Island Times ArticlesPBA UPDATES
July 11, 2024 Issue - By Rhonda Dorfman, PBA Board President Odds are if you are reading the Island Times this time of year you are our guest at the beach during the busiest two weeks of the year. As residents we know this and plan accordingly. We love these two weeks and we hate these two weeks. Restaurants are crowded, traffic atrocious and the beaches are packed. Even the grocery stores run out of basics, but we are glad you are here. You are a major contributor to our tax base and for that we are grateful. Our businesses love you, too. Even the residents do not mind as long as you follow a few basic rules. Now, I know that you have saved your vacation time and your paycheck for this occasion, but I feel compelled to remind you of some basic beach etiquette. If you are renting a home in our residential areas, please be mindful of the noise ordinance (no loud pool parties or loud music after 10 p.m.). Please do not park illegally and check for no parking signs. Parking is only allowed on one side of the street even if it is a two-way road. Remember during Covid when you were asked to leave 6 feet between you and another person. Well, that etiquette still applies unless you’re watching the Blue Angels show. There’s no need to plop your stuff directly on top of another visitor. The early bird catches the worm, and if you get here late, you’ll have to walk further to find your own little piece of paradise and park further away, too. “I’m just gonna run back to the car and get something.” Don’t forget those shoes! The boardwalk, asphalt, concrete are all very, very, very, very hot; even if you only plan on running out and running back. The sandspurs could get you, too. Put some shoes on, man! Don’t bring your dog to the beach when it’s 100°. It feels 120° to them. Even just jumping out of the car and waiting for you to get your stuff together burns their paws. Of course, you know the next one: Dogs are only allowed in the designated dog parks, but many private restaurants allow you to bring them with you. Ask for a Don’t run through the dunes. They are our flood protection. Red lights at night, fill in your holes, leave no trace, you hauled it in…haul it back out and please pick up your trash. Our turtles and birds are nesting and all of the above are harmful or disorienting. All of our beaches are open to the public, even the beach behind the house you rented. Visitors may use all of the beaches, but you can’t walk through private property to get there. Please use the public access points. Overnight camping on our beaches is not allowed, nor is driving on the beach, nor campfires. These are just some of the rules and regulations we would like you to know while you are visiting our beautiful beaches. We hope you have a wonderful vacation! While I normally only want to hear from our residents, I’d be curious to know why you keep coming back to our beautiful beaches. Email me at info@PBAdvocates.org. If you are a resident who is new to the beach, and you are experiencing your first two crazy weeks in July, join our organization at PBAdvocates.org. Click here to go back to the top of this page
Summer 2024 is upon us at this beautiful place that God has given us! When last I wrote here in January, the SRIA was just starting with its search for a new Executive Director, who is now in place. Congratulations Mike Burns! You are getting acclimated to the job in the midst of a booming season with record numbers of visitors. Which leads me into my topic here today – Short-Term Rentals (STRs). Anyone who has spent even a little bit of time on this island paradise knows which houses are STRs – you can't miss them because of the advertising signs out in front of each one. And there are a bunch! If you live close to one, I feel for you. If you live near several of them, I really feel for you. An STR is not necessarily problematic. However, there are some that are “hometels” rather than homes, and these are problematic because of the large Obviously, not all STRs are “hometels,” but those that are create such an indelible impact that virtually everyone who lives next to one hates them all. What's even more troubling is there are more such “hometels” under construction since there seems to be almost no regulation of them. All STRs have this in common: an increased impact to our treasured Beach. Due to their short-term nature, each brings far more activity than a normal My point here is that all STRs cause extra impact to the Beach infrastructure. However, the SRIA decided to not enforce the required 5% lease fee for such STR income generated, claiming it is too hard to enforce. (* see SRIA policy below) This amounts to an extra 5% bonus income to such leaseholders, which is a massive incentive for more of this activity. No wonder it has increased so much! The hotels and motels have to pay this 5% lease fee to SRIA for short-term rentals in their buildings. Fair? In a future article, I will address the dollar amounts of these STRs and the additional lease fees that the SRIA should be