“This allows the community to evaluate if we have the right systems in place to allow other leaders to emerge and actually lead,’’ says community activist John Peacock. [Photo: Ray Stanyard]

When three top Pensacola officials recently opted to leave their posts, community leaders voiced reluctant farewells, praised their service and helped organize search efforts. But they also are viewing the transitions as an opportunity to bring in new ideas, even to consider changes in the structure of local government.

“Bringing in another leader with fresh eyes is not always the worst thing that happens to a community,’’ says Collier Merrill, a developer and member of the University of West Florida board of trustees. “Pensacola is moving, but not as fast as we’d like.’’

To John Peacock, Edward Jones financial adviser and community activist, the turnover provides “a perfect segue’’ to the efforts of the charter review commission, the first in-depth look at the city’s charter in 76 years, and to a newly formed organization regenerating the idea of city-county government consolidation. One plan calls for creating a strong mayor form of government.

The search for new administrators also coincides with progress in key projects. The county has begun construction that will move the wastewater treatment plant away from downtown. It also is developing a funding strategy for Community Maritime Park and is moving ahead with plans for a technology park.

“People coming here will have a wonderful opportunity to bring great things to closure,’’ says businessman Quint Studer.