Baptist Hospital
Mayor D.C. Reeves announced that Baptist Hospital’s board has unanimously approved the donation agreement for the hospital property. The mayor expects to receive a signed copy from Baptist in the immediate future, marking a positive step forward in the project.
City Attorney Adam Cobb has upheld a bid protest from North Star Contracting Group for the Baptist Hospital project. As a result, the city will issue a revised notice of intent to award the bid to North Star and enter contract negotiations with them. Mayor Reeves emphasized that this change will have “zero operational impact or financial impact” on the project at this juncture.
Reporter Questions:
Q: How soon and how important is it at this point in maintaining the $7 million from the state to get the county’s commitment?
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- The mayor stressed that having the donation agreement in place shows both the city and Baptist are committed to the project. Regarding the county’s $2 million pledge, he noted it wouldn’t happen immediately due to the bid protest, saying, “I think it’s better that we come to that meeting with as much clarity as possible.” He expressed confidence that the county commissioners would want to understand exactly what they’re signing up for, and that city staff would be prepared to answer all questions before the May 15th meeting.
Q: What’s the dollar amount of the bid?
- While not providing specific numbers at the press conference, Mayor Reeves indicated he would check what information could be publicly shared at this stage of the procurement process.
Q: Commissioner Kohler said the bids came in under $15 million and he doesn’t feel he’s going to support the $2 million. What’s your response?
- Mayor Reeves cautioned against commenting with incomplete information: “It’s shortsighted to look at a number and say, this one’s a hundred dollars and this one’s $95, so why don’t you take the cheapest?” He emphasized that governance requires looking beyond just cost to ensure quality and reliability.
Cobb Center Repairs Moving Forward: Plans to repair the structure and roof of the Cop Center were delivered yesterday from Geos Syntech. A meeting is scheduled for May 5 with Facilities, Parks & Rec, and Geos Syntech to review these plans. The estimated repair cost is approximately $1.7 million.
Veterans Memorial Park Restroom Facilities Update: Progress continues on adding permanent restroom facilities at Veterans Memorial Park. The city plans to install a 1,750 square foot restroom trailer near the parking lot on the north side. Design delays due to soil sampling have increased costs, requiring a more robust foundation. The city has received a $750,000 grant from the state for this project, which has been extended to June 2026.
Breeze Airways Expands Service Breeze Airways is expanding its service from Pensacola. The airline started with service to Tampa, which will increase from two to four days a week beginning in June. Additionally, Breeze is adding direct service to Raleigh, North Carolina (with connections to Providence, Rhode Island) starting this Wednesday, operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Bay Center Joint Meeting Proposed
The city has proposed a joint meeting with Escambia County on May 14th regarding the future of the Bay Center. The goal is to have a potential vendor present to discuss concerns, questions, and priorities for a vision study. Mayor Reeves emphasized the importance of having all stakeholders involved in this public discussion.
Reporter Questions:
Q: Is the city committed to getting a vendor for the vision plan, and will the city take on that cost on its own?
- Mayor Reeves confirmed that the city will take on the cost of the vision study. He noted that while discussions with a potential vendor have taken place, nothing has been signed and won’t be until after the joint meeting: “If the result of the meeting is we don’t think that they’re fit to do the job or whatever, then we will go find something else.” He emphasized the importance of getting feedback from both the County Commission and City Council.
Q: The county is considering $25 million from bonds that would also go to updates to the Bay Center for John R. Jones Park on Nine Mile Road. Is there concern the county might be moving ahead before the vision study?
- While not directly criticizing the county’s considerations, Mayor Reeves questioned whether such an investment would “pencil” financially: “Does the net increase by going to turf fields at John R. Jones, how quick do we get the $25 million back?” He noted these are the same conversations needed about the Bay Center and potential conference center facilities. The mayor added that regardless of the county’s decisions, the city is “full steam ahead” with its process.
Q: There was debate about the makeup of the study group at the last commissioner’s meeting. Have you been asked about this?
- Mayor Reeves acknowledged the challenges in forming such committees, noting he had provided suggestions but that it’s ultimately the county’s decision. He expressed concern that having too many representatives might defeat the purpose of creating a nimble subcommittee: “If we put 15 people from 15 different organizations or 10 different organizations on a board, is that going to help us move faster than just having joint meetings?” He stated he would support whatever direction the county chooses.
Q: Do you think there’s fear that your master district planner might bring in outside thinking that would upset some preconceived ideas?
- The mayor emphasized the importance of approaching the study with an open mind: “I would expect that the study will be done and I’m going to be surprised by something. But isn’t that as leaders of the community, isn’t that how we should all be approaching this?” He added that leadership includes adapting to new information, even if it challenges long-held assumptions.
Public-Private Partnerships Workshop: The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Association for the Improvement of American Infrastructure will host a P3 (Public-Private Partnerships) Education Institute workshop in Pensacola. The all-day event will occur at the Saenger Theater, with city and county staff invited to learn about effective public-private partnerships.
Economic Inclusion Grant: The city of Pensacola has been accepted into the planning cohort for the Southern Cities Economic Inclusion Grant through the League of Cities. As one of 20 southeastern U.S. cities selected, Pensacola will receive a grant of $15,000 from NLC through funding by SCEI’s philanthropic partners and will join 19 other cities from across the Southern United States to develop strategies that boost economic mobility for residents and drive long-term economic growth.
Pensacola Named Among Florida’s Safest Cities: Mayor Reeves proudly announced that Pensacola has been ranked the fifth safest city in Florida by Safewise.com, based on FBI crime data involving violent and property crime rates. Pensacola was the largest city in the top five, joining Marco Island, Safety Harbor, and Wildwood.
Childcare Initiative: Mayor Reeves discussed plans for a community conversation on childcare and childcare access in the city, scheduled for late May. The initiative aims to address childcare shortages affecting the workforce and families across all income levels, to make Pensacola a benchmark in Florida for access to quality childcare. He plans to create a memorandum of understanding with the Escambia Children’s Trust to use the city’s CRA dollars it holds to fund the solution.