Round-up, 11.02.09

A few items we wanted to highlight today:

County sin taxes? Times must really be tough if Republican Wilson Robertson wants to raise taxes. Mr. Robertson, County Commissioner for District 1, has asked County Administrator Bob McLaughlin to prepare a plan for add a local consumption tax on tobacco and alcohol sales. Such products are already taxed by the State of Florida, but they don’t share the revenue with local governments.

Sindel files for Commission race. Rick’s Blog is reporting that Karen Sindel (R) has filed to challenge incumbent Gene Valentino (R) in the race for the District 2 seat on the Escambia County Commission. This is shaping up to be a crowded race, with four other candidates already filed: former Escambia County Administrator George Touart (R), Robert Kelley (R), Andy Kowalski (R), and Scott Gauvin (NPA).

Halloween night fire. WEAR ran a nice piece on the 1905 Halloween night fire, which caused $250,000 of damage to downtown Pensacola, destroying much of what is now the Brent Block and precipitating the construction of the Blount and Brent Buildings. For more on the fire, including a photo, see Pensapedia.

Lunch Counter pro-charter. Conservative blog The Lunch Counter has weighed in on the charter debate, coming down on the pro-charter side.

Pigeon poop in Plaza de Luna. A letter to the PNJ laments the increasing amount of pigeon poop in Plaza de Luna, which the writer blames on misguided bird lovers who choose to feed the pigeons. Perhaps we could spring for a few signs asking visitors to refrain from doing so?