Pensacola Chamber chair David Deliman has sent a letter to the Escambia Board of County Commissioners supporting the use of a portion of OLF-8 for Light Industrial, as outlined in the OLF-8 master plan.
Key point: “On behalf of the 1,100 chamber members, our board respectfully asks that you follow the agreed-upon Master Plan that supports job creation, which will grow our economy, increase county revenues, and provide quality jobs for our citizens.”
- Deliman cites the Haas Center study, which shows that Light Industrial developments will have a $1.3 billion economic impact over five years.
October 22, 2024
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
221 Palafox Pl.
Pensacola, FL 32502
Commissioners,
The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has closely followed the
discussions surrounding the future of Outlying Field-8 (OLF-8). At our October board meeting, we held a robust conversation about this project and what we believe is the highest and best use for this property.
Since the time this project was contemplated, job creation for our community has been a primary consideration. The DPZ Master Plan approved by the Escambia County Commission calls for significant job creation to be a part of the development of the parcel. We ask the Commission stay true to this commitment as you continue to consider proposals for OLF-8.
Attached to this letter is data from the University of West Florida’s Haas Center demonstrating that light industrial projects permitted in the Master Plan will provide significant job creation for our growing county. These projects and the jobs created will also broaden our local tax base and increase county revenues. In fact, the Haas Center data shows that this approach would result in an overall economic impact that is significantly greater than the impact of a pure mixed-used development. We would also like to see that the portion zoned for light industrial should remain public to ensure job creation for our citizens.
Outlying Field-8 remains one of the only undeveloped areas in Escambia County that can be utilized as a site for economic development projects. On behalf of the 1,100 chamber members, our board respectfully asks that you follow the agreed-upon Master Plan that supports job
creation which will grow our economy, increase county revenues, and provide quality jobs for our citizens.
Sincerely,
David Deliman, Chairman
Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors