Beach sign slated for repair within 90 days
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

Franklin Hayes/Gulf Breeze News According to Escambia County, the local landmark will be repaired in the next 90 days. The famous sailfish sign was original damaged in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan, and again in 2005 by Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina.

The Pensacola Beach sign, which was heavily damaged by the ‘04 and ‘05 hurricane seasons, will be fixed within 90 days. The visually famous sign has pointed visitors and locals alike toward Pensacola Beach for 40 years and has only been replaced once in that time. In Nov. 2003, the original sign was put up for auction and became a decoration for Flounder’s Chowder House on Pensacola Beach. The sign is an icon that has outlasted two major wars and seven U.S. presidents. Originally damaged in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan, and again by Dennis and Katrina, the sign is destined to return to its original glamour by the time summer begins. According to officials from Escambia County, the sign work has been contracted out to the Plastic Arts Sign Company, located in Pensacola.

“Anything to get us back to a sense of normalcy around here is greatly appreciated. They really have been taking their time with that thing,” a Gulf Breeze resident who wished to remain anonymous said.

John Navarro, a representative for Plastic Arts Sign Company, said that they have been contracted to repair both the fish and the bottom part of the façade. According to Navarro, his company received the bid before the middle section became heavily damaged, and therefore has not received a contract for that section. Navarro says he will follow up with Escambia County to inquire about the rest of the project. According to the Escambia County Public Information Office, the sign is to be restored to its previous condition. No attempts will be made to fortify the signage to make it more hurricane resistant. Finances for the repair work will come from FEMA and county insurance.

The Santa Rosa Island Authority commissioned Lamar Advertising to construct the sign in the late 1950’s for a price of $11,000. In 1962 the sign moved from its original location on top of the Escambia Motors Building on the corner of Gregory and Palafox streets in downtown Pensacola, to its current location near Harbourtown.