April 20, 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the BP drilling disaster, a tragic event that devastated the Gulf's ecosystems, harmed countless communities, and highlighted the severe risks of deep-sea drilling. As we reflect on the lasting impact of the disaster, we must call for stronger protections for the Gulf’s resources and advocate for a permanent moratorium on drilling in the Gulf. Furthermore, we must prioritize the aggressive decommissioning of existing fossil fuel infrastructure to ensure the long-term health of the region and its inhabitants.

“While 15 years may seem like a long time, to me and many others directly impacted on the Gulf Coast, it feels like yesterday. I’ve lived on Pensacola Beach, FL since 1984. I’ve survived Hurricanes Opal, Ivan, Dennis, Sally, and countless other storms, but no “storm” was as devastating or as lasting as the BP Oil Spill.” said JJ Waters, environmentalist and clean energy advocate of Sol by Sunna Design. Waters shifted her career to renewable energy due to the spill. 

The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $2 million state grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) through their Local Government Water Supply Pilot Grant program to support the Pensacola Beach 12-inch Resilient Water Main Project. This crucial infrastructure project will enhance water system reliability for Pensacola Beach residents and businesses by providing an alternative distribution main in the event of a failure of the existing water line.

The Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is inviting public feedback on its 2025 Transportation Project Priorities—a list of proposed projects that aim to improve mobility, safety, and connectivity throughout the region.

Explore the Project Priorities and Share Feedback  

• Virtual Open House: www.ecrc.org/FLALPriorities 
• Feedback Survey: https://arcg.is/yfC8a1   

Public Workshop - In-Person or Online 

• Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 
• Time: 10:30 a.m.  
• Location: Pensacola Downtown Library, 239 N Spring St, Pensacola, FL 32502 
• Virtual attendance available: www.ecrc.org/VirtualPublicMeetings 

Santa Rosa Island Authority recently launched a new, content-rich website showcasing the many unique creatures and features of the barrier island. PensacolaBeachEcoTrail.com is an extension of the physical Pensacola Beach Footprints in The Sand Eco Trail, which consists of informative, educational signs posted across the island. An interactive map hosted on the website guides visitors along the trail which stretches from just outside the Gulf Islands National Seashore Fort Pickens gate to Park East - just before the Opal Beach area.