In his weekly press briefing, Mayor D.C. Reeves doled out praise and shared the latest on the Valencia project (parking the lone outstanding item) and other developments affecting Pensacola residents. Here are the key takeaways from today’s conference:
Pensacola State Makes History
Mayor Reeves opened with congratulations to Coach Pete Pena and Pensacola State College for winning the NCJAA Region Eight Championship – their first in 32 years. The team will travel to Hutchinson, Kansas, for the national tournament, facing Trinidad State College on Sunday. Despite being the seventh seed in the state tournament, they’ve earned the tenth seed nationally, showcasing the respected strength of Florida’s junior college basketball league.
Valencia Project Gets Extension
The mayor will recommend to the Pensacola City Council at its next meeting that the Valencia project at Maritime Park’s Parcel 7 receive a three-month option extension from March to June. According to Reeves, all principal terms have been agreed upon for the hotel project, with only parking details remaining to be finalized. The city needs to secure approximately 80 more parking spaces to reach the required 180 spaces.
- “We’re not giving out extensions to options just for the sake of doing it,” Reeves emphasized, highlighting his administration’s commitment to action rather than delays. He anticipates bringing a lease with firm deadlines to the City Council before the extension expires.
Development Updates
The mayor shared positive momentum on other downtown projects:
- The Tempo by Hilton developers for New World Landing are only waiting on DEP approval for contamination issues before beginning demolition.
- Tristan Hotel project continues “full steam ahead.”
- HK Matthews playground equipment installation at 12th and Hayes Street should be completed this week, weather permitting ($180,000 LOST funding project).
New Airline and Events
Contour Airlines begins service to Pensacola International Airport this Saturday with a direct connection to Muscle Shoals. The inaugural flight lands at 2:15 PM. Reeves expressed optimism that this new carrier could expand service similar to Breeze Airways, which recently increased Tampa flights and added a Raleigh route.
Additionally, the GL 52 sailing competition brings the inaugural Pensacola Cup to the bay from Thursday through Sunday, with races scheduled at noon each day. The event brings approximately 150 crew members and support staff, many visiting Pensacola for the first time.
Police Department Recognition
Reeves recognized two PPD officers for significant achievements:
- Lieutenant Amy Parsons: First woman from PPD to graduate from the FBI National Academy at Quantico
- Officer Heather Mallett: Named 2024 PPD Officer of the Year for her work as Washington High School’s resource officer
Photo by Todd Greene on Unsplash