Perdido Key Property Owner Survey

©

P e r d i d o K e y 2 0 1 5 P r o P e r t y o w n e r S u r v e y

© P e r d i d o K e y A s s o c i At i o n

August 2015

Dear PKA Member,

We are pleased to share the results of the 2015 Perdido Key Property Owner Survey with our members. Thank you for your participation and support.

The results of the survey are being shared with the five County Commissioners that make up the Escambia County Board of Commissioners as well as with the County Planning and Zoning Division, the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce, and others who make daily deci-sions affecting the quality of life on Perdido Key.

The Perdido Key Association will use the information gathered in the survey to continue advancing the goals and objectives of our organization.

We hope you will enjoy reading the survey. Thank you again for your participation and continued support.

Sincerely,

Perdido Key Association Board of Directors

PS: A membership application is can be found at the end of this report if you would like to join, update, or renew your membership. Please feel free to copy and share the application with your neighbors and homeowner association.

P.O. BOx 34001 • PensacOla, Fl [email protected] • www.perdidokeyassociation.org

AssociationPerdido Key

table of Contents

executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Survey information and data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Significant Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 6

Findings

Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 9

Planning and Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 12

Fire and Emergency Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 - 14

Transportation and Hurricane Evacuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 - 17

Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Public Waterfront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 - 22

Natural Resource Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Utilities and Public Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 - 27

Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 - 29

Community Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 - 31

Perdido Key Master Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Perdido Key Association is a community benefit organization comprised of property owners and residents of the Perdido Key area. Dues are $30 per household per year. Members of the Perdido Key Association (PKA) have vol-unteered for more than 50 years in support of the unique character, natural beauty and charm of Florida’s western most island, Perdido Key.

PKA conducts periodic surveys to gather information that can serve the community as a whole. The surveys are helpful as the Association Board identifies issues important to the membership and determines how to allocate As-sociation resources effectively. When PKA is asked to provide public input on various community issues, survey results and membership comments can provide guidance and direction.

Perdido Key AssociationP.O. Box 34001 • Pensacola, Florida 32507 • www.perdidokeyassociation.org

PERDIDO KEY PROPERTY OWNER SURVEY 2015

1

editorS’ note: This is the final edited version of the 2015 Perdido Key Property Owner Survey. In June 2015 fifty (50) draft copies were printed and distributed for review.

FINAL PRINTING – JULY 31, 2015

executive Summary

The Perdido Key Association (PKA) conducted a property owner opinion survey in early 2015. The survey, distributed as a self-mailer, included 78 questions. Most of the questions (with the exception of demographics) were designed to measure the strength of a respondent’s opinion using a scaled question structure.

A mailing list of property owners of record was obtained from the Escambia County Tax Assessor’s office and a total of 3,285 questionnaires were mailed to property owners on Perdido Key. 776 surveys were returned, validated and processed.

In addition to demographic data, respondents provided information and opinion about Perdido Key today and into the future. The categories were Planning and Zoning, Fire and Emergency Services, Transporta-tion and Hurricane Evacuation, Signage, Public Waterfront, Natural Resource Protection, Utilities and Public Infrastructure, Economic Development, Leadership, and Community Involvement.

Upon return, the surveys were delivered to Dr. Lance Kinney of the University of Alabama, College of Communication. Dr. Kinney tabulated and processed the survey data using a statistical software program. For each question asked, the survey report recorded the number and percentage of responses given for each information and opinion alternative.

A summary of significant findings using both text and charts can be found on Pages 4-6. More detailed information is available in the individual categories of the Findings section.

In brief, Perdido Key property owners were generally satisfied with the level of public services provided to the community, such as police and fire protection, but some believed they contributed more in taxes than they received in the services provided. Owners strongly supported a Master Plan for intelligent growth on the island, efforts to protect the environment and endangered species, and creation of more and better pedestrian and bicycle trails. They supported more restaurants and, to a lesser degree, other enter-tainment options, but were very much opposed to casinos and bingo parlors on the island. Beach nourish-ment was also strongly supported, but owners struggled with the issues of property easements and pos-sible use of eminent domain to conduct the nourishment. Very broadly, most respondents expressed their desire to continue to live, work, and play in a community very much like the Perdido Key of today.

As one looks around this beautiful island in summer 2015, one is struck by the amount of activity both on the ground and in government that can affect Perdido Key’s future. With the improving economy, con-struction and renovation have picked up in recent months – with more to come as a result of the stream-lined permit approval process to be followed under Escambia County’s Habitat Conservation Plan. On the other hand, the recent go ahead by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners for completion of a Master Plan for Perdido Key in 2015 means that further development on the island would have more specific guidelines and rules to follow. It is hoped that the 2015 Perdido Key Property Owner Survey will contribute to this and other efforts to keep Perdido Key the family friendly community we all enjoy.

PKA Board of Directors


2

Survey information and data Collection

researcher: • Dr. Lance Kinney Associate Professor, University of Alabama, College of Communication Ph.D., Mass Communication, Florida State University, 1995 M.A., Advertising, University of Georgia, 1987 B.A., Speech Communication, Auburn University, 1984 Dr. Kinney joined the University of Alabama faculty after teaching at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, and the University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Kinney’s teaching primarily concerns advertising strategy, media planning and advertising research. His research interests include mass communication theory and its effects.

Survey Period: • February - March 2015

Mailing: • 3,285 surveys were mailed to all property owners on Perdido Key. • Property owners list was obtained from Escambia County tax rolls. • More than 100 surveys were returned for address corrections and were re-mailed with corrected address. • 3 surveys were damaged and unusable.

return rate: • Completed surveys were forwarded to Dr. Kinney. • Several surveys were received after the deadline and were not included in the data analysis. • A total of 776 surveys were entered and coded for a response rate of nearly 24%. • Dr. Kinney stated this was a high return rate when compared with other surveys.

data Analysis • Each survey was hand coded and entered into SPSS PASWStatistics18.0 for analysis. • For each question asked, the survey report records the number and percentage of responses given for each informational and opinion alternative. • Each survey item is detailed in the Findings section. • Raw numbers (frequency) and percentages were charted for each survey item. • Not every respondent answered every item so each table includes a missing/no response label for these non-responses. • Many of the items asked the respondent to report a level of agreement with a statement or a perceived level of importance for the item. • For these scaled items, the most affirmative response (very important, strongly agree) was coded with a numerical code of 5. The opposite end of the scale (very unimportant, strongly disagree) was coded as a 1.


