 1: SRIA Full Board approved the Turtle Lighting Ordinance, the lease modification that allows LaFitte Cove sand to be dredged by the County and remain on the island, and Wilderness Graphics to print and install signs on the Eco Trail. Chairman Campanella instituted a rule that all speakers must sign in prior to meeting. No speaker request forms will be accepted during the meeting, even if discussion spurs the public's willingness to give input.
APRIL 30: Pensacola Beach Advocates and Pensacola Beach Chamber Board met to collaborate on criteria to submit to the RESTORE Committee. The Committee will use criteria to grade and compare RESTORE Economic Development projects.
APRIL 24: SRIA Committees discussed a Turtle Lighting Ordinance which will go before the Full Board May 1. Escambia County is the only nested area without an ordinance. In order to request a permit for beach renourishment, areas are now required to have a Turtle Lighting Ordinance.
Board Member Ed Guernsey suggests that the SRIA control their own future by making contingency plans if taxation become law. Waterfront Authority, Resort Fee and Incorporation were on the list of ideas.
Matt Mooneyham confirmed that the County is moving forward on toll facility upgrades and Via de Luna landscaping.
LaFitte Cove sand will be dredged and the spoils will remain on the island for use in renourishment. The Sabine Channel will be dredged as well.
A restaurant concept and design was reviewed by the Committee. Red Fish, Blue Fish a Green Restaurant will be located on the sound, north of The Wheel. The SRIA approved $2,500 sponsorship for the Gulf Breeze Summer Baseball Tourney.