The public suggestions for the name of the Pensacola Bay Bridge has been narrowed down. Nearly half of the submissions suggest naming the new bridge after U.S. Air Force Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James. Other suggestions include keeping the same name (Phillip D. Beall Memorial Bridge) and even variations of "Bridgey McBridgeface."
A total of 1,069 emails were submitted with 804 name suggestions. Below is a list of the suggestions:
"Beall", "current", and similar variations : 65
"James" variations : 359
"3 mile", "Three mile", and similar iteration: 57
"Blue" (i.e Blue Angels variations): 37
"Bridgey McBridgeface" and variations: 21
"Luna" (i.e. DeLuna/De Luna variations): 21
Various notables (mostly local, some one-offs): 60
"Paradise" variations: 18
The suggested names will be reviewed by the Pensacola Bay Bridge Naming Committee and will select a name for public input at meetings. The two meetings will be 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11 at Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers 1st Floor and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Gulf Breeze Community Center, 800 Shoreline Drive.
The final recommendation will come to the Escambia County Board of Commissioners July 9.