NAS Pensacola Bans Wild Greg's Amid Scandal; New Restaurants Open!

NAS Pensacola Bans Wild Greg's Amid Scandal; New Restaurants Open!

In a series of recent developments that have stirred up both community and military circles, the decision to ban access to Wild Greg’s Saloon and Pharaoh Grocery for military personnel has caught public attention. As reported by PNJ, this move by NAS Pensacola’s Base Commander, Capt. Chandra Newman, follows a unanimous vote from the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board, which was prompted by drug and sexual allegations. The directive will be disseminated across all Navy installations in the Southeast region, highlighting the seriousness of the concerns surrounding these establishments.

This decision unfolds amidst a larger narrative of misconduct; interestingly, over 1,300 parents and community members are advocating for the removal of Kim McChesney, who serves as the assistant principal at Gulf Breeze Elementary School. This push comes in light of her son, Matthew McChesney, being arrested for possession and transmission of child pornography. The petition suggests that she has displayed poor judgment in safeguarding students, a sentiment echoed by concerned community members.

Rising Concerns Over Assault Rates

Meanwhile, another spotlight has been cast on the military regarding grave issues of sexual assault. According to a study from the Costs of War Project at Brown University’s Watson Institute, the rates of sexual assault within the military are alarmingly higher than previously reported government estimates. As noted by NBC News, the study suggests that sexual assault cases in 2023 likely reached around 73,695, significantly higher than the Department of Defense’s suggested figure of approximately 29,000 for the same year.

The study draws from military data since 2001 and reveals that during the height of the Global War on Terror, about 24% of active duty women and 1.9% of active duty men experienced sexual assault. Such findings raise critical questions about the military’s prioritization of force readiness over necessary reforms to address this persistent issue. A Pentagon report also recently documented an 18% uptick in sexual assault reports at military academies from 2021 to 2022, indicating a troubling trend that doesn’t seem to let up.

Beyond the Headlines: Community and Economy

In amidst these serious issues lies some brighter news for the community. The Pensacola area welcomed eight new restaurants just last month, injecting fresh options into the local dining scene. On another note, Florida Power and Light (FPL) is seeking approval for a rate hike that could reach unprecedented levels, anticipated to generate $1.545 billion in 2026 and an additional $927 million annually through 2029. When bundled up, we’re talking about a staggering total of $8.9 billion, with further increases projected related to solar projects in 2028-29, potentially ballooning the total to around $10 billion.

However, some restaurants in the area have faced challenges of their own. A restaurant in Cordova Mall was temporarily shut down after inspections uncovered rodent droppings and roaches. Recent checks in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties identified various health issues, including one temporary closure and three high-priority violations, though 21 other restaurants passed inspections with flying colors, having zero violations.

The juxtaposition of community concerns around safety, misconduct in schools and military ranks, and burgeoning business opportunities paints a complex picture of life in Pensacola. With serious issues on the table, it’s evident that safeguarding our community requires ongoing dialogue and action across all fronts.