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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 Escambia County Board of County Commissioners recognized Supervisor of Elections and former District 4 County Commissioner Robert Bender for his contributions to Escambia County with a proclamation reading at the regular board meeting Thursday, Feb. 8.
“I want to thank Escambia County staff for all their hard work over these last five years,” said Bender. “I’ve enjoyed working with them and appreciate everything they do for the county. I also want to thank the voters for giving me the opportunity to represent them as their District 4 commissioner. It has been something that I’ve truly enjoyed, giving back to my community and seeing all the positive changes we’ve made. I look forward to continuing to serve Escambia County in my new role.”
Bender was first elected District 4 Commissioner in 2018, then again for a second term in 2022. As commissioner, he showed a steadfast commitment to bettering District 4 and advocated for his citizens and county staff. He was involved in numerous boards and committees, including the Florida Institute for County Government, MPOAC Board of Directors, the Water Quality Board, the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization, the Navy League of Pensacola, the Emerald Coast Regional Council, the Military Affairs Committee, the Juvenile Justice Council, the Gulf Consortium, and the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program. Bender also served on the Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors and completed his County Commissioner, Advanced County Commissioner, and Advanced County Commissioner II certifications through FAC. He received the Florida Association of Counties Presidential Advocacy Award twice during annual FAC conferences in 2021 and 2023. This award recognized him for his work during the previous legislative sessions.
Bender invested heavily in Pensacola Beach during his terms, spearheading projects including refurbishing the pavilions at Casino Beach, Park West and Quietwater Beach; replacing the iconic Pensacola Beach Sailfish sign; and repainting the Pensacola Beach Ball. Bender was also instrumental in reducing the traffic congestion on Pensacola Beach by extending the right-turn lane on Pensacola Beach Boulevard and completing the Pensacola Beach Access Road. Bender worked with Engineering staff to adjust the timing of the traffic signals in Gulf Breeze in Pensacola Beach, and, as a result, the Bob Sikes Toll Booth had three days in 2023 where over 25,000 vehicles passed through the toll booth.
In addition, Bender worked to complete several major drainage projects in the Mirabelle and Macky Bluffs subdivisions, widened Glynn Broc Gulley, and added a new holding pond in Ellyson Industrial Park. The Ferry Pass Community Center, one of his final projects as commissioner, is expected to be completed in fall 2024.
“On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank Robert for his time as commissioner,” said District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry. “Robert served the citizens of District 4 faithfully for over five years. His work on this board and in his community will have lasting impacts for many years to come. He was a gentleman and a true pleasure to serve with and I am proud to call him a friend. I look forward to working with him in his capacity as Supervisor of Elections, and I am excited to see what he will continue to do on behalf of the citizens of Escambia County.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Bender as the Supervisor of Elections for Escambia County on Jan. 26, 2024. He was sworn in by the Honorable Jan Shackleford, Circuit Court Judge, on Jan. 31, 2024, with his family by his side.
Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender; his wife, Amy; their daughter, Elizabeth; and District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry during a proclamation reading for Bender at the Feb. 8 BCC meeting.
County Administrator Wes Moreno; District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler; County Attorney Alison Rogers; District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry; District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh; and District 3 Commissioner Lumon May joined Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender and his family for a proclamation presentation at the Feb. 8 BCC meeting.
Supervisor of Elections and former District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender addresses the board during the Feb. 8 BCC meeting.
Supervisor of Elections and former District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender addresses the board during the Feb. 8 BCC meeting.
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