Rick's Blog

Florida lawmakers rewrote DeSantis’ property tax plan on Day 1—protecting school budgets, killing the trust fund, and rejecting a $5.5M ad campaign.

Sheriff Simmons: DeSantis’s tax plan could gut law enforcement funding — 92% of his budget is people, not programs. Here’s what it means for Escambia County.

Aviation / Workforce Development ST Engineering, City Announce Five Mayor’s Scholarship Winners from Booker T. Washington Aviation Academy Five graduates from Booker T. Washington High…

Sheriff Simmons caught Orange Beach police dumping a homeless man at the Waterfront Rescue Mission. He didn’t ask to come here—but now Escambia pays the cost.

Two vacant library board seats, no agenda action, and no answers. Chair warns delays threaten oversight and transparency. What’s really happening?

As social media continues to shape the daily lives of young people, concerns surrounding mental health, online exploitation, cyberbullying, sleep disruption, and addictive platform design…

DeSantis’ property tax amendment could gut $90M from Escambia schools, sheriff, libraries & city services. The Chamber is watching—but will it speak up?

Melanie Luna resigns as Commissioner Hofberger’s aide amid library hire scandal. The “Mean Girl” texts, backroom deals & policy violations finally catch up.

DeSantis’ property tax amendment would gut Escambia County by $72.9M and Santa Rosa by $49.3M—and counties can’t raise rates to make up the difference.

After 12 years and a trail of failed plans, Pensacola’s Veterans Memorial Park is finally getting a permanent restroom. Mayor Reeves says it’s happening.

Sheriff Simmons accuses Orange Beach PD of dumping a homeless man in Escambia County. Orange Beach says their officer showed compassion. Check out video on FB

Congressman Patronis names Dustin Retherford as Director of Military & Veterans Affairs—luring the Ranger-qualified Army vet away from Mayor D.C. Reeves.

Five Flags Speedway kicks off summer May 29 with a $5 family night—bike races, 30+ bicycle giveaways, trophies, ice cream, and live racing. Legends start here!

Sen. Gaetz demands state probe after FPL crop-dusting helicopter allegedly killed animals and contaminated farms in East Milton. Full story on ricksblog.biz.

August primaries decide Pensacola’s future—and 75% of voters skipped the last one. Plus a UWF Alzheimer’s breakthrough & $9M airport grant. Read now.

Mayor Reeves met with Lumos—the T-Mobile fiber subcontractor creating havoc in Pensacola neighborhoods—and came away with real commitments.

A defense company wants to build an AI data center in Escambia County. Two sites are in play—and one has been waiting a decade for its first tenant.

Palafox reopens to traffic June 1—plus Government, W. Romana & W. Intendencia. Free parking stays through October. July 4 dedication set at Plaza Ferdinand.

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves is drawing a hard line—data centers are NOT part of the city’s economic development model. He won’t support them inside the city.

Downtown Pensacola businesses racked up $101K in tracked sales during Palafox construction. Shoppers refused to let a little disruption stop them.