0995 947 37 45 THESTYLES.CO [email protected] YEAR IN REVIEW G U L F B R E E Z ES O C I A L M E D I A , FLORIDA FOLLOWERS VISITORS VENDORS AND EXHIBITORS MEDIA ATENDEES
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 02 Letter From the Mayor 03 Meet Your City Council 08 Awards, Recognition, and Services 15 ADMINISTRATION 26 FINANCE 33 PARKS & RECREATION 39 POLICE DEPARTMENT 45 FIRE DEPARTMENT PUBLIC SERVICES 49 Water, Sewer & Wastewater Treatment 54 Streets, Stormwater & Solid Waste 60 Natural Gas 62 COMMUNITY SERVICES 68 TIGER POINT GOLF COURSE 71 CITY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES 72 DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS 73 FREQUENTLY DIALED NUMBERS 75 STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CITY
GULF BREEZE CITY COUNCIL YEAR 2019 Mayor & City Council MISSION STATEMENT \"Gulf Breeze will preserve and enhance its hometown character and natural environment to foster a high quality of family life.\" VALUES INCLUSION COLLABORATION SERVICE ABOVE SELF To describe our daily commitment to public service, our core values are: Inclusion is the attitude, tendency or policy of integrating all people in a society, with the intention that all who are involved shall benefit through their participation and contribution of the process. Collaboration occurs when two or more people working together towards shared goals. Service above Self is showing acts of kindness to complete strangers with the knowledge you will never be recognized, pushing yourself beyond normal boundaries for the betterment of others, making yourself uncomfortable to make others more. The City of Gulf Breeze strives to cultivate a safe, family-friendly community that supports inclusion, collaboration, citizen engagement, transparency, and diversity for all its citizens. Page 1
GGUULLFF BBRREEEEZZEE CCIITTYY CCOOUUNNCCIILL YYEEAARR 22001199 building a resilient community FOCUS ON RESILIENCY Upon taking office early 2019, the new City Council held a planning retreat in January and formed a consensus on the priority of a “Resilient Community”. Building organization resiliency requires a focus on preserving and strengthening policies, internal control measures, and strengthening neighborhoods and community groups in order to best respond to natural disasters and economic and political disruptions. Some efforts had been underway since the recent appointment of our new city manager, city attorney and finance director. The City Council reaffirmed these priorities and has taken legislative action towards resiliency at nearly every meeting by focusing on strengthening policies, practices, neighborhoods and community groups in order to ensure Gulf Breeze is best prepared for the future. THE CITY COUNCIL REAFFIRMED THESE We think that you'll agree that this PRIORITIES AND HAS Annual Year In Review reflects a city on TAKEN LEGISLATIVE the move, with an unprecedented ACTION TOWARDS number of policy and program updates, RESILIENCY AT as well as major plan development and NEARLY EVERY infrastructure improvements, in our MEETING. holistic focus to ensure Gulf Breeze as a resilient community. Page 2
GULF BREEZE CITY COUNCIL YEYAEARR202108198 Mayor Cherry Fitch, 2019-December 2020. Prior to becoming Mayor, Cherry served as on the City Council since 2012. SERVICES TO GULF BREEZE: Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization, Gulf Breeze Rotary Club, Florida League of Mayors, North West Florida League of Cities, Impact 100, Gulf Breeze Will-Do, and Board of Directors for Santa Rosa Educational Foundation. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Naile, Seat B, 2018 to December 2020. Prior to his appointed by Council as Mayor Pro Tem, Councilman Naile served as Councilmember since 2016. SERVICES TO GULF BREEZE: Capital Trust Agency Board of Directors, Fairpoint Regional Utility System, Gulf Breeze Optimist Club, Chairman to the South Santa Rosa Utility System Board of Directors, and Interfaith Disaster Recovery Council. Councilman Randy Hebert, Seat D, 2018 to December 2020. SERVICES TO GULF BREEZE: Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce Board Ex-Officio and Walton/Okaloosa/Santa Rosa Regional Utility Authority. Randy completed the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO) Program in 2019. He is a Citizens Academy Graduate. Councilman Todd Torgersen, Seat C, 2018 to December 2022. SERVICES TO GULF BREEZE: Five Flags Rotary Club, Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Development Advisory Committee for both Santa Rosa County and the City of Gulf Breeze, former President and current board member of Arc Gateway. Completed the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials (IEMO) Program in 2019. Councilman JB Schluter, Seat A, 2018 to Dec 2020. SERVICES TO GULF BREEZE: Previously served as Councilmember from 2006 to 2014. During his tenure, he served as Mayor Pro Tem, on the Development Review Board, Bay Area Resource Council, Advisory Park Board, and Gulf Breeze Sports Association. Currently, he is a member of the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program Policy Board. Page 3
GULF BREEZE CITY COUNCIL YEAR 2019 ANNUAL Legislative GOALS statistics AND Actions HIGHLIGHTS 57 DURING THE JANUARY 19, 2019, PLANNING RETREAT THE NEW COUNCIL COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD DISCUSSED THE CREATION AND ADOPTION OF THE FOLLOWING TO 24 Regular Meetings SUPPORT THEIR GOALS OF A RESILIENT 8 Executive Meetings CITY: 7 Special Meetings 1 Council Retreat COUNCIL-MANAGER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 6 Workshops HANDBOOK, ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER AND POLICIES 9 CRA Meetings AND PROCEDURES 2 SHADE Meetings COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE MASTER PLAN 4200 STRATEGIC PLAN CITY CHARTER REVIEW OVER 4200 PAGES OF AGENDA COUNCILMEMBER APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS REGIONAL DOCUMENTS AND MINUTES REVIEWED BOARDS AND COMMITTEES COUNCILMEMBER APPOINTMENTS TO CITY BOARDS 67 ADOPTION OF AN AMERICAN DISABILITIES RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ACT (ADA) TRANSITION PLAN 15 SOUNDVIEW TRAIL NEIGHBORHOOD ORDINANCES ADOPTED ENHANCEMENT PLAN: THE CITY’S FIRST 16 UNDER ITS NEW NEIGHBORHOOD PROCLAMATIONS DECLARED ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. APPROVAL OF DISASTER RELATED DEBRIS REMOVAL CONTRACT & BID AUTHORIZATION OF A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH SUPERVISION FOR LICENSED DRIVER MONITORING AS A POLICY AND PROCEDURE Page 4
GULF BREEZE CITY COUNCIL YEAR 2019 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 03-2019 THRU 05-2019 – MANAGEMENT STATEWIDE MUTUAL AID CHANGE COMPOSITION OF CITY BOARDS AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE FOR TO REMOVE ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR ASSISTANCE AND FUNDING IN THE INCREASED DELIBERATIONS PRIOR TO EVENT OF A NATURAL DISASTER. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT - ORDINANCE NO. 08-2019 - CHANGE ADVANCED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMPOSITION SOUTH SANTA ROSA SYSTEM UTILITY SYSTEM BOARD REQUEST FOR PROPERTY BY MIDWAY ORDINANCE NO. 09-2019 - AMENDING FIRE DEPARTMENT SECTION 19-302 UPDATING THE POLICY FOR DELINQUENCY AND REFUNDS OF OVERVIEW OF CITYWIDE SEPTIC TANK PAYMENTS ELIMINATION PROGRAM (STEP) ORDINANCE 10-2019 RELATIVE TO OPEN BURNING FEASIBILITY STUDY MAY 6TH WORKSHOP: COUNCIL / PUBLIC/ ORDINANCE 11-2019 – RELATIVE TO STAFF COMMUNICATION METHODS AND STRATEGIC PLANNING REVISIONS TO CITY CHARTER: “FOR THE SEPTEMBER 23RD WORKSHOP: PURCHASE PURPOSE OF REMOVING PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT POLICIES REVIEW AND UPDATES BY THE CITY ATTORNEY AND CONTRACT PROCEDURES AND MODIFICATION OF WASTE COLLECTION INSTEAD ALLOWING FOR ADOPTION OF FRANCHISE AGREEMENT THESE PROCEDURES IN THE CITY’S CODE OF ORDINANCES WHICH CAN BE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME PURSUANT TO STATE LAW, AND TO PROVIDE CLARIFICATIONS TO EXISTING PRACTICES. ADDITIONALLY, CONSIDERATION OF CHANGES TO REMOVE ANTIQUATED ELECTION RULES RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR A WHICH NOW FALL UNDER THE SANTA REGIONAL ADVANCED TRAFFIC ROSA COUNTY INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ATMS) AND A AND STATE LAW. REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ORDINANCE NO. 12-2019 - FORMULA BUSINESS MORATORIUM ORDINANCE MANAGEMENT CENTER ORDINANCE NO. 02-2019 – GOLF CART ORDINANCE 13-2019 – ALLOWING OPERATIONS ON DESIGNATED ELECTRONIC READER BOARD SIGNS AT MUNICIPAL STREETS EDUCATIONAL AND CIVIC FACILITIES Page 5
GULF BREEZE CITY COUNCIL YEAR 2019 ORDINANCE 17-2019 – CREATING RESOLUTION NO. 13-2019 - AMENDING ARTICLE IX TO SUBPART A, CHAPTER 2, THE CITY'S PERSONNEL MANUAL CITY OF GULF BREEZE PROCUREMENT PROVISIONS ON PERSONAL USE OF CITY CODE VEHICLES RESOLUTION NO. 12-2019 - PROVIDING RESOLUTION 20-2019 AUTHORIZATION OF A MAINTENANCE MEMORANDUM OF CLARITY REGARDING REVENUE AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COLLECTIONS FOR THE CITY'S UTILITY PROGRAMS. RESOLUTION 58-2019 ADOPTING PURCHASING POLICY CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & OUTREACH THE CITY COUNCIL SERVES ON VARIOUS COMMUNITY BOARDS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY, INCLUDING: Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization Gulf Breeze Rotary Club Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce Florida League of Mayors North West Florida League of Cities Capital Trust Agency Board of Directors Fairpoint Regional Utility System South Santa Rosa Utility System Board of Directors Interfaith Disaster Recovery Council Tourist Development Advisory Committee Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council Walton-Okaloosa-Santa Rosa Regional Utility Authority Page 6
GULF BREEZE CITY COUNCIL YEAR 2019 ON THE HORIZON UPCOMING PRIORITIES OF THE CITY COUNCIL New Police Department Annex Highway 98 Multimodal Design 399 Overpass Redesign Undergrounding of Utilities Completion of Projects from the 2014 Stormwater Master Plan Update to the 2007 Personnel Policy Manual Northcliffe Neighborhood Enhancement Plan Update to the City’s Impact Fee Policies Regarding Payment Charter Review Committee Volunteer Fire Department Board Re-Composition Designation as an “AARP Age-Friendly Community” Renewal of the City’s Gulf Power Franchise Agreement Page 7
AWARDS, RECOGNITION, AND SERVICES 2019 Year-In Review CITY OF GULF BREEZE Page 8 GULF BREEZE FLORIDA
AWARDS, RECOGNITION, AND SERVICES YEAR 2019 AWARDS, a year's overview RECOGNITION, WHERE AND SERVICES WE ARE NOW TREE CITY USA GOVERNMENT FINANCE Awarded the Tree City USA OFFICERS Certification for the 29th ASSOCIATION Consecutive year. OFFICER OF THE YEAR In October 2019, received the Certificate of excellence of The Gulf Rotary Club awarded Officer Dennis Achievement for Excellence in Youngren Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Financial Reporting for the 17th Honors. consecutive year. MAKING BLUEWAYS HISTORY: TRAILS GBPD'S FIRST CERTIFICATION CRA OFFICER In 2019, the City of Gulf Breeze become In summer of 2019, officially established as a Blueway Officer Youngren Community. See Parks & Recreation for more also became the first details. CRA Officer for the Gulf Breeze Police Department. Page 9
AWARDS, RECOGNITION, AND SERVICES YEAR 2019 Gulf Breeze was listed among Staff's first official participation in the safest 50 cities in Florida the Grillin’ in the Breeze fundraiser according to Security Baron competition. Magazine. Page 10
AWARDS, RECOGNITION, AND SERVICES YEAR 2019 THE GUMBROS! EMPELMOPYLEOEYREEECROEGCNOIGTNIOITNIOPRNOGRAM Chosen by employees organization-wide, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor, Ben Watts, and Senior Customer Service Representative, Michelle Connolly, receive honor and recognition for demonstrating the City's core values of service-above-self, inclusion and collaboration. Page 11
AWARDS, RECOGNITION, AND SERVICES YEAR 2019 PROMOTIONS DILLON TYREE JEREMY MCQUIGG STEVEN MOWERY BRYAN HIX Promoted to Promoted to Promoted to Promoted to Service Worker II Service Worker II Service Worker II Service Worker II ERIC DOMINGUES ALAN DURNIL BRAD ELLIOTT JENA ROBERGE Promoted to Promoted to Promoted to Operations & Promoted to Service Worker II Service Worker II Regulatory Compliance Utility Manager Foreman PUBLIC SERVICES STAFF CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURES DILLON TYREE ROGER JACKSON DANNY HALL BRYAN HIX Water Distribution Cathodic Protection Drinking Water Treatment Water Distribution Level 3 Certification I Tester Plant Operator Class \"A\" Level 3 Certification DANNY HALL Page 12 SCOTT KASPER
