News Releases

FWC moves Sept. 1-3 meeting to Pensacola Beach

News Release

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Media contact: Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting previously scheduled for Weston will take place in Pensacola Beach Sept. 1-3.

"FWC personnel have been working on the oil spill response with our partners from the very beginning of this tragic event," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "We have seen the oil spill-related economic impact on the residents and businesses of the Panhandle.  Pensacola deserves an economic boost.

"To help, we moved the Commission meeting from Southeast Florida to Pensacola."

The September meeting will take place at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front.  Meetings start at 8:30 a.m. (CDT) all three days, and all FWC meetings are open to the public.

"Our Commission meeting will bring speakers and interested parties from across the state to Pensacola to patronize local businesses," Barreto said. "In addition, this meeting will offer local residents a forum to share their concerns with the Commission face-to-face. It's just the right thing to do."

The first day's agenda features wildlife and inland issues; the second day will focus on marine issues; and the third day will involve budget, legislative and administrative matters.

Of special note is the presentation by senior staff on Thursday, Sept. 2 discussing the FWC's continuing response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  A draft agenda is available at MyFWC.com/Commission.  Each meeting day includes time set aside for the public to bring items to the attention of the Commissioners.