News

Meet the Candidates on July 31

The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Meet the Candidates Night” with the opportunity of hear from candidates running for Escambia County District 1 elected positions. The event will be held at The Point Church, 13891 Innerarity Point Road, beginning at 6 PM with doors opening at 5:30 PM. Featured candidates for the ECUA District 1 Board Seat are Vicki Campbell and James Faxlanger; for District 1 County Commissioner are Tyler Aulger, Jeffrey Bergosh, Jess Casey, Justin Smith and Steven Stroberger.

Lives Lost at Panama City Beach

Three young men lost their lives to rip currents on Panama City Beach on June 21, 2024 shortly after their arrival from Montgomery, Alabama; a fourth young man died the day before on Panama City Beach and a woman drowned on June 23. “In 2023, Panama City rip currents claimed more lives than anywhere else in the United States, according to National Weather Service data.” For more on this issue, see the June 22, 2024 USA Today Network article “Rip currents kill 4 in 48 hours: Panama City Beach on pace to be deadliest in US” by Jeanine Santucci and Jim Ross at https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/06/22/panama-city-deadliest-beach-rip-current-drownings/74179475007/.

Shark Attacks

Three swimmers, an adult woman and two teenage girls, were attacked by sharks in Ft. Walton County beaches on June 7, 2024. The woman was in critical condition losing her lower left arm; one teen was in critical condition with severe injuries to upper and lower extremities and other girl in stable condition with wounds to her lower extremities. For more on this issue, see the June 10, 2024 Pensacola News Journal article “Florida beaches open after shark attacks injure woman, 2 teens. What we know” by C.A. Bridges, Collin Bestor, Dan Rorabaugh, and Cheryl McCloud at https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/2024/06/10/florida-shark-attacks-walton-county-beaches-after-woman-loses-hand-injured/74042072007/.

Hotel and More Proposed for Perdido Key

Developers are advancing a significant commercial and residential addition to Perdido Key. “Valencia Square” would be located at 13585 Perdido Key Drive on a 50 acre site between the Perdido Key Sports Bar & Restaurant and Pointe South Rentals & Real Estate Office. It would have a five-story hotel, a seven-story condominium, 49 single-family townhomes, three restaurants plus over 3,000 square feet of office space. According to the Pensacola News Journal article: “The project was submitted to Escambia County on June 21 and has not been reviewed by the county’s Development Review Committee yet.” For more on this issue, go to the July 5, 2024 Pensacola News Journal article “Three restaurants, 1 hotel, over 100 residential units and more proposed for Perdido Key” by Edward Bunch III at https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/2024/07/05/perdido-key-valencia-square-project-plans-restaurants-hotel-homes/74283325007/.

Governor Vetoes Latest Vacation Rental Regulation

The Florida legislature over the last several years has pursued changes to laws governing vacation rentals and, as some would argue, generally to reduce the ability of local government to regulate vacation rentals in their communities. In its 2024 session, the legislature passed SB280 that contained policies opposed by both local communities and the vacation rental industry. According to the cited article: “Many of those policies relate to how local governments deal with violations like having too many people at a party or noise complaints …” Governor DeSantis vetoed the bill and said it would have prevented “virtually all local regulation of vacation rentals even though the vacation rental markets are far from uniform across the various regions of the state.” Vacation rental regulation will almost certainly be addressed again in the 2025 Florida legislative session. For more on this issue, see the June 28, 2024 Tampa Bay Times article “DeSantis vetoes bill over vacation rental regulation” by Alexandra Glorioso at https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2024/06/27/desantis-vetoes-bill-over-vacation-rental-regulation/.

HOA Rule Changes

Changes to Florida home owner association (HOA) authority became law on July 01, 2024 and could affect some Perdido Key residents and owners. The legislation was apparently “in response to a lot of resident complaints about the lack of [HOA] accountability, legislators said.” The changes are numerous and possibly significant, including removing bans on some types of vehicles allowed to park in HOA spaces, reducing HOA imposed fines for violations, and requiring more transparence in HOA operations. For more on this issue, see the July 02, 2024 USA Today Network article “Here’s what your HOA can’t do anymore” by C. A. Bridges at https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/local/state/2024/07/01/florida-hoa-new-law-july/74265853007/.