AWARDS, RECOGNITION, AND SERVICES YEAR 2019 CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURES CONTINUED... JOHN EDGE ERIC DOMINGUEZ Drinking Water Water Distribution Treatment Plant Level 3 Certification Operator Class \"C\" Backflow Tester Certification WILL BERKLEY ALAN DURNIL Water Distribution Water Distribution Level 3 Certification Level 3 Certification Backflow Tester Certification SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERS City Manager Samantha Abell serves in various regional capacities, including: the Fairpoint Regional Utility System's Board of Directors, Florida City and County Management Association's Administration and Fiscal Responsibilities Committee, Gulf Coast RESTORE Council, Florida- Alabama Transportation Planning Organization TCC, Gulf Breeze DERRICK WILLIAMS Rotary Club, Santa Rosa County Helps promote and raise funds for annual community drives Leadership Class of 31, and while lending his expertise as chef during such events. Northwest Florida Institute for fghhhgh SAMANTHA D. ABELL Women in Politics. Page 13
AWARDS, RECOGNITION, AND SERVICES YEAR 2019 SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERS CONTINUED... a year's overview LESLIE A. GUYER WHERE In April 2019, Leslie Guyer was appointed by WE ARE the Group Health Trust Board Members to serve on the newly established Executive NOW Board for the Group Health Trust. Leslie was also hand-selected to serve on the 2019-2020 FACC Nominating Committee. WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS RECOGNITION During the first quarter of the fiscal year, NAI Pensacola recognized the City's female workforce. The City of Gulf Breeze honors our influential women leaders and celebrates a workplace of equal opportunity. Public service is a 24/7 calling filled with challenges, but the reward comes in the opportunities to make a difference for others. VERNON PRATHER SHARON ARMSTRONG JACKIE FOSTER In May 2019, Assistant City Manager, In September 2019, Deputy Chief In August 2019, Police Records Vernon Prather, retired after 33 Armstrong, retired after 25 years of Clerk, Jackie Foster retired after years of service and dedication. 29 years of service and dedication. service and dedication. S E R V I C E A N DIn winter 2017, Utility Billing Supervisor Patsy Mitchell, retired after 27 years of service and dedication. VOLUNTEERSPage 14
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW ADMINISTRATION Samantha D. Abell, City Manager Colby Goss, Assistant City Manager Leslie A. Guyer, CMC, City Clerk Stephanie D. Lucas, City Clerk Ed H. Miller, Director of Technology and Innovation CITY OF GULF BREEZE Page 15 GULF BREEZE FLORIDA
ADMINISTRATION YEAR 2019 PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER graduate of the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development. He is recognized by IPMA-HR as a Senior Certified Professional in public sector human resources management. Fifty qualified candidates, from various parts of the country, applied for the Assistant City Manager position. The list was initially narrowed to half a dozen candidates. Based upon desired specializations, City Manager Samantha Abell conducted initial phone interviews. COLBY GOSS Three candidates were interviewed by an Colby Goss brings 14 years of public executive management panel. The two and private sector management experience to the City, most recently final candidates participated in a DISC having served as the Deputy County/Judge Executive for the Harlan analysis by Carlan Consulting which County Fiscal Court in Harlan, KY. Colby Goss is a multi-disciplined compared key behavioral drivers in order and experienced local government administrator. to best understand strengths and He is experienced in emergency weaknesses. The final candidates operations, including the response management of two two federally- included an assistant county declared stormwater natural disasters, grant administration, and expertise in administrator of Horry County in the risk management and human resources. c Myrtle Beach area, a human resources Goss holds degrees from the University of Kentucky (BA, Political Science) and professional from Navarre, and Colby Eastern Kentucky University (Master of Public Administration). He is also a Goss, assistant county administrator in aduat Harlan, Kentucky. Goss and his family reside in Gulf Breeze. His wife, Leslie, is a first grade teacher at Gulf Breeze Elementary School. Colby and Leslie have two children. Their twelve-year old daughter, Audrey, is a seventh grader at Gulf Breeze Middle School. Their son, Aaron is nine and a fourth grade student at Gulf Breeze Elementary School. Page 16
ADMINISTRATION YEAR 2019 OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK a year's overview A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY CLERKS: WHERE WE ARE Thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve you, NOW our fellow staff, and the public. We are pleased to provide the 2019 Annual Report for the City Clerk’s Office which LESLIE A. GUYER, CMC will include our office's accomplishments, the 2018 City Clerk Election and 2019 Special Referendum, ADA Compliance, Legal Notices, Civic Engagement and Boards and STEPHANIE D. LUCAS Committees Handbook, Community Engagement/Records, Administrative Public Record Requests, and Continuing Education which Services Director are outlined in this report. With resiliency being the key focus of the City Council, we have focused on preserving and strengthen policies, procedures and internal control measures as well as ensuring accessibility on the City’s website and ADA compliance training. 2018 was a General Election Year for the City, and we were dedicated to ensuring the City’s election process was successful. As the Chief Election Official, a significant amount of time was invested in educating and assisting candidates with qualifying requirements and campaign reporting requirements, preparing election notices, advertisements, providing information related to the election and candidates to inquiring citizens and the media, and working together with the Supervisor of Elections office to ensure compliance with state election laws, financial reporting laws, and adhering to qualifying dates and deadlines. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES OFFICE Much of 2019 was spent making strides in anticipation of the reorganization for a new Administrative Services Department, effective October 1st. This included Council discussions, cross training, review of bidding and contracts as well as the creation of a new purchasing officer position. Stephanie Lucas began in her new role as the City’s new Administrative Services Director on October 1st. Page 17
