A group photo with the mayor, city administrator, police chief and command team

Pensacola Police Department receives re-accreditation

The Pensacola Police Department has been re-accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. The accreditation process requires an in-depth review of every aspect of the agency’s organization, management, operations, and administration. The process took the police department two years to complete.

The accreditation standards provide norms against which agency performance can be measured and monitored over time. It also serves as a yardstick to measure the effectiveness of the agency’s programs and services. The services provided are defined, and uniformity of service is assured. Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence.

Mayor Grover Robinson, who traveled to St. Augustine Fl. For the accreditation ceremony said “I’m very excited about this. Chief Lyter and his team did a good job and were well commended. I believe the professionalism of the police department is one of the reasons people want to live in the city of Pensacola.”

Chief Tommi Lyter added “The officers of the Pensacola Police Department worked very hard to make sure we were worthy of re-accreditation. They are all professionals, and I am very proud of every single one of them.”

Retirements: Firefighter Tyruan McCastler and Lieutenant Ron McCorvey

February 17, 2019 marked the retirement of a combined 61 years of service to the City of Pensacola Fire Department. Lieutenant Ron McCorvey began his career in 1987 and Firefighter Tyruan McCastler began in 1988.

These gentleman have each seen 30 years of fires and friends, rescues and saves, trying and triumphant times, tremendous loss and true service – at every moment holding the residents and visitors of our town in their hearts.

We cannot begin to thank each of you for the impact you have had on strangers you will never know and firefighters who will remember your mentorship and example. We are forever grateful for your service to our city and our fire department. Enjoy retirement!

Remembrance: Pensacola Firefighter Henry C. Mandel

Pensacola Fire Department Line of Duty Death: Firefighter Henry C. Mandel (began service in 1921)

On February 11, 1943, Pensacola Firefighter Henry C. Mandel was killed in the line of duty. While responding to an alarm on South DeVilliers Street, 52 year old Firefighter Mandel was thrown from his apparatus and died from traumatic injuries. It would be some time before the fire service recognized the unnecessary danger of responding while riding on the tailboard.

Sanitation Services employee receives kudos from citizen

Don't forget! The Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanup is this Saturday

The Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanup Program is a concentrated sweep through a selected neighborhood each month focusing on cleaning up litter and removing abandoned vehicles.

CLICK HERE FOR CLEANUP DAYS

Citizens are encouraged to participate in the mayor's neighborhood clean up, which is organized by sanitation services and fleet management and includes volunteers from Keep Pensacola Beautiful.

The next Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanup day will be on February 23, 2019. This month's cleanup area covers the area from Summit Blvd down to Bayou Texar bridge; Bayou Blvd to include water side east to Scenic Hwy and Scenic Hwy to water.

DO place all materials for collection on the curb by 7 AM on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

Placing debris curbside early may result in a fee for collection.

Bulk items only - no yard waste or garbage please.

The tennis courts at Bayview Park have been resurfaced and are ready for you to come play!

A photo of the repaved tennis courts at Bayview Park

Gull Point Resource Center is back in business

The ribbon has been cut and Gull Point Resource Center is officially reopened!

Group picture in front of Gull Point Resource Center

Mayor Grover Robinson and Parks and Recreation were joined by Councilman P.C. Wu, Councilwoman Ann Hill, Escambia County District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender, the Greater Pensacola Chamber and members of the community for a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, February 19. After the ceremony visitors were treated to cake and tours of the newly renovated facility.

Registration opens Monday, Feb 25 for Session 4 Classes at Gull Point. We offer a variety of fitness classes for adults like body conditioning, cardio kickboxing, yoga and even belly dancing! Plus don’t forget the return of couples dancing with Todd and Jamie! Classes begin March 4.

We have two new classes for seniors age 50-up at Gull Point that will be starting in March.

Exercise with John is a FREE strength and flexibility class offered by Island Doctors and Humana. Classes will be held on Mondays from 12-1 p.m. starting March 4.

Ageless Grace is a FREE class offered to seniors 50-up. These classes consciously choose to change the brain through physical movements similar to playful childhood activities that fire neurons, and developed neural pathways from birth to mid-teens. Classes will be held on Tuesdays 11:45 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. starting March 5 and sponsored by Home Care Solutions.

Congratulations, Fricker Heat on the big win!

Congratulations to our Alpha Elite Basketball 7U Champion Fricker Heat and Runner Up Woodland Thunder! The championship game was held Tuesday, Feb 19th and Fricker Heat pulled out the win for first place.

INSTAGRAM: Photo of the Week

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

Photo Credit: rebekahbydlak