Muscogee Nation of NWFL Museum Reopened

The Grand Re-Opening of the Muscogee Nation of NWFL Museum took place on June 29, 2024. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured appropriate ritual accompanied by representatives in traditional attire. The event also had local vendors and various demonstrations while visitors could tour the updated museum exhibits. The museum is located at 3300 Beloved Path a few blocks from the Gulf Beach Highway/Fairfield Drive intersection.

Least Tern Chicks on Perdido Key!

A number of least tern chicks have been seen on Perdido Key in recent weeks. The attached photo of a chick and mom was taken by Perdido Key State Park volunteer Sandy Williams.

Grant Opportunities from PPBEP

The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP) has announced its 2024-2025 Community Grant Program. It will award $200,000 in total funding with amounts from $10,000 to $50,000 in seven eligible categories: Water Quality, Sedimentation, Habitat Restoration, Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Watershed Awareness and Education, Resilience, and Community Science. Local governments and non-governmental entities such as educational institutions and 501(c)3s) are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted by August 2, 2024. For more information, go to https://myemail-api.constantcontact.com/Community-Grant-Applications-Now-Open.html?soid=1134175614329&aid=GuDrE4IFrxQ.

Margaritaville License Plates

The Florida government is honoring Jimmy Buffett by designating State Road A1A as “Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway” and making available new specialty license plate for “Margaritaville.” Fees from the sale of the plates will go to “Singing for Change,” an organization founded by Jimmy Buffett to “provide grants to nonprofit organizations in communities impacted by natural or manmade disasters for recovery, rebuilding, and future sustainability in those communities and to promote and inspire local grassroots leadership that will work to improve the quality of life in those communities and others in this state.” For more on this issue, see the July 02, 2024 USA Today Network article “‘Margaritaville’ license plate to honor Jimmy Buffett coming to Florida. Here’s when” by C. A. Bridges at https://eu.heraldtribune.com/story/news/state/2024/07/02/florida-margaritaville-license-plates-new/74270379007/.

New Perdido Bay Boat Ramp Opened!

A good crowd attended the grand opening of the Perdido Bay Boat Ramp on June 18, 2024. The facility includes a “tow-lane ramp, 62 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers and 22 for vehicles without.” Escambia County District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said “it’s a big win for the county and people who live and work in the area.” For more on this issue, see the June 19, 2024 Pensacola News Journal article “People are amped about Escambia County’s new big boat ramp. Why it’s making waves.” by Mollye Barrows at https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2024/06/19/escambia-county-celebrates-launch-of-new-perdido-bay-boat-ramp/74144420007/.

Florida Property Insurance Market

According to a recent USA Today article, insurance industry experts say Florida’s property insurance companies “are on solid footing” and “the insurance market is much stronger than we’ve seen in recent years.” This is apparently because 2023 saw only one hurricane strike in the state and a “handful of new insurance companies” have enhanced competition. Another article, however, discussed likely increases in the cost for Citizens Insurance policies, the State of Florida program created as a last resort for property owners. For more on this issue, see the May 29, 2024 Tallahassee Democrat/USA Today Network article “With worst hurricane season forecast, insurance industry supplies some rare good news” by John Kennedy at https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/local/state/2024/05/29/with-a-record-hurricane-season-forecast-insurers-are-ready-maybe/73836287007/ and the June 20, 2024 Associated Press article “Florida’s Citizens insurance board OKs rate hikes” at https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/state/2017/06/21/floridas-citizens-insurance-oks-rate-hikes/20486788007/.

2025 Survey Questions

 

PKA is beginning work on the “2025 Perdido Key Property Owner Survey” to follow the recent practice of five year interval between surveys. It will be updated to address changes made or anticipated on our wonderful island, so if you have suggestions for the upcoming survey please send them to charles.krupnick@gmail.com. The “2020 Perdido Key Property Owner Survey” is posted on the PKA website at https://perdidokeyassociation.org.