ADMINISTRATION YEAR 2019 IN DECEMBER 2018, THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WERE SWORN INTO OFFICE. On October 8, 2019, a Referendum Election was held to revise the City Charter for the purpose of removing purchasing and contract procedures and instead allowing for adoption of these procedures in the City’s Code of Ordinances which can be modified from time to time pursuant to state law, and to provide clarifications to existing practices. The item failed to pass by majority vote. Additionally, consideration of changes to remove antiquated election rules, which now fall under the Santa Rosa County Interlocal Agreement and State Law. The Clerk's Office spent a significant amount of time working with the City Attorney, City Manager and Supervisor of elections related to the referendum to citizens and ensuring compliance with state election laws. The item passed by majority vote. Page 18
ADMINISTRATION YEAR 2019 GULF BREEZE MIDDLE SCHOOL NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY & BOY SCOUT TROOP 484 TAKE OVER. Sponsored by the Gulf Breeze Optimist Club, the City welcomed 15 members of the Gulf Breeze Middle School National Junior Honors Society to assume the roles of City elected officials during the March 4, 2019, City Council Meeting. Referred to as “Student Council Takeover,” each student pairs with the Council member or Department Director whose job that student assumes for the night. To prepare for the event, students spend a day at City Hall learning City operations. 2019 FLORIDA LEAGUE Mayor Pro-Tem Fitch presented Michael Murdoch, CEO of AppRiver, with a OF CITIES ANNUAL Proclamation declaring February 8, 2019, CONFERENCE to be AppRiver Day. In Orlando at the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference, City Clerk, Leslie Guyer, Mayor Fitch, and City Manager, Samantha Abell, smile for the camera in-between sessions. Page 19
ADMINISTRATION YEAR 2019 GIRL SCOUT ADA COMPLIANCE TROOP 2010 The Clerks also assisted with ADA webpage implementation and Assistant Parks & compliance with Director of Recreation Director, Information Technology. Kathy Wortham, and City Manager, Samantha BOARD MANAGEMENT Abell, are greeted by some special visitors Oversaw the recruitment, with tasty cookies! appointment, and reappointment process for all members of the City boards and committees— including ad hoc committees as requested. LEARNING MATERIALS 2019 ROTARY CLUB AND TOOLS FOR SUCCESS GUMBO COOK-OFF The Clerks created and distributed Administrative staff Board Books to every volunteer elected to all City Boards and City coordinated, gathered and Council. In preparation of the upcoming 2020 budget planning organized gift baskets and door process, the Clerk's office created, maintained, and distributed Budget prizes to contribute to the Binders for the Council and City Staff. Rotary Club 2019 Silent Auction. Thanks to the charity of area businesses, over $********dollars was raised, with all proceeds going to area student college scholarships. RELAY FOR LIFE EMPLOYEE OPEN LUNCHEON ENROLLMENT FUNDRAISERS Conducted open enrollment for The City of Gulf Breeze hosted over 100 eligible employees for three luncheon fundraising health benefits including events. The proceeds were dental/vision, long-term disability, donated to the American Cancer additional voluntary and group life Society’s Relay for Life insurance and AFLAC. Over 150 Foundation. The lunches netted applications were processed over $1,200 in donations. during open enrollment. Page 20
ADMINISTRATION YEAR 2019 CITY OF The City of Gulf Breeze hosted its second Citizens' Academy in GULF BREEZE the Spring of 2019 and had 13 participants. The half year CITIZENS' program lead by retired City Manager Buz Eddy gave attendees ACADEMY a first-hand look at City operations; built a deeper understanding between the City and residents; and prepared future interested board volunteers; A total of four graduates have since been appointed to a City board, and one graduate was elected to the City Council. EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM Over 100 City Employees gathered at the Gulf Breeze Community Center to celebrate longevity anniversaries and nominees for employee and manager of the year. Nominees demonstrate the City's core values of service- above-self, inclusion and collaboration. City Manager Samantha Abell said, “The Outstanding Employee Awards program provides an opportunity for the city to gather together and celebrate employees for their hard work, expertise, and valuable contributions.” fgff CITY EMPLOYEE WELLNESS EVENT PREPAREDNESS TRAINING Organized and conducted the 5th annual City Employee Wellness event at the Community Staff readies for any approaching tropical system. The City Center with free health screenings for all City manager is tasked with leading the city's response to employees. Participants were provided health natural disasters, including tropical storms and hurricanes. coaching and weight loss information. The voluntary event had 47 attendees. Page 21
ADMINISTRATION YEAR 2019 CITY MEETS CITY Gulf Breeze visits Fairhope, AL For two years running, Gulf Breeze has scheduled a Springtime “City Meets a year's overview City” with sister cities who share our founding principles: Volunteerism, Quality of Life, and Environmental Sustainability. This year, Mayor Cherry WHERE Fitch & the City Management Team met with Mayor Karin Wilson & WE ARE management counterparts for the City of Fairhope to share ideas and best NOW practices. Page 22
