Understanding Triumph Gulf Coast: What/Who is it?

What is Triumph Gulf Coast?

If you're curious about Triumph Gulf Coast, you're not alone! This trust fund was established in 2017 as a response to the devastating impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The settlement agreement acquired by several state governments, inked on October 5, 2015, has led to the creation of a significant pool of resources aimed at revitalizing the economic landscape of the Gulf Coast regions most affected by the spill. Ultimately, the funds belong to the State of Florida AKA, the taxpayers. Who do you think paid the attorneys?

Purpose and Goals of Triumph Gulf Coast

The Triumph Gulf Coast trust fund is intended to enhance the quality of life in the eight counties that were hit hardest by the spill: Bay, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Wakulla. Each project or program that receives funding from this trust must align with priorities geared towards economic recovery and diversification.

How Triumph Gulf Coast Operates

Triumph Gulf Coast was founded by the Florida legislature as a non-profit organization tasked with managing funds from the BP oil spill settlement. Its primary function is to support the economic recovery and enhancement of the Gulf Coast region of Florida. To ensure that projects align with its mission, Triumph Gulf Coast implemented a mandatory pre-application process for grant proposals. This allows potential projects to be reviewed before a full application is submitted. The Triumph board makes the final decisions on funding.

Who is on the Board?

Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. plays a vital role in the governance of economic recovery in Florida's Panhandle, particularly in regions like Wakulla. The organization's seven-member board, appointed by significant state officials including the governor, attorney general, and legislative leaders, is tasked with overseeing the distribution of funds aimed at revitalizing the economy. Each member's term is dictated by Florida statute s. 288.8014, in the spirit of public interests. However, questions arise about the financial benefits these board members might receive in their local communities. The discourse invites examination of how local residents, like those from Wakulla, perceive the actions and decisions taken by the board, ultimately shaping the future of their area. Their insights can shed light on whether the board truly serves the community's best interests in economic development. Let's start the "who's who" with one of Wakulla's own.

Leslie Weiss, Treasurer - Appointed by Speaker of the Florida House - Term beginning August 18, 2022 - ending June 30, 2026

· Crawfordville resident

· President of Hydra Engineering & Construction, LLC.

o Engineering, Environmental and Construction Services primarily to Federal and State and local government clients.

o Certified Building Contractor in the State of Florida in September 2012 and a Certified General Contractor August 2020.

o Registered Professional Engineer in: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, West Virginia, South Carolina, Colorado, Arizona, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

o Florida Department of Environmental Protection Qualified Stormwater Management Inspector

o Mrs. Weiss is on the Board for the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce.

David M. Bear - Appointed by Governor - Term Beginning August 13, 2021 - Ending July 1, 2025

· Owner and Vice President of The Lewis Bear Company, a wholesale beverage distributor with operations throughout the Panhandle of Florida.

· Member of the Trustmark Bank Advisory Board.

· Chair of the Escambia County Tourist Development Council and Vice Chair of FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance.

· Bear is a graduate of Belhaven College in Jackson, MS with a B.S. in Business Administration.

Bryan A. Corr, Sr., Assistant Treasurer - Appointed by Senate President - Term Beginning July 1, 2022 - Ending June 30, 2026

· Principal of the Corr Group, a real estate development company, and related companies. Founded a start-up cellular telephone business in Alabama and Georgia. That is now part of AT&T.

· The Corr Group is responsible for purchasing a distressed property, The Islander Motel in Panama City Beach, Florida. The motel was demolished, creating 270 feet of gulf front property for future development. The property has since been sold.

· 1982 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Business. He has served on the Board of Directors of Wireless One Inc., Community Bancshares, and Community Insurance, as well as the Board of Directors of the Rural Cellular Association, McPherson Oil Companies, and Network Management Services.

Reynolds Henderson - Appointed by Chief Financial Officer - Term Beginning July 20, 2021 – Ending June 30, 2025

· Founded Henderson Barrett, LLC, Barrett Square Properties, LLC and FRH Holdings, LLC, which primarily own commercial and residential real estate with a focus on retail holdings in Rosemary Beach and DeFuniak Springs, FL.

· Co-founded the Florida Opportunity Fund that acquired properties in the North Walton County Opportunity Zone in order to build affordable housing and develop additional commercial opportunities in Walton County, FL.

· Co-owns Custom Home Shop, LLC which constructs pre-fabricated housing.

· Serves on the Board of Governors for Florida Citizens Property Insurance, the Board of Trustees for Northwest Florida State College, and as chair of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) for the City of DeFuniak Springs.

· Graduate of the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in Business. He resides in Walton County with his wife, Stacey, and two sons: Parke and Fox.

David L. Humphreys, Vice Chair - Appointed by Attorney General - Term Beginning July 1, 2021 – Ending June 30, 2025

· President\Owner of Linea Peninsular Inc. Linea Peninsular was started in 1984 and operates small container vessels trading between the U.S. and Mexico. Linea Peninsular originally operated out of Port Bienville Mississippi. After being devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, operations were moved to Panama City, Florida.

· Mr. Humphreys Has served on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida.

J. Collier Merrill - Appointed by Attorney General - Term Beginning July 1, 2021 – Ending June 30, 2025

· President/owner of Merrill Land Company, a real estate development company, which specializes in commercial real estate, residential and commercial construction as well as condominium and subdivision development along the Northwestern Gulf Coast.

· He is the president/owner of Great Southern Restaurants, Inc., which owns and operates The Fish House, Atlas Oyster House, Jackson’s Steakhouse, Five Sisters Blues Café, Angelena’s, The Palafox House, and Great Southern Weddings, Catering & Events.

· Graduate of University of West Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.

· Previously, Merrill has served in a number of community leadership roles: chairman of Visit Pensacola overseeing an annual budget of $10 million focusing on tourism and economic development; chairman of the Community Maritime Park Associates which governed and managed a $65 million community development project in downtown Pensacola; chairman of the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce; chairman of the Pensacola-Escambia County Promotion and Development Commission; chair of the Destination 2020 Strategic Planning Committee; chairman of the Florida Arts Council; president of the Pensacola Museum of Art; and president of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Florida.

· Served in a number roles related to both public and private community development. Founding chairman of the University of West Florida Board of Trustees (2000-2004) overseeing the successful growth of the University and it’s $150 million annual budget. Selected by Governor Rick Scott to serve on the Gulfcoast Consortium.

Jay Trumbull, Sr., Chair - Appointed by Speaker of the House - Term Beginning June 27, 2022 - Ending June 1, 2026

· President/Owner of Culligan Water franchises with seven offices in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

· Owns a plumbing company and HVAC company in Panama City.

· Served several years on the Bay County Planning Commission, the Panama City Housing Authority, the Bay Medical Board Foundation, and the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

· Appointed to the Florida Transportation Commission in 2011 and served as Chairman from 2015 – 2019.

· Serves on Board of Trustmark National Bank

· President of the Southeastern Bottled Water Association.