Operation Veteran Home Renovation helps Pensacola homeowner

Mayor Ashton Hayward, Housing Director Marci Whitaker and Councilmembers P.C. Wu and Brian Spencer visit the home of Jimmy Perkins on September 11.

For 50 years, Jimmy Perkins has called the place on West Intendencia Street his home.

He is a Pensacola native, former City councilman and Vietnam veteran.

“I'm blessed to have served this country, this great country," Perkins said. "At the time, that was the way I wanted to serve. I did serve and I'm glad I did."

His home has seen better days though. Exposed wires dangle from his carport, his roof needs repairs and the yard could use some love.

That is about to change.

On Tuesday, a group of people joined forces at his home to announce they will be spending the next several weeks to make improvements on his home.

Operation Veteran Home Renovation is a partnership between Home Depot Foundation, National League of Cities and Purple Heart Homes. The group identifies, funds and repairs aging veteran homes across the country. The group approached the City of Pensacola to find veterans who qualified here. Housing Director Marci Whitaker worked with the group and put them in touch with Perkins.

The group chose to make the announcement on the effort on Tuesday, September 11, since it has become the National Day of Service and Remembrance of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

"Obviously today we're remembering the horrific attack on 9/11 and we want to give back to the veteran community," Mayor Ashton Hayward said during the event. "Today we're giving back to Mr. Perkins who is a veteran and we're helping him take care of his home and get some of the repairs that he needs."

Two other veterans will also see renovations on their homes. Pen Air Credit Union is Operation Veteran Home Renovation's financial partner and will be providing some of the funding. Improvements can include a combination of the following: a ramp, grab bars and railing, a fresh coat of paint, widening doorways, modifying bathrooms for accessibility and clearing yard debris and planting flowers.

Perkins’ home now has a clean yard, but he will also see new flooring and roofing.

"I really appreciate that," Perkins said. "Like my mama used to say, 'There are blessings out there, you just got to wait on them.'"

The projects are expected to be completed by November 11, Veterans Day.

What’s going on at the Pensacola Fire Department?

On Monday, six new Fire Cadets begin their careers with the City of Pensacola Fire Department. The Cadets will be assigned to the Training Officer and begin the EMT portion of the Fire Academy training at the end of October.

(In photo from left to right) Tavarris Wiggins, Albert “AJ” Godwin, Ke’Andre Prim, Christopher Dennis, Ebben Mignott, Robert “Colton” Lewis.

Welcome to the fire service, lads!

Fire Marshal Annie Bloxson announces the arrival of PINK fire helmets. Another color option – coming to a school demo near you!

Congratulations, Pensacola Police Department!

Photo Credit: Heather Salon

KUDOS! New Pensacola restaurant thanks City for help with opening their doors

“People are amazed that we were able to open so quickly but one reason is that the City has been terrifically helpful. At your suggestion we became regulars at the Wednesday morning open houses at City Hall, met with officials and got a lot of useful and practical advice. We feel many people went out of their way to encourage our project and to show us the steps we needed to take. We are enormously grateful for all of the assistance made available by the City.”

-Kingfisher
1500 Barrancas Avenue

If you are interested in opening a new business, the Development Committee meets every Wednesday at 9 a.m. on the 5th floor of City Hall to answer your questions.

FYI: Bayview Senior Center has moved to their temporary home

Bayview Senior Center moved to their temporary home last week at Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W DeSoto Street.

All daytime programming is taking place there while the Bayview Senior Center is under renovation this fall and winter.

Pensacola Senior Games is underway

Pensacola Senior Games started this past weekend and will continue through September 28.

Participants age 50 and better can still register in person at their chosen events. The cost is $10 which includes a t-shirt, their first event ($1 each additional event), and all the medals they can win!

Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to each age group in each event. A closing ceremony complete with food, giveaways, and sponsor booths will be held at the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center from 4 to 6 p.m. on September 23 to celebrate the accomplishments of all participants.

To View the schedule and download registration forms visit playpensacola.com

Movies and music! Parks and Rec has activities for the whole family to enjoy this weekend

The fun starts Friday night when Community Maritime Park turns into an outdoor theater for this month's Hill-Kelly Movies in the Park.

The feature film to be shown is Sherlock Gnomes. Screening begins at 7:00 p.m.

Come hungry because concessions are available from local food trucks! Picnic baskets are welcome too, but no pets or glass containers please.

The Mulligans

Then on Sunday, The Mulligans take the stage at Hunter Amphitheater for our Blues on the Bay concert series.

Concert begins at 6:00 p.m.

Bring your lawn chairs and cooler and come and enjoy some music to wrap up the weekend.

The concert is presented by City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department, Blues Angel Music, Audi Pensacola, Soft Rock 94.1 and Jet 100.7.

INSTAGRAM: Photo of the Week

Be sure to tag us using @cityofpensacola or #upsideofflorida so we see your pic!

Photo Credit: @amycortell