[Kenny Wilder]

Extend Pier an additional 45 ft. to be discussed

“New” Navarre Beach Pier Could Become the Longest In Florida

The Santa Rosa County Commission is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. Monday, November 9, 2009 at the commission boardroom in the county complex on U.S. 90, behind McDonald's, Milton, FL.

Part of the agenda for Monday's commission committee meeting is the discussion of extending the Navarre Beach Pier an additional 45 ft. as proposed by the contractor.
_________________
Kenny Wilder
Nature Photographer
Florida Master Naturalist
Photo Gallery
www.NavarreBeachFishingPier.com

[AngelGirl]

Wow! That would be awesome!!! I wonder how it will effect fishing? Seems like it would be good ... but I'm not really much into fishing so I don't know! Maybe David can give us an idea of what to expect!

A.G.
_________________
“Oh I Have Slipped
The Surly Bonds of Earth...
Put Out My Hand
And Touched the Face of God ”

[David]

A geat opportunity for us all, fisherman and non-fisherman.

The additional length will give us about 1 1/2 feet more depth according to the engineers. That does not sound like much but could make a huge difference in fish availability. All that have fished the end of our old pier have also seen the time that there were fish off the end just out of reach. It also adds to the number of people who can fish closer to the end, not, maybe, fishing for kings as the end fishermen would be but for other species that the extra depth would make available.

It would only take an extra 7 days of construction time and would only cost the county the investment of materials and permitting said to be $90-125,000 (a drop in the bucket compared to the total pier cost) because the contractor has offered to donate time, equipment, and labor to the extension because it would make us have the longest pier on the Gulf Coast and probably the longest in Florida. All they ask is the oportunity to enjoy the publicity that would bring. That same publicity would bring attention to Navarre Beach and all of Santa Rosa County at a time needed to navigate the economical slump. It has already been heard from out of state fishermen that the fact of being the longest pier would make thier decision to come to Navarre rather than one of the other of 5 (4 new) Gulf Piers in our area. That means that thier families and many non fishermen will come for the same reason, to visit and walk the longest pier on the Gulf Coast, maybe the longest in all of Florida.

What an opportunity for fishermen but also for the entire area !!!!!!!!
How super that the contractor suggested the extension and made such a great offer to the county. As most know, time, labor, and equipment is a huge part of any construction cost. Thier gesture will benifit us all.

My kudos to the county for thier quick responses on the offer because there is a time line involved where additional permitting, etc. including FEMA's OK, which should be no problem, has to be accomplished.

It would be helpful for everyone to e mail the Commissioners voicing support for the extension. Please do it right away as the county has to make thier decison quickly.
_________________
David
Fishing Report

[Kenny Wilder]

“New” Navarre Beach Pier - Longest in Florida?

November 7, 2009
Pensacola News Journal

Navarre pier could grow

Commission to consider adding extra 45 feet

Louis Cooper
lcooper@pnj.com

The new and improved Navarre Fishing Pier could be getting more improved — and possibly record-breaking — before it is even complete.
The Santa Rosa County Commission will hear a proposal Monday to add an additional 45 feet to the 1,500-foot pier under construction on Navarre Beach. Even without the extension, the pier will be 600 feet longer than the one damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

The extension, however, could make the Navarre Fishing Pier the longest in Florida, according to Wayne Waters, a representative of contractor Ed Waters & Sons. That St. Augustine-based company built the Jacksonville Beach Pier and specializes in marine structures.

"According to our records, the total length of 1,545 (feet) would make it the longest pier on the Gulf, and possibly the longest in the state of Florida," Wayne Waters wrote in an e-mail to the project engineer. "If this is in fact the case, we would be willing to donate all additional labor, equipment, supervision and overhead just to be a part of this history making event."

Kate Wilkes, executive director of the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council, said a record-breaking pier would serve as a tourist draw.

"Wouldn't it be kind of neat to say that Navarre has the largest fishing pier? I think it would be great for marketing," said Wilkes.
The extended pier would be longer than the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, which touts its 1,471 feet as "the longest and friendliest pier on the Gulf of Mexico," according to its Web site.
Right now, the new Navarre pier is budgeted at $8.43 million. Because the old pier was damaged by hurricanes Ivan and Dennis, 90 percent of that is being covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; the state will pick up 7.5 percent; the county will cover 2.5 percent. That's a local share of $210,626.