Multi-Use Path Almost Complete!

On about June 7, 2024, workers laid down the final segment of the Perdido Key Multi-Use Path. This was at the west end of Perdido Key State Park connecting the east portion being constructed with the west portion completed over two years ago. What a fantastic opportunity for Perdido Key residents and guests to be able to ride a bicycle or run/walk the six miles from the Theo Baars Bridge to the Alabama border completely separated from Perdido Key Drive! The path also connects with the River Road and Johnson Beach Road paths and has numerous commercial and visit opportunities along the way. A ribbon-cutting ceremony should be announced in the weeks ahead.

Lifeguards on Perdido Key

Escambia County has begun lifeguard service on Perdido Key. From the Escambia County Newscenter article “Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Begin Service at Perdido Key May 23”: “Lifeguards will be stationed at Perdido Key Public Access #2 from May 23 to Aug. 11, 2024, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Throughout the day, a lifeguard will travel to Public Access #1, #3, and #4 to monitor the water and make contact with beach patrons.” For more on this issue, go to https://myescambia.com/news/news-article/2024/05/23/pensacola-beach-lifeguards-begin-service-at-perdido-key-may-23.

Updated Beach Flags

Updated Beach Flags

To remain consistent with state and local beach agencies, Pensacola Beach Lifeguards have revised the beach flag system for Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key measuring surf risks as follows:

• Green flag – Low Hazard: Generally calms surf and currents
• Yellow flag – Medium Hazard: Moderate surf and/or currents
• Red flag – High Hazard: High surf and/or dangerous currents; beach patrons encouraged to remain out of the water
• Double red flag – Water Closed: No swimming or wading  
• Purple flag – Stinging Marine Life: Flown when jellyfish, Portuguese man o’war or other stinging marine life are present

 

For more on this issue, go to the June 4, 2024 Escambia County News Article “Updated beach flag system” at https://myescambia.com/news/news-article/2024/06/04/pensacola-beach-lifeguards-update-flag-system.

No Probably Cause of Sunshine State Law Violations

As published in the Pensacola News Journal: “An Escambia County Grand Jury has returned a No True Bill over concerns about Sunshine State law violations involving leaked text messages from Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh’s cell phone. The State Attorney’s Office said the grand jury found that probable cause did not exist that any crime had been committed. The No True Bill was returned on May 21.” For more on this issue, go to May 30, 2024 Pensacola News Journal article “Grand Jury finds no probably cause county commissioners violate Florida Sunshine laws” by Mollye Barrows at https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2024/05/30/escambia-county-grand-jury-found-no-probable-cause-commissioners-broke-law/73882586007/.

More on Rice’s Whale

The status and protection of the endangered Rice’s whale have been in the news the last year or two. Most recently northwest Florida’s US Representative Matt Gaetz has introduced legislation “to support Air Force exemptions to the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammals Protection Act” that would allow testing and training activities that “may result in the incidental take [harming or killing] of the Rice’s Whale.” According to Michael Jasny of the National Resources Defense Council (a nonprofit organization focused on environmental issues), passage of the Gaetz amendment “would just be setting a terrible precedent.” For more on this issue, go to the May 31, 2024 Pensacola News Journal article “Congressman Matt Gaetz again tries to remove protections for severely endangered Rice’s Whale” by Tom McLaughlin at https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/navarre/2024/05/31/congressman-matt-gaetz-seeks-to-remove-eglin-protections-for-rices-whale/73891931007/.

Lionfish Tournaments

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced its 2024 Lionfish Tournament which will take place from May 24 until September 2, 2024.  Participants can compete in either the commercial or recreational divisions and compete for top competitor grand prizes. For the full tournament announcement, go to https://fwcreefrangers.com/lionfish-challenge/. The FWC tournament follows the successful Emerald Coast Open tournament where 147 divers participating. A total of 11,844 lionfish were removed from area waters during the Feb 1-May 16, 2024 Pre-Tournament and May 17-18, 2024 Tournament. For more on the Emerald Coast Open, go to https://emeraldcoastopen.com/.

