Attorney Danny Kepner has filed the plaintiffs brief for both the Pensacola Beach litigation (on taxation of improvements) and the Navarre Beach case (on taxation of land) with the FL Supreme Court, and now the taxing authorities in the two Counties will have time to respond. All filings should be completed with the court by July 5th. While the Court is under no time constraints, we are hopeful for rulings on both cases by year-end.

Recently the PBA Beachkeepers, along with representatives from the NPS-Gulf Islands National Seashore, the University of Florida Sea Grant Extension Program and the SRIA, did a night tour of our beaches. They identified buildings and parking lots that have bright lights that could distract turtles attempting to lay eggs or the newborn hatchlings. Those “turtle unfriendly” sites will be contacted and offered a 50% match of the cost to make their lights turtle friendly. There is $50,000 in grant money available for this project.

Beachkeepers were also instrumental in working with the developers of the new 360 Observation Wheel on Pensacola Beach. The developers have agreed to turn off their bright stadium lights at 10:00 pm during the turtle nesting season, and will further limit their lighting if a nearby turtle nest is about to hatch.

There will be a public meeting to discuss the proposed BP Oil Spill Settlement and how it could benefit you. The meeting will be at 9:00 am Saturday, May 19th at Hemingway’s restaurant. Speakers will include Tim Day, Escambia County Environmental Programs Manager, and Mark Proctor and Brian Barr from the Levin Papantonio law firm, who have been deeply involved in the BP litigation

The Santa Rosa Island Authority recently approved one of two plans presented by Baskerville Donovan for a Master Plan for Pensacola Beach. The plan is now getting lots of attention from the community and the local media – both positive and negative. Here is a quick recap of how we got to our current situation. Please visit our Master Plan web page for past articles and relevant links.

Over the past 15 years there have been numerous plans proposed to improve Pensacola Beach (especially the Core Area), but none of them gained widespread support. There was a sense that change was needed, but what to change?

The current Master Plan project was initiated over two years ago by the SRIA, and was initially spearheaded by a Steering Committee of 13 citizens representing a cross section of Pensacola Beach stakeholders – residents, business owners, and mainland citizens. The goals were:

1. Address the parking issue on the island – on certain days of the year the available parking is overwhelmed. Upon further study, it was determined that although there are about 15 days a year where parking is inadequate, no amount of additional parking or parking garages could fill the needs on those days. On many other days the issue is more one of a misallocation of parking – more parking is needed near the Quietwater beaches and facilities and less by the Casino Beach beaches and facilities.
2. Improve the flow of traffic on the island – both vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic. Improve the flow of traffic into the Casino parking lot. Improve public safety. Improve the signalized intersection, which currently is rated “D” by the FL Department of Transportation.
3. Create a new and improved overall image of Pensacola Beach to help it fulfill its role as “Escambia County’s Playground” and a tourist destination that differentiates itself from competing Gulf Coast tourist destinations.

The EDSA Master Plan

In the spring of 2010, the Steering Committee and the SRIA approved a conceptual plan presented by EDSA, a community planning organization, that envisioned a number of improvements to the Beach, including a redesign of the Core Area to include two elevated roadways to separate vehicle traffic from pedestrian traffic, three traffic circles, and a pedestrian walkway connecting the Quietwater and Gulf sides of the Core Area. The cost of the Core Area improvements was estimated to be $25 million, which made up a significant portion of the overall EDSA Master Plan cost of $47 million.

Escambia County Engineering Review

In the Spring of 2011, Escambia County engaged Baskerville Donovan (BDI) to review the engineering feasibility of the EDSA Master Plan. BDI concluded that the elements of the EDSA Master Plan outside of the Core Area were buildable, but that several problems existed with the Core Area recommendations:

• The traffic circles were determined to be unworkable. It requires a lot of space to have a two lane traffic circle, and the angle of entry for the roads on Pensacola Beach would not permit safe entry and exit from the circles. Additionally, many drivers are unfamiliar with traffic circles, and they could prove confusing for locals as well as tourists.
• The EDSA plan provided good pedestrian access from the Gulf side to the Quietwater side of the Core Area, but provided poorer access between those two sides and the Little Sabine (west) side of the Core Area.
• There was simply too little space in the Core Area to accommodate three traffic circles and two elevated roadways – the project was “unbuildable”.