collecting on them, which would Does this concern you? Please consider joining PBA; membership is $30 per year. Go to PBAdvocates.org to join or renew. Together, we can make the Beach a better community for residents and businesses alike. [Santa Rosa Island Authority Policy: Waiver of Residential Income Reporting. Original Residential Income Reporting Policy Adopted 2/10/1999; Amended to Waive Residential Income Reporting Policy 10/25/2023: The majority of the residential condominium leases and many of the single-family leases require reporting and payment of percentage fees on rental income received as a result of renting the individual units to a third party. Effective upon adoption of this policy the requirement for reporting and payment of percentage fees on third party rentals will be waived.] Click here to go back to the top of this page
The Story of the Traveling Sea Turtle Tiara… For the past three years a queen has been announced at the Sea Turtle Baby Shower held annually on Pensacola Beach. (Names are entered into the Queen’s drawing for a $5 donation.) The proceeds have benefited the Navarre Beach Sea We are very fortunate to have such a devoted group of individuals dedicated to Sweet Pea, the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center resident non-releasable sea turtle, and to their conservation that benefits sea turtles and marine and coastal ecosystems. This year our event was canceled due to flash flooding, but we were still able to raise $250 for the organization. Unfortunately, we were unable to announce a winner publicly. PBA has decided to allow the Sea Turtle Tiara to continue its journey of giving and raising awareness by extending the fundraiser, and donating those proceeds to an additional non-profit that educates and promotes sea turtle safety awareness… the newly formed Gulf Coast Turtle Watch. In fact the founders work closely with members of the Escambia County Sea Turtle Patrol who rise early searching for tracks and possible nests then marking them to identify and protect them until they hatch in approximately 60 days. They are also instrumental when turtles need to be rescued. We have already had more turtle rescues from the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier this year than in last year’s entire season. Funds raised from the Sea Turtle Tiara raffle donations will be used to help purchase a transport vehicle for injured sea turtles who have to be rescued. If you would like to see the tiara you can view it at Bands on the Beach every other Tuesday. Better yet if you’d like to make a donation of $5 to the Gulf Coast Turtle Watch, you can register to win the opportunity to be the 2024-2025 Sea Turtle Queen and wear the crown! The crown will also be on view at The Islander Lounge for a Gulf Coast Turtle Watch fundraiser on June 21 at 6 p.m. Pensacola Beach Advocates will announce the winner the first week in August. You have plenty of time to view the tiara and donate! Check out the Gulf Coast The Pensacola Beach Advocates are proud to partner with organizations like this. Join our group today and help us protect our beach for tomorrow! Membership info is at www.PBAdvocates.org. Click here to go back to the top of this page
Hey beach friends and visitors! School is officially over and summer is here regardless of what our calendar says. Escambia County experienced growth this Recently ECAT (Escambia County Area Transit) announced that the Beach Jumper, which starts at NAS Pensacola and rolls through downtown with a stop at Jefferson and Garden and ends on Casino Beach will be free on Fridays from 2:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sundays from 10:15 a.m. until 9:05 p.m. This is wonderful news for those who want to come to the beach, and not hassle with parking. I think they should also make Route 61 to Pensacola Beach free everday, all summer as well. This could help attract workers for our busy hospitality industry out on the beach. While ECAT is making accommodations for beachgoers I will ask ECAT…for the third time…to make sure all bus stops have seating and shade for Route 61 riders. Our workforce on the beach stand most of the day and the least you can do for them is to provide seating and shade while they wait. Real time tracking is also available for riders. Info can Instead of spending tourism tax money marketing on our already crowded beaches (deputies estimate 126,000 people visit our beach on any beautiful weekend day) let’s spend some money marketing our free transportation that ECAT is providing on weekends. Let’s also figure out how the Bay ferry system can work for Escambia residents by offering a season passport and reduced costs for residents and visitors staying downtown. This is just another example of how all of our government agencies need to work together to improve the quality of life for all residents in Escambia County. The The beach is in County Commission District 4 and has zero representation right now. The District 4 appointment to Santa Rosa Island Authority is also open. Meanwhile, county and SRIA budgets are being finalized and capital projects prioritized. Thank goodness we have our SRIA elected official, Jeremy Johnson. The residents of the beach and throughout the county need to demand more in services and accountability from our government. I can only imagine that the people who moved here, expect a certain quality of life. Well, I hope they are not disappointed. Last but not least, as 126,000 people pour onto the beach daily every weekend, remember what our sheriff’s deputies said, “Behave on our Beaches!” I like that Click here to go back to the top of this page
