Weekly News Conference with Mayor D.C. Reeves July 22, 2026 | City of Pensacola

This City of Pensacola weekly news conference on July 22, 2026, led by Mayor D.C. Reeves, focused primarily on the city's response to recent storm damage and the status of various city assets, including parks and public infrastructure. The mayor provided updates on the $1.5 million Sanders Beach revitalization project, noting some storm-related damage but no major disruptions to city operations. Significant discussion centered on the proposed 2026-27 city budget, highlighting a $256,400 reduction in the general fund compared to the previous year, with property tax revenue up 5.3% but offset by decreases in other revenue streams and a reduced transfer from Pensacola Energy. The budget includes a staggered cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for city employees, a hiring freeze effective September 1, and freezes on non-mandated overtime. Specific budget increases were noted for police fuel and vehicle repairs ($200,000), fire department repairs ($45,000), and community center renovations ($26,000). The police department requires a $1.3 million salary increase to meet collective bargaining agreements. The mayor also discussed reallocating some general fund expenses to local option sales tax (LOST) funds, pending council approval. Additional topics included improvements in the city’s recycling program, upcoming ordinances addressing unaccompanied minors in public spaces, and the progress of affordable housing projects like Malcolm Young. The mayor addressed concerns about city scrutiny of local sports leagues, emphasizing partnership and support rather than adversarial oversight. No new contract awards or procurement decisions were detailed, but budget allocations and policy proposals discussed could impact future procurement and city services.