City employees serve up lunch for Hurricane Michael victims and volunteers

City of Pensacola first responders are dedicated to helping others and this week, they went above and beyond to help people affected by Hurricane Michael in Panama City.

Pensacola Police officers and Pensacola firefighters have been in the devastated area since the day after the storm hit, helping in the relief effort by providing emergency response services. They took on an additional task October 23 and served lunch for storm victims and volunteers.

Pensacola Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 707 provided their two smokers. Pensacola firefighters and police officers barbecued more than 200 pounds of ribs and chicken, feeding 125 people.

City of Pensacola employees continue to help in the relief effort.

This week, Pensacola Fire Chief Ginny Cranor visited fire departments affected by Michael to speak with other chiefs to find out what kind of support they need now. Cranor said based on her conversations, volunteers will be critical in the coming months.

"This entire section of the panhandle will need strong backs and financial support, as well as a friendly face that may be able to just listen," Cranor said.

Pensacola Police Chief Tommi Lyter said he still has officers commuting back and forth to work with Gulf Power in the areas still without electricity.

Pensacola Energy has several employees working with natural gas companies in the affected areas.

Pensacola Fire sent a fire inspector to Panama City last week, who has since returned. Cranor said the fire inspector conducted 52 inspections at fire houses in a three-day span.

If you would like to help out in the hurricane relief effort, visit volunteerflorida.org.

Chappie James Museum holds open house on October 27

The Chappie James Museum is hosting an open house on Saturday, October 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum is looking for volunteers and candidates for board membership.

The museum depends on volunteers on a daily basis. Volunteers serve in a variety of roles like monitoring exhibit galleries, interacting with the public, promoting the museum’s membership and providing information at the main entrance.

The Chappie James Museum opened to the public in June 2018 at the childhood home of Daniel "Chappie" James. James was the first African American four-star general in the U.S. Airforce.

The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's located at at 1608 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Pensacola.

For information on volunteer opportunities visit chappiejamesmuseum.org.

Last call to enter an application for the Pensacola Neighborhood Challenge Grant Program

The Pensacola Neighborhood Challenge (PNC) grant program, previously known as PCIP, is a matching grant program which provides City of Pensacola Neighborhood Associations with funding to complete neighborhood improvement projects.

Funds can be used for various neighborhood initiatives including beautification projects, signage, sidewalks, or other improvements to public property. Funds can be matched by cash, in-kind contributions, volunteer labor, or any combination of the three.

The Grant Application Cycle will close 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

Applications for the matching grant program will be available on the City of Pensacola website during the grant cycle.

For further information, you may go to our website or contact Leslie Statler, Planning Services, via email to lstatler@cityofpensacola.com or via phone at 435-1670.

Bill Gregory Park Regional Stormwater
Treatment Facility Ribbon Cutting set for November 2

Mayor Ashton Hayward and the City of Pensacola invite you to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bill Gregory Park Regional Stormwater Treatment Facility on Friday, November 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

In December 2014, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) awarded more than $11 million from its Gulf Environment Benefit Fund to fund a series of six stormwater treatment and stream restoration projects designed to aid in the restoration of Bayou Chico. The Bill Gregory Park Regional Stormwater Treatment Facility is one of the six projects and features a two-tier treatment train system which will remove debris and contaminants from previously untreated stormwater runoff from 37 acres of highly-populated subdivisions and businesses before it enters into Bayou Chico. The ecologically-enhanced detention pond is 2.5 acres and is now home to a variety of plants, birds, and other aquatic animal species.

The improvements also benefit the surrounding community by encouraging active lifestyles, promoting environmental and conservation awareness, and offering equitable access to quality parks and public space. Bill Gregory Park located at 150 North W Street, spans 5.9 acres and features two youth baseball fields and a concession stand utilized by parent-led youth baseball leagues. Incorporated upgrades and additional elements and amenities include enhanced LED lighting, walking paths, a boardwalk, sitting benches, extensive landscaping, parking and passive reflection areas.

City to host Trunk or Treat event on Halloween night

Put on your costumes and grab your candy bags, it is time to trick or treat!

The Fricker Resource Center will host its annual Trunk or Treat event on Wednesday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m.

Join the free Halloween extravaganza filled with candy, games, and fun for ages 3-13.

Pensacola Parks and Recreation will be serving up hot dogs.

Costumes are encouraged but not required. Candy and prizes available while supplies last.

The Fricker Resource Center is located at 900 N F Street.

There’s still time to enter our photo contest

The City of Pensacola is celebrating Florida City Government Week with a photo contest. Amateur and professional photographers of all ages are invited to enter their best images celebrating “My City: I’m Part of It, I’m Proud of It” between now and October 28. Entering is easy and free, and is done through Facebook.

The mission of this contest is to celebrate Pensacola and to showcase its residents and community pride. All photos must be taken within Pensacola city limits. Photos will be voted on by social media users (limitations in place) once uploaded.

This year's prize pack includes a copy of "Upside: An Aerial Perspective of Pensacola, Florida," an official Pensacola mug and a package of Pensacola Police Department's new coffee "Midnight Shift." The winning photo will also be featured in City Hall.

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Save the date: Bruce Beach ribbon cutting is November 3

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Photo Credit: @explorepensacola