June 1 is almost here. PBA and our co-sponsors are super excited about our Sea Turtle Baby Shower taking place that morning rain or shine from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gulfside Pavilion. It’s free family fun! We have all types of new exhibitors this year in addition to all your favorites. New this year will be Turtle Tuesdays of Innisfree, the Pensacola Beach Elementary School Lemonade Stand, performances by The Ukuladies and First Dance Ballroom Studio, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, Sail Pensacola, Gulf Coast Turtle Watch, Ocean Strike Team and USCG Auxiliary. We will also have several It’s turtle go time and guaranteed fun for families and children of all ages. We know that many of our beach residents understand about the “do’s and don’ts of nesting season” on the beach, but day visitors and our out-of-town guests don’t. Thousands of individuals come to the beach everyday and we need to stress the importance of our barrier island, a healthy Gulf of Mexico and how to care for our beach ecosystem. This year we are still trying to get the word out about red lights at night and “lights out for our sea turtles.” Cade Boyd of RedTurtleLight.com has donated red flashlights for demonstration. Come to the PBA table to see how you can win one! The beach is more than just a pretty place, and speaking of pretty, you know you want to be the 2024 Sea Turtle Queen. The crown is beautiful, the title is honorary, and you get your own convertible in the Surfing Santa Christmas Parade. Most importantly, a $5 contribution to the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center registers you for a drawing and you can enter as often as you like. Scan the VENMO code below to donate and register. The winner will be announced at 11:45 a.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion. The last entry will be sold at 11:40 a.m., but come early because the shower begins at 9 a.m. and the Sea Turtle Oath is at 9:30 a.m. All children who participate will receive crayons and an activity booklet to get stamped as they visit the exhibitors. While supplies last, turtle treats will be given to those who get 5 or more stamps. Turtles, tiaras and treats! Even if it rains the show will go on. We will set up inside at UFO’s Mini Golf. I can’t wait, and want to thank our co-sponsors, Island Times, the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, SRIA, and UFO’s. PBA is still looking for a few good men and women to volunteer. To volunteer or join PBA send me a note at info@PBAdvocates.org. See you at the Sea Turtle Baby Shower! Click here to go back to the top of this page
Hola Island Times Readers, Here are a couple of dates to mark on the calendar! Saturday, June 1 It’s a Sea Turtle Baby Shower for everyone: young, old, locals and visitors. Kids wake up early so bring them out to Casino Beach from 9 a.m. until noon for the Sea Turtle Baby Shower. This is one of those load-upthe-car with the kids for one of the first days of summer and head to Pensacola Beach for this free family event. Grandparents call the children and tell them June 1 is a good day to visit because there’s lots of fun happenings all over town. The event has hands-on We will also have organizations like Healthy Gulf demonstrating how important it is to keep our waters and oceans clean for marine life and humans. They will teach you about the endangered Rice’s Whale that maneuvers through the Gulf. Audubon Society will teach you about birds and nesting shorebirds. The Pensacola Mess Hall will be here with some science, math, and hands on learning fun! Molly the Mermaid will be greeting kids and telling tales of a tiny little sea turtle she met making its way in life under the sea. The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center will be sharing turtally terrific facts, and selling some In fact, Molly the Mermaid is not the only one spreading marine magic. You could be crowned the 2024 Sea Turtle Queen. Each $5 donation, which goes to the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, will earn you one chance to win the title. Use this QR Code to donate and enter. The drawing takes place at 11:30 a.m. at the shower. You do not have to be present to win. The winner will Speaking of royalty and magic, First Dance ballroom will be entertaining us with some friendly dance moves, and The Ukuladies will be serenading you as well. All of this is after you have taken the Sea Turtle Oath with our very own