Combined BDI/EDSA concepts for the Core Area

In January 2012 BDI and EDSA combined efforts to resolve these issues and come up with two new concepts for the Core Area – one with a pedestrian overpass, and one with an elevated road and a pedestrian underpass. These were presented to the SRIA on January 14^th, and on February 8^th, the SRIA approved “Plan B” with elevated roadways and
a pedestrian underpass as well as significant other improvements to the core Area in terms of enhanced parking, a new park/event area and more landscaping. The total estimated cost of these improvements is $25 million, or the same as the original 2010 estimate.

Plan B accomplishes the original goals of the planning process, and addresses all the problems with the original EDSA plan.

• Plan B effectively separates vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and creates a much safer Core Area.
• Plan B provides greatly enhanced pedestrian access to all three sides of the Core Area – it truly makes Pensacola
  Beach the only resort community with a true “Beach to Bay” experience.
• Plan B provides a roadway leading directly into the main Casino parking lot.
• Plan B connects the Quietwater and Casino parking lots – providing vehicular access between the lots without going onto the roads.
• Plan B eliminates the traffic circles.
• Plan B is “Buildable”.
• Plan B creates a new and defining image for Pensacola Beach – distinguishing it from all the competing resort communities on the Gulf Coast.

The one thing that Plan B does not do is increase the amount of parking in the Core Area – in fact it is projected to lose about 300 – or 15% – of the current spaces. BDI said all along that it would be impossible to accomplish the other goals without losing some parking. We can only hope that as we go through the design process that some of those spaces can be saved.

Lastly, there is concerned expressed about the cost of the project – $25 million. That is a lot of money. But it is consistent with the cost of the original plan approved 2 years ago. And only $17 million of it is for the roadways – the other $8 million is for landscaping, hardscaping and contingencies. Again, through the design process, we hope to find savings.

Next Steps and Opportunity for Input

What’s next? The leaseholders and stakeholders on Pensacola Beach will have two opportunities for input on the Plan.

Escambia County will host two public information meetings in early March for the Pensacola Beach Master Plan alternatives. The meetings will begin with a presentation by County staff and the consultant, followed by an open format to allow individuals to ask staff questions on a one-on-one basis. The meeting dates and times are:

• Wednesday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola
• Thursday, March 8, at 5:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption-Hunt Hall, 920 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners will consider action on the Pensacola Beach Master Plan at its regular meeting on Thursday, March 15, at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers, 221 Palafox Place. For more information, contact Matt Mooneyham, Project Coordinator, at 595-3418, or mrmooneyham@co.escambia.fl.us

Additionally, if the Escambia County BOCC approves Plan B, the next step would be to do the engineering design. Such a process provides for public input meetings at several stages, where stakeholders can continue to voice their concerns about things like the loss of parking, the aesthetics of the pedestrian underpass, linkage to other transportation forms like the Beach trolleys or ferries, and, of course, the cost.

Additional Information and Comments

The list of links below are various opinions and news articles printed about the plan. If you care what happens to Pensacola beach, take the time to do your homework and read the plan. Then let the County Commissioners know what you think. If you don’t get involved in the process, then don’t complain about the results!

View prior articles on our website.

Gulf Breeze News – SRIA Okays $25 Million Roadway Plan (02/16/2012)

View PB Master Plan on SRIA Website (Jan 24, 2012)

Gulf Breeze News – Proposed beach road upgrades stir controvery (2/9/2012)

Gulf Breeze News – Letter to the Editor: Stop Improving Pensacola Beach (2/2/2012)

Island Times – SRIA Board Votes for Overpass at Marathon Meeting (2/16/2012)

PNJ – Pensacola Beach Plans Unveiled – 1/25/2012

PNJ – Is an Elevated Roadway Worth $25M? 2/8/2012

In late February, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction on the case involving taxation of improvements on Pensacola Beach (Case #11-2231) and taxation of land on Navarre Beach (Case #11-1445).  This means our tax suits are going to the next level.

