LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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REQUEST FOR THE NAMING OF NORTH CITY HALL PLAZA AFTER JOHN SUNDAY, II
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council approve the request to name the North end of City Hall Plaza after John Sunday, II. Further that a granite base and bronze plaque honoring Mr. Sunday be placed in the plaza.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
The Mayor requests to name North City Hall Plaza after John Sunday, II.
- Mr. Sunday (1838-1925) was a very successful African American business contractor, community leader, and politician in Pensacola.
- During the Civil War, he served in the U.S. Army and eventually rose to First Sergeant’s rank with the 6th Corps de Aftique Infantry and 78th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry.
- After the war, Sunday returned to Pensacola, became a customs inspector for the Port of Pensacola, and later entered the construction business.
- He served in both the Florida House of Representatives in 1874 (representing Escambia County); and the Pensacola City Council between 1878-1881 and 1884-1885.
- John Sunday is credited with leading the business development in Historic Belmont DeVilliers.
- He is also credited with (and probably more locally known for) building several homes in Pensacola (some reports say over 100), some of which remain. One of these was the “John Sunday House,” which was located on the northwest corner of Romana and Reus Streets.
The attachment provides more history and accomplishments of Mr. John Sunday, II.
According to City Code Section 2-3-2 - Naming City Property, all property or facilities under review that are within the purview of the Parks and Recreation Board, the Board can recommend the naming/renaming to City Council. This property is not a park, thus it is not within the purview of the Parks and Recreation Board, and it was not brought to them for their review. The City Council makes the final decision on all naming or renaming requests. Therefore, the request is being brought before City Council for consideration.
PRIOR ACTION:
None
FUNDING:
Budget: $ 15,000
Actual: $ 15,000
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with the creation and installation of the structure to honor Mr. Sunday are estimated to be $15,000. Sufficient funding is available within the Parks and Recreation General Fund Budget.
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes
2/2/2021
STAFF CONTACT:
Keith Wilkins, City Administrator
Kerrith Fiddler, Deputy City Administrator - Community Development
Brian Cooper, Parks and Recreation Director
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Points in John Sunday, II’s Life
2) Newspaper Articles
3) History of Belmont-Devilliers
PRESENTATION: Yes end