Press Release: At a joint appearance today in Pensacola, Mayor Ashton Hayward, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad, and District Three DOT Secretary Tommy Barfield announced a $250,000 grant for beautification along Bayfront Parkway, from Alcaniz Street to 17th Avenue.  The grant, the result of months of discussions between the City of Pensacola and the Florida’s Department of Transportation, will be used for landscaping, tree planting, and other improvements along the eastern waterfront entry into Pensacola’s downtown.
Hayward thanked State officials, including Florida Department of Transportation officials for their support of the project. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the City to take advantage of state resources to help improve our waterfront,†said Hayward. “I’m really thankful to Florida Secretary of Transportation Ananth Prasad, and our local district three DOT Secretary Tommy Barfield who have taken the time to meet with me over the past few months and who have seen the value of investing in a project like this. We have been working this process over the past few months very diligently, and I’m happy to see the results pay off in such a visible way for the citizens,” the Mayor said.
Under the terms of the agreement, at least fifty percent of the $250,000 is earmarked for tree planting, with the remainder eligible for irrigation, other landscaping, and hardscaping.  Secretary Prasad addressed the issue in Pensacola as part of a FDOT tour of the City’s airport and seaport, and was joined by Hayward, who expressed optimism about the project.
“This is a great opportunity for the City to do more for our citizens without raising taxes,†said Hayward. “By investing in this crucial public entrance to our city and our downtown, I believe we can make Pensacola a more attractive place for businesses and families to live. Our bayfront is a world-class attraction, and this funding will make our watefront even more inviting for residents and visitors alike,†said Hayward.
The City Council is expected to take up a resolution on Thursday acknowledging the receipt of the grant. Hayward said that plans for the landscaping would be forthcoming, and he hoped to begin work soon on the project.
Pensacola’s City Council will meet on Thursday, August 18 at 5:30pm.