LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: D.C. Reeves, Mayor
City Council President Delarian Wiggins
City Council Vice President Casey Jones
City Council Member Jennifer Brahier
City Council Member Charles Bare
City Council Member Jared Moore
City Council Member Teniade Broughton
City Council Member Allison Patton
SUBJECT:
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RESOLUTION NO. 2023-062 - DESIGNATION OF STATE ROADWAY TO HONOR LEWIS BEAR JR., AS “LEWIS BEAR JR. WAY” end
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council adopt Resolution No. 2023-062:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, IN SUPPORT OF THE DESIGNATION OF 9TH AVENUE, FROM BAYFRONT PARKWAY TO CERVANTES STREET, AS “LEWIS BEAR JR. WAY”; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) allows for roadways in the State of Florida to be designated for memorial or honorary purposes. Currently, the Pensacola Bay Bridge, the Bayou Texar Bridge, a portion of Bayfront Parkway, and a portion of East Cervantes Street are just some of the Memorial Highways within the city limits.
The section of 9th Avenue from Bayfront Parkway to Cervantes St is being recommended to be designated as “Lewis Bear, Jr., Way.” This approximately .86-mile stretch of roadway is entirely in the city limits, passes directly by Veterans’ Memorial Park, and serves as a gateway to Pensacola, the waterfront, and our downtown.
During the 2023 Legislative Session the Florida Legislature passed HB 21 which included the road designation for the “Lewis Bear, Jr., Memorial Highway”. The Governor signed the bill on May 30, 2023. With the signing of the passed legislation, the City of Pensacola now must pass a resolution stating that the Council is in favor of the designation. The family has asked that the official designation from the council be “Lewis Bear Jr. Way”.
Upon passage, the FDOT would fund and erect the signs. There is no cost to the City of Pensacola.
Designating this roadway would honor Mr. Bear and will honor his memory as a loving family man, prominent businessman, philanthropist, lifelong resident of Pensacola, and leader within the region.
PRIOR ACTION:
None
FUNDING:
Budget: N/A
Actual: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There will be no cost to the City of Pensacola. The Florida Department of Transportation will provide funding for the signage.
LEGAL REVIEW ONLY BY CITY ATTORNEY: Yes
8/15/2023
STAFF CONTACT:
Kerrith Fiddler, City Administrator
David Forte, Deputy City Administrator
Amy Tootle, Public Works & Facilities Director
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Lewis Bear Resolution
2) HB 21
PRESENTATION: No end