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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 ServicesThe Natural Resources Management Department completed construction of the Charles Fennell Gonzalez, IV, Casino Beach Reef on Saturday, June 20, deploying 17 reef modules 8.7 nautical miles east of Pensacola Pass.
The modules are approximately 700 feet off the Gulf shoreline, just east of the Casino Beach swimming area. The northernmost reef is marked with a small white buoy. Wayfinding signage will be installed on the beach to indicate the location of the reef.
"The tops of the reefs are about 7 feet below the surface, so the reefs and fishes should be visible from the surface, unless water clarity is poor," said Robert Turpin, Captain and Natural Resources Management Division Manager. "The site is outside of the lifeguarded swimming area, so snorkelers and divers should exercise caution and follow divers-down flags requirements."
Turpin noted the new reef is close to the center of Pensacola Beach and the largest public parking facility, therefore he expects tremendous usage by Escambia County residents and visitors.
Charlie Gonzalez was a native of Pensacola and was a long-time employee of Escambia County who made a positive impact in the lives of everyone that knew and worked with him. He passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2020 at the age of 56.
The Casino Beach Artificial Reef Project was approved by the Board on May 7, 2020, and was one of the last projects that Charlie worked on. Charlie's love of the sea and his passion to educate people about sea life will continue for years to come by everyone who enjoys this reef.
The full amount of $59,500 for reef construction and installation was funded by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Funds through a grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. No Escambia County monies or cash-matching funds are required by the FWC grant agreement for the project.
View a map of the current snorkeling reefs on Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach.
Read more about Escambia County artificial reefs here.
Charlie Gonzalez's family attended the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners meeting on June 4, 2020 when the Commission adopted a resolution naming the artificial reef at Casino Beach the "Charles Fennell Gonzalez, IV, Casino Beach Reef" in honor of the late Charlie Gonzalez.
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