The extension would cost another $125,000 for permitting, design, materials and equipment, said Roger Blaylock, county engineer.
If the commission decides to move forward with the extension, County Administrator Hunter Walker said the money could come from county recreation funds. Ed Waters & Sons donation of labor and other expenses is estimated at about $41,000.

The addition would add between five to 10 days of additional work time on the pier, putting completion in June 2010, Blaylock said.
Additional Facts

Want to go?

-- WHAT: Santa Rosa County Commission regular workshop.

-- WHEN: 9 a.m. Monday.

-- WHERE: Santa Rosa County Administrative Office Complex, 6495 U.S. 90, Milton (behind McDonalds), Milton, FL.

-- TO BE DISCUSSED: Extending the Navarre Fishing Pier by 45 feet, appointments to the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council, $20,000 for parks/recreation expenses in Jay, and more.

-- VIEW ONLINE AT: www.santarosa.fl.gov/bocc/meetings.html

-- DETAILS: 983-1876.
_________________
Kenny Wilder
Nature Photographer
Florida Master Naturalist
Photo Gallery
www.NavarreBeachFishingPier.com

[Kenny Wilder]

Before Hurricane Ivan in 2004 it seemed that there were about as many walkers and sightseers on the Navarre Beach Pier as fisherman. The Pier will be a great place to photograph from, too.

If the Santa Rosa County Commissioners approve adding 45 more feet to the ‘New” Fishing Pier tomorrow (Monday, November 9,) it would become the longest Pier in Florida. As David mentioned the longest Pier in Florida will be a major attraction for those that want to vacation in Florida. This is the kind of stimulus that you can believe in to get the economy moving again in the right direction. This will be huge!

The longest Pier in Florida will become the biggest attraction for Navarre Beach since the Navarre Beach Bridge was constructed in the 60’s to make the island accessible.
_________________
Kenny Wilder
Nature Photographer
Florida Master Naturalist
Photo Gallery
www.NavarreBeachFishingPier.com

[David]

Setting up the tackle shop for the state when they took over the pier was my first retirement job. Most days, though they did not stay as long, the "walkers" far exceeded the number of fishermen. At any one time, the numbers, as Kenny said, equaled or exceeded the number of fishermen. Many of the walkers were repeats during the day. Many of the walkers came back as fishermen/women. Many of our photographers on the pier were professionals that were there for the wonderful opportunity offered, especially in early morn and at sunset.

I don't believe I should quote exact figures but I can assure everyone that the amount of "walkers" on the pier continued to surprise the state and the income for the Friends of the Florida State Parks was super. Most days the $1.00 per walker far exceeded the $5.00 per fisherman in income. Remembering, also, that the kids under 12 walked for free. Many visitors were heard to say that "the pier was a main reason for thier visiting Navarrre Beach, always included in thier day of sightseeing".

With the economy the way it is and the government, also, continuing to restrict the deeper Gulf fishing (snapper, grouper, amberjack) for the charter and private boat fishermen, pier fishing, the frugle fisherman's boat, will become more popular than it is now. Many will choose pier fishing over the charter boats in Destin.

Billing the pier as "The longest in the Gulf" as well as the "Best fishing pier in the Gulf" will be the greatest promotional advantage Navarre has had since the "best kept secret" became known by those that love this area. It would be a HUGE boost at a needed time for our local economy, more than anything now here or proposed other than the beautiful white beach itself.

