Mayor D.C. Reeves provided updates on Pensacola’s development landscape during his Wednesday press conference, outlining progress on multiple high-profile projects while addressing ongoing challenges in downtown redevelopment and affordable housing initiatives.
Airport Expansion Moves Forward
The city’s major airport terminal expansion project is nearing the construction phase, with an October groundbreaking now targeted. While the bond authorization increased from $100 million to $150 million, Reeves clarified that this represents financial cushioning rather than project scope creep, with actual costs expected to be between $107 and $112 million.
- “When you look at any project that gets bonded, it’s customary that it goes to a much higher number to ensure you’re good. That doesn’t mean that that’s the commitment to spend,” Reeves explained.
The mayor emphasized the complexity of maintaining airport operations during construction, noting the need for temporary infrastructure, such as “fake second floors,” to keep TSA operations running while building new security areas. This operational continuity requirement drives much of the additional expense beyond basic construction materials.
- Added Note: Labor Day weekend numbers showed robust travel demand with 51,750 passengers, representing a 9.2% increase over 2024. The airport installed new digital signage providing real-time parking availability, with Saturday seeing lots reach 95% capacity.
Bay Bluffs Development
After an eight-month wait, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation Florida have reached an agreement on the Bay Bluffs Park. Public listening sessions on how to spend the $2.2 million grant on park repairs and improvements will begin in October, regardless of whether a design consultant is in place.
The mayor set realistic expectations: “$2.2 million is not (a lot); there’s not going to be a community center on the bluff, but what kind of mix of primitive trails do we have? What would you want on pavilions up top? Maybe there’s lookouts that are compliant, but most of it goes back to primitive trails that could stay forever.”
Baptist Hospital Deal
Negotiations with County Commissioner Lumon May continue as multiple deadlines converge. The city faces expiring donation agreements and demolition bid timelines while working to craft a regional partnership that benefits both city and county interests.
“All I ask is take the vote. I mean, just take the vote. If it loses three-two or it loses four-one, I maintain, I respect that. I have to respect that it’s their government,” Reeves said. “But I’ve been more silent on that delay because I’ve been working directly with Commissioner May and understand I think he’s had lots of good insight on where this project can create community value for the county as well.”…