3

Significant Findings

Growth issues important Strong support for: Public input to zoning changes Low population density and residential oriented community Underground utilities and improved storm water drainage Enforcement of signage ordinances A Master Plan for development

interested in natural environment High level of importance was given to: Beaches and parks Protection of the environment and endangered species

Concerned about transportation Strong support for: Keeping Perdido Key Drive a two-lane road Keeping Perdido Key Drive speed limit at 45 MPH Constructing a multi-use trail separate from Perdido Key Drive

troubled with Beach erosion Respondents indicated they: Strongly favored beach nourishment But were split on the use of property easements and eminent domain

emergency Services Appreciated Respondents were: Satisfied with fire, police, and medical services Satisfied with hurricane preparedness, but less so with hurricane re-entry procedures

Selective Commercial Development Favored Rated important by respondents: Restaurants Shops Entertainment Leisure and fitness Chamber of Commerce Rated unimportant by respondents: Bars Gambling establishments Bingo and adult arcades Hotels and motels

Leadership and Community Many respondents wanted: More input into the construction of public facilities near neighborhoods More consultation and attention to their concerns by county government leadership A Perdido Key of the future much like the one they already had


4


Chart Representation of Significant FindingsThe charts in this section provide a quick visual review on some of the key results of the 2015 Perdido Key Property Owner Survey. The categories and specific questions depicted have either been controversial in the past or have created substantial property owner interest.

Readers are encouraged to review the complete presentation of data and analysis available in the Findings section.

Question #12: The current DWELLING CAP limits development on Perdido Key at 7,150 residences. I believe these num-bers are:

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Missing

Way Too Low

Too Low

About Right

Too High

Way Too High

Cap

Cap

Way To High

Too High

About Right

Too Low

Way To Low

Missing

Question #14: I believe Perdido Key prop-erty owners should have INPUT INTOZONING CHANGES prior to their ap-proval by Escambia County commission-ers.

!"# $!"# %!"# &!"# '!"#

()**)+,#

-./0#1+)234/56+5#

1+)234/56+5#

7.85/69#

:234/56+5#

-./0#:234/56+5#

!"#$

;4+#

Very Important

Important

Neutral

Unimportant

Very Unimportant

Missing

Question #16: Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . LOW POPULATION DENSITY

!"# $!"# %!"# &!"# '!"#

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1+)234/56+5#

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:234/56+5#

-./0#:234/56+5#

!"#$

;4<#

Very Important

Important

Neutral

Unimportant

Very Unimportant

Missing

Question #33: I believe a professionally developed MASTER PLAN is needed to guide future growth on Perdido Key.

!"# $!"# %!"# &!"#

'())(*+#

,-./*+01#2()+.33#

2()4+.33#

536-.40#

7+.33#

,-./*+01#7+.33#

!"#$

'80#

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Missing

PLANNING AND ZONING PLANNING AND ZONING PLANNING AND ZONING

PLANNING AND ZONING

Question #38: I believe Perdido Key Drive needs more PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS.

!"# $!"# %!"#

&'((')*#

+,-.)*/0#1'(*-22#

1'(3*-22#

425,-3/#

6*-22#

+,-.)*/0#6*-22#

!"#$

728#

Question #40: I believe Perdido Key needs separate, OFF-ROAD PEDES-TRIAN/BIKE PATHS.

Question #43: The current SPEED LIMIT on Perdido Key Drive is 45 mph. I believe it should:

!"# $!"# %!"# &!"# '!"# (!!"#

)*++*,-#

./01*,#23/#410/#

51+2/6#

4789/6#

!"#$

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Be Slower

Be Faster

Remain the Same

Missing

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Missing

!"# $!"# %!"# &!"#

'())(*+#

,-./*+01#2()+.33#

2()4+.33#

536-.40#

7+.33#

,-./*+01#7+.33#

!"#$

84-#

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Missing

Question #42: I favor keeping Perdido Key Drive as a TWO LANE ROAD and adding turn lanes where needed.

!"# $!"# %!"# &!"#

'())(*+#

,-./*+01#2()+.33#

2()4+.33#

536-.40#

7+.33#

,-./*+01#7+.33#

!"#$

$84#

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Missing

TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION


5

Question #63: I support BEACH NOUR-ISHMENT - i.e., replacing eroded sand on the Key’s beaches.

Question #65: I am willing to give the county a PERMANENT EASEMENT through my property in order to maintain the beaches.

Question #66: I believe EMINENTDOMAIN should be used for owners of beach front property who will not sign county easements.

Question #69: I believe Perdido Key needs more PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS locations.

!"# $!"# %!"#

&'((')*#

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6*-22#

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!""#

677#

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2()4+.33#

536-.40#

7+.33#

,-./*+01#7+.33#

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,*6#

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Missing

!"# $!"# %!"#

&'((')*#

+,-.)*/0#1'(*-22#

1'(3*-22#

425,-3/#

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+,-.)*/0#6*-22#

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73(#

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Missing

!"# $!"# %!"#

&'((')*#

+,-.)*/0#1'(*-22#

1'(3*-22#

425,-3/#

6*-22#

+,-.)*/0#6*-22#

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1.7#

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Missing

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Missing

Question #21: Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . GAMBLING, CASINOS

Question #18: Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . RESTAURANTS

!"# $!"# %!"# &!"# '!"#

()**)+,#

-./0#1+)234/56+5#

1+)234/56+5#

7.85/69#

:234/56+5#

-./0#:234/56+5#

!"#$

;6*#

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-./0#1+)234/56+5#

1+)234/56+5#

7.85/69#

:234/56+5#

-./0#:234/56+5#

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;<=#

Very Important

Important

Neutral

Unimportant

Very Unimportant

Missing

Question #17: Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . CASUAL LIFESTYLE

!"# $!"# %!"# &!"#

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,-./#0*(123.45*4#

0*(123.45*4#

6-74.58#

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,-./#9123.45*4#

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Very Important

Important

Neutral

Unimportant

Very Unimportant

Missing

Very Important

Important

Neutral

Unimportant

Very Unimportant

Missing

Question #57: I support the construction of BINGO AND ADULT ARCADES on Perdido Key.

