Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan will be the guest speaker at FPRA Pensacola’s January meeting on Thursday, Jan. 21 at the Pensacola Civic Center. Sheriff Morgan’s presentation will offer an in-depth look at the public relations decisions made as hundreds of national media representatives took up camp in Pensacola in the aftermath of the gruesome murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings in July 2009. As the shocking story unfolded, Morgan described it as a “humdinger,” and most agree now that the description was probably an understatement. It was the Gulf Coast’s most gripping story of 2009 and FPRA members and guests will have an opportunity to hear firsthand from the Sheriff and those who worked the case as information gatekeepers with the enormous challenge of satisfying the media and public interest while maintaining the integrity of the case.

The luncheon starts with networking at 11:45 a.m. Lunch is $15 for FPRA members, $12 for students and $20 for visitors and guests. Please RSVP on Facebook ("Yes" or "No" only -- No "Maybes") or email rsvp@fprapensacola.org by Monday, Jan. 18.

Please remember, the fee charged by the Civic Center is based on the number of RSVP’s we receive. If you RSVP for the meeting and do not attend, you will be invoiced. If you attend without an RSVP, the meeting will be $20.

Networking begins at 11:45 a.m.