October 17, 2007

Hurray!  Thanks to your overwhelming support, e-mails and presence at Escambia County’s Old Court House, the Board of Adjustments unanimously approved our right to a variance to rebuild our old structure!

This will allow us to proceed with our original plans to rebuild to a height (12 ft. vs. 15 ft.) while maintaining the style, structure and mystique of the pre-Ivan Flora-Bama for generations to come.

We are now revisiting those plans, which are essentially our same layout with an additional bank of restrooms to the east and possibly a second story for listening room, offices, etc. with access to the deck area.

It will be tricky to rebuild, because you’ve been keeping us as busy as ever, even without our main structure!?

Your input, suggestions, ideas and help as we piece together the old Flora-Bama will be extremely helpful.  This includes not only memorabilia, old pictures, news clippings, etc., but also any green ideas!

Thanks!
Joe, Pat & Staff

October 2007

The Flora-Bama is scheduled to appear before the Board of Adjustment of Escambia County on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 8:30 a.m.  (Click Here)  This hearing is to request a variance to the county’s three foot freeboard requirement.  This meeting will be held in the Old County Courthouse, 223 Palafox Place, Room 307, Pensacola, Florida.

 In March of 2005, prior to the demolition of the main structure, the Flora-Bama submitted plans to rebuild the structure in “compliance with the current Florida Building Codes, Escambia County Ordinances and/ or Flood Plain, Construction Regulations”.  Accordingly, final plans were submitted in December of 2005.  The difficulties of rebuilding in the post storm environment, as well as the complexity of the permitting process, extended us into a time frame (January 2006) where Escambia County made the decision to raise the elevation requirements.

Hurricane Ivan damaged the Flora-Bama in September of 2004.  That was over three years ago!  It is time to move on and rebuild!  The Flora-Bama has been a major contributor to the area’s tourism industry, as well as one of the areas largest employers for several years and would like to once again continue that role.

We have always tried to be leaders in the community, now we need everyone’s help.  We encourage you to use the contact information below to contact the local county commissioners regarding this matter as well as attend the meeting.

Sincerely,

The Owners & Staff of Flora-Bama Lounge

County Commissioners