!"# $!"# %!"# &!"# '!"#

()**)+,#

-./0+,12#3)*,/44#

3)*5,/44#

647./51#

8,/44#

-./0+,12#8,/44#

!"#$

9:6#

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Missing

PUBLIC WATERFRONT PUBLIC WATERFRONT PUBLIC WATERFRONT

PUBLIC WATERFRONT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT



6

FindingsThis section contains the specific findings of the survey organized by relevant categories.

demographics

Several questions were asked to determine the household composition of Perdido Key owners and the use they made of their property.Over half the owners (54.8%) used their Perdido Key property as a second home, though the time spent on the island each year varied considerably. Nearly half of the owners (46.8%) lived greater than 250 miles from Perdido Key.A significant majority (69.1%) reported that their property was located on the beach, with more beach property located on the eastern part of the island (38.5%) than the western part (29.9%).

Over half of those reporting (54.8%) have owned their property for greater than 10 years. Perhaps not surprisingly, most households had few children; only 18.0% reported having children aged 1-17. That being said, many owners undoubtedly enjoyed their Perdido Key property with their grown children and younger grandchildren and appreciated the island’s family friendly environment.

Questions in the Demographic Category include:

#1. The property I own on Perdido Key is used primarily as a:

#2. My Perdido Key Property is located on:

#3. My beach front property is located on:

#4. I have owned property on Perdido Key for:

#5. The number of adults in my household 18 years old and older is:

#6. The number of people in my household 1 - 5 years old is:



#9. If you are a non-resident property owner, how far is your home from Perdido Key?

#10. If you are a non-resident property owner, how many total days do you spend on Perdido Key each year?

#11. If you are a non-resident property owner, do you rent your property when you are not using it?


7

demographics

Frequency Percentage1 person 83 10.7%2 persons 513 66.1%3 persons 58 7.5%4 persons 37 4.8%5 persons 12 1.5%6 persons 13 1.7%8 persons 6 .8%9 persons 14 1.8%10 persons 2 .3%12 persons 3 .4%No response 35 4.5%TOTAL 776 100.0%

Question #5:The number of adults in my household 18 and over:

Frequency Percentage0 persons 751 96.8%1 person 15 1.9%2 persons 5 .6%3 persons 1 .1%4 persons 1 .1%5 persons 3 .4%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #6:The number of people in my household 1 - 5 years old:

Frequency PercentageFull-time residence: 142 18.3%Second home: 425 54.8%Rental: 151 19.5%Business: 5 .6%No response: 53 6.8%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #1:The property I own on Perdido Key is used primarily as:

Frequency PercentageGulf 536 69.1%Old River 170 21.9%Inland 45 5.8%No response: 25 3.2%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #2:My Perdido Key Property is located on:

Frequency PercentageEast of Eden 299 38.5%West of Eden 232 29.9%I’m not on the beach 169 21.8%No response: 76 9.8%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #3:My beach front property is located on:

Frequency PercentageLess than one year 34 4.4%1 - 2 years 74 9.5%3 - 5 years 129 16.6%6 - 10 years 107 13.8%More than 10 years 425 54.8%No response: 7 .9%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #4:I have owned property on Perdido Key for:


8

demographics

Frequency Percentage0 persons 727 93.7%1 person 29 3.7%2 persons 14 1.8%3 persons 4 .5%4 persons 2 .3%TOTAL: 776 100.0%


Frequency PercentageYes 242 31.2%No 383 49.4%Missing/no response: 151 19.5%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #11:If you are a non-resident property owner, do you rent your property when you are not using it?

Frequency Percentage0 persons 710 91.5%1 person 46 5.9%2 persons 15 1.9%3 persons 1 .1%4 persons 2 .3%5 persons 1 .1%6 persons 1 .1TOTAL: 776 100.0%


Frequency PercentageLess than 25 miles: 37 4.8%26 – 50 miles: 33 4.3%51 – 150 miles: 44 5.7%151 – 250 miles: 134 17.3%More than 250 miles: 363 46.8%Missing/no response: 165 21.3%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #9:If you are a non-resident property owner, how far is your home from Perdido Key?

Frequency Percentage14 or fewer days: 86 11.1%15 – 30 days: 149 19.2%31 – 60 days: 173 22.3%61 – 90 days: 93 12.0%More than 91 days: 102 13.1%Missing/no response: 173 22.3%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #10:If you are a non-resident property owner, how many total days do you spend on Perdido Key each year?


9

Planning and Zoning

Planning and zoning are important components for the maintenance and development of a community. Both processes are driven by economic incentives, but dwell in a complex political and legal environment. Planning and zoning can help define and enhance the character of a neighborhood. Because of special interests, however, their implementation and evolution on desirable property such as Perdido Key requires constant vigilance by concerned parties – including the Perdido Key Association. Accordingly, a number of survey questions were directed toward owner opinion on planning and zoning as they related to Perdido Key.Zoning began on Perdido Key in 1989, but was not well implemented and sometimes ignored. To control growth, “Caps” of 7,150 residences and 1,000 hotel/motel lodging units were introduced in 1993. Despite challenges over the years, the 1993 caps remain in place. About half of Perdido Key owners (49.9%) believed the current residence cap was about right, while another 35.9% thought the cap was too high; 37.4% of owners believed the hotel/motel lodging cap was about right, but an even higher percentage (50.1%) thought it was too high. Owners were neutral or in favor of better code enforcement (87.5%).Perdido Key is zoned as a Mixed-Use District. In contrast to single-use traditional zoning techniques, mixed-use zoning allows different types of use (such as housing, commercial and office) to locate within the same area, providing the uses are reasonably compatible. Perdido Key owners believed overwhelmingly that they should have input into zoning changes (95.5%) and that Perdido Key should retain a low population density (90.9%). Under discussion for several years, a master plan for Perdido Key was being developed by the highly regarded DPZ architectural firm in 2012. For undisclosed reason, though likely related to whether or not Perdido Key Drive (SR 292) should be two or four lanes, Escambia County terminated the DPZ contract in late 2012. In early 2015, however, the County rehired the firm and expects the Perdido Key Master Plan to be completed later in the year. This conforms to the wishes of Perdido Key owners where 83.7% believed that a professionally developed master plan was needed to guide future growth. Owners also favored residential over commercial development by 41.6% to 8.9%, although another 42.7% would focus on multi-use development.

Questions in the Planning and Zoning category include:

#12. The current dwelling cap limits development on Perdido Key at 7,150 residences. I believe these numbers are:

#13. The current dwelling cap limits development on Perdido Key at 1,000 hotel/motel lodging units. I believe these numbers are:

#14. I believe Perdido Key property owners should have input into zoning changes prior to their approval by the Escambia County commissioners.