I urge everyone to e-mail the commissioners, before the day is out, in support of the additional pier length. They make thier decision at tomorrow's meeting
_________________
David
Fishing Report

[Kenny Wilder]

Adding 45 feet to the Navarre Beach Pier Public Meeting with County Commissioners

When: Monday, November 9, 2009

Time: 9:00 AM

Where: County Commissioners Room
6495 Caroline Street, Milton, FL
Behind McDonalds

CLICK HERE FOR MAP

Sending e-mails TODAY to all (5) Commissioners will be a big help in making this happen! Here are the Commissioners e-mail addresses:

Comm-Salter@santarosa.fl.gov

comm-goodin@santarosa.fl.gov

comm-williamson@santarosa.fl.gov

comm-cole@santarosa.fl.gov

comm-lynchard@santarosa.fl.gov
_________________
Kenny Wilder
Nature Photographer
Florida Master Naturalist
Photo Gallery
www.NavarreBeachFishingPier.com

[need2fish]

Awesome! Can't wait to fish it and walk it.
_________________
Navarre Beach Snorkeling & Diving Reef
www.navarrebeachmarinesanctuary.com
navbms@navarrebeachmarinesanctuary.com

[Kenny Wilder]

Results of Commissioners’ Meeting on Monday, November 9

November 11, 2009
Pensacola News Journal

Commission to approve pier expansion

2 On Monday, the Santa Rosa County Commission unanimously endorsed the idea of adding 45 more feet to the 1,500-foot fishing pier currently under construction on Navarre Beach. The commission will formally vote on the matter Thursday.

The extension could make the facility the longest pier on the Gulf, and possibly the longest in the state of Florida, according to contractor Ed Waters & Sons of St. Augustine.

While that distinction would be nice, County Commissioner Gordon Goodin is more interested in the practical benefits.

"I've asked a number of fishermen, 'What does 45 feet give us?' " he said. "It gets us closer to ... where the larger cobia tend to run. It puts more people on the pier, and it gives a little bit deeper water."

The new Navarre pier is budgeted at $8.43 million, most covered by FEMA. The extension would cost another $125,000. That could be covered by county recreation funds, Goodin said.

Ed Waters & Sons has offered to donate labor and other expenses, a value of about $41,000.
_________________
Kenny Wilder
Nature Photographer
Florida Master Naturalist
Photo Gallery
www.NavarreBeachFishingPier.com

[Kenny Wilder]

E-mail today from Commissioner Goodin

Read e-mail communications below between pertinent parties regarding the proposed 45’ extension of the Pier. Note that the 45’ extension would provide a bottom depth of 22’.
_____________________________________________________________

From: Commissioner Goodin [mailto:CommGoodin@santarosa.fl.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 1:18 PM
To: Kenny@NavarreBeachLife.com
Subject: RE: I support adding a 45 foot extension to the Navarre Beach Pier

Thanks Kenny. I have attached the e-mail traffic that has led up to this opportunity. I'm concerned about the permitting process and FEMA's cooperation, but I believe our Board agrees wholeheartedly that we need to pursue this extension. The effort only requires an additional 7 contract days. I appreciate your support. Let me know if there are questions.

gg

From: Roger Blaylock
Sent: Thu 11/5/2009 7:34 AM
To: Commissioner Goodin; Hunter Walker
Subject: Navarre Pier Extension

As requested,

Roger

-----Original Message-----
From: Patanio, James L [mailto:JLPatanio@pbsj.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 6:25 AM
To: Roger Blaylock; Lasch, Wayne D; Childs, Leslie E (Lizbeth); Wayne Waters; Conrad, David L
Subject: RE: Navarre Pier Extension

Roger,

The additional depth that would be gained from the 45' extension would be about 1.5' which would provide a bottom depth of -22' (information is based on the December 2006 survey from Morgan and Eklund, Inc.). The value of Ed Waters and Sons donation, strictly labor (excluding profit), would estimate a total of $41,000 providing the installation can be done over 5 day period. Please let me know if you need any additional information for Monday's committee meeting.

Regards
James Patanio

________________________________

From: Lasch, Wayne D [mailto:WDLasch@pbsj.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 2:26 PM
To: Roger Blaylock
Cc: Wayne Waters; Patanio, James L; Conrad, David L; Childs, Leslie E (Lizbeth)
Subject: FW: Navarre Pier Extension

Roger –

Wayne Waters has made an interesting proposal concerning lengthening the pier to make it “the longest”. His estimate below gives a price of $90,000 but, after briefly discussing this with him, it sounds like $100,000 would be a safer figure to plan on for the added construction cost based on his donation of labor he describes below.

