Reprinted from WEARTV.com

ESCAMBIA COUNTY - Pensacola's Bluffs along Escambia Bay could be one of the most beautiful areas in our region.But for years, the Scenic Bluffs Park has been considered a bad place for families to visit, especially after dark.Now, an incoming city council woman wants to change that.

We spent some time at the bluffs to find out what park-goers think could help turn the situation around.Bill Pearson, Reporter said, "This is the tranquility that makes up the Scenic Bluffs Park in Pensacola. For those who come to use this park, its a hidden gem they've come to love."Robert Gravley loves to exercise here at least twice a week.Robert Gravley said, "It's quiet. Its safe, I think, during the time that I use it, during the day time, morning time. I don't come out here at night time."He doesn't come here at night for the same reason carolyn bailey doesn't.She fell in love with the park when she first moved to Pensacola... But she was quickly warned not to visit here after the sun sets.Carolyn Bailey Said, "They told me it was a dangerous place to go by myself. And I needed to be careful and not come down here by myself."Those words of warning aren't just wild speculation.According to Pensacola Police... Within the past week there have been three arrests here.One for battery.... two others arrested for exposing themselves in public.Bailey said, This place has a lot of history, with people going down into the woods and getting arrested."

Cases like these is why Maren Deweese, city council women elect for district three, is making it a priority to make this park safer... And easier to get to for several nearby neighborhoods once she's sworn into office on January 12th.A specific plan for the Bluffs has not been announced... But Carolyn would like to see more lights added through out the trail.Carolyn Bailey said, I think lights would be great. We'd get a lot more people come down here.Changes that many hope can strengthen and improve the future of this park for years to come. In addition to the three arrests last week... The Bluffs have a long, sordid history.In April of last year, 11 men were arrested in an undercover sting.They were charged with exposing themselves and solicitation of sex.
Last Updated: Monday, November 17 2008, 08:27 PM

Thank you to Channel 3 for covering this story. Together with our Police Department, we CAN take it back.