#16. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . LOW POPULATION DENSITY

#33. I believe a professionally developed master plan is needed to guide future growth on Perdido Key.

#34. I believe future planning for Perdido Key should focus more on:

#70. I believe Perdido Key needs better code enforcement.


10

Planning and Zoning

Frequency PercentageWay too high 78 10.1%Too high 200 25.8%About right 387 49.9%Too low 51 6.6%Way too low 13 1.7%Missing/no response: 47 6.1%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #12:The current dwelling cap limits development on Perdido Key at 7,150 residences. I believe these numbers are:

Frequency PercentageVery important 562 72.4%Important 179 23.1%Neutral 23 3.0%Unimportant 2 .3%Very unimportant 7 .9%Missing/no response: 3 .4%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #14:I believe Perdido Key property owners should have input into zoning changes prior to their approval by Escambia County commissioners.

Frequency PercentageVery important: 507 65.3%Important: 199 25.6%Neutral: 44 5.7%Unimportant: 18 2.3%Very unimportant: 6 .8%Missing/no response: 2 .3%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #16:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .LOW POPULATION DENSITY

Frequency PercentageResidential development 323 41.6%Commercial development 69 8.9%Multi-use development 331 42.7%Missing/no response: 53 6.8%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #34:I believe future planning for Perdido Key should focus more on: Frequency Percentage

Strongly agree: 390 50.3%Agree: 259 33.4%Neutral: 68 8.8%Disagree: 30 3.9%Strongly disagree: 15 1.9%Missing/no response: 14 1.8%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #33:I believe a professionally developed master plan is needed to guide future growth on Perdido Key.

Frequency PercentageWay too high 132 17.0%Too high 257 33.1%About right 290 37.4%Too low 46 5.9%Way too low 10 1.3%Missing/no response: 41 5.3%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #13:The current dwelling cap limits development on Perdido Key at 1,000 hotel/motel lodging units. I believe these numbers are:


11

Planning and Zoning

Frequency PercentageStrongly agree: 87 11.2%Agree: 248 32.0%Neutral: 344 44.3%Disagree: 59 7.6%Strongly disagree: 20 2.6%Missing/no response: 18 2.3%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #70:I believe Perdido Key needs better code enforcement.


12

Fire and Emergency Services

Emergency services such as water rescue of swimmers, first response to medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, as well as fire services are provided by Escambia County Fire Rescue, including Station 19’s new heliport-equipped facility on Perdido Key Drive.Police protection for Perdido Key is mainly provided by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, with the Precinct 2 office located on Gulf Beach Highway just across the Theo Barrs Bridge from Perdido Key.Survey respondents strongly believed in the importance of these services, with 92.4% supporting emergency medical services and 97.8% supporting public safety. Owner satisfaction with the services provided by Perdido Key’s Fire Rescue Department was 78.3%, with 78.0% supporting the new heliport; satisfaction was 66.2% for services provided by Perdido Key’s law enforcement agencies. 71.4% believed that the fire assessment fee of $85 was reasonable while a smaller majority of 52.1% supported the establishment of a law enforcement substation on Perdido Key.

Questions in Fire and Emergency Services category include:

#29. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

#30. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . PUBLIC SAFETY: Fire and Police

#48. IamsatisfiedwiththelevelofprotectionprovidedbyPerdidoKey’sFireRescueDepartment.

#49. Ibelievetheannualfireassessmentfeeof$85.00perresidentialunitisreasonable.

#50. IamsatisfiedwiththelevelofprotectionprovidedbyPerdidoKey’slawenforcementagencies.

#51. I believe a law enforcement substation should be established on Perdido Key.

#53. IbelievetheheliportlocatedontopofthefirestationisanimportantassettoPerdidoKey.


13

Fire and Emergency Services

Frequency PercentageVery important: 402 51.8%Important: 315 40.6%Neutral: 48 6.2%Unimportant: 6 .8%Very unimportant: 2 .3%Missing/no response: 3 .4%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #29:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES


Question #50:IamsatisfiedwiththelevelofprotectionprovidedbyPerdido Key’s law enforcement agencies.


Question #51:I believe a law enforcement substation should be estab-lished on Perdido Key.


Question #49: Ibelievetheannualfireassessmentfeeof$85.00perresidential unit is reasonable.

Frequency PercentageStrongly agree: 156 20.1%Agree: 452 58.2%Neutral: 148 19.1%Disagree: 8 .1%Strongly disagree: 0 0.0%Missing/no response: 12 1.5%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question 48:IamsatisfiedwiththelevelofprotectionprovidedbyPerdidoKey’sFireRescueDepartment.


Question #53:Ibelievetheheliportlocatedontopofthefirestationisan important asset to Perdido Key.


Question #30:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .PUBLIC SAFETY: Fire and Police


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transportation and Hurricane evacuation

Getting around Perdido Key is naturally limited by the island’s long and narrow geography. Perdido Key Drive (SR 292) is a seven mile two-lane asphalt road with a graveled shoulder, a speed limit of 45 MPH, few crosswalks, and no traffic signals. There is a bicycle path on each side of the road, but with only a painted white stripe separating vehicular traffic from bicyclists and pedestrians using the paths.

The frontage on Perdido Key Drive is made up of commercial activities, condominiums, private residences, and state park land.

River Road loops around the northeast side of the island to connect single family neighborhoods, con-dominiums, and businesses with Perdido Key Drive at two points. Johnson Beach Road and Sandy Key Drive extend a few blocks beyond Perdido Key Drive on the east end of the island and link with single family neighborhoods, condominiums and the Gulf Island National Seashore. Both River Road and John-son Beach Road have off road asphalt paths for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. The west end of the island is accessible only by Perdido Key Drive and cul-de-sac streets that terminate into private neighbor-hoods and condominium complexes. Escambia County has in place a hurricane evacuation plan with established protocols outlining what to do prior to, during, and following a major storm as well as established evacuation routes and disaster zones. With this in mind, 70.4% of survey respondents were satisfied with evacuation plans for Perdido Key, while a small majority of 52.7% was satisfied with storm re-entry procedures.

A great deal of attention in recent years has been given to whether or not Perdido Key Drive will be changed from a two-lane to a four-lane road such as neighboring Orange Beach, Alabama, and whether a bicycle and pedestrian path separate from the Perdido Key Drive roadway would be constructed. Consid-eration of both issues is ongoing in both private organizations and government, with public input such as this survey a potential factor in deliberations.