The order reads in both cases as follows:

“The Court accepts jurisdiction and dispenses with oral arguments pursuant to Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.320.  Petitioner’s brief on the merits shall be served on or before March 26, 2011; respondent’s brief on the merits shall be served twenty days after service of petitioner’s brief on the merits; and petitioner’s reply brief on the merits shall be served twenty days after service of respondent’s brief on the merits. …

The Clerk of the First District Court of Appeal shall file the original record which shall be properly indexed and paginated on or before April 30, 2012.  The record shall include the briefs filed in the district court separately indexed.”

This means the case against taxation of improvements on a large number of homes, condos and townhouses on Pensacola Beach should be reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court.  It also means that the same Court will be looking at the legality of taxing land on Navarre Beach.  Given the dates for submittal of documents to the Supreme Court, our wait continues.  Our argument lives on and will be considered by the highest court in the State!

Submitted by Lila Cox

More Information

From Pensacola News Journal Article on March 8, 2012
Santa Rosa Island tax cases head to court
By Kimberly Blair

The Florida Supreme Court will decide whether residential leaseholders’ homes, condominiums and townhomes and county-owned land on Santa Rosa Island can be taxed.

The state’s highest court will hear two cases: One is against Escambia County Property Appraiser’s Office for taxing improvements on 2,400 properties on Pensacola Beach. The other is against the Santa Rosa Property Appraiser’s Office for taxing land and improvements on roughly 850 pieces of property on Navarre Beach.

Attorney Danny Kepner with Shell, Fleming, Davis & Menge law firm in Pensacola is representing the property owners in the cases.

“It means, finally, the high court in our state will make a decision as to whether these properties can be taxed on both improvements and land,” Kepner said. “It’s an exciting thing to have happen.”

The court accepted both cases on Feb. 29 after 1st District Court of Appeal rulings that the properties could be taxed. The Navarre ruling was in April, and the Pensacola Beach ruling was in July.

Escambia County Property Appraiser Chris Jones said it could take three months to a year before the Supreme Court rules on the Pensacola Beach case.

Jones placed Pensacola Beach structures on the tax rolls in 2004 after an appellate court ruled that Santa Rosa County could tax its beach structures. He added land to the tax rolls in 2011, and the legality of that has not been settled.

Leaseholders believe their land and dwelling should not be subject to taxation because they are not owners.

Escambia County owns the land on Pensacola Beach. Residents with homes and commercial buildings on Pensacola Beach have 99-year leases, with various options for renewing, on the land. They pay lease fees.

It’s a similar situation on Navarre Beach, except all leases have a continuous 99-year renewable lease.

COMMUNITY YARD SALE & GOODWILL EASTER SEAL DONATION SITE

PBA’s Beachkeepers  has rescheduled Pensacola Beach RECYCLEMANIA DAY for Saturday, April 21st 8am-12noon at the Visitors Center Parking Lot. Our original date in March was rained out.

PBA Recyclemania Redeux Registration Form, April 21, 2012

Do some spring cleaning and make a little cash or donate your stuff.

The day includes:

• Flea Market/Island-style Yard Sale where individuals may bring household items to sell from 8-12noon. Yard sale “space” is FREE to PBA members, and only $20 for non members. To reserve your space and register, go to www.pbadvocates.org, stop by the Pensacola Beach Visitors Information Center, or pick up an Island Times for a registration form.
• Goodwill will have a truck to accept your donated items. You can donate what you don’t
  sell at the end of the sale, or if you don’t want to participate in the  yard sale, just bring your items to donate!  They will take household items including small appliances (irons, toaster ovens, microwaves, TVs, etc.), clothing, toys, and also computers and related electronicsundefined working or not.
• We were not able to reschedule onsite shredding for this event – but watch press for other dropoff points in the area.

