Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves remained coy about his political future during Tuesday’s press conference, offering only philosophical musings when pressed about seeking a second term in 2026.
- “I don’t know that I’m going to commit on a Tuesday 15 months out,” Reeves said when asked directly about re-election plans. However, he revealed his broader perspective on mayoral leadership, calling it “an eight-year job” and suggesting that four years isn’t enough time to implement transformational change.
“I do consider this an eight-year job in terms of if you want to have the impact, and I think it’s better for the citizen that way,” Reeves explained, noting that major projects launching in the next year need continuity to succeed.
- When pressed further by me, Reeves acknowledged with a smile that he answer was “a mealy-mouthed way to not answer your question directly but tell you that I’m open to it.”
Childcare Summit Takes Center Stage
The mayor focused on Wednesday’s childcare summit, bringing together more than 50 experts from across Florida to tackle Pensacola’s childcare access crisis. The full-day session will include representatives from daycare operators, academia, the Children’s Trust and Early Learning Coalition.
- “We lack quality accessible childcare,” Reeves stated bluntly, identifying this as a fundamental workforce and quality of life issue for the city.
Phase 1: Childcare Summit – Finding Solutions for Escambia County
Date: Wednesday, May 28
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: City Hall, 2nd Floor Hagler/Mason Conference Room
Miami-Dade experts will share their successful “Thrive by Five” initiative as a potential model. Participants will gather in small groups to help diagnose the problem.
- “Let’s find out if our issue is that rent is too expensive for an entrepreneur to start a daycare? Is it that our current daycares don’t have enough information to know that if they get these increased certifications that they can get more grant funding? Is it an education-type problem that we need to face?” the mayor said. “So I’m just a big believer in trying to find those two or three things and trying to really drill deep into those. And so that’s what I hope. I’m sure we’re going to hear a lot of things, but what I’m hoping for is some general alignment around a smaller pool of solutions.”
The follow-up meeting will craft a shared Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with actionable strategies and tactics to improve outcomes for families.
American Magic Update
Mayor Reeves provided extensive reassurance about the American Magic sailing project amid ongoing speculation about the team’s participation in the next America’s Cup cycle, emphasizing that Pensacola’s investment remains protected regardless of the competition’s outcome.
- “There’s no consequence or no scenario around the America’s Cup that will have any impact on the project itself,” Reeves declared. “The building will be built, the employees will be hired.”
The mayor revealed he maintains “constant communication” with American Magic leadership about all aspects of the project, from construction progress to staffing plans. He confirmed that engineers and electricians were working on the facility as of Tuesday morning, with operations continuing exactly as planned.
Reeves characterized the current America’s Cup discussions as broader than just American Magic’s participation, describing it as “a larger discussion about the format of the cup” involving multiple stakeholders. He suggested the sailing world is currently in “a negotiation phase” regarding the prestigious competition’s structure.
- “I think if you read all of the headlines about the conversation right now, I think we’re in a negotiation phase right now with that,” the mayor explained, while declining to speculate on the specific negotiations.
Crucially, Reeves emphasized that American Magic’s commitment extends far beyond the America’s Cup itself. The team has made substantial investments in Pensacola infrastructure and job creation that point to long-term international sailing ambitions.
- “Remember there are enormous international platforms for sailing that will be unprecedented here outside of the America’s Cup,” he noted. “America’s Cup is every three years. There’s things like SailGP and that tour that’s really come on strong.”
Drawing parallels to Formula 1’s global appeal, Reeves highlighted SailGP as an example of major international sailing competitions that could utilize Pensacola’s new facilities. The mayor expressed confidence that even if America’s Cup negotiations fall through entirely, American Magic would pivot to “some other significant investment into international sailing.”
- “This could end up being a big ball of nothing or if somehow this is something that the America’s Cup as a whole can’t work out, then I fully expect that there’ll be some other significant investment into international sailing in some other way,” Reeves said.
The mayor views the American Magic partnership as a long-term commitment to establishing Pensacola as an international sailing destination, with the America’s Cup serving as just one potential platform among many for showcasing the sport locally.
New University Leadership
Regarding incoming UWF interim president Manny Diaz, Reeves expressed readiness to partner with new leadership while praising outgoing president Martha Saunders’ contributions.
- “Our goal should always be if there’s something that this city could do to help advance the possibilities and the performance of the University of West Florida, that we’re ready to always have that conversation,” he said.
The childcare summit begins Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in City Hall chambers and is open to public observation, though participation will be limited to invited experts.
Other Takeaways
Memorial Day Weekend Brings Record Numbers: The mayor opened with positive tourism news, reporting nearly 60,000 passengers passed through Pensacola International Airport over Memorial Day weekend—a 4.4% increase from 2024. The surge continues the city’s streak of record-breaking visitor numbers.
Fiesta Parade Preparations Intensify: Friday’s Fiesta parade will showcase the city’s enhanced security measures, implemented following the tragic New Orleans attack in January. Reeves emphasized unprecedented preparation levels, with multiple agencies coordinating, including the Sheriff’s Department and Florida Highway Patrol.
- The parade begins at 7 p.m. on the traditional Palafox route, with road closures starting at 4 p.m. The mayor warned that vehicles left in the parade route will be towed, though he praised citizens for heeding similar warnings during Mardi Gras, resulting in zero towed vehicles.
- Adding complexity to Friday’s logistics, Santa Rosa County graduation ceremonies will occur simultaneously at the Bay Center.
Infrastructure Updates and Summer Programs: Reeves announced the completion of FDOT’s $2.8 million resurfacing project on US 98/Gregory Street, which included lighting improvements, traffic signals, sidewalks, and stormwater management upgrades.
