In the spring of 2019, local government officials from across Jordan visited Pensacola as a part of an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) titled Local Governance. National objectives included learning the traditions of the U.S. democratic system, understanding U.S. local governments in relation to the state and federal governments, examining techniques for effective engagement with local constituents, and exploring best practices for community outreach.
To witness local government in action, the visitors observed a Gulf Breeze City Council Meeting and the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners’ Committee of the Whole. After some post-meeting discussion, Escambia County Assistant Attorney Meredith Crawford gave an overview of the Florida Sunshine Law and Community and Media Relations Specialist Kaycee Lagarde discussed best practices in e-governance. The visitors also met Mayor Grover Robinson IV at Pensacola City Hall for an official welcome.
At a community coffee, the Jordanians interacted with members of the Pensacola community, including Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council members. Attendees included Salma Ashmawi, education coordinator of the Islamic Center of Northwest Florida; Pamela Schwartz, member of the mayoral transition team; and three Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council board members — attorney Randle Carpenter, Founder of the Institute for Women in Politics of Northwest Florida Diane Mack, and artist Jeannine van Reeth.
To continue their focus on local government, the group examined budget oversight and development with Escambia County Interim County Administrator Amy Lovoy who highlighted lessons learned in public finance and government openness. The conversation continued with Financial Services Administrator Jonathan Smith who discussed financial controls at the Santa Rosa County Clerk of the Court.
To showcase Pensacola’s natural beauty, the visitors enjoyed a two-hour dolphin cruise in Pensacola Bay. Local families later opened their dinner tables in a display of home hospitality: Rich and Lynn Cacace, Jim and Terry Crowe, and Mike and Karen Jurkowich. Gulf Breeze Mayor Cherry Fitch and Gulf Breeze City Council Member Randy Hebert also attended the Jurkowich dinner party.
Other appointments and site visits included exploring economic development with Enterprise Florida Regional Manager Andrea Moore and Co:Lab Interim Director Patrick Rooney who explained how technology initiatives facilitate job creation and help entrepreneurs reach the next level. A media discussion with Independent News Publisher Rick Outzen explored the role of the press in promoting transparency and accountability with local government.
As a final warm gesture of hospitality, Supervisor Joyce Black presented the Jordanians with a souvenir at the Visitors Information Center.
The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council thanks everyone who helped show the Jordanians the meaning of Pensacola hospitality and the inner workings of our local governments. We especially are grateful for the time Patricia McGraw spent with the group as a facilitator.
