In late November, the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council hosted a group of four visitors from Croatia who looked at combating corruption and conflicts of interest as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
The visitors’ week of professional appointments kicked off with a visit to Pensacola City Hall where Councilwoman Sherri Myers gave a welcome and orientation to the area before presenting a gift on behalf of the city of Pensacola.
After lunch in downtown Pensacola, they met with Rick Outzen of The Independent News. This discussion highlighted his newspaper’s role in exposing local government corruption and examined the role of the press in pushing for transparency and honesty in government.
The group also met with citizens and community leaders at the Palace Café in Seville Quarter for informal conversation over tea and coffee. Locals who attended include Donna Clark, “Buzz” Eddy, Patricia and Joe Edmisten, Andrea Moore, Jay Patel, Mike Purcell, Brendan Schreiner, and Pamela Schwartz. Afterwards, the Croatians headed to the Escambia County Attorney’s Office for a discussion with Assistant County Attorney Kerra Smith on Florida’s Sunshine Law and other anti-corruption measures.
In the interest of showcasing a local cultural resource, the visitors toured Fort Pickens and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council thanks everyone who volunteered time to meet with this group. A special thank you is also extended to Ric & Lisa Nickelsen and Allan & Andrea Ford who hosted the visitors for dinner and fellowship in their homes.
