City of Pensacola Weekly News Conference February 4, 2026

The City of Pensacola held a weekly news conference on February 4, 2026, primarily focused on the announcement of Eric Winstrom as the new Police Chief, pending city council approval. The discussion highlighted Chief Winstrom's extensive law enforcement experience, including his leadership roles in Chicago and Grand Rapids, and his commitment to building trust within the police department and the community. While the meeting did not include direct procurement decisions, there were references to ongoing and upcoming city projects such as the Berdock project, which involves a $275 million investment with 2,000 jobs to fill, and discussions about engaging local vendors and shipbuilders for related construction activities. Additionally, the mayor addressed budget considerations related to property tax growth and public safety funding, emphasizing efficient stewardship of taxpayer dollars and potential public-private partnerships for city infrastructure projects like the Bay Center and the Grand Hotel. No specific contract awards or RFPs were announced during this session.