These are the topics covered today by Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves at this weekly press conference:
Garden Street Resurfacing Coming April 1
Mayor D.C. Reeves announced that the long-awaited Garden Street resurfacing project will begin on April 1st. The mayor reminded citizens that Garden Street is a state road under FDOT jurisdiction, and lane shifts will begin soon as crews start work on water mains, sanitary sewer mains and stormwater drainage improvements.
- “You’ll start to see the lane shifts beginning with that paving and resurfacing project,” Reeves said, noting that the eastbound lanes and median lane will be closed initially to construct infrastructure on the south side of Garden.
Town Halls Returning
The administration is restarting its town hall series, resuming with District 4 on Thursday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. at Vicker Community Center, hosted with Council President Moore. The mayor noted this location technically falls in Councilwoman Brahier’s district, joking it’s a “road game” for Moore, but it’s as close to District 4 as they could manage. Future town halls will rotate through the remaining districts in the coming months.
Saenger’s 100th Anniversary
The Saenger Theatre celebrates its centennial next week, with events scheduled for April 2 (the actual 100th anniversary of its opening) and April 6.
- The April 2nd celebration includes a noon ribbon-cutting ceremony with birthday cake, guided tours from 1-5 p.m., and a 6 p.m. screening of “The Ten Commandments,” the first film shown at the Saenger in 1925.
On Sunday, April 6, a street party will run from noon to 6 p.m. outside the theater. It will feature performances, food trucks, and two screenings of the silent version of “Phantom of the Opera” accompanied by the Saenger’s historic organ. Alex Gartner will provide a special introduction and demonstration.
Welcome Sign Lighting Ceremony
The new welcome sign will likely be completed this week, with pieces being installed now. The mayor announced plans for a lighting ceremony next Tuesday evening (April 1), though the exact time hasn’t been set.
- Due to safety concerns at the location between two busy state roads, this will be a small event primarily for city staff. The media will be invited to cover the “flipping of the switch,” but no large public gathering is planned.
Solicitation Warning
After receiving reports of individuals claiming to represent city community centers collecting money for uniforms, the mayor warned about unauthorized door-to-door solicitation. He reminded citizens that legitimate solicitors in the city must have a solicitation permit.
- “If someone’s being asked for a donation or for money, you can always ask to see a city solicitation permit,” Reeves advised, adding that city parks and recreation facilities do not go door-to-door seeking donations.
Chappie James Memorial Saga
Mayor Reeves floated a potential solution to the long-running saga of the General Daniel “Chappie” James Memorial project.
With the current agreement between the city and the Chappie James Memorial Foundation set to expire in June and ongoing uncertainty about county/TDC funding, Reeves suggestedrelocating the memorial to Veterans Memorial Park.
- “This is just something I’ve tried, woke up with a light bulb and tried to see if the goal is commemoration of Chappie James, which is much deserved,” Reeves said, suggesting VMP (Veterans Memorial Park Board) might be a more fitting, cost-effective venue that is already dedicated to honoring military heroes.
The mayor revealed his team has had initial conversations with the VMP board and has reached out to the Chappie James Memorial Foundation, though no decisions have been made. He felt this approach might resolve funding concerns while ensuring proper commemoration.
“I’m trying to be solutions-oriented, and I’m trying to check as many boxes as possible to try to get this thing to the finish line,” Reeves said.
Baptist Hospital Project
Responding to questions about county participation in the Baptist Hospital redevelopment project, Reeves expressed disappointment that county commissioners appear unwilling to contribute $2 million from general funds or consider alternative arrangements involving landfill tipping fees.
- The mayor emphasized the project’s regional importance: “Too often, we think that there’s this really tall fence between the city limits. The county, county residents pay county taxes.”
Reeves said he still hopes for some form of county participation, suggesting at minimum that the county not profit from the demolition tipping fees that will go to the county landfill.
“What we’re asking for is a contribution equivalent to the profit that the county stands to make off of the project,” he explained, adding he would be open to conditions to ensure accountability.