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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesEscambia County recognized the contributions made to Pensacola Beach Public Safety by the late Peter R. Moore and his family with a public presentation of the Moore Safe Shores Pelican along with a memorial plaque today at the Pensacola Beach Public Safety Building.
The Moore Safe Shores program began in April 2004, and has donated Chevy Colorado vehicles to the Escambia County Water Safety lifeguard staff for patrolling and rescuing beach-goers in distress.
"It’s very difficult to stand up a public safety program and to have such a large resource like trucks donated, has helped greatly," District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender said. "Not only has it helped save countless lives, but it’s given people a feeling of calm when they come out to the beach, to know that they have this extra protection out here."
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan also expressed his gratitude to the Pete Moore family for Pete's generosity and dedication to the community.
"There wasn’t a better philanthropist in our community than Pete Moore and tragically we lost him at a very early age, far too soon," Morgan said. "Pete is missed, but I think today we need to come together and let his family know, and his children know, what he really meant to us and this community. Today we celebrate what Pete did and the lasting legacy he left our community. It was an honor to call Pete Moore a friend."
Water Safety Chief Dave Greenwood also shared his gratitude for Pete Moore and the impact Moore's donations continue to have on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards and everyone who visits Pensacola Beach.
"Through this symbol, the pelican Petro, we gather to pay tribute to Pete Moore, successful businessman, longtime beach resident, and enthusiastic community supporter," Greenwood said. "Mr. Moore understood that beach life is part of our daily existence and he showed his concern for the safety of the guests and residents of this beautiful beach by implementing the Moore Safe Shores Program. It began in the spring of 2004. It was composed of two elements, the Safe Shores Report from Channel 3 News that helps us educate the public, and also the donation of two Chevy Colorado trucks that enable us to provide efficient, responsive service to 8 miles of sparkling white beach sand. Thank you for the opportunity to recognize Pete Moore—his contributions help promote a safe and healthy beach community. Petro will have the perfect vantage point to witness our life-saving team perform their duties that he so proudly supported."
Commissioner Bender extended a special thank you to Lydia Davis, the Pensacola artist who painted the Moore Safe Shores Pelican, Pensacola Beach Public Works for their assistance with the project, Santa Rosa Island Authority for helping secure the pelican location and Pete Moore Automotive for their help with restoring the pelican and bringing him back to the beach.
"This is definitely a group effort by the people that Pete had an impact on," Bender said. "And I’m glad we are able to unveil this today, at the start of our Memorial Day Weekend, which will see thousands protected by the services of the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards."
Commissioner Bender presented an official proclamation to the Moore family:
"Whereas, every year thousands of people come to beautiful Pensacola beach to rest, relax and play in the sun. Who can blame them when our sugar white sand and emerald green water? Without a moment’s notice, what was supposed to be the perfect family vacation can turn tragic because our visitors are not aware of the strong rip currents that can occur unexpectedly in the Gulf of Mexico. And whereas, Mr. Pete Moore, founder of the Pete Moore Chevrolet, saw the need to provide our visitors with information on beach safety, worked with our Pensacola Beach Lifeguards and WEAR Channel 3 to create the Moore Safe Shores Pensacola Beach Safety Campaign. And whereas, in 2004, realizing that seconds save lives, Mr. Moore donated two brand-new Chevy Colorado four-wheel-drive rescue vehicles to the Pensacola Lifeguards for them to use while patrolling and responding to calls on the 8.3 miles of Pensacola Beach. And whereas, through Mr. Moore’s continued commitment to donating two new rescue vehicles every two years, along with the Moore Safe Shores Pensacola Beach Safety Campaign, which reinforces the flag warning system on Pensacola Beach, numerous lives have been saved. And whereas, Pensacola Beach has safer shores because of the generosity and support of Mr. Pete Moore. Now therefore be it proclaimed by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners of Escambia County Florida, that we hereby honor the legacy of Mr. Peter “Pete” Moore and his family for making Pensacola Beach a safer place for our visitors."
Before unveiling the new pelican and memorial plaque, Lauren Moore Cutter, Pete's daughter, shared how much the dedication meant to the Moore family.
"My father loved Pensacola Beach, usually calling it paradise," she said. "The Safe Shores Program was one way for him to give back to this great community. We look forward to doing it in the years to come. Its success wouldn’t be possible without the lifeguards and the beach safety personnel who protect this beach. It is a true honor to have his memory kept alive, and we appreciate all those who have helped do just that with this dedication, especially Commissioner Robert Bender, Channel 3, Dave Greenwood and all the lifeguards. Our entire family thanks you all very much."
Weren't able to attend the event or watch the live stream? Watch a full video of the dedication event here.
For more information on the Moore Safe Shores Pelican and ceremony, contact Community and Media Relations at 850-595-1647 or cmr@myescambia.com.
The new Moore Safe Shores pelican, Petro, located outside of the Pensacola Beach Public Safety Building at Casino Beach
District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan
Escambia County Water Safety Chief Dave Greenwood
Commissioner Robert Bender presents a proclamation to Lauren Moore Cutter and Angela Moore
Commissioner Robert Bender presents a proclamation to Lauren Moore Cutter and Angela Moore
Lauren Moore Cutter
From left to right: Jacqueline Pommerening, Meghan Conklin, Lauren Moore Cutter and Angela Moore
Pete Moore Safe Shores dedication plaque located on the Pensacola Beach Public Safety Building at Casino Beach
The new Moore Safe Shores pelican, Petro, located outside of the Pensacola Beach Public Safety Building at Casino Beach
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