Pensacola to invest $10 million in civic center upgrades

Alexa Daly
·2 min read
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PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) — As the City of Mobile prepares to build the new $300 million Civic Center, Escambia County is investing in its own development.

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Escambia County commissioners approved $10 million in funding for improvements to the Pensacola Bay Center, over the next 4 years.

“Obviously we want to be competitive with our friends to the West and to the East, but I think this is about making a better quality of life for our citizens,” County Commissioner Lumon May said. “I think it’s about improving the amenities so we can attract tourists and attract events to come to Pensacola.”

According to the county, in 2024, $3 million will go towards the sound system, lighting system, parking lot repaving, exterior fencing, and retractable seating.

Other improvements are broken up into years, according to officials.

  • In year two, $3,011,000 will address the need for hockey to continue and overall ice sheet operations with the end-of-life ice plant system.

  • In year three, $2,310,000 will be allocated to address primary furniture, fixtures, equipment, and mechanical systems. Some original equipment/systems will also be replaced for efficiency and functionality.

  • In year four, $1,670,200 will be used to continue year three’s improvements.

Upgrades to the Bay Center are being funded through the tourist development tax fund.

“We are using a bed tax. So all the improvements are paid by people who visit here and not by the residents, but the great thing, is the residents get the opportunity to utilize this facility while we’re making these improvements,” May said.

Commissioner May says the $10 million is the first step in addressing the need for improvements to the facility.

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2025 will be the 40th year of operation for the venue, and the last year of the existing Sun Belt Conference and Ice Flyers agreements.

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