ADMINISTRATION YEAR 2019 annual statistics 75 28 OVER 75 MEETINGS ATTENDED IN FY 2019 NOTARY SERVICES PERFORMED 57 Council Meetings The Clerk's Office is staffed with official State of 8 SSRUS Meetings Florida Notaries. The services are open to the public, 4 Citizens' Academy Meetings free of charge, during regular business hours. Various other Community Board meetings 15 57 ORDINANCES ADVERTISED COUNCIL AGENDAS & MINUTES 67 Prepared materials and agendas for 57 sessions of the City Council in cooperation with the various RESOLUTIONS PROCESSED AND EXECUTED Department Directors. Additionally, the City Clerk's Office 6000 offer administrative support, and/or attend and take take the minutes of PAGES OF COMPILED DOCUMENTATION the following City Boards: Compiled over 6000 pages in documentation in South Santa Rosa Utility Systems (SSRUS) preparation for and as follow-up to City Council Advisory Park Board actions. Tourist Development Advisory Committee Police Pension Board 50 Citizens Advisory Committee Board of Adjustment PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS Development Review Board The Custodian of Public Records for the City of Gulf Breeze is the City Clerk. The City Clerk’s office is the location where the City’s public records are routinely created, sent, received, maintained and requested. Page 23
ADMINISTRATION YEAR 2019 a year's overview TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION WHERE The Information Technology (IT) Department's WE ARE mission is to deliver business-driven, efficient, NOW quality technology solutions and services for City staff and the public. ED H. MILLER DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY IT service areas include infrastructure, communications, cyber security, relationship AND INNOVATION management and administration. ANNUAL OVERVIEW, HIGHLIGHTS & OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTED REMOTE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY TO DECREASE TRANSPORTATION AND STAFF OPERATING COSTS TO ALLOW REMOTE MONITORING AND CONTROL OF CITY INFRASTRUCTURE. INCREASED CITIZEN COMMUNICATION BY UTILIZING IN HOUSE DIGITAL MARKETING TO SHOOT, CREATE, EDIT AND MARKET OVER 126 VIDEOS TO REACH OVER 107,000 VIEWS FROM OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS. INCREASED CITY RESPONSE TIME FOR EMERGENCIES AND SERVICE DISRUPTIONS WITH DEPLOYMENT OF MICROSOFT TEAMS APP WHICH PROVIDES REAL TIME INFORMATION ACROSS ALL CITY DEPARTMENTS FOR FREE. UPGRADED NIXLE ALERT SYSTEM TO HAVE A GREATER COMMUNICATION REACH FOR THE COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING AREAS. MODERNIZED UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SYSTEM FOR SERVERS TO INCREASE UPTIME AND TO MITIGATE DAMAGE FROM SERVICE OUTAGES AND NATURAL DISASTERS. Page 24
ADMINISTRATION YEAR 2019 SUMMER INTERNSHIP MIGRATED CITY FROM MY FLORIDA NETWORK 1 TO PROGRAM MY FLORIDA NETWORK 2, WHICH IMPLEMENTS A MORE ROBUST AND RESILIENT STATEWIDE NETWORK Ed Miller acted as supervisor to uprising COMMUNICATION SYSTEM. INCREASED UPTIME AND high school senior Nick Wilson, during NETWORK HEALING. his student internship with City of Gulf Breeze in theSummer of 2019. As an intern to the IT Department, Nick DRAMATICALLY INCREASED CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT had a number of responsibilities. and ON SOCIAL MEDIA. IN EIGHTEEN MONTHS, WE HAVE worked with numerous City department INCREASED FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS BY 223%. ON staff on a variety of projects, including: TWITTER, INCREASED FOLLOWERS BY 120%. ON INSTAGRAM, INCREASED FOLLOWERS BY 27,900%. Mentorship Training for Business INCREASED COMMUNITY AND CITIZEN and Operations Municipal Government COMMUNICATION OUTREACH BY 2,107 MEMBERS WITH Organization Structural Training IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEXTDOOR PLATFORM FOR PUBLIC AGENCIES FOR FREE. Technology Asset Tracking Data Recovery and Destruction INCREASED STAFF SECURITY, DATA AND THEFT PREVENTION WITH INSTALLATION CAMERA SYSTEM AT Data Cloning and Data Preservation CITY HALL. Technology Installation and Implementation INCREASED MAIN WEBSITE SECURITY WITH White-Hat Cyber-Security Threat MIGRATION TO HTTP ENCRYPTED USING TRANSPORT Testing LAYER SECURITY. AIDS IN PREVENTION OF CITIZENS FROM BEING HACKED FROM CITY WEBSITE.· IMPLEMENTED MODERNIZED SECURITY IMPLEMENTED STATE OF THE ART COMPUTER ASSET FOR CREDENTIALS, SHARES, EMAIL, AND BARCODE APP TRACKING SYSTEM FOR FREE. WEBSITE SECURITY TO DECREASE INCIDENCE OF RANSOMWARE. INCREASED ONSITE NETWORK SWITCHES UPTIME AND SELF-ELASTICITY WITH INSTALLATION OF CISCO INCREASED PHYSICAL SERVER SECURITY MERAKI SWITCHES AT CITY HALL AND RECREATION WITH INSTALLATION OF PHYSICALLY CENTER. LESS DOWNTIME AND FASTER DIAGNOSING HARDENED RACK SYSTEM. OF PROBLEMS. IMPLEMENTED COLD STORAGE BACKUP IMPLEMENTED CLOUD RECORDS RETENTION, DIGITAL WHICH AIDS IN DATA LOSS PREVENTION FORMS, AUTOMATED DIGITAL ARCHIVING AND FROM RANSOMWARE AND NATURAL OCR/ADA FILE DOCUMENT SYSTEM VIA MCCI. DISASTERS. Page 25
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW FINANCE Director of Finance, Jeanne Griffin CITY OF GULF BREECZITEY OF GULF BREEZPaEg, eG2U6LF BREEZE FLOGRUIDLFA BREEZE FLORIDA
FINANCE YEAR 2019 GOALS THE GOALS OF THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT ARE TO PROVIDE ACCURATE, TIMELY, AND RESPONSIVE INFORMATION TO CUSTOMERS, DEPARTMENTS, COUNCIL, CITIZENS AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES IN A COST-EFFICIENT MANNER. | Accounting | Financial Reporting | Auditing | | Payroll | Accounts Payable | | Utility Billing | Customer Service | Page 27
