Gulf Breeze City Manager On Utility Undergrounding, First Responder Recognition

Gulf Breeze, FL (NewsRadio 92.3) -- Gulf Breeze City Manager Sam Abel joined Pensacola's Morning News Tuesday with updates on a major infrastructure milestone, a heartwarming first responder recognition story, and a personnel promotion at Gulf Breeze PD.

Utility Undergrounding Moving to Neighborhood Roads

Gulf Breeze has substantially completed the undergrounding of utilities along Highway 98 through most of the city — stopping at the 399 overpass where FDOT is working on a redesign — and is now turning its attention to the neighborhood collector roads that branch off the main corridor. The next phase targets Daniel Drive, Fairpoint, Shoreline, and Sunset — the major roads from which Gulf Breeze neighborhoods branch off.

Abel says what makes her most proud about this project is its long history of bipartisan support. Multiple successive mayor and councils have consistently set money aside in long-range capital planning without diverting it to other priorities — and that discipline is what made the project possible. FPL is finalizing its design and the city hopes to get shovels in the ground this year though some added complexity with switching equipment has pushed the timeline slightly. Abel says construction will be timed carefully to minimize disruption to residents and school bus routes. Underground utilities also provide significantly better storm resilience — trees cannot knock down what isn't above ground.

First Responder Recognition

Gulf Breeze mayor and council recognized several first responders Tuesday night who helped save a man's life after he went into cardiac arrest in his vehicle near Daniel High School. A passerby called 911 and helped break the man's car window to get him out. Officers Ullman and Duell arrived and began CPR using an AED. Fire Assistant Chief Pat Grace and five firefighters continued the effort until the man was transported. The 911 call was played at the recent Press the Chest event and the recognition followed from there. Abel says the story is a reminder that knowing how to do chest compressions — just compressions, no breaths required under current standards — can save a life in those critical first minutes. She recommends anyone who sees a Press the Chest event in their community attend.

Police Promotion

Sergeant Ricky Turner has been promoted to captain at Gulf Breeze PD — bringing the department to three captains under Chief Hawthorne. Abel says Chief Hawthorne has indicated retirement is on the horizon though no announcement has been made and Abel says she is not ready to have that conversation yet.