Here's a look back at our top stories of the week
Here's a roundup of our top stories from the past week that are available only to our subscribers.
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Skanska sued by Justice Department over barge damage at NAS Pensacola
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Skanska for more than $1.4 million in costs and damages stemming from construction barges crashing into two Navy-owned bridges.
Skanska, the construction firm contracted by the Florida Department of Transportation to replace the outdated Pensacola Bay Bridge, failed to take "reasonable measures to protect its barges" from Hurricane Sally in September 2020, a federal judge ruled in December 2021. As a result of Skanska's actions, 27 of the company's 55 construction barges broke free during the storm and damaged waterfront properties around Pensacola Bay.
Two of the damaged properties included the Sam Lovelace Bridge, which connects Naval Air Station Pensacola to the Warrington area, and a golf cart bridge that connects parts of the A.C. Reed golf course complex on NAS Pensacola.
Full story: Skanska sued by Justice Department over barge damage at NAS Pensacola
The Caribbean comes to Cordova Mall as new Jamaican food kiosk opens for business
If you hear a joyful “wah gwaan!” bellowing inside the atrium of Cordova Mall’s food court — the Jamaican greeting loosely translated to “what’s going on” — you know some home-cooked jerk chicken and oxtails are waiting around the corner.
Business partners Khrista-Gae Sangster and Tiffany Robinson opened their Cordova Mall kiosk, Wah Gwaan, starring Jamaican cuisine this month. They are not only ready to expose Pensacola to traditional Jamaican home cooking but to bring representation to community on behalf of Jamaica and as Black business owners.
The two do not let their small kiosk stop them from delivering the highest quality of food and service. Their food is prepared every day at the Pensacola Cooks commissary kitchen on Barrancas Avenue and transported to the mall several times throughout the day in small batches, ensuring that the food is always at top quality. Because of the ample space in the commissary, all the staples, such as oxtail, curry goat, brown stewed pork chops, bread pudding, and the beloved jerk chicken, all have a secure spot on the menu.
Full story: The Caribbean comes to Cordova Mall as new Jamaican food kiosk opens for business
How can Pensacola build more affordable housing? Experts will review zoning laws for solutions
Pensacola is about to undertake a comprehensive assessment of its land development code — the key local laws that set the ground rules for property development and use — to boost the city's housing supply.
One of Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves' campaign promises was to conduct a comprehensive review of the city's land development code to review it for contradictions and policies that make affordable housing development difficult.
Earlier this year, the City Council signed off on a spending package of $3.25 million that included needed equipment for police and fire and several initiatives that Reeves campaigned on, including $100,000 for an assessment of the land development code.
Last week, a city selection committee ranked Orlando-based Inspire Placemaking Collective Inc. to conduct the assessment, according to city spokesperson Kaycee Lagarde. The City Council will likely vote on the contract award in July.
Full story: How can Pensacola build more affordable housing? Experts will review zoning laws for solutions
Santa Rosa schools enter book ban feud with 14 books challenged so far
After seemingly spending the majority of the 2022-2023 school year above the fray, Santa Rosa County District Schools has now been pulled into the national book-banning controversy.
Santa Rosa County Superintendent Karen Barber addressed the issue in a Facebook post Thursday, reporting the district received its first formal book complaint on May 23 and, as of Thursday, had 14 books on its challenge list.
Barber's note to families explained the district’s review processes, the impact of new state legislation and said the district is dedicated to "providing appropriate materials to our students."
Full story: Santa Rosa schools enter book ban feud with 14 books challenged so far
Milton River Walk is about to get bigger and better. Here's why
With $1 million in state money having survived a perilous journey across the desk of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the city of Milton can now get serious about planning for a southward extension of its Blackwater River river walk.
The funding will allow the city to push the river walk at least another 360 feet to reach an existing festival area and, if details can be worked out, across an existing private property owned by Olon Hyde. Hyde earlier this year took sole possession of Blackwater Entertainment LLC in a split with Sean Thompson, owner of Brew Angels restaurant and pub.
Full story: Milton River Walk is about to get bigger and better. Here's why
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Top Pensacola news stories from the week: June 26-30
