During today’s Committee of the Whole, Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May revealed he had negotiated a deal to bring immediate healthcare services to the West Moreno District, the former home of Baptist Hospital
From Demolition to Development
What began as a discussion of a demolition project evolved into something more meaningful for the community.
- Commissioner May made it clear from the start: “I’m not going to support a demolition project. We have to take that label off.” Instead, he pushed for a comprehensive approach providing immediate benefits to residents.
The deal centers on Baptist Healthcare’s former campus, which the organization has donated to the City of Pensacola for redevelopment. Rather than simply tearing everything down, the May’s agreement keeps two key buildings that will serve the community immediately.
- K.C. Gartman, the Vice President of External Relations for Baptist Health Care, confirmed that Baptist Health Care will donate one building to Community Health Northwest Florida to expand dental services. She said, “Dental is a huge need in our community.”
- Baptist will donate the second building to Escambia County to serve as a community center, fulfilling Commissioner May’s vision of creating a “gathering place” for residents to access essential services.
Historical Significance and Immediate Impact
Commissioner May emphasized the deep historical importance of healthcare in this community, noting how Baptist Hospital became central to the African-American community decades ago.
“It’s significant within the community. It’s significant within my district,” May explained.
Commissioner May noted that many neighborhood seniors are “75, 85, 90 years old. They don’t have time to wait for this redevelopment.”
By securing these buildings now, the county can begin offering programs and services within six to twelve months, rather than waiting years for full redevelopment.
- The success required coordination between multiple levels of government and the private sector. Mayor D.C. Reeves worked with Commissioner May to modify Baptist’s right of first refusal on the two properties, ensuring they would serve community needs rather than being sold on the private market.
Of courses Commissioner May came up with this! . I’m not surprised in the least. He’s always thinking about the community and making things happen. Kudos.
FINALLY!! Something for the people in need. Bravo Commissioner Lumon for standing your ground on this a being a voice for the vulnerable. It is rarely seen in this area
Clearly, his discussion at the COW was one of Lumon’s best leadership moments! He strategically defined the needs of the community and negotiated a real world solution to the community’s need. Kudos to Lumon and his string voice for the people!
Lumon May is a champion for justice in Escambia county. Last night, during Board of County Commissioners meeting, his fiercely clear, passionate and persuasive stand for justice and fair treatment toward the Human Relations Commission and the needed great work they do for some of our people whose needs are great demonstrated the kind of champion for truth and justice Lumon May is. We all need to folliw hus example.
Lumon! You’re a rockstar!
Thank you Commissioner May for persevering to force the Baptist property to partially meet the needs of the local community. Baptist Hospital promised they would not abandon the local community when they opened their new hospital, but that promise was quickly broken and forgotten.
Which two buildings are going to be repurposed for a dental clinic and community center?