Rick's Podcasts

Author and newspaper publisher Rick Outzen explores the news behind the headlines with newsmakers and the journalists that cover them. 

Episode 2779: Gloria Horning on flooding in Tanyard area

Gloria Horning, a resident of the Tanyard neighborhood, shares her experiences with flooding and the impact of overdevelopment. She mentions that her neighborhood has been affected by sewage leaks and odors.Horning also talks about how chemicals from the closed mosquito facilty on Intendencia Street have leaked into the aquifer.He calls for more proactive measures to address these issues, including better infrastructure and stricter regulations for new developments. She also highlights the need for more thorough and monitored cleanup plans for contaminated sites.

05-07
14:41

Episode 2778: Mayor Reeves visits ST Engineering

Mayor D.C. Reeves discussed his recent trip to the headquarters of ST Engineering in Singapore. Pensacola may become a pilot for its Smart City Technology.

05-07
09:03

Episode 2777: Greater Gulf Coast Music Festival

The Greater Gulf Coast Music Festival is a new music festival and aims to celebrate diverse cultures and genres in Escambia County. The inaugural event will be held Saturday, May 11, at the Escambia County Equestrian Center (7750 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, Fla.) from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

05-03
04:41

Episode 2776: Gulf Coast Culture Fest

Scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 11,  Gulf Coast Culture Fest will return for its fourth and biggest year yet to Seville Square in downtown Pensacola for a jam-packed day of family fun. Admission is free. Gulf Coast Culture Fest will be a two-part festival consisting of a large variety of entertainment, vendors and food trucks from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Followed by #FilmsForTheCulture Film Fest, which is a community wide short film festival, that will take start at 8 p.m. Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of performances spanning music, dance, poetry, visual arts, and more. From soulful musical performances to mesmerizing dance routines, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The lineup will feature both established artists and up-and-coming talents, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for all. "We're thrilled to announce our entertainment for this year's Gulf Coast Culture Fest," said Calvin “Kalvo” Griffin, Founder and Organizer of Gulf Coast Culture Fest. "We've curated a diverse and exciting program that reflects the richness and diversity of our community. Whether you're a music lover, a dance enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, there's something for everyone at Gulf Coast Culture Fest." Some of the entertainment acts include 9th Avenue Brass Band, Pensacola Poetry, Saraab Belly Dancers, Perdido Performing Arts,” as well “Yoga in the Park” with Pensacola yogi, Yoga Ro, and more. Gulf Coast Culture Fest has also partnered with Pensacola Opera to host their summer in the park concert series, "Open Al Fresco," as part of this year’s festival."We encourage the entire Gulf Coast community to come out with their lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a day of entertainment and rejuvenation", said Griffin.  For more information about Gulf Coast Culture Fest, including the full entertainment lineup and schedule of events, visit <a gulfcoastculturefest.com or follow Gulf Coast Culture Fest on Facebook and Instagram.

05-03
03:32

Episode 2775: Herricane Escambia

Escambia County Emergency Management invites girls entering 7th, 8th and 9th grades to participate in the inaugural HERricane Escambia program. The deadline to apply for the program is Friday, May 3.

05-02
13:50

Episode 2774: Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola earns ‘A’

Ascension Sacred Heart earned an ‘A’ spring 2024 Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization that grades almost 3,000 general hospitals throughout the United States. This is the seventh consecutive ‘A’ for the hospital, spread out over the last three and a half years. Studer Family Children's Hospital president Dr. Jason Foland discusses the award..

05-02
04:50

Episode 2773: The CoC Needs You

The Continuum of Care (COC) wants members. The CoC is a two-county group that focuses on reducing homelessness and is currently undergoing reorganization to align with the federal strategy and plan. Last month, Opening Doors of Northwest Florida, the lead agency, held a meeting to solicit CoC members. Since September 2023, a governance charter committee has been working on a new charter and organizational structure for the CoC with HUD’s help.  The goal is to involve the entire community in addressing homelessness, with transparency in meetings and encouraging community participation. ​ Pensacola City Councilwoman Allison Patton serves on the committee. She said, “The meeting was the first step in forming that membership body and formalizing it because we really have not had a formal membership roster. The membership will be the core group that votes on the charter once it's completed.Patton encouraged any interested business, nonprofit or individual to seek membership. “Do not think about the CoC as a group of nonprofits that are in this work and should be making these decisions. It's really the entire community that needs to be involved.” To apply for membership, visit bit.ly/3UfPhTi.

05-01
05:58

Episode 2772: Latest on Triple Homicide in Myrtle Grove

The sheriff's office is asking the public for help in solving the triple homicide in Myrtle Grove and is specifically requesting any video surveillance footage that may be available.  We also discussed the success of his Blazer Academy.