FINANCE YEAR 2019 AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY ACCOUNTING AUDITING Performs daily operations related to external Reconciliation of balance sheet accounts to subsidiary ledgers and annual preparation of billing, cash receipting, preparation of daily the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), internal control reviews, resolution of deposits, monthly bank reconciliations, debt issues related to internal controls and policy decisions. management, cash management, e- BUDGETING commerce and other related accounting Preparation of annual budget, calculation of functions. millage and completion of trim reports, monthly monitoring of budget overages, FINANCIAL REPORTING quarterly budget amendments. Preparation of monthly financial reports, UTILITY BILLING external reports to various external regulatory agencies (State and Federal) monthly, Utility Billing Department oversees (6) billing quarterly and annually. cycles per month for approximately 24,000 customer accounts both inside and outside PAYROLL of the City limits and manages the customer service representatives. Processing of bi-weekly payroll information, CUSTOMER SERVICE monitoring employee deductions and Answers main switch board for the City and payment remittance, assisting with human answers questions for both City residents and utility billing customers. These employees resources related tasks. resolve issues related to utility billing, prepare workorders, and assist customers ACCOUNTS PAYABLE with opening new accounts These employees also greet and direct all citizens at City Hall. Processing of invoices for payment, weekly check processing, monthly reconciliations of vendor statements, resolution of payment issues, payment contract monitoring, vendor file maintenance, purchasing card maintenance, coding, documentation reviews. Page 28
FINANCE YEAR 2019 UTILITY BILLING a year's overview AVERAGE 2,124 MONTHLY WHERE WE CALLS ARE NOW HANDLED: The Utility Billing AVERAGE MONTHLY 665 Office during the CUSTOMERS twelve-month SERVED AT FRONT period, beginning WINDOW: on October 1, 2018 to September 30, AVERAGE 513 2019, averaged the MONTHLY following: CUSTOMERS AT RISK OF CUT OFF NOTIFIED VIA PHONE, TEXT OR VOICEMAIL: AVERAGE 108 MONTHLY CUSTOMERS ACTUALLY SUBJECT TO CUTOFF: Page 29
FINANCE YEAR 2019 a year's overview WHERE WE ARE NOW ACCOMPLISHMENTS EMPLOYEE TRAINING PREVENTATIVE MEASURES Several employees attending the annual The City of Gulf Breeze is the pilot city for BS&A User Conference in Savannah, Ga., learning more about how to use our software yard waste karts. This new kart helps keep programs in a more efficient way. Customer service staff received Excellence in the City's streets clean, preventing Customer Service training, teaching them how to give the best customer care to our stormwater drainage issues. residents. POLICY IMPLEMENTATION SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICES The Utility Billing department implemented There are a couple of things that make our Resolution 12-2019, approving a write-off utility department stand out from other utility policy approved by City Council. companies. The City of Gulf Breeze is the only entity to offer a discounted rate on Lisa Shipman receives flowers from a waste collection services to their senior customer for her hard work. citizens. The City also offers leak adjustments for pool fills, pool leaks, and miscellaneous leaks one time per year. DEFERRAL IMPROVEMENS A payment deferral procedure was approved by City Council, and implemented by utility billing department staff. All residents were notified of the new procedure by way of bill message in their March utility bills. Page 30
FINANCE YEAR 2019 ACCOUNTING a year's overview PROCESSED 7,284 INVOICES FOR A TOTAL OF: WHERE WE $14,854,420 ARE NOW PROCESSED 4,282 DIRECT DEPOSITS FOR A The Accounting TOTAL OF: Office during the twelve-month $4,704,124 period, beginning on October 1, 2018 PROCESSED (23) WIRE PAYMENTS FOR DEBT to September 30, AND INSURANCE PAYMENTS FOR TOTAL OF: 2019, averaged the following: $4,025,486 PROCESSED 2,610 PURCHASING CARD TRANSACTIONS FOR AN APPROXIMATE TOTAL OF: $745,091 NEW HIRES PROCESSED (NOT INCLUDING RE-HIRES FOR THE SUMMER): 24 Page 31
FINANCE YEAR 2019 a year's overview WHERE WE ARE NOW ACCOMPLISHMENTS PUBLIC DEPOSITOR REPORTING SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION Assured compliance with State of Florida Public Depositor reporting requirements. Assured compliance with State of Florida COMPLIANCE Public Depositor reporting reassured debt Maintained compliance with federal Internal reporting requirements completed as Revenue Service and System of Awards Management. required by the Securities Exchange COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL Commission (SEC)quirements. REPORT FDOT AND LOCAL OPTION Assured completion of the City's SALES TAX Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in Accordance with Florida Statutes Section Completed all required reports to State for 218.32. FDOT and Local Option Sales Tax. TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT AGREEMENT Completion of the State Annual Local Completed all required reports to Santa Rosa County for Tourism Development Government Financial Report within Agreement. prescribed deadlines. Page 32
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW PARKS & RECREATION Director of Parks & Recreation, Ron Pulley CITY OF GULF BRECEZITEY OF GULF BREEZPaEg, eG3U3LF BREEZE FLOGRUIDLFA BREEZE FLORIDA
PARKS & RECREATION YEAR 2019 BLUEWAYS TRAILS CERTIFICATION In the summer of 2019, the City of Gulf Breeze became a member of the Florida Paddling Trails Blueway Community Program. The program was established by the non-profit organization, Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA), to help communities develop locations of interest to both in-state paddlers and out-of-state tourists. The FPTA’s Blueways Program boasts over fifty-eight designated paddling trails on various rivers and streams throughout the state, in addition to the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT). FPTA paddling trails are divided into 15 regions with a total of 32 segments. Regions begin at Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola, extending around the Florida peninsula and Keys and continue up the east coast to Fort Clinch State Park near the Georgia border. Interior regions cover the Suwannee River, Ocklawaha and Wekiva Rivers and lakes in Central Florida. The paddling trails include every type of Florida habitat, from swamps to barrier island dune systems to salt marsh and mangroves. Page 34
