Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger announced in a press release to WEAR-TV and the Island Times Thursday afternoon that she learned last Friday that the state had cut the Gateway Project’s funding from the state budget. Therefore, the Pensacola Beach Gateway will have no architectural arch.
- However, Rep. Alex Andrade was surprised to learn that Hofberger’s project depended on state funds from this year’s budget. He questioned why the commissioner would tout a project and pay for designs without securing all the funding first. (Note: It’s okay to skip over the “word salad” of the press release and go to the end.)
The county did not post this press release on its website, and its Communications & Media Relations team did not email it to all media. Hofberger’s office likely crafted it, which makes the use of the third person odd.
PRESS RELEASE
Pensacola Beach Gateway Project Update: Realigning with Community Vision and Fiscal Responsibility
The Pensacola Beach Gateway Project has generated considerable public interest—and rightfully so. Pensacola Beach is one of Escambia County’s most treasured landmarks, representing both natural beauty and a deep sense of home for residents and visitors alike.
In the spirit of transparency and community accountability, Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger is providing an important update on the project’s current status and revised path forward.
On Friday, June 13, 2025, Commissioner Hofberger was notified that state funding for the Gateway Project was removed from the state budget, resulting in a $1.5 million reduction to the project’s overall financial plan. Recognizing that earlier communication about the project left many with unanswered questions, Commissioner Hofberger offered a heartfelt apology:
“I take full responsibility for the gaps in communication and any confusion they may have caused,” said Commissioner Hofberger. “Our community deserves clarity and openness, and I am fully committed to restoring both.”
In direct response to both the funding change and extensive community input—nearly 4,000 residents have weighed in—the scope of the project has been meaningfully revised. The updated plan prioritizes preserving the natural character of the beach while making practical, necessary improvements to infrastructure and safety.
Revised Project Elements Include:
• Installation of the tolling gantry system to modernize access
• Removal of the artistic façade
• Sidewalk and roadway improvements to enhance safety and traffic flow
• Fiber installation for future smart traffic solutions
Current Cost Breakdown:
• Design Work:
o Tolling gantry: $599,180
o Multi-use path and roadway improvements: $18,000
• Construction Work:
o Toll plaza demolition: $70,000
o Gantry construction: $2,000,000
o Tolling equipment: $1,200,000
o Fiber installation to start the integration of smart traffic solutions: $1,500,000
o Roadway and sidewalk enhancements: $2,000,000
Escambia County is also actively pursuing grant funding to help offset project costs and ensure prudent use of public funds.
“I still believe in this project and what it can do for our community,” said Commissioner Hofberger. “But I also recognize that our current strategy needs adjustment. I’m committed to working with our citizens to move forward in a way that is transparent, thoughtful, and fiscally responsible.”
This revised approach seeks to address long-standing traffic issues, improve access to Pensacola Beach, and lay the groundwork for a more efficient and connected future—without compromising the unique character of the area. Commissioner Hofberger remains committed to ensuring the community is informed and engaged every step of the way. For more information or to share your input, please contact: District4@MyEscambia.com
BUT
On Tuesday – four days after she was notified that the state funding had been pulled, Commissioner Hofberger gave her narrative of the chain of events that led up to the Tourist Development Council’s discussion of the Pensacola Beach Gateway Project.
She made no mention of receiving notification that “state funding for the Gateway Project was removed from the state budget, resulting in a $1.5 million reduction to the project’s overall financial plan.”
- If she had told the TDC that the county didn’t have funds for the arch, the discussion would have ended 45 minutes sooner.
Dig Deeper: I spoke with State Rep. Alex Andrade after sending him Hofberger’s press release. The state lawmaker put in an appropriation for the $1.5 million, but never had a sponsor on the Senate side, which made it nearly impossible to get it in this year’s budget.
Both Florida chambers must include appropriation requests in their budgets to be placed in the final budget sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis – something Hofberber’s political mentor, Rep. Michelle Salzman, should have explained to her.
- Andrade added that anyone following this past session and our reporting would have realized that DeSantis would veto any appropriations that he requested. See Hope Florida.
Featured Photo Licensed under the Unsplash+ License
So why didn’t Salzman run it for her?
The new commissioner is clearly on over her head, and too panicked now to see her way out. She needs help, and has never been getting the proper advice or real support from her “mentors” who helped her get elected.
The Board needs to find a graceful way to step in and help her obtain some breathing room to start over. The entire project needs to be scrapped and begun again with Town Halls for input. In the meantime, they can and should bring the changing rooms back. This isn’t complicated at this point. Its just a matter of will to do the right thing. At this point, their assistance should be received as a blessing, not an intrusion. She badly needs a reset.