Update On new Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge 11/06/09

Michael Hoyt Williamson · Update On new Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge 11/06/09

As most of you have noticed by now, construction on the new Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge has come to a screeching halt. The last report I heard was that the only thing lacking was the instillation of the seven fish attracting lights. “ And now for the rest of the story”… It looks like the City of Pensacola is backing out of the fishing business. Jim Roberts of News Radio 1620-reported Monday morning that he had talked to both David Flaherty of the city and Keith Wilkins of the county, and both parties were waiting for the other to make a move. November 12th is the next Committee of a Whole meeting with the county. As of to date nothing about the fishing bridge has been placed on the agenda.
During the past month and a half I have talked to four of the five county commissioners. Marie Young (District 3) said the idea of not allowing cars on the bridge is “asinine”. Grover Robison (District 4) said that not allowing cars on the bridge was, “ridiculous”. Kevin White (District 5) said that no way would he ever vote for not allowing cars on the bridge. Wilson Robertson (District 1) said that the bridge was built to have cars on it. He also said that most likely this matter would be resolved at the county staff level and not require going before the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Robertson also went on to say that the county would be looking into doing an RFP for the management of the day-to-day operation of the pier. I have yet to contact Commissioner Gene Valentino for his ideas about the fishing bridge, but I will be tracking him down during the next week.
Speaking with the County Commissioners has been a very positive experience. They all have been down to earth and see things pretty much like the way that I do concerning this matter. I’m fairly certain that Board of County Commissioners will see to it that if this matter comes to a vote that the Pensacola Fishing Bridge will be a drive-on fishing bridge just like the old one.

Michael Hoyt Williamson
mhw60@cox.net
850-572-6342

Pier#r

Thanks for the update

It's good to hear the CCs are behind getting it done RIGHT

Hoping to be a drive on customer in the near future

pop I

RFP??????? I don't know what that means.

stvtackett