05-01
14:08

Episode 2771: D5 Report

Escambia County Commission Chairman Steven Barry discussed various topics, including the importance of sports for children, the development of the IP golf course, and the creation of a community center in Carver Park.He also highlighted the potential for a multi-use facility at Brosnaham Park, envisioning it as a vibrant hub for community events such as basketball and volleyball tournaments. This exciting prospect, along with the expansion of high-speed internet in the area, promises a brighter future for our community. Barry emphasized the importance of community development and quality-of-life projects and expressed excitement about the positive impact these initiatives will have on the community.

04-30
15:51

Episode 2771: D5 Report

Escambia County Commission Chairman Steven Barry discussed various topics, including the importance of sports for children, the development of the IP golf course, and the creation of a community center in Carver Park.He also highlighted the potential for a multi-use facility at Brosnaham Park, envisioning it as a vibrant hub for community events such as basketball and volleyball tournaments. This exciting prospect, along with the expansion of high-speed internet in the area, promises a brighter future for our community. Bsrry emphasized the importance of community development and quality-of-life projects and expressed excitement about the positive impact these initiatives will have on the community.

04-30
15:51

Episode 2770: Pensacola Energy uodating oldest gas utility

Darryl Singleton, the director of Pensacola Energy,  discussed the recent $10.1 million grant they received. The grant will be used to replace bare steel pipes with polyethylene, improving safety and reducing methane leaks. The grant application focused on eliminating high-risk items, serving historically underserved communities, and benefiting the environment. 

04-30
06:12

Episode 2769: April Airport Update

According to Airport Director Matt Coughlin, the additional eight TSA workers at Pensacola International Airport are expected to improve service levels after staffing and training struggles. Coughlin also confirmed that Southwest Airlines' decision to cut service to several airports around the country will not impact Pensacola. Additionally, Roy Anderson Corp. has been awarded the contract for Hangar Three for $72.7 million, with work expected to start soon. The hangar will be able to accommodate wide-body jets, and ST  Engineering already has clients lined up for work there.

04-30
07:06

Episode 2768: Port has plans to grow more

Twenty years ago, the City of Pensacola struggled to find a viable business strategy for the financially struggling Port of Pensacola. Ideas such as transforming warehouses into a maritime museum and a cruise ship accommodation were considered but were abandoned after Hurricane Ivan.  Today, the port is thriving and has diversified its operations, according to Port Director Clark Merritt. “We have a nice balance of cargo activities that are very robust with our long-term tenants like CMEX and Martin Marietta and, of course, the GE Wind products. They really are our bedrock of support at the port on the maritime commerce side.” The diversity comes with the addition of American Magic, Portside Pickle, and the University of West Florida’s mechanical engineering lab. Merritt shared that more is planned for the parcel between American Magic’s headquarters and The Fish House, but the site has challenges.

04-30
07:43

Episode 2767: Inside White House Correspondents Dinner

ABC News' Karen Travers was there, sitting at the head table.  She shares what happened.

04-29
05:41

Episode 2766: The Bail Project in Pensacola

The Bail Project - An Evening Hosted by Julian MacQueen with Robin Steinberg, Founder of the Bail Project, is  Thursday, April 25, starting at 6:30 p.m. in The Rex, 18 North Palafox St.  Bail Project CEO David Gasper discusses the program and shares its success in Pensacola.

04-25
10:44

Episode 2765: 2024 Pensacola Crawfish Festival

Thousands of pounds of seafood, along with traditional festival fare, encompass this event. Festival runs 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, April 26, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, April 27, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 28, in Seville Square. Details are available at fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival.

04-24
14:39

Episode 2764: Teacher Hiring Event

Escambia County Public Schools is hosting an in-person Teacher Hiring Event to fill teacher positions for the 2024-2025 school year on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Booker T. Washington High School, 6000 College Parkway. Visit the ECPS employment page at escambiacountyschools.org/employment and click on “24-25 Teacher Hiring Event.”  The application deadline is May 1.  Applicants will receive an email notification if eligible to attend. Melia Adams shares the details.

04-24
07:11

Episode 2763: UWF Cyber Ambassadors

The University of West Florida placed second in the 2023 CAE-CD Community Outreach Award Competition, which is given by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community. UWF Cyber Ambassadors program is an important part of the center's community outreach. Guy Garrett leads the program.

04-23
06:28

Episode 2762: Brahier: Swimming Pools, Maintenance

Council member Jennifer Brahier discusses Portside Pickle, City Swimming Pools and creating a priority list for repairs and maintenance. 

04-22
13:36

Episode 2761: Bergosh on Perdido Roundabout

 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh discussed various issues in District 1, including the problematic roundabout on Perdido Key, which he admitted was too small and needed to be redesigned. He also mentioned a new offer for OLF-8, which he believes is a better deal. Bergosh also announced that the next Coffee with Commissioner event will be held live in Perdido Key, where several new developments and improvements are underway.

04-22
12:14

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