Pensacola Area State Parks Article

The Pensacola News Journal published an informative article on our area’s Florida State Parks noting that each(i.e., Big Lagoon State Park, Perdido Key State Park and Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park) has “a unique identity” and offer activities from stargazing to rare plants. To access the article, go to the April 16, 2024 Pensacola News Journal article “Looking for things to do in Pensacola? Try one of our three state parks” by Brandon Girod at https://www.pnj.com/story/life/2024/04/16/florida-state-parks-big-lagoon-perdido-key-tarkiln-bayou-preserve/73333768007/.

No More Tolls on Foley Beach Express Bridge!

Trips from Perdido Key to Baldwin County and beyond will be less expensive and maybe quicker because tolls on the Foley Beach Express Bridge (next to The Wharf district in Orange Beach) were terminated on May 23, 2024! This follows the bridge’s purchase by the State of Alabama from the Baldwin County Bridge Company for $57 million. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said ““Our coast continues to experience record growth and success, and I am proud we are making needed infrastructure improvements in the area that will help alleviate traffic congestion for Alabamians and those visiting our beaches.” For more on this issue, see the May 23, 2024 WBRC article “Tolls eliminated from Beach Express after state purchases private toll bridge” at https://www.wbrc.com/2024/05/23/tolls-eliminated-beach-express-after-state-purchases-private-toll-bridge/.

Northern Lights and Cicadas All at Once!

May 2024 was a month of unusual natural phenomena. Because of intense solar storms, the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) were visible at least as far south as northern Alabama while several broods of cicadas made their presence heard across the same and many other areas of the country, though Northwest Florida seemed too far south to be part of these events.

Rosamond Johnson Beach Day Celebrated

Rosamond Johnson Beach Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 4, 2022 at Johnson Beach – the beach named for him at the Perdido Key Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore. He was a 17 year old African American Army private who saved two wounded soldiers and died trying to save a third during the Korean War. The event featured several speakers including Escambia County Commissioners Jeff Bergosh and Lumon May, National Park Service officials, featured speaker Retired Navy Captain Pat Everly and members of Private Johnson’s family. For more on the ceremony, see the May 5, 2024 Pensacola News Journal article “Escambia community honors Rosamond Johnson, who joined Army at 15, died in Korea at 17” by Troy Moon at https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/2024/05/05/rosamond-johnson-beach-in-perdido-key-celebrates-korean-war-hero/73553161007/

Search for Invasive Cogongrass

Cogongrass is a destructive invasive species that has been found on Perdido Key and other locations in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama. Cogongrass is relatively easy to identify currently as a tall grass with a fluffy top. Once established it is difficult to remove without speading it further so following proper procedures is important. Guidance on identifying cogongrass and its removal can be found in the UF/IFAS April 20, 2024 article “Now is the Time to Search for Invasive Cogongrass” by Rick O’Oconnor at https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/nat/2024/04/20/now-is-the-time-to-search-for-invasive-cogongrass/; the article was republished in the April 17-May 01, 2024 Mullet Wrapper article titled “Invasive cogongrass has reached Perdido Key” at Mullet Wrapper: Invasive cogongrass has reached Perdido Key in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Fish Farm

The off-shore fish farm proposed for the Gulf of Mexico about 26 miles south of Pensacola is in the permit approval process. US agencies including NOAA and important interest groups support its creation while some environmental and other groups are opposed. It would be the first major finfish farm in US federal waters though a small scale operation is approved for the Sarasota area but delayed by legal challenges. Concerns about off shore finfish farms include likely increase in nutrient levels in surrounding waters, possibility of disease spreading from fish farms to native species and dangers to whales and other sea life from the apparatus. The Perdido Key Association has joined the “Don’t Cage Our Oceans” coalition that opposes the fish farm. For information on the opposing initiative, go to Don’t Cage Our Oceans | STOP INDUSTRIAL OCEAN FISH FARMING (dontcageouroceans.org); for the website of the group proposing the fish farm, go to Florida Offshore – Manna Fish Farms; for an early report on the proposed fish farm, go to the July 20, 2023 Pensacola News Journal article “Pensacola may get one of Florida’s first offshore fish farms, and some are already worried” by Colin Warren-Hicks at Manna Fish Farms seeking to open Gulf of Mexico farm near Pensacola (pnj.com).