If you’re interested in exploring this further, here are a few of the things that would need to be addressed:


• We’d need to revise the USACE and FDEP permits. This might involve going back to the NMFS and would depend on what Clif Payne thinks is necessary. This could be accomplished before the end of the project but we’d need to start soon in case it did need to go back to the NMFS.

• We’d need to get some survey work done to support extending the submerged land lease.

At this point, I’d say it would cost roughly $25,000 for the permitting and survey work (less if we did not need to go back to the NMFS). So the total budget would be about $125,000.

Let me know if you’re interested in pursuing this further. I’ll be out an vacation starting 10/26 through 11/5 but Lizbeth, James, or Dave can handle any questions you may have during this time.

Best regards,

Wayne Lasch, P.E.
PBS&J
Direct: 904.363.8449

This electronic mail communication may contain privileged, confidential, and/or proprietary information which is the property of either The PBSJ Corporation or one of its affiliates. If you are not the intended recipient or an authorized agent of the intended recipient please delete this communication and notify the sender that you have received it in error.

From: Wew2150@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 1:59 PM
To: Lasch, Wayne D
Subject: Navarre Pier Extension

Wayne, in accordance with our recent conversation, we have prepared a cost estimate for materials and fixed costs to extend the Navarre Pier a total of 45'. This would be accomplished by lengthening the beams at span 41 from 25' to 35' and adding a standard 35' bay. According to our records, the total length of 1,545' would make it the longest pier on the Gulf, and possibly the longest in the State of Florida. If this is in fact the case, we would be willing to donate all additional labor, equipment, supervision, and overhead just to be a part of this history making event. We would only ask as compensation, payment for the actual invoice costs for materials and subs shown in the attached estimate which won't exceed $90,000. Additionally, we would need an additional 7 days of contract time, and would ask that where appropriate, we be recognized in any media events or publications that address the record length pier constructed in Navarre.

As we discussed, I believe the County, PBS&J, and EW&S would like to boast of the record length pier, and if funds are available now of course is the time to do it if permitting allows. I know the fishermen wouldn't mind getting out there a little further either!

Please give me a call to discuss further if you should have any questions.

Wayne

--------------------------------------------

This concerns me, but we can easily explain why they shouldn't oppose this change.

gg

Gordon Goodin
Santa Rosa County Commissioner, District 4
850-983-1876

www.santarosa.fl.gov

www.GulfCoastAerospaceandDefense.com

Public Records Notice
Florida has a very broad public records law. Written communications to or from elected officials regarding official matters are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail and other communications are subject to public disclosure.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Roger Blaylock
Sent: Fri 11/6/2009 3:17 PM
To: Sheila Harris
Cc: Hunter Walker; Commissioner Goodin
Subject: Re: Pier Length Extension

Thanks,

Roger A. Blaylock, P.E.
Santa Rosa County Engineer
Sent via Blackberry

sent from my blackberry phone

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Sheila Harris
To: Commissioner Goodin
Cc: Roger Blaylock; Hunter Walker
Sent: Fri Nov 06 15:11:20 2009
Subject: Re: Pier Length Extension

Even if we intend to assume the cost associated with the length extension, we are still changing the scope of work that was approved by the State and FEMA as part of the improved project request. An improved project request was required due to the footprint and design-construction changes. I don't think they would be opposed to the length extension provided we seek the other appropriate approvals/permitting, but I believe we need State/FEMA approval prior to changes so we don't risk the pier funding overall. If I hear otherwise from State/FEMA, I'll let you know.

sent from my blackberry phone
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Roger Blaylock
To: Sheila Harris
Sent: Fri Nov 06 14:13:00 2009
Subject: FW: Pier Length Extension

Any thoughts on Comm Goodin's question?

