The Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program, in partnership with the University of West Florida’s Haas Center, announces the launch of a community survey developed to determine resident and visitor perceptions, concerns, values and uses of the Pensacola and Perdido watersheds. The survey is anonymous and available at uwf.edu/watershedsurvey until Wednesday, Dec. 23

Since the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Sally, Escambia County residents have received approximately $25.8 million in total federal funds.

Individual Assistance:

2,410 homeowners and renters have been approved for more than $10 million in federal grants through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.
2,308 flood insurance claims have been filed. An estimated $14.3 million has been paid in claims.

Nearly $1.5 million has been approved in low-interest disaster loans for 38 homeowners and renters.

Pensacola Beach’s event calendar runs the gamut from quirky and quaint to powerfully patriotic. The year splashed in with the Polar Bear Plunge and before the goose bumps can go away there is a half marathon. King cakes, wig wearing bushwacker drinking partiers and the wildest pajama party in the world – the Krewe of Nauga’s Champagne Breakfast and Native Noontime Ball are all in January. The Chamber and the SRIA host a bash for snowbirds. Beach Babes saunter across the Shaker stage and Bananimals chefs vie for the title of best chilli cook. The last day of the month pits trivia fans against each other at the Church while the sticky marshmallow filled moonpie is honored at Bamboo Willie’s at the Nereids’ party.