Perdido Key Private Beach Public Access Dispute

District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh and Escambia County are following up on a finding that some 1957 deeds transferring Perdido Key property from the Federal Government to private ownership specified the southerly 75 feet of the Gulf front lots were “subject to a perpetual easement for a beach for public use generally.” The properties affected are from Perdido Skye Condominium to the eastern boundary of Perdido Key State Park. A recent entry in Commissioner Bergosh’s blog points to likely legal action by some affected beachfront property owners regarding the easement. For more information, consult Commissioner Bergosh’s blog at http://jeffbergoshblog.blogspot.com/ and the April 13, 2023 Pensacola News Journal article “Old deeds give new life to the fight for public access to Perdido Key beaches” by Mollye Barrows at https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2023/04/13/property-deeds-give-public-an-edge-in-fight-for-access-to-beaches-on-perdido-k-versus-private-beache/70107445007/.

World Ocean Day 2024

World Ocean Day was held on June 8, 2024 at Escambia County Beach Access #4. Beginning with beach yoga, the event featured presentations by Escambia County’s Sea Turtle Ambassadors, Friends of Pensacola State Parks, Southwest Public Library and the Perdido Key Association as well as offerings from several vendors. While enjoying a beautiful day at the beach, the event provided those attending a great opportunity to learn more about the importance of the ocean and the fascinating sea life it supports. For more information on our oceans and the threats to them, please access the several Power Point slide presentations that follow:

PKA Annual Membership Meeting!

Approximately 30 people attended the Perdido Key Association Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Eden Condominium, with others joining on Zoom. Featured speaker Christian Wagley, the coastal organizer for Healthy Gulf, gave a terrific presentation on several issues including potential threats from a proposed industrial fish farm in the Gulf of Mexico offshore from Pensacola and the status of and efforts to help the rare Rice’s whale. PKA President Stan Capua followed and addressed Perdido Key issues such as continued work to restore Perdido Key State Park and the Perdido Key Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore (Johnson Beach) from 2020’s Hurricane Sally damage, progress on the Perdido Key Multi-Use Path and other construction and development related issues. Other Board members provided information on the Perdido Key Drive/Johnson Beach Road roundabout and changes to Beach Access #2; “We Are Perdido” leader Steve Brendtro added an update on the Perdido area incorporation initiative. The meeting minutes will be posted shortly on the Archive page of the PKA website.

2023 PKA Holiday Party!

Those attending the PKA Holiday Party on December 11, 2023 at the Palacio Resort on Perdido Key Drive had a great time meeting old friends and making new ones. Wonderful food and multiple beverage choices were available and terrific decorations on display. The PKA Board of Directors wishes you and yours the very best of Holiday Seasons!

Perdido Key Beach Cleanup

The Perdido Key Association, Friends of Pensacola State Parks and Florida State Park rangers hosted International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Perdido Key State Park West Use Area. Over 50 volunteers helped cleanup our beaches including very active participation from 10 students from Pensacola Catholic High School. Trash removed included large debris remaining from Hurricane Sally. T-shirts unique to the event were distributed to all participants. It was a great community effort to improve our Perdido Key’s beach environment!

Nutria on Perdido Key?

 

Nutria are invasive rodents from South America now found in many parts of the world. Often introduced for their fur and sometimes used as a food source, nutria can be destructive and have severely damage wetlands in places like Louisiana. A population of nutria has been identified for many years on Perdido Key, primarily on the Lost Key Golf Course. If seen elsewhere, please contact the Escambia County Extension Office at 850-475-5230 ext.1111or Roc1@ufl.edu.