Beachkeepers is still accepting sponsors ($100) and volunteers for  this event. Thank you to Pensacola Beach Women’s Club, Holiday Inn Express at Pensacola Beach, Pensacola  Beach Chamber of Commerce and Pensacola Beach Advocates for sponsoring!  Get involved and get your company noticed!  The future plan is to have a Spring Recyclemania Day and a Fall Recyclemania Day every year!

For additional info and to volunteer for RECYCLEMANIA Day contact Lois Hausman at loishausman@mchsi.com

Follow us on Facebook for last minute updates. www.facebook.com/PensacolaBeachAdvocates

Beach leaseholders are still waiting for the Florida Supreme Court to decide if it will accept jurisdiction for two tax cases – one involving the taxation of leased improvements for 2,500 Pensacola Beach residents, and one involving the taxation of leased land for Navarre Beach residents.  Unfortunately, at this time all we can do is wait.

Danny Kepner, attorney with Shell Fleming Davis & Menge, has filed cases against the County tax authorities to contest the taxation of both the land and the improvements for 2011. Until these cases are finally decided, each leaseholder should make his or her own decision whether to pay the 2011 taxes.

The Escambia County Board of Commissioners stated in October, 2011 that it believed that the taxation of land on Pensacola Beach represents “double taxation”, which is unjust.  They have agreed to escrow 2011 taxes related to the taxation of Pensacola Beach land so funds will be available to either (A) refund the taxes if the courts rule in the leaseholders’ favor, or (B) refund lease fees if the taxation of land is upheld by the courts. Your PBA is working with the County to assure that the correct amount of taxes is escrowed (originally the County was not going to escrow any taxes relating to condominium land), and with the SRIA to determine how a refund of lease fees should be accomplished if the courts rule in our favor.

For more information visit the Tax Suit webpage at http://www.pbeachtaxsuit.com/.

The Santa Rosa Island Authority recently approved one of two plans presented by Baskerville Donovan for a Master Plan for Pensacola Beach. The plan is now getting lots of attention from the community and the local media – both positive and negative. Here is a quick recap of how we got to our current situation.  Please visit our Master Plan web page for past articles and relevant links.

Over the past 15 years there have been numerous plans proposed to improve Pensacola Beach (especially the Core Area), but none of them gained widespread support.  There was a sense that change was needed, but what to change?

The current Master Plan project was initiated over two years ago by the SRIA, and was initially spearheaded by a Steering Committee of 13 citizens representing a cross section of Pensacola Beach stakeholders – residents, business owners, and mainland citizens.  The goals were:

1. Address the parking issue on the island – on certain days of the year the available parking is overwhelmed. Upon further study, it was determined that although there are about 15 days a year where parking is inadequate, no amount of additional parking or parking garages could fill the needs on those days.  On many other days the issue is more one of a misallocation of parking – more parking is needed near the Quietwater beaches and facilities and less by the Casino Beach beaches and facilities.
2. Improve the flow of traffic on the island – both vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic.  Improve the flow of traffic into the Casino parking lot.  Improve public safety.  Improve the signalized intersection, which currently is rated “D” by the FL Department of Transportation.
3. Create a new and improved overall image of Pensacola Beach to help it fulfill its role as “Escambia County’s Playground” and a tourist destination that differentiates itself from competing Gulf Coast tourist destinations.

The EDSA Master Plan

In the spring of 2010, the Steering Committee and the SRIA approved a conceptual plan presented by EDSA, a community planning organization, that envisioned a number of improvements to the Beach, including a redesign of the Core Area to include two elevated roadways to separate vehicle traffic from pedestrian traffic, three traffic circles, and a pedestrian walkway connecting the Quietwater and Gulf sides of the Core Area. The cost of the Core Area  improvements was estimated to be $25 million, which made up a significant portion of the overall EDSA Master Plan cost of $47 million.