Respondents strongly favored (77.5%) keeping Perdido Key Drive a two-lane road and adding turn lanes where needed; 80.9% also favored keeping the speed limit on Perdido Key Drive at the current 45 mph. In addition, respondents strongly supported (77.4%) construction of a separate, off road, pedestrian/bi-cycle path on Perdido Key. Respondents generally supported more pedestrian crosswalks on Perdido Key Drive (58.6%) but were less in favor (44.3%) of traffic signals at intersections. Opinion on more public parking and street legal golf cart use on Perdido Key was decidedly mixed.

Questions in the Transportation and Hurricane Evacuation category include:

#35. IamsatisfiedwithmyabilitytoevacuatePerdidoKeypriortoorduringastorm.

#36. IamsatisfiedwithcurrentprocedurestoreenterPerdidoKeyandaccessmypropertyfollowing storm evacuation.

#38. I believe Perdido Key Drive needs more pedestrian crosswalks.

#39. IbelievePerdidoKeyDriveneedstrafficsignalsatbusyintersections.

#40. I believe Perdido Key needs a separate, off road, pedestrian/bike path.

#41. I believe street legal golf carts connecting neighborhoods, shops, parks, and beaches would enhance the quality of life on the Key.

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#42. I favor keeping Perdido Key Drive as a two-lane road and adding turn lanes where needed.

#43. The current speed limit on Perdido Key Drive is 45 mph. I believe it should be:

#45. I believe Perdido Key needs more public parking.

Frequency PercentageStrongly disagree: 48 6.2% Disagree: 361 46.5%Neutral: 229 29.5%Agree: 80 10.3%Strongly agree: 41 5.3%Missing/no response: 17 2.2%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #36:IamsatisfiedwithcurrentprocedurestoreenterPerdidoKey and access my property following storm evacuation.


Question #35:IamsatisfiedwithmyabilitytoevacuatePerdidoKeyprior to or during a storm.


Question #38:I believe Perdido Key Drive needs more pedestrian crosswalks.


Question #39:IbelievePerdidoKeyDriveneedstrafficsignalsatbusyintersections.

Frequency PercentageStrongly agree: 296 38.1%Agree: 305 39.3%Neutral: 120 15.5%Disagree: 39 5.0%Strongly disagree: 6 .8%Missing/no response: 10 1.3%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #40:I believe Perdido Key needs a separate, off-road,pedestrian/bike path.


Question #41:I believe street legal golf carts connecting neighbor-hoods, shops, parks, and beaches would enhance the quality of life on the Key.


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Question #42:I favor keeping Perdido Key Drive as a two-lane road and adding turn lanes where needed.

Frequency PercentageBe Slower 84 10.8%Be Faster 55 7.1%Remain the same 628 80.9%Missing/no response: 7 .9%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #43:The current speed limit on Perdido Key Drive is 45 mph. I believe it should:

Frequency PercentageStrongly agree: 30 3.9%Agree: 173 22.3%Neutral: 232 29.9%Disagree: 212 27.3%Strongly disagree: 122 15.7%Missing/no response: 7 .9%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #45:I believe Perdido Key needs more public parking.


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Questions in the Signage category include:

#47. I support the enforcement of the county’s signage ordinance to regulate the size, height, location, lighting, etc., of signs located along Perdido Key Drive.

#54. I believe Perdido Key should have attractive gateway signs located at both east and west entrances of the Key.

Signage

Signage is necessary to direct the public to neighborhoods and businesses, to identify hazards and to promote commerce. Signage tells the passing public where they are, what kind of people to expect and the kind of community they are in.

In Escambia County, signage regulations are defined in the Escambia County Land Development Code Article 8. Signage regulations detail sizes, lighting, type of construction, wind load safety, and types of materials allowed. The regulations are generally the same for Perdido Key with only a few regulations specific to the island. By contrast, Pensacola Beach has specific signage regulations unique to the Pensacola Beach image.

By 88.9%, respondents overwhelmingly supported enforcement of Escambia County’s regulations on signage along Perdido Key Drive. More than two-thirds (71.7%) also favored having attractive gateway signs at both east and west entrances to Perdido Key.


Question #47:I support the enforcement of the county’s signage ordi-nance to regulate the size, height, location, lighting, etc., of signs located along Perdido Key Drive.


Question #54:I believe Perdido Key should have attractive gateway signs located at both east and west entrances to the Key.

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Public waterfront

Almost all respondents to the survey were captivated by Perdido Key’s beautiful beaches, with 91.0% rating the beaches as “Very Important” to them and their families and another 8.1% stating they were “Important” – for a total of 99.1%! Many others agreed; as published in the Pensacola News Journal on March 18, 2015:Gulf Islands National Seashore has earned the title of “Best Florida Beach,” taking the No. 1 spot in USAToday’s“10BestReaders’Choice”awards,chosenbyvotersofUSATodayand10Best.InthePensacolaarea,theGulfIslandsNationalSeashoreincludesSantaRosaandFortPickensareasonSantaRosaIslandandJohnsonBeachonPerdidoKey.Yet Perdido Key beaches have been significantly damaged by past storms, particularly Hurricane Ivan in 2004. As a result, they were designated as “critically eroded” by the Florida Department of Environmen-tal Protection in 2004, a decision upheld in 2009 (drawn from http://www.myescambia.com/community/perdido-key-beach-nourishment). Since then a variety of initiatives have been undertaken to determine how best to “nourish” the beaches, i.e., to add sand dredged from offshore in the Gulf. To date, no nour-nishment has been accomplished because of funding issues and the need to obtain easements for Perdido Key beach property under private ownership.Johnson Beach and Perdido Key State Park provide public access to greater than half of Perdido Key’s more than 12 miles of Gulf front beaches. There are also three public (Escambia County) beach access locations: Access 2 and Access 3 have rest rooms, outdoor showers, and a small parking lot; Access 1 has parking only. There is also a public kayak launch and parking area located on River Road. Although there are a number of boat ramps on Perdido Key, the only one with public access is located at Johnson Beach - but only for smaller craft. The nearest fishing piers are located in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Pensacola Beach.While about half of respondents (49.4%) believed that public beach access was important to them and their families, only 20.2% supported additional public beach access. Support for more public boat ramps was 38.0%, while support for a fishing pier on Perdido Key was only 28.6%. Support for pet friendly beaches was split, with 36.7% indicating they were important to them and their families and 41.9% indi-cating they were unimportant. A strong majority of 73.9%, however, was against the placement of energy platforms (drilling rigs, energy pipelines, etc.) in the waters off Perdido Key. Most respondents (83.5%) supported beach nourishment, but were split on whether the expense of nour-ishing private beaches should be paid by beach owners and not by county property owners (30.4% sup-ported the statement and 45.8% opposed). They were also split on giving the county permanent easements on private property to maintain the beaches (30.5% in favor and 31.4% opposed, with 33.5% neutral) and on using eminent domain for owners of beach front property who would not sign county easements (29.7% in favor and 37.8% opposed, with 29.3% neutral). To summarize, most respondents seemed satisfied with Perdido Key’s waterfront as it is today, but struggled with how best to deal with the need to nourish the island’s beaches.