Roger A. Blaylock, P.E.
Santa Rosa County Engineer
850 981-7100 Office
850 983-2161 FAX

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Commissioner Goodin
Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 2:00 PM
To: Roger Blaylock; Hunter Walker
Subject: Re: Pier Length Extension

If FEMA isn't financially responsible for any of this addition, why would they care or be involved?
Gordon Goodin via Blackberry

sent from my blackberry phone
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Roger Blaylock
To: Hunter Walker; Commissioner Goodin
Sent: Fri Nov 06 13:39:01 2009
Subject: FW: Pier Length Extension

fyi

Roger

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Sheila Harris
Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 10:18 AM
To: Roger Blaylock
Cc: 'Lasch, Wayne D'
Subject: Pier Length Extension

Roger,

As I mentioned over the phone, I am concerned that any change to the approved scope of work such as extending the length would have an implication on the approved "improved project" that was approved by FEMA. Their approval was based on the dimensions previously provided to them and I feel that any change would require another request for improved project. I have a call into FEMA to clarify how to proceed.

Sheila A. Harris, Special Projects/Grants
Santa Rosa County BOCC
6495 Caroline Street, Suite H
Milton, Florida 32570
(850) 983-1848 (850) 393-5239 (Cell)
(850) 983-1944 Fax
sheilah@santarosa.fl.gov

Gordon Goodin
Santa Rosa County Commissioner, District 4
850-983-1876

www.santarosa.fl.gov

www.GulfCoastAerospaceandDefense.com

Public Records Notice
Florida has a very broad public records law. Written communications to or from elected officials regarding official matters are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail and other communications are subject to public disclosure.
________________________________________

From: kenny@navarrebeachlife.com [mailto:kenny@navarrebeachlife.com]
Sent: Wed 11/11/2009 12:26 PM
To: Commissioner Goodin
Subject: I support adding a 45 foot extension to the Navarre Beach Pier
Commissioner Goodin,

I am very excited about the possibility of the Santa Rosa County Commissioners approving the adding of another 45 foot extension to the ‘new” Pier under construction to make it the longest Pier in the State of Florida. I support this idea and encourage you and the other Commissioners to approve this 45 foot extension at the Commissioners Meeting tomorrow. The return on the investment for Navarre Beach and Santa Rosa County could be over one thousand fold.

Do you see any obstacles that could keep this from happening? If this extension is approved what is your estimate of the final completion date? Any information that you can provide would be helpful in informing the readers of the Navarre Beach Life Forum.

Did you see the Pier Extension banner on the Forum Index Page?
http://navarrebeachlife.com/forum

Kenny Wilder
Nature and Wildlife Photographer
Phone: 850-936-5887
Cell: 850-384-1731
Fax: 772-325-2297
Photo Gallery: www.pbase.com/kennywilder
Navarre Beach Official Website: www.navarrebeachlife.com
_________________
Kenny Wilder
Nature Photographer
Florida Master Naturalist
Photo Gallery
www.NavarreBeachFishingPier.com

[Pete]

And - after seeing the video of the new pier in Alabama during the tropical storm - which washed away their decking and some damage to railings - I'm glad the Navarre pier will be 30-ft. above water - same as Oklaoosa (the Alabama one was 20-feet).
As a non-fisherman, 30-feet up seems a bit high for fishng - but the greater protection of being above higher waves seems like a good idea.
_________________
Cheers, Pete
GEAUX SAINTS!

[David]

You are right Pete. 30 ft. is higher than desired for fishing but workable.

The great thing is that the pier in Alabama is now back in action with only the very end off limits while they complete railing repair, probably days away. The blow away decking (our new pier has those) and the railing damage was minimal compared to what could have happened with old design.

I'm sure you know but others may not, the blow away decks minimize structural damage since when blown out it relieves wave pressure that could cause severe damage. Then, just retrieve,drop back in, repair the rails where the floating deck may have banged, and back to fishing.
_________________
David
Fishing Report

[Kenny Wilder]

Todays E-mail from Commissioner Gordon Goodin

"We approved the recommendation for staff to proceed with the permitting of the extension. Time is of the essence, so we're going to see if the agencies we have to deal with are as eager as we are. This is a remarkable opportunity and we hope to get unprecedented cooperation from them."

Let's Roll!
_________________
Kenny Wilder
Nature Photographer
Florida Master Naturalist
Photo Gallery
www.NavarreBeachFishingPier.com

[AngelGirl]

Woo-Hoo! Good news, indeed!!!
A.G.
_________________
“Oh I Have Slipped
The Surly Bonds of Earth...
Put Out My Hand
And Touched the Face of God ”