Shelley There is a charm for those who take the oath, activity booklets and turtle treats to all who visit the exhibitors and learn… while having a blast at the beach. Other exhibitors like Ocean Hour will share their secrets about keeping our beaches and neighborhoods clean. Learn about Sea Turtle patrol with the Escambia Natural Resource Division volunteers, and agricultural and life skills with 4-H. Get your activity booklet stamped as you visit all of the exhibitors and start summer off with a song and a dance with the sounds of Boogie Inc. Summer fun is almost here, and if it happens to rain, the turtle baby shower moves inside to the Tiki Island Family Golf building located at 2 Via de Luna next to Crab’s. Rain or shine it’ll be fine. Bring your friends, family, and guests out to the free Sea Turtle Baby Shower. If you would like to volunteer, email info@PBAdvocates.org. Better yet join PBA today and help us advocate for the lifestyle you want at the beach. Monday, August 5 Let’s jump to the end of summer. On Monday, August 5, at 6 p.m. PBA will be hosting a public forum for candidates at the Beach Church. Similar to the last one we hosted, Escambia D4 commission candidates and other local candidates Now, I don’t think this is going to be as much fun as the Sea Turtle Baby Shower, but it is just as important! See you there. Click here to go back to the top of this page
Senate Bill 280 is a bill which recently passed in the 2024 Florida legislative session. It regulates short term rentals and is awaiting signature by the Governor. Its fate may already have been decided by the time you read this, but the debate will still be raging so here are my thoughts: Regulation Whether you are an owner, vacationer or resident, the short term rental industry needs to be regulated. Many who rent their homes believe it is regulated, efficiently and sufficiently. If you live next to one you probably believe more regulation is needed. Pensacola Beach Advocates finally said “yes” to this state legislation, even though we would prefer for Escambia County to have as much authority as they could possibly have to regulate and limit where these homes are allowed to operate. Is it a business? Ron and Ashley need to have a conversation. They need to have a conversation about an industry that generates $387 million in tax revenue for the state….but it’s not a business. They need to have a discussion about whether or not, this is a business, which in 2013, Attorney General Ashley Moody said was not a business. It sure looks like a business, walks like a business, and acts like a business. Local Control Now the Governor is saying, perhaps it should be decided as a local matter. Well, we’ve been telling him that for the last five years. There are many reasons why some cities and towns opposed this legislation, but it’s not what you think. Local municipalities opposed this bill because they felt The State of Florida needs to let each community decide whether it wants to allow short-term rentals in low density, residential neighborhoods or any neighborhood at all. States all over the country prohibit short term rentals Counties like Escambia, that do not have regulations in place, should welcome this bill. Dollars and Sense If short term rentals are such a cash cow for the state, then every community would want to have them everywhere. Some counties and municipalities enacted policies that allow them to collect fees, so they could offset the cost If local jurisdictions were allowed to regulate the industry, they could adjust the oversight to suit their specific community. If the regulation hurts their local Rights I support being able to do what you want with your property, but when it infringes on my right to enjoy my property, you have violated my rights. Last time I checked, I still had a few. Click here to go back to the top of this page
Save the date! I’m fast forwarding to the first Saturday in June when school is out and it’s summertime because it’s the date for the Sea Turtle Baby Shower on We love putting on the Sea Turtle Baby Shower because it highlights one of the great inexplicable phenomena of the animal kingdom. How in the world these At the PBA Sea Turtle Baby Shower not only will you learn about the nesting habits of sea turtles you will also learn how we can protect the nests and cut The event supports the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center (NBSTCC). Want to be the 2024 Sea Turtle Queen? When you donate $5 to the NBSTCC you are entered to win a beautiful Sea Turtle tiara and earn a chance to become the Who may enter to win this beautiful Sea Turtle tiara? Anyone! All ages welcome. If your organization would like to be an exhibitor or you’d like to volunteer, please let us know. You may contact me at 661-496-4573 or email info@ Please consider joining PBA today and help preserve our beach for tomorrow. Go online to www.PBAdvocates.org. Click here to go back to the top of this page