Questions in the Public Waterfront category include:

#15. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . BEACHES

#20. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . PUBLIC BOAT RAMPS


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Public waterfront

#25. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS

#31. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . PET FRIENDLY BEACHES

#63. I support beach nourishment, i.e., replacing eroded sand on the Key’s beaches.

#64. I believe the expense of nourishing private beaches should be paid by those who own the beaches and not by all county property owners.

#65. I am willing to give the county a permanent easement through my property in order to maintain the beaches.

#66. I believe eminent domain should be used for owners of beach front property who will not sign county easements.

#67. IwouldliketoseeapublicfishingpieronPerdidoKey.

#68. I support the placement of energy platforms (drilling rigs, energy pipelines, etc.) in the waters off Perdido Key.

#69. I believe Perdido Key needs more beach access locations for the general public.

Frequency PercentageVery important: 706 91.0%Important: 63 8.1%Neutral: 3 .4%Unimportant: 1 .1%Very unimportant: 2 .3%Missing/no response: 1 .1%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #15:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .BEACHES

Frequency PercentageVery important: 88 11.3%Important: 207 26.7%Neutral: 299 38.5%Unimportant: 127 16.4%Very unimportant: 52 6.7%Missing/no response: 3 .4%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #20:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .PUBLIC BOAT RAMPS


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Public waterfront


Question #25:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS


Question #31:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .PET FRIENDLY BEACHES


Question #63:I support beach nourishment, i.e., replacing eroded sand on the Key’s beaches.


Question #64:I believe the expense of nourishing private beaches should be paid by those who own the beaches and not by all county property owners.


Question #65:I am willing to give the county a permanent easement through my property in order to maintain the beaches.


Question #66:I believe eminent domain should be used for owners of beach front property who will not sign county easements.


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Public waterfront


Question #67:IwouldliketoseeapublicfishingpieronPerdidoKey.


Question #68:I support the placement of energy platforms (drilling rigs, energy pipelines, etc.) in the waters off Perdido Key.


Question #69:I believe Perdido Key needs more beach access loca-tions for the general public.


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natural resource Protection

Perdido Key is known for its beauty and natural resources. It is home to seven threatened and endangered species as well as a stopover for numerous migratory species. Environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Perdido Key because of its unblemished stretches of coastal wilderness. The miles of preserved lands on Gulf Islands National Seashore at Johnson Beach and Perdido Key State Park offer a wealth of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, bird watching, and fishing. Other outdoor activities, including power boating, dolphin watch excursions and sailing tours are available nearby. The survey validated these views by reporting 77.1% of respondents believed that parks were important to their family and 64.5% believed the environment, including endangered species, should be protected. Respondents were less concerned about wildlife friendly lighting (a particular issue for nesting endangered turtles), with 40.7% supporting the issue and 41% neutral.

Questions in the Natural Resource Protection category include:

#24. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . PARKS

#37. I believe Perdido Key needs better, wildlife friendly, lighting.

#46. I believe the environment, including endangered species, should be protected in the growth of the Perdido Key area.


Question #24:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .PARKS Frequency Percentage


Question #37:I believe Perdido Key needs better, wildlife friendly, lighting.


Question #46:I believe the environment, including endangered species, should be protected in the growth of the Perdido Key area.


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utilities and Public infrastructure

Utility services and public service infrastructure on Perdido Key are owned, operated and maintained by a mix of companies and government entities. Standards for service are set by federal, state and county mandates. Most of the island’s utilities and public service infrastructure are located adjacent to the Theo Baars Bridge and Perdido Key Drive. These roadways are owned by the Department of Transportation and often pass through critical wildlife habitat.Electric service and transmission lines are provided by Gulf Power. Cox Communications offers television, telephone and Internet service as does AT&T. Many of the low hanging overhead wires on Perdido Key are in fact cable and telephone lines. Respondents strongly supported (87.6%) burying utilities along Perdido Key Drive to improve the appearance of the island.The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) is the current name for the local government body created in 1981 by the Florida Legislature to provide water, garbage pick-up and sewer service for much of Escambia County. Private haulers are also contracted for garbage collection service by condominiums and businesses. 49.1% of the respondents were in favor of a curb-side recycling program for condominiums and businesses on Perdido Key, while 34.5% were neutral on the issue. Respondents strongly believed (84.5%) that storm water drainage should be considered an important factor in the growth and development of Perdido Key.

Questions in the Utilities and Public Infrastructure category include:

#55. I believe underground utilities along Perdido Key Drive would improve the appearance of the Key.

#56. I believe storm water drainage should be considered as an important factor in the growth and development of Perdido Key.

#62. I believe Perdido Key needs a curb-side recycling program for condominiums and commercial establishments.


Question #55:I believe underground utilities along Perdido Key Drive would improve the appearance of the Key.


Question #56:I believe storm water drainage should be considered as an important factor in the growth and development of Perdido Key.


Question #62:I believe Perdido Key needs a curb-side recycling pro-gram for condominiums and commercial establishments.


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economic development

For a beach community like Perdido Key, economic development can mean increased tourist activity, rising prices and demand for real estate, and an increasing number of successful commercial enterprises. Permanent residents, vacationers, and investors are drawn to Perdido Key because of its beautiful beach-es, variety of attractions, and convenient location. Yet the wishes of owners, tourists, and investors can conflict since more tourism and businesses can take away from the pristine environment that permanent and second home owners may desire. This division of interests is played out on Perdido Key in conflicts over rezoning requests that, if approved, might lead to more successful businesses and tourism, but also increases in traffic and noise in established neighborhoods. It is also reflected in requests for development permits that challenge the island’s natural environment and the survival prospects of endangered species and other wildlife.

