Escambia County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Michael S. Kohler has introduced a formal resolution to establish the Escambia County Bay Center and Environs Advisory Committee (BCAC), responding to Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves’ request for a joint task force to explore potential upgrades to the Pensacola Bay Center. Read Establishing the Bay Center Advisory Committee.
Committee Structure and Composition
The proposed advisory committee would consist of 11 voting members representing key stakeholders throughout the community:
- The Mayor of Pensacola or an appointee
- A City Council member appointed by the City Council
- The County Administrator or appointee
- A County Commissioner appointed by the County Commission
- The Downtown Improvement Board Executive Director
- A representative from SMG (the facility management company)
- An appointee from Florida West
- A designee from the Pensacola Ice Flyers
- A designee from Visit Pensacola
- Two citizen representatives (one from within Pensacola city limits and one from the unincorporated county)
All committee members must be Escambia County electors, and all appointments require confirmation by the County Commission.
Committee Responsibilities
The BCAC would be tasked with making recommendations regarding:
- Potential facility renovations, additions, and improvements
- New amenities, programs, and partnerships
- Coordination with transportation authorities
- Parking and transportation infrastructure
- Aesthetics and functionality of both the facility and surrounding area
- Future growth and improvements, including possible funding sources
- Community stakeholder concerns
Operational Framework
The resolution outlines a clear operational structure for the committee:
- Regular quarterly meetings at a minimum
- Six members constitute a quorum
- Term limits: None (allowing for continuity of expertise)
- Leadership: Chair and Vice-Chair elected annually
- Meeting conduct will follow Robert’s Rules of Order
- Full compliance with Florida’s Sunshine Law and Public Records Act
The Assistant County Administrator or designee would serve as staff liaison to the committee, providing necessary support, preparing agendas (distributed at least one day before meetings), and maintaining detailed minutes of all proceedings. The committee would sunset on May 15, 2026, unless extended by the County Commission.
What Happens Next
The resolution appears ready for formal consideration by the full Board of County Commissioners. If approved, it would establish a structured approach to addressing the future of one of Pensacola’s key public venues through broad stakeholder engagement.
What Mayor Reeves Wants
At his May 8 press conference, Mayor Reeves expressed concern that the joint committee—initially proposed as a way to improve efficiency—might actually slow progress.
- “The whole spirit of bringing that up was for government efficiency, and if we don’t watch it, we’re going to spend three or four months building this government efficiency group instead of actually getting something done,” Reeves explained.
The mayor indicated that while the committee idea was floated to expedite decision-making, complexities around membership selection have complicated matters. He remains ready to collaborate with county officials, emphasizing that his goal is to move the project forward without unnecessary delays.
At his weekly press conference today at 10 a.m., we will learn what he thinks of Kohler’s committee plan.
Revised Ides of May Checklist
1. Interlocal Agreement with Escambia Children’s Trust
2. $34-million Plan to Build New Fire Stations
3. Increase MSBU for Fire Protection
4. Joint City-County Task Force on Pensacola Bay Center