Escambia County Engineering Review

In the Spring of 2011, Escambia County engaged Baskerville Donovan (BDI) to review the engineering feasibility of the EDSA Master Plan.  BDI concluded that the elements of the EDSA Master Plan outside of the Core Area were buildable, but that several problems existed with the Core Area recommendations:

• The traffic circles were determined to be unworkable. It requires a lot of space to have a two lane traffic circle, and the angle of entry for the roads on Pensacola Beach would not permit safe entry and exit from the circles. Additionally, many drivers are unfamiliar with traffic circles, and they could prove confusing for locals as well as tourists.
• The EDSA plan provided good pedestrian access from the Gulf side to the Quietwater side of the Core Area, but provided poorer access between those two sides and the Little Sabine (west) side of the Core Area.
• There was simply too little space in the Core Area to accommodate three traffic circles and two elevated roadways – the project was “unbuildable”.

Combined BDI/EDSA concepts for the Core Area

In January 2012 BDI and EDSA combined efforts to resolve these issues and come up with two new concepts for the Core Area – one with a pedestrian overpass, and one with an elevated road and a pedestrian underpass.  These were presented to the SRIA on January 14^th, and on February 8^th, the SRIA approved “Plan B” with elevated roadways and
a pedestrian underpass as well as significant other improvements to the core Area in terms of enhanced parking, a new park/event area and more landscaping.  The total estimated cost of these improvements is $25 million, or the same as the original 2010 estimate.

Plan B accomplishes the original goals of the planning process, and addresses all the problems with the original EDSA plan.

• Plan B effectively separates vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and creates a much safer Core Area.
• Plan B provides greatly enhanced pedestrian access to all three sides of the Core Area – it truly makes Pensacola
  Beach the only resort community with a true “Beach to Bay” experience.
• Plan B provides a roadway leading directly into the main Casino parking lot.
• Plan B connects the Quietwater and Casino parking lots – providing vehicular access between the lots without going onto the roads.
• Plan B eliminates the traffic circles.
• Plan B is “Buildable”.
• Plan B creates a new and defining image for Pensacola Beach – distinguishing it from all the competing resort communities on the Gulf Coast.

The one thing that Plan B does not do is increase the amount of parking in the Core Area – in fact it is projected to lose about 300 – or 15% – of the current spaces.  BDI said all along that it would be impossible to accomplish the other goals without losing some parking.  We can only hope that as we go through the design process that some of those spaces can be saved.

Lastly, there is concerned expressed about the cost of the project – $25 million. That is a lot of money.  But it is consistent with the cost of the original plan approved 2 years ago.  And only $17 million of it is for the roadways – the other $8 million is for landscaping, hardscaping and contingencies.  Again, through the design process, we hope to find savings.

Next Steps and Opportunity for Input

What’s next?  The leaseholders and stakeholders on Pensacola Beach will have two opportunities for input on the Plan.

Escambia County will host two public information meetings in early March for the Pensacola Beach Master Plan alternatives.  The meetings will begin with a presentation by County staff and the consultant, followed by an open format to allow individuals to ask staff questions on a one-on-one basis.  The meeting dates and times are:

• Wednesday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola
• Thursday, March 8, at 5:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption-Hunt Hall, 920 Via de Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners will consider action on the Pensacola Beach Master Plan at its regular meeting on Thursday, March 15, at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers, 221 Palafox Place. For more information, contact Matt Mooneyham, Project Coordinator, at 595-3418, or mrmooneyham@co.escambia.fl.us

Additionally, if the Escambia County BOCC approves Plan B, the next step would be to do the engineering design.  Such a process provides for public input meetings at several stages, where stakeholders can continue to voice their concerns about things like the loss of parking, the aesthetics of the pedestrian underpass, linkage to other transportation forms like the Beach trolleys or ferries, and, of course, the cost.

Additional Information and Comments

The list of links below are various opinions and news articles printed about the plan. If you care what happens to Pensacola beach, take the time to do your homework and read the plan. Then let the County Commissioners know what you think. If you don’t get involved in the process, then don’t complain about the results!

View prior articles on our website.

Gulf Breeze News – SRIA Okays $25 Million Roadway Plan (02/16/2012)

View PB Master Plan on SRIA Website (Jan 24, 2012)

Gulf Breeze News – Proposed beach road upgrades stir controvery (2/9/2012)

Gulf Breeze News – Letter to the Editor: Stop Improving Pensacola Beach (2/2/2012)

Island Times – SRIA Board Votes for Overpass at Marathon Meeting (2/16/2012)

PNJ – Pensacola Beach Plans Unveiled – 1/25/2012

PNJ – Is an Elevated Roadway Worth $25M? 2/8/2012

PBA Beachkeepers, the Environmental Committees for PBA, is off to a roaring start in the new year!  The first General Membership meeting of the year was held on February 7, 2012 at the SRIA.  Following is an update on each Beachkeeper Team news, efforts and events.

Wildlife Conservation Beachkeepers   Harry Purcell is investigating Pelican roosting and whether or not it is necessary and feasible for the group to take on a project to provide more pilings for roosting.  Tisha Christopher has taken on the lead role for the Wildlife group temporarily, and we are seeking a volunteer to get involved in a  leadership role for the long term. Currently, Tisha is meeting with the Florida Shorebird Alliance to determine what role Beachkeepers may have in working with this organization to protect our nesting birds.  Mark Nicholas with the  park service has been a big help in providing information and opportunities for the team to get involved in current Turtle nesting initiatives on the island.  There will be two workshops in April: 14th and 21st, Saturdays 8am-12noon.  If you are interested in volunteering for Turtle Watch in 2012, attendance at one of these workshops is mandatory. For more information contact Mark Nicholas at: mark_nicholas@nps.gov.

Other project:  Developing and implementing a Turtle Lighting Ordinance for the island and seeking additional volunteers for this group. 

Dune Preservation Beachkeepersmet with a representative from the Santa Rosa Island Authority to discuss the future of walkovers on the beach. There will be an important meeting at the SRIA regarding this issue on February 22nd at 5pm. (This meeting will address other issues, too, including the future of Trolleys)  Dune goals for 2012 include an educational program at the elementary school level regarding the importance of dune preservation, sand fencing, planting sea oats; establishing guidelines and suggestions for walkovers for private homes; addressing the amount of vehicle traffic on the beach on a daily basis. Contact Terry Preston to volunteer or for more information: terry@ehsmadeeasy.com

Alternative Transportation and Parking Beachkeepers have been diligently working on assisting the SRIA in the placement of additional bike racks, (a dozen have been added thus far) and creating “green parking spaces” to encourage the use of “green”  transportation (street legal golf carts )on the island. The team has developed a plan and
presented it to the SRIA, with initial approval, and the next step will be speaking directly to the respective businesses for implementation. If you are a business owner and know a place to put green parking spaces without losing any  existing parking, please contact Jay Baynes at jbaynes@pridjiwf.com.  Trolleys are one of the biggest issues that the team is focusing on. The Trolleys will be addressed at the February 22nd at 5pm meeting.  The ATP Beachkeepers will be making recommendations and your input is requested!  The SRIA has approved the addition of “Tiki Hut” style markers at each Trolley stop for easy identification!

Recycling and Litter Beachkeepers  will be hosting a Pensacola Beach RECYCLEMANIA DAY on Saturday, March 31st 8am-12noon at Casino Beach.  The day includes: FREE paper shredding from Gilmore
Services, up to 50 pounds, a Flea Market/Island-style Yard Sale where individuals may bring household items to sell from 8-12noon. ECUA will be on hand to provide information on FREE recycling programs.  Goodwill will
have a truck to accept your donated items. You can donate what you don’t sell at the end of the sale, or if you don’t want to participate in the yard sale, just bring your items to donate!  Yard sale “space” is FREE to PBA members, and only $20. for non members.  To reserve your space and register, go to www.pbadvocates.org, stop by the Pensacola Beach Visitors Information Center, or pick up an Island Times for a registration form.  Space is limited, first come,  first served! Beachkeepers is still accepting sponsors ($100) and volunteers for this event. Thank you to Pensacola Beach Women’s Club and the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring!  Get involved and get your company noticed!  The future plan is to have a Spring Recyclemania Day and a Fall Recyclemania Day every year!
For additional info and to volunteer for RECYCLEMANIA Day contact Lois Hausman at loishausman@mchsi.com.