Part II Help Wanted: Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) Executive Director Dear SRIA Board Members and Strategic Government Resources, As you begin your search for a new Executive Director I would like to suggest you look for an individual with the following qualifications:
If you would like to discuss this personally or ask residents what we need, please contact me at info@PBAdvocates.org. You and everyone else are invited to join PBA today at PBAdvocates.org Click here to go back to the top of this page
Pensacola Beach Advocates (PBA) had attendees at the February 14 Santa Rosa Island Authority Committee meetings, and additionally two PBA board members had submitted emails to the committees prior to the start of the meeting. The 'topic of the day" was in connection with a business plan which included a sublease to allow a company "to operate a golf cart rental business on leasehold property." Frankly, upon my review of SRIA's backup agenda, I immediately became very concerned about the concept of having an additional "30-40 carts running on the island." My concern was shared by several others including the aforementoined PBA board members who submitted the emails as well as a Pensacola Beach resident who eloquently argued against the concept (not surprisingly, all who took action were full-time Pensacola Beach residents). After the meeting I headed back to my home in Villa Sabine and pondered the subject for a couple of more hours. At some point during that period, I believe I experienced a "moment of clarity." The SRIA Development and Leasing Committee had granted approval for a "master leaseholder" to sublease to a "sublessee" (nothing more and nothing less). For my own edification I took it upon myself to check the "standing" of both parties on sunbiz.org and was happy to see that both are in "good standing" with the state of Florida. I then did some introspective thinking to try to specifically identify "reasons for worry" (if any). I believe there is little doubt that "30-40 carts running on the island" would exacerbate our already extreme problem with traffic flow (especially with the traffic we experience during our major summer events). Furthermore, the "sublessee" described their carts as "Brand New 2024 Luxury Street Legal Golf Carts" (the description alone makes me think of Corvette as opposed to Camry). And believe or not, from time to time our cherished visitors will "over imbibe" and the Corvette option could create a more dangerous scenario due to power and speed (to be fair, however, the "sublessee" has some pretty impressive safety credentials). Here is the "lightbulb moment," however. Beach residents (whether PBA members or not) can continue to share their concerns with the SRIA staff and board members as far as how the business will operate on the island. From a rather quick bit of research, it appears that much of the operation will be governed by existing state of Florida statutes. Additionally, while I have not had a chance to familiarize myself with any laws/rules that would be enforced by our local law enforcement, I can envision a scenario under which SRIA could create (and add to policy) its own rules regarding golf carts (of all types) on the island. So plan to come to the SRIA regular board meeting on February 28 and "weigh in" on the subject (this can be done during the Visitor's Forum part of the meeting). This is but one example of how PBA strives to help make Pensacola Beach the wonderful place that we all love. If you are interested in joining PBA, please visit our website at PBAdvocates.org. Click here to go back to the top of this page
February 8, 2024 Issue - By Rhonda Dorfman, PBA Board President Help Wanted: 2 vacancies 1. District 4 County Commissioner These two individuals must work together as needed to solve problems as they arise in the management of Pensacola Beach. Both individuals need to be responsive to the residents and businesses who reside within this district and listen to their points of view. Part I 1. A "fire in the belly" want and need to serve the public good. To Be Continued....Part II Help Wanted - SRIA Executive Director Join PBA today at PBAdvocates.org! Make a difference! Click here to go back to the top of this page
January 25, 2024 Issue - By Arthur Leary, PBA Board Treasurer Brrrr! As I am writing, we have just experienced the coldest night in recent memory. I guess it's appropriate with the Snowbird Beach Bash coming up in a few hours. I just wish the Snowbirds hadn't brought that Northern weather here. Well, at least it's not snowing and this freezing weather was only for a night, so I'm very thankful. What a blessing it is to be at Pensacola Beach! Pensacola Beach is a special and unique place for which we should be extremely thankful. We must understand that we are stewards of this beautiful creation God has given us. Too many look to the Beach for what they can get from it, whether it's enjoyment, a party place or making big money. Sure, we should be able to enjoy this great Beach, have fun and generate income, too (we all have to pay our bills). But there are a good number who contribute much to its care, and some