PARKS & RECREATION YEAR 2019 STATE-WIDE RECOGNITION In the summer of 2019, the Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA), recognized the Parks and Recreation Department for their innovative programming, their vision and the department’s exceptional facility. With over 248 state-wide participating agencies the FRPA is committed to supporting the professional development and education of leisure professionals, students and citizen advocates, with the intent to educate, advocate, and communicate the benefits of parks and recreation by investing in their individual professionals working in the industry. TRIVIA TREK PIRNONGAORWVAAAMRTMIDVI E G N The Trivia Trek program’s objective is to encourage Gulf Breeze residents to enjoy the City’s natural beauty in a fun and family- oriented way. Once the Trivia Trek is completed, ballots are to be brought back to the community center where they are entered into a drawing that takes place at the end of each month. Sponsors such as Navy Federal, Jenny Rushing Re/Max Realty, Tiger Point, The Breeze Cinema Eight, The Grand Marlin and Innerlight Surf Shop donate prizes worth $50 or more. Page 35
PARKS & RECREATION YEAR 2019 AGENCY EXCELLENCE AWARD The FRPA Agency Excellence Award is to recognize and honor the state’s most outstanding community Park, Recreation and/or Leisure Service agencies for excellence in Parks and Recreation in the areas of health, economic development, environmental sustainability, and community development. The Gulf Breeze Community Center will be recognized in the 2019 Florida Recreation and Park Association Facility Showcase. This honor includes being presented not only on the website for the state association but publicized E XACAGEWELNLAACRNYDC E throughout the state as an exceptional facility. FRPA JOURNAL'S FEATURED AGENCY The vision of Gulf Breeze Parks and Recreation, is “to offer services that allow community members to experience physical, mental and social benefits through their leisure time participation, providing opportunities for young people, adults and senior citizens to live, grow and develop in to healthy contributing members of the community.” It is because of this vision that the FRPA recognized the Department by featuring it as the Agency Profile for the association’s fall journal publication. Page 36
PARKS & RECREATION YEAR 2019 2019 INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS ADULT PICKLEBALL PROGRAM The Parks and Recreation Pickleball League has become the fasting growing program that the center offers. Beginning in 2016 with fifty players, the program has since then expanded to accommodate over 250 players. Practices take place up to four nights each week and is available to all participants for either a $3.00 daily pass, or a $60.00 annual membership. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM PLAY DATE The after school program provides a safe, The Play Date program provides a fun and productive environment to the safe and fun, indoor environment City’s middle school students for a fourth for parents and toddlers alike to consecutive year. The daily average gather together for fun, fitness, and attendance amounts to 135 students exploratory hands-on learning. throughout the week with the exception of Friday, which averages 150 students in Play Date offers moving and motor attendance. skill toys, social and imagination 2019 SUMMER CAMP activities, buildings and Provided a ten-week summer day camp program with a total of nearly 600 campers constructive toys, climbing toys, registered throughout the summer, averaging a daily attendance of 127 kids. cognitive development toys, books, GULF BREEZE SPORTS puzzles and more. ASSOCIATION FILMS ON THE FIELD 2019 SUMMER CAMP The Parks and Recreation Department hosted three Undefeated 13-14 U Football Team! Films on the Field as a free family fun evening for residents to attend. Approximately 150 participants show up for each movie night. FARMER'S MARKET Hosted the Gulf Breeze Farmer's Market for the third consecutive season, Vendors gather to sell fresh produce, local honey, jams & jellies, baked goods, handmade crafts & jewelry, local food trucks, and so much more! Page 37
PARKS & RECREATION YEAR 2019 2019 SPRINGFEST In April 2019, the City hosted its second Annual Springfest. The event was a success, attracting an estimated 3,500 attendees, a 57% increase in attendance from 2018’s attendance (1,500-2,000 attendees). An estimated 60% of the visitors were from outside the city and provided an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to showcase their products and services. LAUNCH SITES MAP Page 38
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief of Police, Rick Hawthorne CITY OF GULF BREECZITEY OF GULF BREEZPaEg, eG3U9LF BREEZE FLOGRUIDLFA BREEZE FLORIDA
POLICE DEPARTMENT YEAR 2019 a year's overview UNIFORM PATROL WHERE THE PATROL DIVISION IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR WE ARE 12-HOUR SHIFTS. THERE ARE CURRENTLY THREE SERGEANTS ASSIGNED TO PATROL NOW AND TEN FULL-TIME PATROL OFFICERS. THE PATROL UNIT IS SUPPLEMENTED BY THREE PREPAREDNESS PART-TIME OFFICERS. TRAINING IN 2019, THE TOTAL FOR EACH STATISTIC IS AS FOLLOWS: Officers attended a multiple-day active shooter training. This year, 442 CRASHES the training was held at Gulf Breeze Middle School during 6,318 TRAFFIC STOPS summer break. 3,373 CITATIONS 391 ARRESTS A WELCOME TO D.A.R.E NEW RESIDENTS The 5th Grade Officers handed out 162 welcome students of GBES packets to new residents of the completed and City. Residents receive a magnet graduated D.A.R.E. with police department contacts The program's as well as how to get traffic primary mission is to messages (Nixle), information on teach students good living in Bear Country and a decision-making welcome from the skills to help them lead safe and healthy lives, and to Chief of Police. provide children with the information and skills they need to live drug-and-violence-free lives. Page 40