Beachkeepers at Large:  There is a plan in the works to create an “in-room information/education table top card” that would be distributed in area hotel rooms and rental properties on the island. This piece would be a collaborative effort among all Beachkeeper teams educating visitors to Pensacola Beach on Turtle nest protection and compliance, Dune protection,(why it’s important to stay off the dunes and sea oats) a Trolley schedule, map of bike racks and paths, pedestrian walkways, etc. and where to recycle on the beach (no glass, use recycle bins at walkovers, etc.)

Beachkeepers needs your help! Turn your passion into something positive for our Island…Join Beachkeepers and Volunteer in 2012 for the Beachkeeper team of your choice.  For general Beachkeeper information please contact JJ Waters at jjwaters101@gmail.com.

PBA Beachkeepers promotes positive actions to sustain the unique natural assets of Santa Rosa Island, including beach and dune preservation, protection of our flora and fauna, recycling, and responsible recreational use. 

We are committed to working with area businesses, community groups, and neighbors to improve the place we live in and do business by implementing environmental projects that benefit our community socially and
economically. 

These goals will be accomplished through education, community involvement and partnering with other organizations.

Update: At the December 14th meeting of the Architectural and Development Committee of the SRIA, it was voted on to remove this agenda item from agenda as all of the board members were opposed to making any changes to the 50% Rule.

December 7th Article

Most of you are familiar with the “50% Rule” on Pensacola Beach.  If a home is damaged in a storm and needs substantial repairs, the SRIA will compare the cost of such repairs to restore the home to its prior condition to the market value of the structure.  If the repair costs exceed 50% of the market value, then the home must be brought into compliance with the SRIA’s flood elevation requirements, which often means the home will need to be torn down and rebuilt on pilings. (Note – homes that are elevated and comply with the flood elevation requirements are not subject to the 50% Rule.)

The current SRIA 50% Rule for Substantial Damage has no specified time period for the 50%, but in practice the SRIA has looked at the cumulative costs of substantial damage over a 5 year period.  (This is consistent with many other Florida counties or cities that have similar 50% rules with a cumulative period of 5 or 10 years.) This means if there were two hurricanes in a 5 year period, and cumulative substantial damages were over 50%, a home would have to be brought into compliance with the SRIA flood elevation requirements.  After 5 years of no storms, the cumulative percentage is reset at zero.

However, the SRIA is considering an amendment to the rule that would make the calculation of costs cumulative over the lifetime of the home.  This means if there were 4 hurricanes over a span of, say 40 years, and the cumulative costs exceeded 50% of the market value, the home may have to be torn down and rebuilt to comply with the flood elevation standards.  Also, since the costs are cumulative over the life of the building, if a home with a cumulative total of 46% is sold, the new buyer of the home may have to rebuild the home if the incurred damages of only 5% from a storm.

Paolo Ghio of the SRIA said that such a change to the 50% Rule should help all Pensacola Beach residences attain more favorable flood insurance rates.

This issue will be discussed at 5:00 pm the December 14^th SRIA Committee meeting . All regularly scheduled meetings of the Santa Rosa Island Authority begin at 5 p.m. and are held in the Authority’s meeting room, 1 Via de Luna.

The PBA  encourages  you to discuss this issue with your neighbors and to attend the Dec 14^th meeting to let your opinion be heard. You are also welcome to e-mail the PBA with your comments at info@pbadvocates.org. Your  your comments will be given to the SRIA.

Read the 50% Rule and the proposed changes.