The Board of the General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Inc. has announced that Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law Senate Bill 78 designating the new bridge across Pensacola Bay the General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. Bridge.
“We thank Governor DeSantis for recognizing our hometown hero, and we especially thank Senator Doug Broxson, the Senate bill sponsor, and Representative Mike Hill, Air Force veteran and corresponding bill sponsor in the Florida House, for their commitment to our community and diligent support in carrying the bill across the finish line to an incredible victory for the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze communities,” stated the release.
Appreciation was also express toward: Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson and Gulf Breeze Mayor Cherry Fitch, Escambia County Commissioners Lumon May and Doug Underhill and Santa Rosa County Commissioner Sam Parker.
Additionally, the board also expressed gratefulness for the support of Mr. Claude James, son of the General, as well as granddaughter Brittany and grandson Ryan along with Ellis Jones, president of the Chappie James Museum, local historian Teniade Broughton, and Cliff Curtis, president of the Chappie James Flight Academy.
“We believe this monumental recognition of General James’ life to be a testament of Pensacola’s sincere desire to transform itself into a community worthy of emulation. We hope and pray this new and beautiful bridge beckons a future full of promise, opportunity, and prosperity for our region and its citizens. We, as a Foundation, see it as our solemn duty and obligation to carry on the legacy of General James’ commitment to hold our nation’s hand during times of difficulty and challenge, always mindful of his mother Lillie Anna James’ admonition to her young students – thou shalt not quit! There is no quitting on America in the Panhandle of Northwest Florida,” stated the release.