POLICE DEPARTMENT YEAR 2019 HURRICANE MICHAEL EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RELIEF SERVICES TO OUR NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES IN NEED In response to the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, the City of Gulf Breeze Police Department and Pensacola Police Department combined efforts to deploy several officers to Panama City and Mexico Beach, throughout the months of October and November. The deployed officers performed welfare checks throughout the communities, assisted with traffic control, neighborhood patrols, and emergency response. The Police Department deployed a total of five officers to Mexico Beach over a two-week period, to assist with Hurricane Michael recovery. Officers patrolled within the City limits of Mexico Beach, responding to calls for service, resolving disputes, taking crime reports, A locacloCnhduurccht toraf ftfhice enforcement, and other crime Mexico Bperaecvheanrteiaonbrmouegahstures. the Gulf Breeze Police Officers a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day. Page 41
POLICE DEPARTMENT YEAR 2019 TIP-A-COP EVENT The Police Department and Beef O' Brady's joined together for the Special Olympics for the Tip-A-Cop Event. Officers worked as greeters and assisted wait staff with cleaning tables, providing water and non-alcoholic beverages. All proceeds went to the Special Olympics, in addition to 10% of the food sales donated by Beef O'Brady's. OUR VOLUNTEERS COMMUNITY OUTREACH Volunteers drove 4,131 miles during the Officers connected with several fiscal year, working a total of 677 hours. churches, groups and business owners The volunteers assisted with traffic to promote community engagement calming along Highway 98, and special with Personal Safety and Crime events held within City limits. Prevention Awareness. BEAR AWARENESS POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPANSION PROJECT The Police Department held a bear facts lunch and learn to encourage The department's 34-year old generator conversation, education and promote was retired and replaced with a newer safety awareness to citizens and their model to efficiently run both buildings. families throughout the community. With asbestos removal throughout the former Firehouse complete, the next step will be the building's demolition, preparing the site for building expansion. Page 42
POLICE DEPARTMENT YEAR 2019 OFFICER BAKER GULF BREEZE MIDDLE SCHOOL GULF BREEZE Made possible by the Santa Rosa SCHOOL County School Board's SRO Program, RESOURCE the Gulf Breeze Police Department OFFICERS assigned a full-time School Resource Officer in Gulf Breeze Elementary, Middle and High School. OFFICER ESKRIDGE OFFICER TURNER GULF BREEZE HIGH SCHOOL GULF BREEZE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Page 43
POLICE DEPARTMENT YEAR 2019 COMMUNICATIONS THE GULF BREEZE POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RECEIVING, MONITORING AND PROVIDING ACCOUNT FOR ALL INCOMING PHONE CALLS AND RADIO TRAFFIC FOR THE CITY OF GULF BREEZE AND THE GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE. While the Division conducts all outgoing phone calls to surrounding agencies and jurisdictions to initiate/coordinate out of area response for additional Law Enforcement or Fire/Rescue needs, Gulf Breeze Dispatch Center is responsible for monitoring and answering after-hour phone calls for the following agencies: Gulf Breeze Public Services South Santa Rosa Utility Service National Park Service Gulf Islands National Seashore Florida sections: Perdido Key, Fort Pickens, Santa Rosa, Naval Live Oaks, and Okaloosa) COMPUTER AIDED PHONE / 911 CALLS DISPATCH The Communications Division records The Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) all phone calls via normal phone lines tool is utilized to track incoming phone and the 911 Emergency lines calls and/or field activity for Police, Fire, Public Services and NPS. 74,305 PHONE/911 CALLS 28,072 2019 CAD INCIDENTS 5.5% DECREASE FROM 2018 13.2% INCREASE FROM 2018 Page 44
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW FIRE-RESCUE Volunteer Fire Chief, Shane Carmichael Volunteer Deputy Fire Chief, Tim Hoffman Volunteer Assistant Fire Chief, Scott Kasper CITY OF GULF BRECEITZYE OF GULF BREEZPEa,gGe 4U5LF BREEZE FLOGRUIDLAF BREEZE FLORIDA
FIRE-RESCUE YEAR 2019 FISCAL YEAR STATISTICS a year's overview OCTOBER 01, 2018 TO WHERE SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 WE ARE INCIDENT TYPE #INCIDENTS NOW Fire 37 DEDICATION TO Rescue/EMS 593 SERVING THE Hazardous Condition 63 COMMUNITY Service Call 85 Good Intent Call 270 GULF BREEZE FIRE FIGHTERS LOGGED False Alarm/False Call A TOTAL OF 158.0 TOTAL CLASSROOM Special Incident 66 EDUCATION HOURS AND LOGGED 9 1457.0 HOURS IN ADDITIONAL TRAINING. Total 1123 FIREFIGHTERS SPENT A TOTAL 4,520.0 HOURS MANNING THE FIRE STATION. AVERAGE TURNOUT PER INCIDENT 4 members MAN HOURS SPENT RESPONDING TO INCIDENTS TOTALLED 3122.0. AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME 00:05:34 BUSIEST DAY OF THE WEEK tHURSDAY (172) BUSIEST TIME OF DAY 4 PM to 5 PM (87) Page 46
FIRE-RESCUE YEAR 2019 HALLOWEEN OPERATION OPEN HOUSE HIGH RISE The Fire Department conducted its Gulf Breeze Volunteer Fire 2nd annual “Halloween Open Department participated in high House” for fire prevention rise fire training at Pensacola Beach awareness and resident along with other departments engagement. Total attendance was across the region. estimated at over 500, and included an inflatable smoke safety house, free refreshments, and more. Page 47
FIRE-RESCUE YEAR 2019 BULLET-PROOF VESTS Thanks to a grant from Gulf Breeze Will Do, new bullet-proof vests were purchased for firefighters. Costing just over $600 each, the vests will protect firefighters in case of an active shooter situation. EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO NATURAL DISASTERS In response to the catastrophic damage of Hurricane Michael, the City provided support to a five-engine strike team that deployed to Washington County, Florida for a period of five days. City of Gulf Breeze Assistant Fire Chief, Scott Kasper deployed, along with Captain Jim Custred, a full-time firefighter for the City of Milton and part-time Code Enforcement Officer/volunteer firefighter with the City of Gulf Breeze. Page 48
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