Tilapia in Escambia County?

 

Tilapia is a fish we might have for dinner, but is considered an invasive species in the United States. Originating primarily in Africa, Tilapia have been found in the upper arm of Bayou Chico here in Escambia County. If caught (perhaps with a cast net) or photographed, please contact the Escambia County Extension Office at 850-475-5230 ext.1111or Roc1@ufl.edu for species identification and to help begin a management plan. Drawn from May 9, 2024 Sea Grant Notes – Invasive Species by Rick O’Connor.

Highlighting Endangered Species

 

Here are three endangered ocean species discussed in a May 13, 2024 Ocean Conservancy e-mail by Emily Simeral Roberts with links to additional information:

1. Oceanic whitetip sharks are top predators that love the wide-open ocean. Because their meals can be few and far between, oceanic whitetip sharks are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat pretty much anything that comes across their paths, including large fish like tuna and marlin, cephalopods, other sharks and even sea birds. Learn more about oceanic whitetip sharks >>
2. Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the world’s most endangered sea turtle. Kemp’s ridley sea turtles spend their days in shallow waters with muddy bottoms in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Females nest every one to three years and often travel hundreds of miles to get to just the right location, aiming for the same beach where they hatched. Learn more about Kemp’s ridley sea turtles >>
3. North Atlantic right whales are among the world’s largest animals, weighing up to 70 tons. Animals that big need a lot of fuel, and they can eat up to 5,500 pounds of food a day. You might be able to recognize North Atlantic right whales by the callosities around their heads, which are raised patches of thickened skin that are often covered by crustaceans known as whale lice. Learn more about North Atlantic right whales >>

Cuban Treefrog

 

The Cuban treefrog is an invasive species and predator of Florida’s native treefrogs. Cuban treefrogs are widely dispersed in southern Florida and have been making their way north with 81 sightings reported in the Panhandle. Identification and removal of the species before they become more established is a priority. To find out how to identify Cuban treefrogs and what to do when found, go to the February 24, 2023 UF/IFAS article “The Cuban Treefrog in Florida” by Stephen A. Johnson at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW259.

Tough Week for Sea Turtle Nests

 

The start to the 2024 sea turtle nesting season on the beaches of Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach was interrupted by high tides that destroyed some of the nests already laid. Since the tides were predicted, some volunteers wanted to move the nests but were prevented by current rulings. For more on this issue, see the June 21, 2024 Pensacola News Journal article “Sea turtles nests in Escambia hit hard by storm surge. FWC wouldn’t let them be moved.” by Mollye Barrows at https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2024/06/21/escambia-beaches-sea-turtle-nests-hit-hard-by-storm-surge/74155106007/.

Shark Research Base Planned for Mayport

 

With funding approved in the latest Florida state budget, Ocearch – a global shark-tracking organization – expects to construct a new headquarters in Mayport FL. The facility will offer student tours as well as residential buildings for those learning about Ocearch’s research. For more on this issue, see the June 22, 2024 Jacksonville FloridaTimes-Union article “Ocearch planning shark research base in Florida” by David Bauerlein at https://www.pressreader.com/usa/times-herald-record/20240622/281865828649187.

Plastic Microfibers a Big Problem

 

From “Ocean Conservancy:” Our clothing is largely plastic-based, and when we wash it, pieces shed off and end up in our washing machines as microfibers. In fact, a single load of laundry can release up to 18 million microfibers, and these tiny pieces of plastic end up in our ocean, open land, farm fields and rivers. In California alone, the number of microfibers released into our environment in a single year is greater than all the stars in our galaxy. Imagine how many microfibers the entire United States is collectively dumping into our ocean and on land! The good news? There are easy and economical ways to help curb this crisis at the source, such as adding microfiber filters to all new washing machines.” Information drawn from the July 03, 2024 Ocean Conservancy e-mail “Microfibers Are a Mega-Problem” by Robyn Stegman.