Perdido Key Association, Perdido Key, Florida

Newsletter -

The Perdido Key Dwelling Cap Stands! On October 16, 2008, the Escambia County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to REPEAL Perdido Key Dwelling Cap Removal Ordinance 2007-02E. As Perdido Key Association has always contended, the ordinance did not meet State and Federal requirements and was indefensible. For now, the limit of 7,150 residences and 1,000 hotel rooms remains in place on Perdido Key. There are only 3,811 residences and no hotels existing on the Key today. As the current real estate market does not demonstrate a demand, we expect it will be a few years before Perdido Key is “built out.”

Through the shared effort of the members of the Perdido Key Association, 1000 Friends of Florida and the Florida Dept. of Community Affairs the Commissioners were finally convinced that their Ordinance should be repealed. More work needs to be done before Perdido Key can accommodate the level of development that is presently allowed. Much more work must be done before the existing limits are lifted. Our sincere thanks to all who worked on this issue and supported this successful outcome.

Coming Soon - PKA Membership Survey - Board member Alan Dennis is preparing a survey that will be mailed to all members in the near future. The PKA board wants to be sure that we clearly and effectively represent the opinions of the membership in local issues. Please take the time to complete the survey and return it. As we determine our goals for 2009 and beyond, we need your valued input.

Make yourself heard - If you have a request or problem with Escambia County there is a special place on their website to make yourself heard. LINK

Florida Department of Community Affairs helps Florida's communities meet the challenges of growth, reduce the effects of disasters, and invest in community revitalization.

"Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Meade, Anthropologist

New businesses coming to the Perdido Key area!

A new Target store is nearing completion at the corner of Blue Angel Parkway and Sorrento Road across from the Walmart.

The signs are up and the parking lot is being finished. It will be a welcome addition to the SW Escambia community. A Lowe's Home Improvement store nearby is also in the early stages of being planned. A Whataburger restaurant is being planned for the corner of Bauer Road and Highway 98. The retail center across from the Walmart (by Sonic) is fully occupied. Reliable sources tell us PUBLIX has purchased the vacant Food World property and is going to demolish it and build a new store next year!

New Attitude Salon and Spa has opened in Villagio. Innerarity Hardware is under new ownership and has greatly expanded their inventory and services under the ACE Hardware name. We hear that the Decor Furniture store on the Key is finishing construction and planning to be open by the first of the year. It is also been reported to us that Walgreens has purchased the property across the street from the CVS at Sorrento and Gulf Beach Highway to build a new store, although it is not expected until 2010. We also heard that McDonald's is going to give Burger King some competition soon.

All of this is great news for the community. We won't have to drive so far to shop and the money and jobs stay in our area. If you know of other businesses or services coming to the Perdido Key area, send us an email. We'll be happy to share the news.

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NEWS FLASH!! - The Bicycle Pedestrian Path on River Road is being worked on again. The entire length of the path has been cleared and shaped, a bridge over the wetlands portion has been delivered and some small retaining walls are being built as needed. We are so pleased to see this project progressing again and look forward to publishing photos of residents using the finished path. We believe that PKA's persistence in following the quality control issues and the constant delays in scheduling of this project helped get it finished. Thanks to member Dan Henderson for his dogged efforts on this matter since 2005. PHOTOS

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Perdido Kids Park - There have been a lot of great improvements made this summer at Perdido Kids Park. The restrooms are now finished, sidewalks have been poured, and two picnic pavilions have been installed. They are a favorite for birthday parties. A lovely Nature Walk Trail has been constructed by Eagle Boy Scout Troop 692, and big shade umbrellas for the picnic tables were purchased with funds raised by area school children. The tops of the swing sets have sprouted bird houses and the zinnias planted at the entrance are attracting butterflies. Perdido Kid's Park is a community treasure that everyone should be very proud of. Not a single day goes by that it is not used by area families as a free, fun and imagination inspiring outing. PKA is proud to continue to it's support of the volunteers that built this park and work so hard to keep it up. CLICK FOR PHOTOS