who give far more to the Beach than they take. That was a primary reason for establishing Pensacola Beach Advocates (PBA). Whether to visit or to reside, people come to the Beach for its beautiful attributes. It has grown tremendously since I first came here in 1972, and I'm not sure how much more growth it can handle. Certainly, that growth could have been managed better, and undoubtedly, any future growth must be managed by those with a firm grasp of good stewardship rather than those with only government experience. The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) was created to manage growth on Pensacola Beach. Beach residents and businesses should be more cognizant of SRIA operations. As some of you are aware, SRIA Executive Director Leigh Davis has decided not to renew her contract when it expires in April. Thus, the SRIA is seeking its next Executive Director. I sincerely hope they do not use the same search firm as before. In my humble opinion, that firm used poor criteria in its search process. The largest flaw was selecting to interview only applicants working in local government, and excluding anyone with business or military experience. The claim was only those with local government experience can lead a local government entity. That's too much thinking inside a very small box when thinking outside the box is needed. Government experience is not that valuable, any good manager can learn all necessary government procedures in short time. Ah, but that makes too much sense. Please consider joining PBA; membership is $30 per year. Go to PBAdvocates.org to join or renew. Together, we can make the Beach a better community for residents and businesses alike. Click here to go back to the top of this page
Happy January Island Times readers! I hope that whatever brought you here to beautiful Pensacola Beach, we have far exceeded your expectations. If you're visiting for the first time, returning as a Snowbird, or enjoying your first winter as a homesteading leaseholder, we know we are blessed to be on Pensacola Beach. My New Year's resolution is to enjoy the beach more and to be a better volunteer for the organizations that I serve. At the top of my New Year's resolution for Pensacola Beach Advocates (PBA) would be to grow our organization so that every homesteading leaseholder, every beach household, and every business on the beach becomes a member. My next New Year's resolution is to create an ad hoc committee to review the statute which authorized the creation of the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA). With a little tweaking, I believe the SRIA could become incredibly more effective for both leaseholders and businesses on the beach. For example, appointed SRIA board members need to be more accountable to beach residents and the only way to do that is to change the way they are appointed. No more boutique hotels in our neighborhoods. The SRIA has the authority to stop it, but they won't. Beach residents and businesses have the power to envision what our beach should be. We should not leave it up to the absentee business owners, who neither live, vote, nor spend their profits here to determine the future of our island. As a visitor you may wonder what does this have to do with you? You obviously visit us because you like us. As advocates we want the beach to be as enjoyable for residents as it is for our visitors. Our fragile ecosystem cannot sustain unmanaged future growth and we need everyone who has vested interests in the beach to join our organization. I am hopeful for 2024. I do see some initiatives in the upcoming SRIA budget that will benefit residents and visitors alike. I am confident that residents will be heard, however, I have a few ideas that would make things a little more efficient and secure for the future of our beach. Please make PBA a priority for you this year. Check out our website for membership details. Membership is only $30 per year and you can go to PBAdvocates.org to join or renew. Click on the membership tab and you can either join online or follow the directions to mail in your check. Either way, join today! Let's make the beach a better community for its residents and businesses alike. | Island Times Issue Dates - Click on a date to read the PBA UPDATES article in that issue. July 11, 2024 by Rhonda Dorfman, PBA Board President June 27, 2024 by Arthur Leary, PBA Board Treasurer June 13, 2024 by Rhonda Dorfman, PBA Board President May 30, 2024 by Rhonda Dorfman, PBA Board President May 16, 2024 by Rhonda Dorfman, PBA Board President April 18, 2024 by Rhonda Dorfman, PBA Board President April 4, 2024 by Rhonda Dorfman, PBA Board President March 21, 2024 by Rhonda Dorfman, PBA Board President March 7, 2024 by Rhonda Dorfman, PBA Board President February 22, 2024 by Greg Hodges, PBA Board February 8, 2024 by Rhonda Dorfman, PBA Board President January 25, 2024 by Arthur Leary, PBA Board Treasurer |
Our line-up of hands-on education goes all morning, so come listen to the sounds of Boogie Inc. and bring the family out for a turtally awesome time.