Several questions helped reveal the type of economic development Perdido Key owners wanted. Fore-most was a casual lifestyle, supported by an overwhelming 94.1% of respondents. Restaurants were considered important by 81.3% of the respondents, while 60.8% favored leisure and fitness opportunities. Support for bars was split with 33.8% considering them important, 36.9% neutral, and 29.0% unimportant. 57.6% believed shops and retail establishments were important while 51.6% favored entertainment (movies, golf, etc.) and 49.4% outdoor festivals.

Respondents also revealed what type of economic development they did not support on Perdido Key. 83.1% considered gambling establishments unimportant and 83.5% did not want construction of bingo and adult arcades; 69.1% also did not believe that more hotels/motels were needed on the island.

Opinions were mixed on schools and job opportunities, perhaps reflecting that 54.8% of survey respon-dents used their Perdido Key property as a second home and only 18.0% had children under 18 years old. Schools were considered important by 33.8% of the respondents, 36.5% neutral, and 29.1% unimportant, while job opportunities were considered important by 35.1%, 40.5% neutral, and 24.0% not important.In summary, the responses to Economic Development questions indicated that property owners wanted to retain and build upon Perdido Key’s casual lifestyle with a variety of leisure opportunities, such as more restaurants and retail establishments, but were strongly opposed to construction of gambling and bingo establishments and hotels/motels.

Questions in the Economic Development category include:

#17. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . CASUAL LIFESTYLE

#18. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . RESTAURANTS

#19. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . BARS

#21. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . GAMBLING ESTABLISHMENTS

#22. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . SHOPS AND RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS

#23. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . ENTERTAINMENT

#26. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . SCHOOLS


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#27. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . LEISURE/FITNESS OPPORTUNITIES

#28. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . JOB OPPORTUNITIES

#32. Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . OUTDOOR FESTIvALS: Concerts, Mullet Toss, Polar Bear Dip, etc.

#44. I believe Perdido Key needs more hotels/motels.

#57. I support the construction of bingo and adult arcades on Perdido Key.


Question #17:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .CASUAL LIFESTYLE

Frequency PercentageVery important: 312 40.2%Important: 319 41.1%Neutral: 108 13.9%Unimportant: 32 4.1%Very unimportant: 3 .4%Missing/no response: 2 .3%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #18:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .RESTAURANTS


Question #19:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .BARS

Frequency PercentageVery important: 18 2.3%Important: 27 3.5%Neutral: 76 9.8%Unimportant: 100 12.9%Very unimportant: 545 70.2%Missing/no response: 10 1.3%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #21:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . . GAMBLING ESTABLISHMENTS: Casinos and Slots


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Question #22:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .SHOPS AND RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS


Question #23:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .ENTERTAINMENT: Movies, Golf, Special Events


Question #26:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .SCHOOLS


Question #27:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .LEISURE AND FITNESS OPPORTUNITIES


Question #28:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .JOB OPPORTUNITIES


Question #44:I believe Perdido Key needs more hotels/motels.


Question #57:I support the construction of bingo and adult arcades on Perdido Key.


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Question #32:Please rate the following as to their importance for you and your family. . .OUTDOOR FESTIvALS: Concerts, Mullet Toss, Polar Bear Dip

Leadership

Leadership for a community is provided by private and government individuals and organizations. Various corporate actors and nonprofit entities are helping to shape the future of Perdido Key and play a leadership role, but significant direction must come from government. In the United States, government leadership is provided at the national, state, and local levels. As an unincorporated portion of Escambia County, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners and the various officials of the county are the most relevant governing authorities affecting the future of Perdido Key.A significant number of respondents (92.6%) believed that neighborhoods should have a voice regarding construction of public buildings and public access points near their homes. Some of this opinion may have been due to remaining concern about the manner in which the site for the Fire Station/Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Information Center on Perdido Key Drive was selected. Along the same lines, only 13.6% believed that the previous county leadership did a good job of soliciting comments from Perdido Key property owners prior to making decisions affecting the island, with 45.5% neutral and 38.8% disagreeing. Similarly, only 18.3% of respondents believed that the previous county government leadership addressed the needs and concerns of Perdido Key property owners, with 41.0% neutral and 39.0% disagreeing. Respondents were mixed in their opinion about whether the taxes for their Perdido Key property were fair, with 33.8% agreeing, 26.7% neutral, and 38.0% disagreeing. They seemed even less convinced, however, that they were receiving a fair share of public services in return for their tax dollars, with only 21.5% agreeing, 28.1% neutral, and 46.5% disagreeing. The leadership of Escambia County has responsibility for approximately 300,000 people with widely varying needs and interests. Perdido Key has a small percentage of the citizenry and area of the county, but the voices of its property owners should certainly still be heard.

Questions in the Leadership category include:

#52. I believe neighborhoods should have a voice regarding the construction of public buildings and public access points near their homes.

#60. Ibelievepreviousgovernmentalleadershipinthecounty,specificallyrelatedtoPerdidoKey,has addressed the needs and concerns of property owners.

#61. I believe previous county leadership has done a good job in soliciting comments from Perdido Key property owners prior to making decisions affecting the Key.

#71. I believe the property taxes for my Perdido Key property are fair.

#72. PerdidoKeyPropertyownersgenerateasignificantportionofthecounty’staxrevenuevia property, bed, and sales taxes. I believe Perdido Key property owners receive a fair share of public services in return for their tax dollars.


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Frequency PercentageStrongly agree: 401 51.7%Agree: 317 40.9%Neutral: 42 5.4%Disagree: 7 .9%Strongly disagree: 3 .4%Missing/no response: 6 .8%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #52:I believe neighborhoods should have a voice regard-ing the construction of public buildings and public access points near their homes.


Question #60:I believe previous governmental leadership in the coun-ty,specificallyrelatedtoPerdidoKey,hasaddressedtheneeds and concerns of property owners.


Question #61:I believe previous county leadership has done a good job in soliciting comments from Perdido Key property owners prior to making decisions affecting the Key. Frequency Percentage


Question #71:I believe the property taxes for my Perdido Key property are fair.


Question #72:PerdidoKeyPropertyownersgenerateasignificantportion of the county’s tax revenue via property, bed, and sales taxes. I believe Perdido Key property own-ers receive a fair share of public services in return for these tax dollars.

