Yesterday, the Pensacola City Council, meeting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, approved the $10.7 million funding plan for the New Palafox project, also known as “Reimagine Palafox,” and the contract for the project’s construction to Site & Utility LLC.
- At its regular meeting on Thursday, Nov. 13, the city council will vote to accept the funding plan and approve the construction contract.
Studer Steps Up
Blue Wahoos co-owner Quint Studer read a letter in support of the project.
- He said, “I’d like to share my perspective as a business owner who currently pays over $1,032,000 in property taxes for downtown properties — and has guaranteed $400,000 in loans for some Palafox business owners (none of whom lease from me).”
Historic Parallels and Missed Opportunities
Studer drew parallels to past community battles, including the Community Maritime Park referendum 20 years ago and the development of Bruce Beach—both controversial projects that ultimately transformed the waterfront.
- “If the vote had gone the other way, the ‘No Trespassing’ signs would likely still be up,” Studer wrote about the Maritime Park. “No one would miss the park or the stadium, because people don’t miss what never was.”
But Studer also pointed to what he considers missed opportunities. The new YMCA was initially planned for Parcel 8 by the stadium, but was moved after elected officials deemed the waterfront location “too valuable” for such use.
- “It’s a good Y—like many Ys—but it could have been a world-class Y,” Studer wrote, invoking former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley’s CivicCon message: “The best land should be for the citizens.”
Studer and his wife, Rishy, also offered to build a $22 million Center for Entrepreneurship in accordance with all Community Maritime Park protocols, but walked away after elected officials changed the lease terms—a decision that Studer says has prevented future investment on that parcel.
- “Parcel 5 may see development in 2026, but no one misses the Y on Parcel 8 or the Center for Entrepreneurship—because they never happened,” he wrote. “I hope that’s not the case for Palafox.”
Property Owner Perspective
Studer shared his perspective as a major stakeholder. “Many of us have long-term loans, and keeping our spaces rented helps prevent foreclosures and bankruptcies. We all want our tenants and businesses to be successful.”
Many property owners have also experienced significant financial losses from stormwater damage—one of the issues the Reimagine Palafox project aims to address. With Florida Power & Light committed to working on Palafox and likely repaving the street anyway, Studer argued this is the right time to “make Palafox safer and more user-friendly for everyone.”
The Accessibility Argument
The heart of Studer’s letter focused on Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and the current state of Palafox Street.
“Today, the narrow sidewalks and outdoor seating make it nearly impossible for someone in a wheelchair to enjoy what Palafox has to offer,” Studer wrote. “You’ll likely see more people using wheelchairs at one Wahoos game than you’ll see on Palafox in an entire year.”
He included a powerful personal story from former Police Chief Tommi Lyter, who told Studer that he strongly supports Reimagine Palafox. When Lyter’s late wife Brenda was in a wheelchair as her cancer progressed, he wanted to take her down Palafox—but found it impossible to navigate.
Studer also mentioned Mattie Chesnutt, a young man in his early twenties who regularly attends Wahoos games with his father, Paul, at the Maritime Park, but has never been able to enjoy Palafox Street.
- “It’s too late for Brenda. But it’s not too late for Mattie and others,” Studer wrote.
He went further, suggesting that if the improvement doesn’t move forward because of ADA concerns, “perhaps outdoor seating shouldn’t be allowed at all—which would have a far bigger financial impact than the proposed plan.”
Studer also addressed pedestrian safety concerns, calling current crosswalks “confusing” and noting that vehicles often move too fast on Palafox.
He referenced Dr. Michaele Pride, a CivicCon speaker on safety who pointed out unsafe conditions on Pensacola streets—particularly Cervantes Street, where people were killed just weeks after her visit.
- “Let’s learn from that, not repeat it,” Studer wrote, pushing back against arguments that money shouldn’t be spent on traffic-calming measures because “no one’s been hit” yet.
Historic Preservation and Design Details
While acknowledging that Palafox has historic buildings, Studer argued that “a better-designed Palafox will actually highlight them.”
- He urged the community not to let details like brick color “distract from what a new Palafox can do for our city,” noting that similar design elements were adjusted during construction around the Maritime Park walkway and Wahoo Stadium.
An Offer to Help
As someone with 278,000 square feet of downtown property, Studer emphasized his stake in seeing all downtown owners and tenants succeed.
- “If any store owner is concerned about cash flow during construction, I encourage them to contact me,” he wrote.
The Reimagine Palafox project has sparked debate among business owners concerned about construction impacts and revenue loss during the multi-phase street reconstruction. The project’s supporters argue it will improve accessibility, safety, and stormwater management while creating a more walkable downtown corridor.
Studer concluded his letter with a direct appeal: “I encourage each of you to vote yes to move forward.”
Read his letter – Palafox Upgrade.