PNJ columnist Mark O’Brien (MOBy) misses the point on the county commission’s debate over hotels vs. condos on Pensacola Beach in his column today (Less government,’ some say, until meddling suits their purposes).
Santa Rosa Island is owned by all the people of Escambia County, and commissioners have a fiduciary responsibility to maximize the business return.
This is a too simplistic approach to the beach. The beach is a resource that needs to a balanced management approach. Condos maximize the profits for the developers, but not necessarily the returns for the people of Escambia County. Hotels have more turnover in occupancy and generate more bed tax dollars. Hotels employ more people. Hotels help other businesses more – primarily restaurants and bars – than condos with full kitchens.
Whose business returns are we really maximizing with condos (these hybrid condo hotels)? Not the people of Escambia County.
Do more research, Moby.
