Escambia Co. Commissioner wants to revive Pelican Drop in 2024

Pensacola, Fla. (WKRG) — After visiting Moon Pie in Mobile instead of hosting the Pelican Drop in Pensacola on New Year’s Eve 2022, Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh wants to make sure the Pelicans will return to Pensacola next year. said.

The last Pelican Drop Downtown was held in 2017. Lissa Dees, former executive director of The Downtown Improvement Board, told WKRG News 5 that the DIB last funded the Pelican Drop in 2016. That money was spent paying for the drop itself, security, and more. Since then, the drop has been privately funded by business owners and Pensacola residents who wanted to see the tradition continue.The drop’s final two years were funded by businessman Quint S. It was held at the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium after Tudor took over the event.

“We had the opportunity to celebrate the New Year on mobile,” says Bergosh. “What I’m saying is that Pensacola, Escambia County in downtown Pensacola, needs to bring back a celebration that the entire community can be proud of.”

Bergosh said he has already spoken with the DIB about the possibility of resuming the event. He believes the county can do better than Mobile.

At this year’s mobile event, One person was killed and nine injured in shootings in downtown Mobile. They contained the scene and New Year’s Eve celebrations continued in downtown Mobile, according to Mobile Police. On January 1, MPD officials announced they were detaining the shooting suspect. Thomas Earl Thomas Jr. was transferred to a mobile metro prison and charged with murder.

“We can do better than what Mobile did. I hope there are no mass shootings or fights,” Bergosh said.

County Commissioner Rumon May, Commissioner Robert Bender and Commissioner Mike Kohler all said they supported the idea.

Bender, who represents the county as a non-voting member of the DIB, said the revival of the Pelican Drop is already being discussed. Kohler, who will replace Vendor this year, said it was the first item he brought to the DIB.

“Next year, it will happen,” Kohler said.

Bergosh said he plans to donate $10,000 from any fund to host the Pelican Drop in 2024.