Leadership


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Community involvement

A majority of Perdido Key property owners who responded to the survey would like to keep Perdido Key as it is; 58.4% favored the island’s current status while only small percentages would like futures similar to Orange Beach (6.3%) or Pensacola Beach (2.7%). A significantly number (30.7%), however, favored a future similar to the planned community of Seaside, Florida.

About one quarter of respondents (24.5%) identified themselves as registered voters in District 2 [of Escambia County, Florida], which supported demographic data on the large percentage of non-resident Perdido Key property owners. A number of respondents (36.2%) identified themselves as members of the Perdido Key Association, while 4.1% were members of the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce. A large percentage (70.7%) believed that the Chamber of Commerce was an important asset for the Key.

30.5% of respondents were interested in volunteering to make Perdido Key a better place, while 53.7% were neutral on the question. More property owners received their news about Perdido Key from friends than by any other means (31.2%), but almost half (46.1%) preferred receiving the information by e-mail.

Questions in the Community Involvement category include:

#58. I would like the future of Perdido Key to be most like:

#59. I believe the Chamber of Commerce is an important asset to the Key.

#73. I am a registered voter in District #2, i.e., the Perdido Key District.

#74. I am interested in volunteering to make Perdido Key a better place.

#75. I receive most of my news about Perdido Key from:

#76. My preferred method for receiving information about Perdido Key is from:

#77. I am a member of the Perdido Key Association.

#78. I am a member of the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce.

Frequency PercentageCurrent status 453 58.4%Orange Beach 49 6.3%Pensacola Beach 21 2.7%Seaside (30-A) 238 30.7%Missing/no response: 15 1.9%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #58:I would like the future of Perdido Key to be most like:


Question #59:I believe the Chamber of Commerce is an important as-set to the Key.


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Community involvement

Frequency PercentageYes 190 24.5%No 568 73.2%Missing/no response: 18 2.3%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #73.I am a registered voter in District #2, i.e., the Perdido Key District


Question #74:I am interested in volunteering to make Perdido Key a better place.

Frequency PercentageFriends 242 31.2%Web sites 109 14.0%Forums/Blogs 10 1.3%E-Mail 158 20.4%Newspapers 100 12.9%Missing/no response: 157 20.2%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #75:I receive most of my news about Perdido Key from:

Frequency PercentageFriends 71 9.1%Web sites 134 17.3%Forums/Blogs 12 1.5%E-Mail 358 46.1%Newspapers 60 7.7%Missing/no response: 141 18.2%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #76:My preferred method for receiving information about Perdido Key is from:

Frequency PercentageYes: 281 36.2%No: 467 60.2%Missing/no response: 28 3.6%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #77:I am a member of the Perdido Key Association:

Frequency PercentageYes: 32 4.1%No: 726 93.6%Missing/no response: 18 2.3%TOTAL: 776 100.0%

Question #78:I am a member of the Perdido Key Chamber of Com-merce:


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Perdido Key Master Plan

An important objective of the Perdido Key Property Owner Survey is to provide government and private organization decision-makers with information about owner opinion on the future of Perdido Key. The survey provides factual data as opposed to guesswork about what owners would like for their homes, properties, and families. The 2015 survey should be particularly relevant because it was completed just as the Perdido Key Master Plan was being re-born. The Master Plan will play an important part in determin-ing the future direction of development and quality of life on Perdido Key.

Twenty years ago, Perdido Key residents, businesses and Escambia County government staff worked together to define goals and objectives that were deemed important for the future growth of Perdido Key. Their work resulted in the Perdido Key Neighborhood Plan (PKNP), which was adopted by the County in 1997. The original goals and objectives of the PKNP and its subsequent updates formed the framework for a long range plan for the island; it was the seed for what we now discuss as the Perdido Key Master Plan (PKMP).

In 2011, Perdido Key property owners and County staff, recognizing that Perdido Key was poised for a period of new growth, advocated the development of a master plan that would promote orderly and re-sponsible growth for the community. After a competitive process, in 2012 Escambia County hired Duany, Plater & Zybeck (DPZ) – an internationally recognized architecture firm – to assist in creating a long-range master plan for future development and re-development of the island. DPZ designed the award-winning Seaside, Florida community and was widely recognized as a champion of the so-called “New Urbanism” that features town centers and walkable mixed-use neighborhoods.

DPZ provided Escambia County with a professional study of Perdido Key demographics, economic and retail factors, detailed mapping and traffic analysis. A highlight of the development process was a series of “charrettes,” a term used by DPZ for work sessions and public meetings that helped encourage stakehold-er participation and informed decision-making on this and other complex projects. The developing plan for the island envisioned, among other items, a series of town centers, an alternative auto route, improved pedestrian access, and diagonal parking on Perdido Key Drive.

Unexpectedly, Escambia County terminated DPZ’s contract late in 2012. The reasons were not formally disclosed, but were likely related to whether Perdido Key Drive (SR 292) should be two lanes or four lanes. Though dormant, the almost complete Master Plan has served as a guidepost for some on what Perdido Key could be in the future.

In early 2015, Escambia County rehired DPZ and County officials expect the Perdido Key Master Plan to be completed later in 2015. This should please many Perdido Key property owners; the 2015 survey showed that 83.7% believed that a professionally developed master plan was needed to guide future growth on Perdido Key. The findings of the 2015 Perdido Key Property Owner Survey will be shared with Escambia County leadership and DPZ. The new period of growth on Perdido Key that was envisaged in 2011 is now upon us and the 2015 survey provides up-to-date owner input into the future direction of our beautiful island.


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Name

mailiNg address

street

City state Zip

perdido Key address

CoNdomiNium or Complex uNit Number

others - please desigNate

VaCaNt lot busiNess owNer

home/Cell phoNe

e-mail address (Very importaNt)

2015 MEMBERShIP $30.00

LEgaL FUND CONTRIBUTION

amouNt eNClosed

PKa is a 501(3)C Organization – all information is confidential. We do not sell or share our mailing lists.

PeRDIDO KeY assOcIaTIOn - 2015 MeMBeRsHIP FORM

New memberreNewal

maKe CheCKs payable to:

PKa • P.O. Box 34001 • Pensacola, FL 32507

PKa’s Legal/Professional Fund supports the legal priorities established by our membership. Please consider making a contribution to this fund.

ThaNK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Perdido Key AssociationP.O. Box 34001 • Pensacola, Florida 32507 • [email protected] • www.perdidokeyassociation.org

Documents

Perdido Key Property Owner Survey