After years of discussion about the future of the Pensacola Bay Center, Escambia County commissioners say they’re ready to stop studying the project and start planning improvements.
During last week's Committee of the Whole meeting, commissioners signaled support for beginning the first phase of a long-planned redevelopment. County staff recommended a phased approach that begins with renovating the existing Bay Center while planning for future development around it. The estimated $74 million first phase includes exterior improvements, expanded premium seating, upgraded food service areas, parking lot repairs and other renovations designed to extend the life of the nearly 40-year-old facility.
Future phases could include a new event center, a parking garage or an ice rink, depending on what county leaders ultimately decide and what private partners are willing to help build.
One of the biggest changes to emerge from the discussion was how commissioners want to move the project forward.
Rather than commissioning another consultant’s study, commissioners expressed support for seeking a private development partner to help turn years of planning into a workable project.
Commissioner Lumon May said the county has already spent enough time studying the site.
“We’ve had enough studies,” May said. “We need someone… that can implement all the ideas that we’ve had.”
Assistant County Administrator Debbie Bowers agreed, saying staff can prepare a request for proposals that asks experienced developers how they would improve the property, attract more events and generate a return on the county’s investment.
May said the county needs a roadmap showing how today’s renovations connect to future phases, including convention space, parking and other amenities needed to compete with similar venues along the Gulf Coast.
Even with broad support for beginning renovations, commissioners said one major hurdle remains: reaching an agreement with the City of Pensacola.
County Attorney Geoff Brodersen explained that the Bay Center sits on property governed by a long-term lease involving both the City of Pensacola and the Florida Department of Transportation. Under that lease, any major changes to the property require written approval from both governments before construction can begin.
Several commissioners said they had not previously reviewed a draft interlocal agreement between the city and county that would help guide the redevelopment.
“This is the first I’ve heard of the interlocal,” May said.
“I was caught off guard on that too,” Commissioner Mike Kohler said.
Both commissioners said elected officials, not just staff, should play a larger role in negotiating an agreement that could shape the future of the project.
Following the Aug. 6 meeting, Dominique Epps, assistant public information officer for the City of Pensacola, confirmed that Mayor D.C. Reeves removed the proposed interlocal agreement from the Pensacola City Council agenda.
“This will provide the Board of County Commissioners with ample time to review the agreement,” Epps said.
The move gives both governments additional time to negotiate before either board considers formal approval.
No votes were taken during Thursday’s workshop. Instead, commissioners directed staff to continue refining renovation plans and cost estimates, identify projects that provide the greatest return on investment, continue negotiations with the city and begin preparing a request for proposals to identify a long-term development partner.
For residents, the meeting offered the clearest picture yet of where the Bay Center project is headed. Before construction can begin, however, county and city leaders must agree on how the broader redevelopment will move forward, and who will help make it happen.
